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There’s nothing worse than having wet feet at work. Once the water starts to seep in, your feet begin to feel uncomfortable, and if the temperature is low, they will quickly get cold too – and once your feet are wet, there’s usually not much you can do about it.

If you have leather boots, the answer is to make sure you waterproof them before you wear them anywhere they might get wet – and for anyone who’s not sure how to do it, in this post we give you all the info you need on how to waterproof leather work boots.

Why bother?

Before we look at how to waterproof your boots, let’s think about why you need to do it at all.

As we just mentioned, having wet feet when you’re working can be an unpleasant experience, and if your feet are soggy for long periods, you can pick up some nasty conditions – for example, skin irritation, rashes, and even trench foot.

Second, if your boots get wet, it can damage them or cause them to lose their shape. Wet leather boots aren’t likely to last as long as protected ones, so taking the time to waterproof them will ensure you get more use out of them.

Finally, looking after your boots by preventing water from penetrating them will keep them looking good for longer. You might not care too much about being the best-dressed worker on the site, but there’s no reason to go to work wearing boots that look 100 years old!

Choosing the right product

Waterproofing your boots is a relatively simple job, but before you start, you need to decide which kind of product you want to use to do it.

For leather boots, you have two main options – you can use a wax that’s specially designed for waterproofing boots or you can use a spray version, either silicone- or oil-based.

The advantage of using wax is that it will last longer and will provide a better level of waterproofing. However, it takes longer to apply and will require a bit more work than if you use a spray.

Boots waterproofed properly with wax may last a whole season without you needing to reapply a new coat.

So, generally speaking, wax is the best option – although bear in mind it is not suitable for new boots since they will change shape as you wear them in, making the waterproof seal less effective.

Spray, on the other hand, is much faster – essentially, you just spray onto the boots and you’re done. However, the waterproof coat it provides won’t last as long, and you’ll probably have to respray the boots every week. The spray can be used on new boots as well as on old ones.

There are also a few other more makeshift methods you can use if you need to waterproof your boots at short notice, and we’ll say a few words about these solutions at the end.

How to waterproof boots – a step-by-step guide

Whether you choose a wax, spray, or a DIY method to waterproof your boots, the steps are more or less the same – so let’s have a look at how to do it now.

1. Clean your boots and remove the laces

If your boots are dirty when you waterproof them, the seal will be compromised when pieces of dirt fall off. This means before you start applying the waterproofing product, you need to give them a good clean.

Start by banging them together to remove any larger pieces of mud that are stuck to the boots. Once this is done, you should clean them with a boot-cleaning gel and a sponge. If you don’t have any gel, you can substitute a white vinegar and water mixture in a ratio of 1:1.

Make sure the boots are thoroughly cleaned and that no bits of dirt are left in any of the seams – otherwise the waterproofing process will be less effective.

When they are properly cleaned, you should rinse your boots and then leave them to dry. At this point, you can also remove the laces since they will get in the way and prevent you from waterproofing the tongues.

2. Consider using conditioning oil

Before you apply your waterproofing product, you should consider applying a conditioning oil. This will ensure your boots are in optimum condition before waterproofing, and this will then be “locked in” by the waterproof coat you add later.

However, avoid using lanolin on leather work boots since it will leave them too soft and vulnerable to damage.

3. Warm the boots with a hairdryer before applying the product

Before you start applying the waterproof coat, you should warm the boots gently with a hairdryer. This will make the leather more receptive to the product you apply and will give you a better waterproof seal.

4. Apply the waterproofing product

If you are using wax to waterproof your boots, take a cloth and use it to apply the wax to the whole surface of each boot, taking care not to miss the seams. Work the wax into your boots with a circular motion, giving them an even coat all over.

If the wax is too hard to spread, you may also find it helps to warm it slightly with a hairdryer before applying it.

If you are using a spray, you simply need to apply it to your boots as explained in the instructions on the bottle. Make sure you read it carefully and follow the directions given.

