How to Know If Thursday Boots Are Too Big

Thursday boots are known for their rugged style, hand-stitched soles, and comfort that improves with wear. But if you’ve ever slipped your foot into a pair and felt like you’re walking in a small boat, you’re not alone. Many women buy Thursday boots online and later wonder: are these too big? It’s not always obvious-especially since Thursday boots don’t follow standard sizing. A half-size up from your sneaker size might feel right at first, but after a few hours, your heel slips, your toes hit the front, or your foot sways side to side. Here’s how to tell for sure.

Check for Heel Slippage

Stand up in your boots and walk a few steps. If your heel lifts more than a quarter inch with every step, they’re too big. A little lift is normal when the leather is new-it’ll break in and settle. But if you’re constantly adjusting your foot or feeling your heel pop up and down, that’s a red flag. Try this test: put on your boots with the socks you plan to wear daily, lace them snugly, and stand on a flat surface. Now, lift one foot slightly off the ground. If your heel rises significantly, the boot is too wide or too long. This isn’t just uncomfortable-it can cause blisters, calluses, and even ankle strain over time.

Test Toe Room

Slide your foot forward until your toes touch the front of the boot. Now, try to wiggle your index finger behind your heel. If you can fit more than one finger, the boot is too long. If your toes are curled or pressed against the toe box, they’re too tight. The sweet spot? About half an inch of space between your longest toe and the end of the boot. That’s enough room for natural foot expansion during walking, especially if you’re on your feet all day. Thursday boots are made with a slightly roomy toe box compared to dress shoes, but anything more than a thumb’s width is overkill.

Feel for Side-to-Side Movement

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and shift your weight from side to side. If your foot moves inside the boot-like it’s sliding against the inner lining-you’ve got too much width. This isn’t just about comfort; it’s about control. Boots that are too wide don’t support your arch properly, which can lead to fatigue or even plantar fasciitis. Thursday boots come in standard widths (B for medium, D for wide), but if you have narrow feet, even the B width might feel loose. Pay attention to whether your foot feels hugged or drowned. You should feel secure, not loose.

Walk on Different Surfaces

Don’t just test your boots on carpet. Walk on hardwood, tile, or even gravel if you can. Hard surfaces make slipping more obvious. If you feel your foot sliding forward when you go downhill or your heel lifting on stairs, that’s a sign the boot isn’t fitting right. Thursday boots are designed for all-day wear, but they need to lock your foot in place. A boot that’s too big will make you feel like you’re fighting the shoe with every step. Real-world testing beats standing still in a store.

Look at the Creases

After wearing your boots for a few hours, take them off and inspect the leather. If you see deep, uneven creases along the sides or top of the foot-especially near the instep-it means your foot is moving too much inside. Good-fitting boots develop smooth, even creases over time as they mold to your foot. But if the leather is folding in strange places or bunching up, the boot is too large. This isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it’s a structural one. Too much movement breaks down the leather faster and can cause the sole to separate prematurely.

Compare with the Fit Guide

Thursday Boots provides a detailed size chart based on foot measurements in millimeters, not shoe sizes. Many people assume their sneaker size translates directly, but that’s where mistakes happen. If your foot measures 240mm, you’re a size 6 in Thursday boots-not a 7. Check their official guide. If you’re between sizes, go with the smaller one. Thursday boots stretch about half a size over the first few weeks, especially in the width. So if you’re unsure, size down. It’s easier to stretch leather than to shrink it.

Try Them With Your Regular Socks

Don’t test boots with thin dress socks if you plan to wear wool or thick hiking socks. Thursday boots are meant to be worn with the socks you’ll actually use. If you buy them barefoot or with thin socks, you’ll end up with extra space once you wear thicker ones. That’s a common mistake. The boot should feel snug but not tight when you’re wearing your everyday socks. If you feel pressure on the top of your foot or your toes are squished, that’s too small. If your foot rattles around, that’s too big.

What to Do If They’re Too Big

If you’ve confirmed the boots are too big, don’t panic. There are fixes. First, try insoles. A full-length orthotic or a heel grip pad can reduce extra space and stop heel slippage. Brands like Superfeet or Dr. Scholl’s make thin insoles that add support without bulk. Second, wear thicker socks-especially wool blends. They fill space and add cushioning. Third, consider a boot stretcher with a width insert. It won’t shrink the length, but it can tighten the sides. If none of that works, return them. Thursday Boots offers free returns within 30 days. Don’t suffer through a bad fit thinking they’ll “break in.” They’ll break you first.

When a Loose Fit Is Actually Fine

Not every bit of extra space means the boot is wrong. If you’re buying boots for cold weather and plan to wear thick thermal socks, you need room. If you have wide feet or high arches, a little extra length helps. Thursday boots are made to last decades, so a slightly roomier fit can be intentional. But the key is control. Your foot should never slide. If you can walk without thinking about your boots, you’ve got the right fit.