Toecap&Lace
Menu

Explainer

Are Thorogood boots true to size?

Published

Short answer

Thorogood boots are sized in standard US men's and women's sizes, and most people should start with their measured Brannock size, not their sneaker size. Fit varies between styles because Thorogood builds different lines on different lasts, such as wedge sole moc toes, loggers and wellingtons. Many popular styles come in D (medium) and 2E or W (wide), so pick the width that fits rather than sizing up in length.

Boots for this job

All 8 picks compared

Thorogood is one of the most searched work boot brands, and sizing is one of the most common questions before buying, especially online. This page is for anyone ordering Thorogood boots for the first time or switching to a new Thorogood style. We explain how to measure, why fit can differ between Thorogood lines, how the widths on Thorogood listings work, how welted leather boots change with break in, and what to do if a pair does not fit.

Start with a real measurement

Sneaker sizes are a poor guide for work boots. Athletic shoes are often cut with more stretch and a different toe shape. Measure your foot on a Brannock device at a shoe store, or trace your foot on paper with the socks you work in, and use that length and width as your starting point.

Top view of a foot inside a boot: toe room ahead of the longest toe, toes clear of the cap edge, widest point of the foot at the widest point of the boot123Side view of a boot showing that the heel should lift only slightly when walking4
  1. 1Toe room: about a thumb width ahead of the longest toe
  2. 2Toes clear the cap edge: no pressure when you stand or crouch
  3. 3Widest point at the ball: the ball of the foot sits where the boot is widest
  4. 4Minimal heel lift: a little lift is normal in new stiff boots
Check fit standing up, late in the day, with your work socks on.
  1. 1

    Measure both feet late in the day and use the larger one.

  2. 2

    Wear the same socks you will wear at work.

  3. 3

    Note both length and width.

  4. 4

    Compare with the size chart on the Thorogood listing or Thorogood's own site.

Why fit differs between Thorogood styles

Thorogood makes several lines, including American Heritage, 1957 Series, American Legacy, logger and wellington styles. These use different lasts, toe shapes and soles. A wedge sole moc toe, a heeled logger and a pull-on wellington will not fit the same even in the same size, because the toe box, instep height and heel pocket differ.

Safety toe versions can also feel different from soft toe versions of the same boot because the toe cap sets a fixed shape at the front. If you are moving from a soft toe to a steel or composite toe Thorogood, try the new boot before relying on your old size.

  • Wedge sole moc toe

    Fit points to check
    Toe room ahead of the moc seam, heel hold

  • Logger and heeled boots

    Fit points to check
    Instep height, heel pocket, ankle fit

  • Wellington pull-ons

    Fit points to check
    Instep volume (no laces to adjust), heel slip when walking

  • Safety toe versions

    Fit points to check
    Toes clear of the cap edge, width at the cap

Thorogood width chart

Thorogood uses standard US width letters. On listings you will see sizes like 10.5 D, 9 2E and 11 W.

Wider widths beyond 2E are offered in some styles only, so check the size table on the specific listing. For general width letters, see the work boot width chart and the boot size and width converter.

  • D or M

    Means
    Medium (men's regular)

  • 2E, EE or W

    Means
    Wide

  • B

    Means
    Women's medium

Break in and how welted leather changes

Many Thorogood boots use full-grain leather and Goodyear storm welt construction. Leather boots like these usually feel snug across the top at first and soften and mold to the foot with wear. The length does not change, and a safety toe cap does not stretch at all.

That means a boot that is a bit snug across the instep may relax, but a boot where your toes touch the end or the cap will not get better. Do not size up in length to fix tightness that is really a width or instep issue. Read how to break in work boots for a gentle routine.

Note.If your toes touch the end of the boot when you stand or walk downhill, the boot is too short. Exchange it rather than hoping it breaks in.

Fit check when your Thorogoods arrive

See how work boots should fit and should you size up in work boots for more detail.

  1. 1

    Try them on indoors, on a clean floor, so you can still return them.

  2. 2

    Stand and check for about a thumb width of space ahead of your longest toe.

  3. 3

    Walk and check that your heel lifts only a little.

  4. 4

    Crouch and check that your toes do not jam into the toe cap.

  5. 5

    Check the sides at the ball of the foot for pressure points.

  6. 6

    Wear them around the house for an hour before deciding.

Choosing a Thorogood model

Once you know your size and width, the hard part is picking a line. Thorogood's wedge sole moc toes are popular for concrete and indoor work, while heeled and logger styles suit ladders and rough ground. Our best Thorogood boots guide covers the popular models, and are Thorogood boots worth it looks at value. If you are comparing brands, see Thorogood vs Red Wing.

See the best Thorogood boots →

Frequently asked questions

Should I size up in Thorogood boots? Usually not. Start with your measured size. If the boot is tight across the ball of the foot, try the wide width instead of a longer size.

Are Thorogood moc toes roomy? Moc toe styles have a rounded toe shape, but fit still varies by your foot. Check toe room and heel hold rather than relying on the style alone.

Does Thorogood make women's boots? Yes. Thorogood sells women's versions of some styles, sized in women's sizes. Check the listing for the women's size chart.

Do Thorogood boots stretch? The leather softens and relaxes a little over the top of the foot with wear. Length does not change, and safety toe caps do not stretch.

What you need for this