5. Leave the boots to dry

Once you have applied the spray or the wax, you then need to leave the boots to dry. If you want to expedite the process, you can use a fan – however, you shouldn’t use a hairdryer to dry them as this may cause the leather to crack.

6. Buff off any surplus wax

If you used wax, once the boots are dry, you should buff off any excess wax you can see to ensure a smooth seal all around the whole boot.

7. Repeat the process

If you want to give your boots maximum waterproof protection, you may also decide to apply a second and even third coat, especially if you are using wax. If you decide to do this, simply follow the same steps again, allowing the boots to dry completely in between each application.

How do you know if you need to reapply a waterproof product?

If you are using a waterproof spray, you can only expect it to last around a week at most – and perhaps less if you wear the boots every day. This means you will need to reapply the spray every week if you want them to remain waterproof.

Wax will last much longer, but you will also eventually need to reapply it – perhaps only once a season, but perhaps more often if the boots see lots of use.

Whether you use spray or wax, you should look out for patches of the boots that change color when wet – this means the waterproof product has worn off and water is seeping into the leather again.

When this happens, dry the boots thoroughly and reapply another coat of your waterproofing product.

Other possibilities for waterproofing boots

If you need to waterproof your boots at short notice and don’t have access to wax or spray waterproofing products, there are some other DIY options.

One possibility is to use transmission oil, which can be applied in much the same as wax. However, you should avoid this method if you don’t want to alter the appearance of your boots since it can permanently change the color.

Another option is Vaseline, which can be applied by simply rubbing it in with your fingers, making sure to apply plenty along the seams. Vaseline shouldn’t damage your boots, but it will only provide waterproofing for a day or two before you need to apply more.

Finally, you can also use candle wax or beeswax. To do it, just rub it all over your boots to coat them in wax and then use a hairdryer to melt it.

This will cause the leather to absorb the wax, giving you a reasonably good waterproof seal. This is probably the best option if you don’t have access to proper waterproofing wax or spray.

A simple job that will protect your feet and keep your boots in good condition

As you can see, waterproofing boots is a relatively simple operation, and you have several options for how to do it.

The key is to reapply a new layer whenever necessary, and doing so will enable you to keep your feet dry and your boots in optimum condition for as long as pos

Having a good understanding of shoe sizes has never been as important as it is now, with the advent of online shopping, and the subsequent domination of that method of shopping of the more traditional method of physically going into a shop, more people are buying shoes online than ever before. You also might be buying shoes for a friend, but whatever the reason, buying shoes without trying them on can be a bit pot luck if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

Making matters worse is the ever-changing nature of people—and the fashion industry for that matter. People today are, on average, larger than they were fifty years ago, and industries don’t always succeed in keeping up with that fact, as anyone who has flown on an economy flight in recent years will be able to attest. Still, just because they aren’t always the most informed, doesn’t mean you can’t be. So read on for everything you need to know about the average shoe size for women.

What is the Average Shoe Size for a Woman Worldwide?

There are several different sizing systems across the world, but for simplicities sake, we’re going to stick to the US size equivalent in this post. To that end, between 7 and 8 in US shoe sizes are the average shoe sizes for women across the world.

A conclusion like this is reached by looking at the most well-stocked and most often-bought shoe sizes. It is also worth noting that, while some people have larger or smaller than average feet, shoe size does tend to scale with height. In other words, the taller you are, the more likely you are to have bigger feet. In this respect, the average shoe size also correlates to the average height of women across the globe. That average is 5’9″ in case you were wondering.

What is the Average Shoe Size for Women in the US?

As it turns out, American girls skew a little bigger in the shoe size department, landing at around 8.5 to 9 on average. This is up from an average of about 7.5 a few decades ago.

Something that may be interesting to non-Americans is that US shoe sizes are gendered, meaning there are different sizes for men’s and women’s shoes. Conversely, it might be surprising to a lot of Americans to learn that Europeans do not have a gendered shoe sizing system.

