Do you want a pair of tough and rugged boots for work or to match your outdoor lifestyle? Take a look at our Chippewa boots sizing and fit guide.
Chippewa originally designed boots for engineers and loggers, working on the roads and buildings in Wisconsin at the turn of the 20th century. They have a longstanding association with producing quality, hard-wearing boots, which continues to this day.
The company manufactures leather work boots, general utility boots, service boots, and motorcycle boots, right here in the USA.
Let’s look at some details of the type of boots on offer, their sizing and some tips to get the best fit.
What Boots Does Chippewa Offer?
Chippewa makes several different service and work boots. This video highlights some of the features of Chippewa boots. Some of the more popular boot styles include:
- Engineer boots: This is a leather boot with a steel toe cap and 11-inch shaft. It’s a pull-on boot with a buckle fastening the top of the shaft.
- Logger boots: A leather boot with an 8-inch lace-up shaft. It has a steel toe-cap and a Vibram sole for grip.
- Original service boots: These all-purpose service boots are handcrafted in the USA and have a 6-inch lace-up shaft. There is also a heavier duty steel toe cap service boot, with an 8-inch lace-up shaft.
- Rally boots: Hit the open road with these velcro and buckle fastening leather boots with a 12-inch shaft. Ideal for days out on your motorcycle.
- General utility homestead boots: These boots are good for general wear. They have a stylish, classic look with their leather uppers, composite protective toe-cap, and Vibram sole. They have a 6-inch lace-up shaft.
Chippewa Boots Sizing Chart
Now you’ve decided which style of Chippewa boots will suit you and the purpose you need them for. Now you need to find out which size will fit you.
Chippewa offers its range of boots, depending on style, from men’s sizes 6 through 16. They also offer different widths in some models from D, E, and EE. Some models are offered in width sizes medium, wide and extra wide.
You can check the availability of widths and sizes for the boots you choose, on the Chippewa website. It will be shown in the size options for each product.
You can find a Chippewa Boots sizing chart here.
It’s advisable to measure your feet, to check which size you need. To do this, stand on a ruler and note the measurement from your heel to the tip of your largest toe. Check this against the chart to get your shoe size.
For the width, measure across your foot at the widest part and again compare to the width guide.
In general, Chippewa boots run true to size, so if you are ordering online go with the shoe size you usually wear.
Tips for Fitting Chippewa Boots
We have already ascertained that there are different styles of Chippewa boots available, including pull on, lace up and those with protective toe caps. Here are some tips for ensuring you get a good fit when trying on your Chippewa boots for size.
Lace Up Boots
- Try your boots on wearing the socks you plan to usually wear with them. Wearing thick socks could make them too tight, and thin socks too roomy.
- Place any insoles or orthotics you use inside the boots before trying them on. These will take up space and can alter the size you need.
- Shop for boots at the end of the day. Your feet and legs can swell and are likely to be at their biggest when you’ve been walking or standing all day.
- Once you have the boots on, take them for a walk about the store to make sure they aren’t pinching or rubbing anywhere.
- There are ways you can change the fit of the Chippewa boots by adjusting the laces. Relieve pressure midfoot or on the toes by skipping a few eyelets. This video shows you how to do this.
- Heels should be seated firmly in your boot and not slip, with a lace-up style.
- Make sure your toes do not touch the front of the boot, and they have some room to wiggle
Pro Tip
You can measure the size of your Chippewa boots by removing the insole. When you stand on it, it should encompass your heel and the ball of your foot. There should be about a quarter-inch space in front of the longest toe.
Pull-On Boots
Follow the tips for lace-up boots, in as much as they apply to socks, insoles and trying boots at the end of the day. Again, toes should have wiggle room and not be pinched. Here are some more tips for fitting pull-on Chippewa boots:
- You should use gentle pressure to push your foot into the footbed of the boot. If your foot slips in easily, it’s too big; if you have to force your foot in, the boot is too small.
- The instep of the boot should feel snug and secure, but not too tight. You should not be able to pinch the leather at the top of your insole.
- A little heel slip in pull-on boots is expected. However, this should be minimal, about a quarter inch maximum. Slippage will stop once the soles become flexible and the boots are worn in.
Pro Tip
Taking the boots off again should require some effort. If they slide off easily, they are too big.
Protective Toe Caps
Steel or composite toe cap boots present their own fitting challenges. You must make sure your foot is sitting correctly in the boot. Here are some tips to ensure these boots protect your toes as they should, but without rubbing or chafing:
- The widest part of the boot should be at the ball of your foot.
- The point where the sole bends or flexes should be at the ball of your foot, behind the base of your toes. Hunker down and bend your foot, to see where the flex point is.
Pro Tip
Protective toe caps can be bigger in the toe area. Make sure you don’t have excessive room in this part of the boots, or they won’t serve their purpose of preventing injury to your toes.
Rounding It Up
Chippewa boots offer many options for different professions and hobbies. They are consistent in quality, style, and functionality.
The range of sizes offered is extensive, both in shoe and width sizes. While these boots tend to run true to size, take into account the type of socks you wear and any insoles you use. If you are unsure about sizing, measure your foot and compare the measurements to the sizing chart.
We hope you enjoyed our Chippewa Boots sizing guide and fitting tips and found it useful and informative. Please leave us a comment with your insights and thoughts—and don’t forget to share.
