Boot Fit Guide
How to choose new work boots to maximise comfort and fit
When shopping for a new pair of work boots, you’ll probably have a pretty good idea what look you're after. You might want them in wheat or black leather. You might know if your workplace allows composite or steel toe caps and if you need the extra heat resistance of a nitrile outsole.
But at the top of any checklist for anyone purchasing a new pair of work boots should be comfort and fit for the job. After all, you’re going to spend a long time in these safety boots. A properly fitted work boot is important for good foot and overall body health. So, what should you look for in a new pair of boots to ensure they’re as comfortable as possible? In this guide, we’ll give you some pointers to help you make the right choice.
01 Try before you buy, whenever you can
We always recommend going into a store and trying on any pair of boots you’re planning to buy. This ensures the boots feel as comfortable as you’d expect, and that you get the correct fit.
It also means you can take advantage of the retail assistant's expertise to get the right fit. All KAMU stockists have been trained to fit our work boots to ensure you get the right size boot.
If you can’t get into a shop to try on our boots, remember that all KAMU boots are based on the Australian sizing system; you can find your relevant local sizing using our handy footwear size chart for size conversions.
02 Why measuring your foot really matters
- Measure your feet every time you buy a new boots. Foot size changes over time, and they change with body weight. Don’t just rely on the fact you’ve always worn a certain size.
- Measure both feet as most people have two different foot sizes. You want to fit your boots to your larger foot.
- Measure the width of your foot. You might want to go half a size up (KAMU half sizes are designed to accommodate wider feet while the length stays the same).
- It's better to try on boots in the afternoon. Your feet naturally expand during the day and can swell in hot weather.
- New boots should fit when you buy them. Because of the toecaps, work boots won't stretch as much as normal footwear. So, don’t settle for a tight pair of boots assuming they’ll stretch over time.
03 What to look for when trying on new work boots
Make sure:
- Your foot does not slip back and forth
- Your foot does not rub or slip up in the heel area.
- Your toes do not touch the toe cap. There should be about 10mm between your longest toe and the front of the boot.
- You’re not experiencing any pain or any pressure points.
Our Comfort Technologies are designed to prevent fatigue by returning energy, cushioning and supporting the different areas of the foot and providing long-term comfort through maximum thermal regulation.
KAMU® SPENCER
Women's Zip 135
Best fit FOR The female foot anatomy: OUR TRUE women's fit
At KAMU we understand that men’s and women’s feet are just different. That’s precisely why we’ve designed work boots especially for the female foot anatomy. Unlike many other boot brands that either sell smaller men’s boots as women’s models or only change the lasts for the uppers. We at KAMU actually have purpose designed lasts and moulds for the soles of our women’s models of the Stanley, Spencer, Pascal and Edison models.
Our women’s range includes a shorter ankle length and smaller instep to make them more comfortable and a better fit for a woman’s foot. See our women’s footwear here.
30-DAY COMFORT GUARANTEE
We want you to feel perfectly confident when buying KAMU® safety footwear. To ensure you are entirely happy we offer a 30-day comfort guarantee.