My younger brother bought a new pair of motorcycle boots. He noticed the motorcycle boots were a bit big as compared to his regular pair of shoes. As usual, I thought, why shouldn’t I write a post explaining why sometimes motorcycle boots run big?  

Generally, riders experience their motorcycle boots running smaller instead of bigger than their regular boots. And, the wrong calculation is the reason causing riders to buy motorcycle boots which are sometimes smaller or bigger. However, with proper technique and calculation, one can avoid this issue too.    

Let’s look at what it means for you and what you can do about it. While writing this post, I leave no stone unturned so you can get the proper calculation to buy well-fitting motorcycle boots. 

Why Do Motorcycle Boots Run Big? 

Motorcycle boots running big is the standard-issue which we riders face while buying boots online. 

Motorcycle boots run big because of miscalculations that riders make while buying motorcycle boots. Sometimes people even say that the size of their regular boots isn’t working anymore with motorcycle boots. However, with proper technique and calculation, one can avoid this issue too.  

People also face wrong fitting issues while buying popular motorcycle boots such as Harley boots.

I always recommend following the manufacturers’ size guide while buying the motorcycle boots for yourself. 

But every manufacturer follows different size guides, and in this case, you can measure your feet size in centimeters. 

I’ve mentioned the proper way to measure your feet size for motorcycle boots later in this post. 

But before that, I want you to know some consequences of wrong size motorcycle boots. 

Consequences of Motorcycle Boots Running Big: 

As mentioned above, the miscalculation caused people to buy the wrong size motorcycle boots. 

But before buying a pair for you, you must know the consequence of a motorcycle running big. 

Motorcycle boots are solely made to support your ankle while maintaining good friction between your feet and boots. If your boots run bigger, then it won’t give you essential support to your feet. Additionally, it would be challenging for you to control the motorcycle boots if it runs big. 

Fortunately enough, you can avoid these consequences by purchasing well-fitted motorbike boots. 

Consequences of Motorcycle Boots Running Small: 

The consequences of wearing smaller motorcycle boots are even more dangerous than wearing bigger ones. 

The most significant consequence of wearing small size boots is that it causes tingling or swelling in the feet. It’s caused because small boots interface in your bloodstream, and this could seriously harm your feet. Additionally, the smaller boots interface the proper movement of the ankle. 

Again fortunately enough, you can avoid these consequences by purchasing well-fitted motorbike boots. 

How to Size Motorcycle Boots Properly: 

Although there are many ways through which you can measure your feet size for motorbike boots. 

But I’ve always focused on measuring feet size on a ruler, which I think can be found in every house. 

You just have to follow these three simple steps. 

Steps Name:	Details:
Preparation	Take a blank, clean white paper, marker, and ruler. Overall, be prepared with all tools you need while meaning feet size.
Placing the Feet	Now place your feet on the blank paper and mark through a marker on paper.
Measurement	Now place the ruler and measure the distance between both markings (M1 and M2).

Step 1: Preparation: 

In the very first step, you’ve to take a blank and clean white paper. And don’t forget to take a marker and ruler too. 

Please avoid taking small-sized white paper; I think A4 size paper would be large enough for you. Unless you’ve giant feet.  

Step 2:Placing the Feet: 

Now you’ve all the materials that you need to measure your feet size in centimeters. 

Now place your feet on the blank paper and mark through a marker on paper where your toes and heel are.

Give a name to the toe mark as M1 and heel mark M2.

Avoiding wearing any kind of socks while doing this step. 

Step 3: Measuring: 

Measuring your foot’s size is the last step, and it’s probably the most crucial step too.

Now place the ruler and measure the distance between both markings (M1 and M2). 

Make sure you place the ruler-straight. 

Now you have got the marking and the distance between M1 and M2 in centimeters and inches. And you can use the markings while buying boots.

I always advise people to buy boots one inch bigger than their actual size for better fitting. 

Things to Know While Measuring your Feet Size: 

There’re many things that I think you need to know before measuring your feet size. 

Things to Know While Measuring Your Feet Size:

Consider your regular socks while messing up your feet size.

Do at least some movement when trying new boots.

Make sure the internal pads are removable.

Socks Size: 

Earlier experts recommended wearing only thick knee-length socks, but nowadays, motorcycle boots are made from adaptive highway material. 

The adaptive material helps you to maximize your feet’ movement. Even nowadays you can wear simple cotton socks under the boots. 

However, I always recommend sticking to your socks habit. For example, if you generally wear thick knee socks, consider your thick socks while measuring your feet size. 

And that’s why it’s always better to consider your feet one inch larger than the actual size. 

Do Regular Movements: 

To avoid buying too tight or too lose boots, it’s always recommended to wear boots at least once. 

I personally recommend wearing new boots and doing regular movements that you do while riding a motorbike. 

Or you can take a small walk wearing new boots, this will show you how boots fit your feet. 

Internal Pads: 

No doubt, internal pads are essential and comfortable too. However, while choosing boots, you should also pay attention to internal pads. And Make sure the internal pads are removable. 

Common Issues Riders face with Boot Sizing: 

So far you understand how important it’s to wear good size motorbike boots. 

Now let’s focus on some common issues which other riders face during boot sizing. These issues will surely help you when choosing boots according to your needs. 

Feet Width: 

Many times riders face bad fitting just because of their feet’ width. 

The boots they want to select fit them perfectly from toes to hills, but they aren’t comfortable with any boots because of their wide feet.

If you’re one with wide feet, it would be best to choose boots if you’re most comfortable. 

Bad Heel Fitting: 

Sometimes motorbike boots fit perfectly everywhere; still, there’s a gap at the back of your motorbike boots. 

It’s not your mistake; it’s your regular socks mistake. 

If it’s with you, then you should wear motosocks instead of your regular socks. 

The second benefit of moto socks is that they can absorb all moisture from your feet, protecting your boots from stinking. 

Large Calves: 

Riders with large calves find problems fitting motorbike boots, but unfortunately, no one can do anything. 

But fortunately, you can find other best-fitting motorbike boots; you just need to search for the best fitting boots for you.

I wrote an article about motorbike gears which you need to read before buying motorbike gears for yourself. Click here to read.

Final Verdict: 

Do motorcycle boots run big?  Generally, riders experience their motorcycle boots running smaller instead of bigger than their regular boots. And, the wrong calculation is the reason causing riders to buy motorcycle boots which are sometimes smaller or bigger. 

I’ve mentioned the proper way of measuring your feet size through which you can choose well-fitted motorbike boots. 

Make sure to consider your feet size an inch larger than your actual feet size. 

Frequently Asked Questions: