Do Carolina boots run big or small?
Carolina boots run true to size, so whatever size you most often get for your sneakers will be the best fit for your Carolina boots. Unlike other boot brands that run large, like Red Wing, Carolina boots follows the most popular sizing conventions. For example, if you’re a size 10 in sneakers, get a size 10 for your Carolina boots. The brand offers an extensive variety of widths from B to EEEE.
Carolina doesn’t offer a lot of guidance about what size to get when you’re shopping for new boots, and nothing is more disappointing than having to return your boots as soon as you try them on.
In this Carolina boot sizing guide, I’m going to cover everything you need to know when shopping with Carolina so you get the perfect fit the first time.
I’ve included a size chart, plus I compare Carolina sizing to other popular brands like Red Wing, Ariat, and Wolverine so you can get a better idea of what size to get.
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Carolina Boot Sizing Guide
Carolina boots follow the most common shoe sizing conventions. Compared to other major boot brands, they run a bit small. For example, if you wear a size 10 in Nike sneakers, you’ll want to get a size 10 in your Carolina boots.Â
This is different than what you’ll find with brands like Red Wing, Thorogood, and Wolverine. In my experience, Red Wing boots run large. While I’m a size 10.5 in sneakers and dress shoes, I get the size 10 in Red Wing, Thorogood, and Wolverine, which fits me perfectly (i.e. a half size smaller than my sneaker size).
However, for Carolina boots, I order my sneaker size (a 10.5D).
If you're looking for a budget-friendly pair of work boots, Carolina is a USA brand through and through that will serve as the gear you need to a tough day of work.
Popular models of the Carolina boots, like the Logger, run a bit narrow in the toe. For me, it wasn’t an issue, but I like that Carolina offers a huge range of widths, often carrying B, D, E, EE, EEE, and sometimes even EEEE (4E).
If you have wider toes and experience toe cramping in different brands, try the E width.
Choosing the Correct Width
As I mentioned, Carolina boots have a large variety of widths—it’s one of the best aspects of shopping with them.
If you’re not sure if you have a wide foot or not, there’s a good chance you should get the standard D width.
But Carolina boots come in E, 2E, 3E, and 4E widths. 4E is the most extreme wide width I’ve ever seen a brand sell (most top out at 3E), and it’s quite irregular to have feet this wide.
If you’re on the fence between getting a D and E width, try the E. Often, if you’re working long hours or in the heat of the day, your feet can swell, which would eventually take up the extra room in your boot. You want to avoid getting a snug fit when you slip your feet in your shoes in the morning because later in the day they may become uncomfortable.
Using the same example earlier, I’m a size 10.5 in sneakers, so a 10.5 D is the perfect fit for me in Carolina work boots. But if you’re a 10.5 in sneakers and usually have an inch or more of room at the toe, you may want to try a 10 E or 10 EE.
How do Carolina Logger Boots Fit?
Carolina Loggers are one of the brand’s most popular styles. What’s true with all Carolina boots is true for their Logger.
Keep in mind that your foot will swell when you’re wearing the Logger because you’ll likely be working in the hot sun or climbing a pole, so having a little extra room at the waist of your foot is ok. You shouldn’t feel your heel moving, however, as that can lead to more soreness and blisters.
The Carolina Elm is a fantastic value, and I love that it's completely waterproof. There's a steel toe and non-steel toe version.
Carolina Boot Size Chart
You’ll need to get a Brannock measurement if you want to find out the width of your foot, but I’ve created the Carolina size chart below so you can compare your boot size against your foot measurement in inches.
I’ve also included the UK and EU sizes if you have boots from brands that use those standards so you can compare them against one another to find the right fit.
Carolina offers most of these sizes in B, D, E, 2E, 3E, and 4E widths, so even guys with narrow or super wide feet can often find something.
Carolina Boots vs Red Wing Fit
Red Wing boots run larger than Carolina boots. The same is true for Wolverine, Thorogood, Danner, and Timberland.
In my experience, Ariat boot sizing is quite similar to Carolina—the size for both is close to most sneaker brands, rather than heritage boot brands.
Ready for Your Carolinas?
I enjoy shopping with Carolina boots because they have such a huge variety of sizes available for their models. I mean, I’ve never seen a brand with 4E sizing (not that I need it).
If you’ve had trouble finding a particular size in stock with other brands, a lot of times Carolina will carry it.
And now you know everything you need to know about getting the right size the first time so you don’t have to return your new boots.
So what are you waiting for?
If you're looking for a budget-friendly pair of work boots, Carolina is a USA brand through and through that will serve as the gear you need to a tough day of work.
FAQs
What does 2E mean on Carolina boots?
2E is a wider width boot. The standard width for boots is D, and then E, EE, EEE, and EEEE are incrementally wider widths. EE or 2E is the most common wider width.
Are Carolina boots warm?
Yes, Carolina boots are warm, and you can find some models that are insulated. If you’re concerned about the cold, the best thing you can do is wear a pair of thick wool socks with your Carolina boots to keep your feet warm without locking in moisture.
Are Carolina boots made in the USA?
Carolina has a line of boots that are made in the USA, but the majority of their boots are made abroad.
