Have you decided you need a good pair of rain boots? You like the look of the iconic Hunter brand, but don’t know how they will fit. This Hunter boots sizing guide will tell you all you need to know.
Created by an American on British soil, these boots have been a firm favorite for many years. They were worn by soldiers during two world wars, have two royal warrants and are worn by celebrities.
Let’s take a look at how they size up and how to find the best fit for you.
Hunter Rain Boots Sizing Chart
Hunter rain boots come in a number of different styles and types, for men, women and children. Not all types have the same measurements for either the shaft of the boots or the circumference of the calf.
One constant is the foot size, these don’t vary across the ranges.
Hunter boot calf sizes and shaft measurements vary with foot size. A smaller foot size will have a smaller shaft and smaller calf measurement than a larger size.
You can find a general size chart on the Hunter website, based on their Original tall boots for men and women and Original boots for children. A detailed size guide for each individual product is available on the actual product page. Make sure you check this before buying, as there can be quite a big difference between calf and shaft sizes.
How Do Hunter Boots Fit?
You might have gathered that Hunter boots are not a one type fits all type of rain boot. Let’s take a look at some of their main styles and see how they fit.
The Original Tall Boot
This is what the company classes as it’s standard boot fit. It comes to just below the knee, where it should sit comfortably. It also has more room in the footbed, particularly at the arch, to allow for wearing thick socks.

The shaft height of this boot is 15.9 inches and the maximum measurement around the widest part of the calf is 15.2 inches.
This boot is designed for people who are average height. If you are vertically challenged, it may be too long, and the short version of this boot could be a better option.
The Refined Slim Boot
This one is designed for those of you with thinner legs. The shaft height is 15.2 inches and the calf measurement at the widest part 14.2 inches.

There is also an Original Refined style, ideal for you if you’ve been concentrating on leg day at the gym. This one has a slightly wider calf circumference of 15.2 inches.
The Original Adjustable Boot
Maybe you want Hunter boots that are more flexible and don’t restrict your movements. This adjustable boot has a buckle covering a gusset, which will give more room around the calf.

The leg height is 15.9 inches on the tall option and 11 inches on the short version. The calf can be adjusted between 15.2 inches and 15.8 inches on the tall version. The shorter boot has a calf measurement of between 13.6 inches and 17.9 inches, depending on the foot size.
The Original Wide Fit Boot
This boot offers about an extra inch of circumference around the calf on all sizes. There is also another wider leg style, the Norris, which is a more hardwearing boot.
The Huntress Boot
If you’re looking for a more relaxed fit, then the Huntress could be the style to go for. It has a shorter shaft and a wider leg. The design features a straighter cut and more room for wide ankles.

How Do Children’s Hunter Boots Fit?
Hunter boots come in different styles and many colors suitable for kids. From ankle height, Chelsea style pull-ons, to mini-versions of the Original boots.
The sizes available cover toddlers size 5 through to size 2. Perfect for little ones who love to splash in puddles.
Then there are those for little kids, ranging from size 8 through to size 12. Finally, there are sizes for older kids from size 13 through to size 5.
Again, the measurements can vary between the styles, so check the calf circumference and height on each individual product.
It’s also worth noting that if you are a lady with smaller feet, then the larger children’s sizes might fit you. Although the leg length might be about an inch shorter, they are considerably cheaper than their adult counterparts.
Hunter Boot Sizing Tips
These rain boots are a pull-on style. Here are some tips to think about when you try on your boots to see if they are a good fit:
- Try on your Hunter boots over socks you intend to wear with them—a good fit should allow room for wearing thick socks.
- If you plan to use insoles or orthotics, place those in the boots as well.
- When you push your foot into the boot, you should feel some resistance as the foot moves from the shaft into the boot.
- Don’t force your foot into the boot.
- When your foot slips easily into the boot, it’s a sign it’s too big.
- Your foot should feel cradled by the boot when it’s on, with wiggle room for your toes and minimal heel slippage.
- Pulling your foot out of the boot should take a little effort, especially with the taller versions.
Do Hunter Boots Run True to Size?
There is quite a bit of debate around this question. Some say yes, others say no.
One challenge you will find is if you happen to be a half size, as they don’t cater for this, it’s whole sizes only. With Hunters, it’s often better to go for the size below what you measure, so if you are an 8.5, go for a size 8. However, if you plan on wearing very thick socks, you might want to size up.
The only exception to this rule is for the Refined styles, where the manufacturer suggests you go up a half size if you are between sizes.
These boots allow a little extra room for accessories, like their fleece liners, or for tucking in your jeans or trousers. Consider these when you’re shopping for your Hunter rain boots.
This short video gives a few tips about the sizing of Hunter boots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Hunter Boots Run Big or Small?
It appears that, on the whole, these boots run pretty much true to size, whether worn with thin or thick socks. However, you might find that while the footbed fits perfectly, the calf might come up small. The takeaway seems to follow the manufacturer’s directions and downsize if you are a half size.
Hunter has a size chart for every boot they make, giving exact sizes. Don’t forget to check this out, particularly if ordering your boots online.
Can I Wear My Hunter Boots Without Socks?
There’s no reason why you can’t, but you need to be aware that they may be very hard to get off. These are rubber boots and your feet can sweat when you don’t have socks on to wick the moisture away, or absorb it. This can cause suction when you try and get the boots off.
I Have Very Wide Calves, Are There Any Hunter Boots That Will Fit?
Hunter makes tall rain boots for wider calves, but if you’re unable to find a pair to fit, try their Chelsea or Pac boots. The Chelsea boots finish at the ankle and are a pull-on design with stretch gussets. The Pac boot is a rubber lace-up boot.
Sizing It Up
These iconic boots are excellent rain boots and come in many styles, colors, and sizes. In fact, Hunter boots come in so many sizes that you really need to check the measurements for the ones you want.
Most run true to size, but there are no half sizes, so it’s recommended that you take a size down, unless you choose their Refined style.
Once worn only as a utility boot, these are now a trendy addition to any wardrobe. You can use them for walking the dog, festivals, working in your yard or just strolling out in the rain.
Now you know how to choose your size, your feet can stay dry on the wettest of days.
We hope you found our guide to Hunter boots sizing informative and useful. Please leave us a comment with your thoughts — and don’t forget to share.
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2 thoughts on “Hunter Boots Sizing Guide: How True to Size Do They Fit?”
Great help thank you.
Hunetr – beautiful shoes, one of my favorites. Interesting article, thanks.