Do Hunter boots run big or small?
Hunter boots are notoriously challenging to size correctly; the Original style can run both big or true to size, depending on the boot. The Refined style is sized differently from other sizes, and Hunter boots won’t stretch over time, meaning you must size correctly. The various calf sizes can cause issue when buying, though each boot has information on calf width and fit type in its product specifications. Ultimately though, Hunter boots run true to size, making them a straightforward boot to size.
Sizing your Hunter boots can be like navigating a minefield blindfolded. Part of the issue people have with choosing the right size Hunter boot is that there is more than just foot size to consider. Once you’ve got your head around that, they’re surprisingly easy to size, it just takes a little more thought than choosing a size nine because you always wear a size nine.
Depending on the style, you’ll either get an accurate fit or a boot that runs big. The calf width varies from boot to boot, so your calf size, foot size, and even your height can have an impact on which boot to choose.
It’s complicated enough to navigate that I decided to break it all down for you into one manageable and straightforward article. Once you’ve read our article, you’ll be able to confidently select the right size Hunter boot; all the information is there, it’s just knowing what to look for and what pitfalls to avoid.
I’ve spent days figuring this out, so you don’t have to; Hunter boots are a great addition to your wardrobe once you’ve got the correct size.
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Hunter Rain Boots Sizing Guide
Hunter boots are handcrafted from 28 separate parts; they’re 100% waterproof, and, providing you have the right size, they’re comfortable to wear. It’s quite a chunky boot; they feel big and sturdy, which isn’t a bad thing. They feel like a well-made, durable pair of rain boots.
The issue with sizing a Hunter boot is that 1 + 1 doesn’t always add up to 2; if you’re a size 10, a size 10 Hunter boot should fit your foot just fine. There are things to watch out for though, which is why it can be tricky to get the right fit, first time. Hunter boots, for the most part, do run true to size. But each boot can vary in fit or width from another boot that’s in the same range.
Because Hunter boots only come in full sizes, if you’re a half size, I strongly recommend you go down a size unless the boot is part of the Refined range, in which case you’ll need to go up a size.
Very few of the men’s range is in the Refined style, so for anyone who is a half size in their boots, dropping down a size is the way to go. I don’t believe the foot size is where people go wrong when buying Hunter boots; the calf size often causes problems. Each Hunter boot has calf width, fit, and fit type in the product specifications to combat these issues.
The original: Hunter Boots are known as some of the best rain boots you can find. I don't recommend any of the imitators: go with the real thing.
Let’s go through each style of Hunter boot to see what sizing surprises are in store for us; it’s impossible to go through every boot, so it’s worth remembering that each and every boot on the Hunter Boots website has a product specification dropdown menu that gives you the important information you need, namely, fit type and calf width.
Original Tall Boots
A Hunter Boot classic, the Men’s Original Tall Rain Boot has been a staple of the Hunter boot selection for decades. The Original rain boot comes in sizes 7-13, is available in seven different colors, and runs true to size. I would measure your calf before buying any Hunter boot; the Original has a calf width of 16.92”.
A regular fit, this is a superb boot; if you’re a half size, drop down a size, and you should be fine. Otherwise, full size folks should order their true size. The tall 15.94” shaft keeps your legs dry, but because Hunter boots are pretty chunky, the height restricts movement, at least when kneeling down.
The original: Hunter Boots are known as some of the best rain boots you can find. I don't recommend any of the imitators: go with the real thing.
Chelsea Boots
Covering the Men’s Original Chelsea Boot, Commando Chelsea Boot, as well as the Refined Moc Toe Chelsea boot, this style of boot is great if you need complete freedom of movement when out in wet weather.
If you’re tempted by the Men’s Refined Moc Toe Chelsea Boot, remember to go up a size if you’re a half size in your boots. The Moc Toe states it’s true to size, a regular fit boot with an 11.34” calf width, but I’m tempted to go up a size regardless, especially if you wear thick socks with your boots.
The Commando Chelsea Boot is a bit of an enigma; Hunter Boots recommend going up a size in the Refined style of boot if you’re a half size, but the Commando is a slim-fit boot that has a narrower (10.6”) calf width. It does state it’s true to size but tread with caution.
The popular Men’s Original Chelsea Boot is available in sizes 7-13, is a regular fit that’s true to size and has an 11.42” calf width. A two-year warranty for this handmade, waterproof boot is a nice bonus, though, with care, a pair of Hunter boots can last for years.
