The short answer? Neither.

Safety boots should be snug, and not tight or not loose. A good fitting boot means your heel stays secure and the boot supports your foot without any pinching or slipping. Here's why it's so important to avoid both - and what work boots you should be looking for.

Why Tight or Loose Boots Cause Problems

BOOTS THAT ARE Too Tight:

• Restrict circulation, causing numbness and discomfort

• Create pressure points, leading to blisters and rubbing

• Restrict natural toe movement, reducing comfort and safety

BOOTS THAT ARE Too Loose:

• Lead to a slipping heel, posing friction, blisters and foot fatigue risks

• Mean that toes don't sit under the toe cap, reducing protection

• Give poor support, creating ankle and knee strain risks

How Safety Boots Should Fit

Think of the right fitting safety boot as a balance between CCS - comfort, security and stability.

• Heel: should be secure, no lifting when you walk
• Sides of feet: held firmly in place, but never squeezed
• These two elements will give feet stability - both in the boot and on uneven terrain

PRO TIPS FOR FINDING THE PERFECT FIT

• Try your boots on at the end of the day – feet swell after hours on the job, so they'll be at their largest at this point

   

• Always try on and wear your boots with your usual work socks

• Test your movements – don't just walk: crouch, kneel and climb steps to check the fit in your real-life work positions

• Don’t size up for comfort –  safety footwear can be chunkier on the outside, but your true foot measurement shouldn't differ

THE V12 'TRUE FIT' ADVANTAGE

At V12, we engineer our boots with a last based on thousands of global foot shapes. Why global?

Well, foot shapes from different parts of the world can be narrower or wider, so our universal last reflects the anatomical shapes of both narrow and wider feet. So often, when wearers' work boots feel tight, they often go up a size, but this leads to slippage and a loose fit.

But wearers who opt for V12 boots and their specialist last design find this required room in our more generous width fitting. This leads to:

• All-day comfort
• Reliable support and stability
• Reduced fatigue across long shifts

ONE MORE TOP TIP FOR COMFORT: LACING

An often overlooked reason for wearers feeling that their boots don't fit is inadequate lacing. It's a simple but incredibly effective way to keep the foot firmly in the heel and reduce the slipping that causes friction, blisters and trips. Find out more here.

I've Got New Safety Boots - Do They Need Breaking In?

A well-fitted boot should feel comfortable from the start, though new boots may need a short break-in period. Here’s what to know:

• Correct size matters most: 'Break-in' pain is usually caused by the wrong size or fit

• Wear gradually: Try to start with short sessions of wear instead of full shifts. (don't go from zero to hero!)

• Lace boots properly: This will keep your heel secure and prevent blisters and slipping (in and out of the boot)

• Boot care makes a big difference: Clean boots regularly and store them away from both damp and high heat

• Avoid bad hacks: Weird and (not so) wonderful methods of breaking in boots including soaking, hammering or heating can damage them - especially safety footwear, with their specialist components.

Bottom line: If boots fit correctly, breaking-in should be minimal, and any initial discomfort should ease quickly with the right:

✅ Care

✅ Wear

✅ Pair

Key Takeaway

Safety boots should fit snugly – they should never be tight or loose. A secure, supportive fit from a boot designed on a range of universal foot shapes will keep you safe, comfortable and focused on the job.

Ready to find the perfect pair for you or your team? Click below to find the top level of safety footwear comfort: