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Copy of Sizing

Caswell Boot Company

Sizing

Caswell uses the US sizing system for all boots and loafers, and every Caswell last is built on a regular instep. The guidance below covers boots, loafers, derbies, and sneakers, with a full fit guide for the Morris last.

Free exchanges on all ready-to-wear items

The Short Answer

Start with your Brannock measurement. The right size depends on the style and last.

Boots: half size down (Porter is the exception — true to Brannock). Loafers: full size down. Derbies: half size down. Sneakers: full size down.

Size Chart

US to UK and EU conversions across the Caswell range.

US 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 10.5 11 11.5 12
UK 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 10.5 11
EU 39 40 40.5 41 42 42.5 43 44 44.5 45 46

Sizing by Style

Always start with a Brannock measurement — not a sneaker size. The rule then depends on the style.

Boots · ½ down from Brannock

Boots

Take half a size down from Brannock. The Morris guide below covers foot type, instep, and brand comparisons in detail. Example: a 10.5D Brannock takes a 10D boot.

Loafers · Full size down

Loafers

Select one full size smaller than your Brannock size. Example: a 10D Brannock takes a 9D loafer.

Derbies · ½ down from Brannock

Derbies

Select a half size smaller than your Brannock size. Example: a 10D Brannock takes a 9.5D derby.

Sneakers · Full size down

Sneakers

Size down one full size from Brannock. If you are between sizes, size up to the nearest whole size.

The Morris Last — Complete Fit Guide

The Morris is our most-asked-about last. Here is what you need to know to size it correctly the first time.

Three Things to Know About the Morris Last

1. It Runs Slightly Long

Morris is not true-to-Brannock for most customers. Most people get the best fit by going down one half size from their Brannock measurement.

2. It Is Roomy Through the Toe Box

The toe box is one of the more forgiving parts of the last. The shape is gently rounded rather than sharply tapered, giving the toes space to sit naturally. The boot should not feel loose everywhere — the toes should have room without being pinched, and the foot should still feel held in place.

3. It Is Secure Through the Heel and Waist

The heel and waist are not overly wide. The last gives room up front, but it should still hold the foot securely through the rear and middle of the boot.

If You Are Between Sizes

Start from the nearest larger half size, then go one half down from there. A welted boot can break in, soften, and shape to the foot, but it will not become longer. Heel slip, on the other hand, often improves as the sole breaks in.

Sizing by Foot Type

If You Are Between D and E Width

Many borderline E-width customers can still wear Morris in D, because the last has more space through the forefoot than a narrow dress boot last. The standard half-down recommendation will likely work for customers who are:

  • D/E borderline
  • Slightly wide at the ball
  • Wider in the toes but normal through the heel
  • Comfortable in other D-width heritage boots
Example

If you measure 10.5E but often wear 10D in heritage boots, a 10D Morris may work well.

If You Have Narrow or Low-Volume Feet

Most narrow or low-volume customers should still begin with one half size down from Brannock. Some may prefer a full size down if they regularly find heritage boots too roomy.

Caution

Do not size down just to eliminate all heel movement on day one. Some heel slip is normal in a new welted boot, especially before the outsole breaks in.

If You Have a High Instep

Morris has a regular instep — not especially low-volume, but not a high-volume work boot last either. If you have a high instep, thick midfoot, or often feel pressure across the top of the foot, stay with the standard half-down recommendation rather than sizing down further. If you are between sizes and have a high instep, choose the larger Morris size.

If You Have Wide Feet

If you are a true EE or wider, Morris D may not be the safest choice unless you already know you can wear generous D-width heritage boots — a roomy toe box does not make the entire last wide.

E and EE Widths

We offer E and EE widths in limited styles. If you typically need a wider last, please email us before ordering and we will let you know what is currently available in your size and width.

When to Size Down a Full Size

Only consider a full size down from Brannock if most of these are true:

  • Narrow feet
  • Low-volume feet
  • Skinny ankles
  • Usually need insoles or tongue pads in boots
  • Wear thin socks
  • Prefer a close fit
  • Not wide at the ball of the foot
  • Not high instep
Example

If you are 10D Brannock but often find 9.5D heritage boots roomy, you may consider 9D Morris.

For most customers, a full size down will be too aggressive.

When Not to Size Down Further

  • E width or wider
  • High instep
  • Thick socks
  • Between sizes
  • Toes are close to the end of current boots
  • Pressure across the ball of the foot
  • Bunions or a wide forefoot

In those cases, stay with the standard half-down recommendation or contact us.

Morris — Brand Comparisons

This list is a general comparison of sizing across brands and may vary based on person.

Brand — Last Recommendation
Alden — Barrie last Same size
Alden — TruBalance last Same size
Grant Stone — Leo last Same size
Nicks — 55 last Same size
Oak Street Bootmakers — Elston last Size down ½
Parkhurst — 602 last Same size
Red Wing — No. 8 last (Iron Ranger, Blacksmith, etc.) Same size
Thursday Boot — Captain Size down ½
Truman — 79 last Same size
Viberg — 2030 last Same size

What a Good Fit Should Feel Like

A good Caswell boot fit should feel:

  • Secure through the heel
  • Comfortable across the ball of the foot
  • Lightly snug through the waist and instep
  • Roomy enough for the toes to move
  • Not painful across the pinky toe
  • Not crushing across the top of the foot
  • Not short in length
The Most Important Fit Point

It is not where the big toe ends. It is where the ball of the foot lands in the boot. The widest part of the foot should sit in the widest part of the boot. Toe room is normal — in fact, toe room is expected in most heritage boots.

The Porter Last

The Porter last is true to Brannock size. Take your standard Brannock size — no adjustment needed.

Example

If you measure 10D on a Brannock device, choose 10D in Porter.

Help is one email away

Still Unsure?

If you have any questions or want to confirm your sizing, please reach out and we will be happy to help.

contact@caswellboots.com

Free exchanges on all ready-to-wear items. If the size isn't right, we'll make it right.

Individual feet vary — when in doubt, reach out.

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