Sure, there are waterproof leather boots, but if you want a truly waterproof boot, rubber is the way to go. But don’t just get any rubber Chelsea boot---go with the best. That’s the Hunter Original Chelsea boot.
Balmoral Boots
The Balmoral range is similar to the tall boots that Hunter Boots offers, though many of this range has an adjustable side gusset to allow a more customized fit. Available in sizes 7-13, the Men’s Balmoral Side Adjustable Rain Boot is a true-to-size, regular fit boot with a 16.89” calf width.
With an adjustable shaft and a kickspur to making taking your boots off even easier, the Hunter Balmoral boot is ideal for dirty chores and days out in the field.
I have read that some customers find it difficult to fit their trousers inside some of the taller Hunter boots, so if you prefer tucking your pants into your Balmoral boots, going up a size could be an option, especially if you wear thick socks. Hunter boots should be snug enough to need a little effort to get on but loose enough that your foot and leg aren’t strangled.
This boot range comes with a kick spur to help you take them off, though personally, I prefer a boot jack. A boot jack doesn’t damage your boot, makes you take them off before heading into the house, and takes away all the effort of trying to pull a tall boot off. Check out our in-depth Boot Jack Guide for more information.
Slides & Sandals
If you’re unable to size a pair of flip-flops, you’re not the footwear connoisseur I thought you were. But just in case you’re not an expert on slides and flip-flops, the Men’s Bloom Slides are a true-to-size, regular fit that’s made of, er, algae. Hunter Boots have combined lightweight EVA and algae to create an eco-warriors footwear dream.
The algae are sourced from cleaning up natural waterways, so as well as keeping your feet cool and protected, you’re doing your bit for the environment too. The Men’s Flip-Flip, while sadly not made of algae, is also a true to size, regular fit, and is available in sizes 7-15. If you’re a half size, don’t worry about it; just buy your standard size.
Original Short Boots
A fantastic-looking utility boot, the Men’s Original Short Rain Boot offers the protection and functionality you’d expect from a Hunter Boot. Available in sizes 7-13, as with most of the Hunter range, there is one thing I picked up on about the Original Short Boots that you should be aware of.
The link above shows a true-to-size, regular fit short boot that’s got a 15.75” calf width; all the information you need to make an informed decision. However, this Men’s Original Short Rain Boot, while looking identical, and having nearly identical specifications, runs slightly larger. It’s not the end of the world, but worth noting; always check the product specifications for each boot.
The moderate height and extra comfort of the Hunter Original Short Boot makes it the perfect boot for walking. Between the cushion sponge insole and calendered sole, you can take this guy up and down steep hills, even in the rain.
Play Boots
The Hunter play boot selection is straightforward and is another true-to-size boot that looks great. A more lightweight option, the play boot has a pull tab at the back for easing your foot in, and if you’re a half size, you should drop down a size for maximum comfort.
100% waterproof, the Play Short Boot offers a strong and flexible design with a flatter platform sole and angled block heel for maximum comfort.
Hunter Boots suggest wearing socks to minimize contact between your skin and the rubber boot, as with all their boots. I really like the look of the Men’s Play Short Rain boot, it’s not overly chunky, will still keep my feet dry, and it’s perfect for either working in the garden or taking a stroll through the woods.
Hiking Boots
Hunter boots have a relatively small selection of hiking boots for men, and the hiking boots available are also classed as unisex. With both waterproof and water-resistant options available, I was impressed with these boots, especially the Men’s Insulated Recycled Polyester Commando Boots.
These Recycled Polyester Commando Boots are certified vegan, 100% waterproof and will keep your feet warm in temperatures as low as -22°C (-8°F).
With excellent reviews, the insulation the Commando boot offers is superb; it’s a true fit, although if you wear thick socks, I would advise going up a size; they’re a bit on the snug side. The Commando is well padded, more waterproof than a ducks bottom, and is ideal for cold weather trekking.
A water-resistant Men’s Canvas Desert Commando Boot is also perfect for warmer weather. It keeps you protected from most of the rain, is made of a breathable canvas that keeps your feet cool, and has a sturdy, robust quality to it. The Desert Commando boot is available in sizes 7-13 and is another example of a true fit Hunter boot.
Designed to be worn in the warmer months, the Men's Canvas Desert Boot keeps feet cool on a hot summer day and provides natural insulation on cooler spring mornings.
Hunter Boots: Size Up or Down?
