If you have your eye on a pair of Hunter boots, you’d do well to check out our how do Hunter boots fit guide below.
Hunter boots don’t sell in half size increments. If you usually wear a half size, you’ll need to size up and wear some thick socks. But, there’s more to sizing these boots than just the foot length, which we detail.
Regardless of your intent for grabbing some boots, you need ones that fit—ones that fit well.
Hunter boots can be difficult to size, though, because it’s not just about the length and width. If you wear long boots, your leg comes into it, too.
It may seem a daunting task to find a boot that fits your calves, so let’s delve into the detail.
How Do Hunter Boots Fit? Run Big or Small?
Hunter boots neither run big or small, but you may need to get them a half size bigger if you’re between sizes. For everyone else, Hunter boots fit true to size.
Customers find that Hunter boots fit very well, including in the calf area. But, you need to have your exact size to achieve this comfortable fit.
Measuring Your Size for Hunter Boots
Since customers state that Hunter boots fit true to size and width, you have nothing to worry about there.
But, there’s one negative about their sizing, which means you need the perfect fit: Hunter boots don’t stretch.
We’re talking about thick, rubbery footwear, so there’s not much wiggle room. You need your size to be exact.
You don’t want your feet squished inside chunky black Hunter boots. You’ll be aching for days!
How to Measure Your Feet
- Draw a line down the center of a page.
- Place the page on a flat, hard surface, with one side against the wall.
- Step onto the line and mark where your longest toe ends.
- Mark each side of the widest part of your feet.
- Repeat with the other foot.
- Note and use the measurements for your largest foot.
If you need help measuring kid’s feet, here’s a kids’ shoe sizing guide, as Hunter footwear caters to kids, too.
How to Measure Your Calves
Measuring your calves is easy. You should do it seated, in case the fat or muscle on them spreads when you bend your knees.
All you need is a soft measuring tape:
- Wrap it around the widest part of each calf.
- Take the measurement.
If you don’t have a soft tape, use a non-elasticated string:
- Wrap the string around your calf.
- Tie it off.
- Cut off the excess string.
- Open the string.
- Measure the string.
How to Measure Leg Height
It’s best if you have someone to help with this for higher accuracy.
This measurement is simplest to take but can be awkward if you’re not flexible.
- Use a stiff measuring tape, so it doesn’t bend to your leg shape.
- Measure from the heel to the back of your knee, with your leg extended.
Hunter Boots: Sizing Up
As Hunter boots don’t stretch, you may need to size up when buying them for several reasons:
- You plan on wearing them with thermal socks.
- They only have full sizes, and you’re a half size.
- You have bunions, hammertoes or other foot conditions.
It’s better to size up than to have your feet feeling cramped in shoes that don’t fit. The only pain you may feel from too large a boot is if they make you trip.
Luckily, there are solutions to wearing shoes too large.
How to Wear Bigger Hunter Footwear
We have a comprehensive guide on how to wear shoes that are too big, which works in this instance, too.
This may benefit you if you need to size up your Hunter footwear for half-size reasons.
Here are some quick tips you can use:
- Wear thicker socks.
- Stuff the toes before each use.
- Use insoles.
Hunter Boots Size Chart
Hunter does have an official size chart, but its sizing is vastly different for each type of footwear that, so be careful.
Within the chart are the measurements for the insole (foot length), calf area and leg height.
Men’s Foot Length Size Chart
| US | UK | EU | Inches | Centimeters |
| 5 | 3 | 36 | 9.6 | 24.4 |
| 6 | 4 | 37 | 9.8 | 25 |
| 7 | 5 | 38 | 10 | 25.4 |
| 8 | 6 | 39 | 10.3 | 26.7 |
| 9 | 7 | 40/41 | 10.7 | 27.2 |
| 10 | 8 | 42 | 11 | 27.9 |
| 11 | 9 | 43 | 11.3 | 28.7 |
Women’s Foot Length Size Chart
| US | UK | EU | Inches | Centimeters |
| 5 | 3 | 36 | 9.1 | 23.2 |
| 6 | 4 | 37 | 9.6 | 24.3 |
| 7 | 5 | 38 | 9.9 | 25.2 |
| 8 | 6 | 39 | 10 | 25.5 |
| 9 | 7 | 40/41 | 10.6 | 26.8 |
| 10 | 8 | 42 | 10.8 | 27.5 |
| 11 | 9 | 43 | 11.2 | 28.5 |
Hunter Boots Calves Sizing
Hunter boots S, or Hunter boots short, come without sizing issues since they come up to your ankle, like a regular shoe.
Your biggest issue with short Hunter wellingtons will be wearing thick socks if you have to size up.
But, sizing Hunter footwear gets complex when you make them longer—you have to ensure they fit around your calves.
Unfortunately, this may alienate more heavy-set people with weight in their legs. But, there’s wider Hunter footwear that may work for you.
Original Tall
Hunter Original Talls come to just below the knee and fit people of average height and calf width:
- Average calf width: 15.1 inches or 38.6 centimeters.
- Average leg height for the boots: 15.9 inches or 40.5 centimeters.
Refined Slim
Although it’s mostly for women, some men with smaller calves may benefit from the Refined Slim boot.
Or, if you like this boot’s shape but have average calves, the Original Refined has the same sizing as the Original Tall.
For these, the sizing is:
- Average calf width: 14.2 inches or 36 centimeters.
