When measuring for tall boots...?

Question

Well, foot size and calf are fairly straightforward, but how do you properly measure the height? I was having trouble finding boots that fit my height (all are way too tall), so I thought I may be measuring incorrectly and now I'm even more unsure. I have read so many "guides" that give conflicting information.

Some say to do it seated, with your foot flat and knees at a 90 degree angle, while others say to do it while standing.
Some guides say to measure from the floor to the bottom of the "bend" of the knee, while others say to measure from floor to the bony protrusion at the outside of the knee.
Some guides say that whatever results is your proper measurement, while others tell you to add half an inch.
And while measuring the height, do you measure perpendicular to the floor (straight up from heel to knee), or contour the tape against the back of your leg?

Right now the measurement I have is a 15" (measured perpendicular to the floor to the bottom of the bend of the knee, nothing added)- and I am not finding any boots in a women's size 7 that are anywhere near that short (with the exception of a few that assume if I am that short, then my calf must be massive?). I'm really hoping there's a problem with how I'm doing it, because custom boots are definitely not in my budget and I've heard horror stories about people paying hundreds/thousands of dollars and their "custom" boot coming in extremely ill-fitting.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

The most common measurement is from floor to the inside of the knee when fully bent. Boots usually drop so don't worry if they are about 1/2" too tall at first. You should just measure straight up and not follow your leg. 

One great boot brand that has several calf sizes is Saxon. They are a synthetic leather field boot with a zipper in back. I am very short and I found boots to fit me perfectly. Every other brand was at least 2 inches too tall. You can also try Fuller Fillies from smartpak but their calf sizes are huge, (However they are stretchy.)

? · Answer

if you go to a tack store for tall boots, someone should be able to find a pair that fit you well. ordering boots, on the other hand, can be a bit tricky. because styles and brands can run differently, it's hard to tell if a pair you want to order will fit you properly. 
a pretty general way to find the height of your leg is having your foot flat on the floor and measuring to the back of your leg, and then add 1-2 inches; this length will be what you want to order your boot length in. you want to do this because while breaking in new boots, they are going to wrinkle at the ankles, causing the length of the whole boot to appear shorter while you ride. however many inches you add to the initial length of your leg depends on the shape of the type of boot you want... i.e. whether it has a high 'spanish' cut or has a low cut. 
but, the best thing I suggest is going to a tack store and getting it measured by someone who knows how to properly measure your leg and can make sure that a boot you want to get properly fits.
hope this helps!

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When measuring for tall boots...?

2 Answers