After looking into customer reviews and checking on what Hunter Boots themselves say, I suggest sizing down if you’re a half size in boots. If you choose the Refined style, then always go up a half size. It’s also vital that you always check the product specifications for the boot you choose before you buy it.
Hunter boots might fit your foot perfectly, only for you to find you can’t get your leg down the shaft of the boot. As well as knowing your foot size, know your calf width too. Choosing the right size Hunter boot isn’t hard; it’s just a case of matching your size to the correct boot, especially when even just one style of boot might have several subtle size differences.
What Type of Socks Should I Wear with Hunter Boots?
If you’re wearing tall Hunter boots, the best socks to wear are those that come all the way to the top of the boot.
Of course, you don’t have to buy socks specifically for boots; thick socks will often suffice. Hunter Boots recommends wearing socks to keep your skin from touching the rubber of the boot, so the length of the sock in proportion to the length of the boot is more important than where you buy your socks.
Another thing to consider is if you’re a half size and you’ve bought your boots in the next size down, thin socks may be more comfortable. On the flip side of that coin, if you buy the size up, thicker socks could work perfectly to pack out any looseness around your foot.
Hunter Boots Sizing for Women
Hunter Boots have a superb selection of boots for women, with most styles available in size 5-11. The styles available are exactly the same as the men’s, with Tall, Short, Play, Balmoral, Hiking, and Chelsea boots being the primary options.
The Refined style of Hunter boot has a much more extensive selection in women’s boots, and as before, this is the slimmer fitting boot that requires you to go up a size if you’re a half size. The rest of the sizes available are true to size, though that comes with the same warning I attached to the men’s sizes; read the product specifications.
I’m repeating myself here, but it’s that important; always read the product specifications for each boot. Two boots in the same style with the same name can often have different calf widths or fit either true to size or big.
Stylish, comfortable, and 100% waterproof. It doesn't get better than this for rain boots.
Hunter Boots Toddler Sizing
Unlike many retailers, Hunter Boots have a great range of kids’ rain boots; they break the age groups down into Toddler (18 months up), Little Kids (2-6 years old), and Big Kids (5-11 years old). The size ranges available differ depending on the grouping, with the Kids First boots ranging from a children’s size 3 up to a size 2.
The Hunter Boots Kids First Rainbow Rain Boot has sizes that cover the ages of 18 months up to 8 years old; sizing should be easy enough, but the product specifications say it is a narrow fit, so use your own judgment.
The Kids First Classic Rainbow Rain Boot is perfect for puddle splashing. They are fully waterproof and feature a specially-developed tread to reduce slipping.
The Original Big Kids Gloss Rain Boot is perfect for ages 5-11; it comes in sizes 13-5 and is a true fit that should be easy to match up to your children’s foot size.
Designed for adventures, the Original Kids Gloss Rain Boot is a dream for junior explorers.
Conclusion
If you approach sizing up a Hunter Boot armed with the knowledge that it can run a little big, you shouldn’t have problems buying the right boot. Most of the men’s boots are true to size, and it’s the calf that catches people out. I can’t stress enough that all you need to do is read the product specifications for each boot, and you’ll be fine.
Stylish, comfortable, and 100% waterproof. It doesn't get better than this for rain boots.
If our Hunter boot sizing guide has eased your mind about buying a Hunter boot like the Men’s Original Tall Rain Boot, then why not subscribe to the BootSpy Youtube Channel for more great boot-related awesomeness?
The original: Hunter Boots are known as some of the best rain boots you can find. I don't recommend any of the imitators: go with the real thing.
FAQs
Do I size up or down in Hunter Boots?
For any style of Hunter boot, you should be able to buy the same size boot you normally wear, and because Hunter boots usually run a little on the big side, if you’re a half size, choose a size down from your standard size. This is true for every style of Hunter boot except the Refined range, where those who are a half size would ideally need to go up a size instead.
Is Hunter a good boot brand?
Hunter boots are an excellent brand of rain boots, with over 160 years of experience as bootmakers. The company has two Royal Warrants of Appointments to HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. Sold globally, the Hunter boot is recognized as a quality product.
Do Hunter boots last a long time?
It’s no exaggeration to say that a well-maintained pair of Hunter boots can last for decades. If used for their proper purpose and cleaned correctly after use, many people keep the same pair of Hunter rain boots for years. Each pair of Hunter boots comes with a two-year warranty, but short of a mishap, your boots will remain waterproof and comfortable forever.