- Average leg height for the boots: 15.9 inches or 40.5 centimeters (same as the Original Tall boots).
Original Back Adjustable
Suppose your measurements aren’t lining up with the Original Tall or Refined Slim—there’s no need to worry.
There’s a Hunter boot that may fit you better!
The Original Back Adjustable lets you add extra wiggle room:
- Average calf width: 15.1 inches or 38.6 centimeters.
- Expandable calf width: 15.7 inches or 40.1 centimeters.
- Average leg height for the boots: 15.9 or 40.5 centimeters.
It’s true; the expansion isn’t much. But, it’s perfect for someone who likes breathing room one day, a tight fit the next. It may also accommodate people who have calf swelling after a long day.
Original Wide Leg
Again, you can do better than the adjustable, with the Original Wide.
- Average calf width: 15.1 inches or 38.6 centimeters.
- Average leg height for the boots: 15.9 inches or 40.5 centimeters.
This doesn’t reflect the width of the largest size and may suit heavier people better.
Huntress Boot
Finally, there’s the Huntress boot.
As the name implies, it’s mainly for women, but men of shorter stature can grab a pair, too. You can simply neglect to mention the boots’ name to your friends.
It’s to suit a wider leg, so can certainly accommodate men and larger people in general.
This isn’t a narrow boot but is shorter and will sit below the knee if you have short legs.
In terms of sizing:
- Average calf width: 15.6 inches or 39.5 centimeters.
- Average leg height for the boots: 14.8 inches or 37.5 centimeters.
However, if you’re looking at the Huntress boot and love the shape but not the size, the Balmoral looks the same but is available in the Original Tall’s standard sizing. It’s also slightly adjustable.
Making Your Hunter Footwear More Comfortable
Tall Hunter boots are stiff, chunky beasts. This is expected, as they’re mainly for work or rain. But, their construction means that they may not always feel the best to wear.
We’ve brainstormed a few tips to help you get the easiest experience out of your hunter boots.
If They’re Too Wide
For some, even the narrowest size will be too wide. Or, maybe you purchased the wrong width, but it’s too late to exchange them, and they’re too pricey to waste.
The wide aspect may be a problem if the tops slap against your calves or knee joints when you walk. Here are some solutions:
- Wear rubber bands, or ropes, around the wider area.
- Invest in some calve pads or padded pants.
- Stuff the boots—it’ll look silly, but these taller boots weren’t made for a fashion show.
If They’re Too Narrow
Same problem…
Can’t exchange, don’t want to waste, but goodness, are the boots hard to get into!
Consider lubricating the insides to slide them on and off. Vaseline works, as does any moisturizer you have laying around.
If you don’t have either, some skin-safe lubricant should do the trick. But never use lubricant unless you know it’s safe for your skin and that it won’t stain your clothes. Water-based is best and can rub/rinse off with ease.
By no means should you ever use butter/lard or hinge lubricant, and avoid using plain water, as it doesn’t work well.
Pro Tip: If you want to avoid getting lubricant on your socks, lube your leg instead, then slide into the boots.
If The Edges Rub
If the top edge of the boot irritates your knee, apply some padding around it. Moleskin is excellent.
More methods to stop edges rubbing are:
- Packing cotton balls in your socks.
- Double-up on socks.
- Use insoles.
- Apply duct tape to remove friction.
- Have the edges seen by a professional.
If They’re Too Tall
If you can’t wear shorter footwear and can’t switch to the Huntress Boots, you’ll have to whip out a giant pair of scissors.
Look to trim the top of the boots down with these.
It’ll be tough to do because they’re hard rubber, and the result won’t be pretty, but it’ll do the trick.
Attach some soft material to stop the new jagged edge hurting. Consider hot-gluing leather on for this. Again, it won’t look wonderful, but it’ll make the transformed boots more comfortable.
Alternatively, go to a professional to have your boots trimmed. They’ll look better than your DIY efforts but will cost more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Hunter Boots Worth It?
Hunter boots are worth it for their protective qualities. Despite fitting well, wearers find them uncomfortable for long periods—but nothing will protect you as efficiently in wet weather.
Can I Wear Hunter Boots in the Snow?
You can wear Hunter boots in the snow, but be careful. They’re prone to cracking in below-freezing temperatures. To keep as warm as possible, wear black Hunters boots as black converts light into heat. Mens Hunters boots are excellent due to their thick construction.
Can Hunter Boots Be Stretched?
Hunter boots are rubber boots, and rubber is often stretchy. However, the rubber compound is so thick that it’s difficult, if not impossible, to stretch. As a result, you need to be extra careful with sizes, socks and if you have wide calves.
Are Hunter Boots Comfortable?
Hunter boots are and aren’t comfortable. They have a padded footbed, which is ample cushioning for most people. But, they’re also very stiff, which wearers can find unpleasant. Smaller, fashionable Hunter boots boast better comfort.
Hunter Boots: The Perfect Fit?
Hunter boots do well with sizing shoes accurately. The manufacturers do their best to accommodate everyone—wider calves or narrower.
If you’re planning on purchasing a pair of Hunter footwear, be meticulous with sizing. Measure your feet and calves multiple times to ensure accuracy, and be sure to compare these to sizing charts.
Do you have friends eyeing-up Hunter boots? Send this their way, and share your thoughts below.