What is the Average Shoe Size for Women in Europe?

As we just mentioned, Europeans have a unisex sizing system, meaning both men’s and women’s shoes are working from the same standard. However, they do have a separate system for children’s shoes.

In the European shoe sizing system, shoe sizes start at 2 US, which translates to 32 in European sizing. While the sizing system may be different, European ladies have something in common with their American cousins when it comes to the average shoe sizes themselves. The average shoe size for European women is around 9, just like the US.

Why Are Feet Getting Bigger?

You may have noticed a mention of US shoe sizes being around a full size larger on average today than they were only a few decades ago. This is the same for both men and women and is indicative of a general increase in obesity among the population. One shoe size in almost fifty years may not sound like a great deal, but it is actually a substantial proportional increase for a human body part and one that can be practically entirely pinned on unhealthy eating and a lack of exercise.

Whatever the reasons, it is undeniable that obesity has been rising worldwide, and that it has a knock-on effect on the average size of feet—particularly foot width—as our bodies adapt to the changes. This can also lead to painful conditions due to women attempting to force larger feet into shoes that haven’t grown with them, largely fuelled by a fashion industry that doesn’t necessarily have the best interests of its clientele at heart.

But, however you choose to view these changes, the trend is clear for all to see. Women’s feet have been getting larger on average.

What Is the Average Shoe Size for a 5’1″ Tall Woman?

We mentioned above that there is a direct correlation between height and shoe size. We also mentioned that the average height of women was around 5’9″ so, as you might expect, the average shoe size for women who are 5’1″ tall is a little less than the average across all women.

Women of this height are, on average, between 6.5 and 8 in the shoe department, which is actually in step with the global average, but a little lower than the US average.

What Is the Average Shoe Size for a 5’5″ Tall Woman?

In keeping with the trend, women who fall into the 5’5″ height bracket have an average shoe size 7 to 8.5; around half a shoe size more than women who are 5’1″.

What Is the Average Shoe Size for a 6′ Tall Woman?

Knowing that the average difference between the shoe sizes of women who are 5’1″ and women who are 5’5″ is only half a shoe size, you might expect women who are 6 foot tall to be another half a shoe size bigger. Perhaps a little more.

It turns out that there’s something of a jump in size for women this tall, with the average shoe size being 10 to 10.5.

How to Measure Your Foot Correctly?

We won’t lie to you, measuring your feet without a Brannock Device—a standard tool for measuring feet—is not easy. Of course, buying such a device for the very few times it would be needed is not exactly a practical use of your money, so let’s talk about how you measure your foot without one.

First off, you will need a couple of pieces of paper, something to draw with, and a ruler. It will also make life easier if you have a second pair of hands to help out.

Once you have your tools ready, lay one of the pieces of paper on the floor and stand on it, the second piece of paper is for your other foot. Now, trace around your foot with the pen or pencil. It is here where you might need a friend to help. Once you have an accurate-as-possible outline of your foot, measure across the widest part, which will usually be the ball of your foot. Then you want to measure the longest part of your foot, which may differ from person to person but will usually be from the heel to the tip of your big toe.

Once you have your measurements, check them against a size chart like this one. If you have wider than average feet, it might be worth checking your measurements on an equivalent width size chart as well.

How to Choose the Correct Shoe Size When Shopping Online?

The first step is to make sure you have a good idea of your shoe size. This can be from measuring your feet as we outlined in the last section, or perhaps from visiting a shoe store and getting measured there. And, of course, you can use your existing shoes as a guide. If you are comfortable wearing size eight shoes, there is no reason to believe size eight shoes will not be comfortable if bought online.

The next step is to do some research on the shoes you are thinking of purchasing. While shoe sizes are standardised (within their specific region), some shoes wear a little tight, some a little loose. Buying online means you can’t try the shoes on to see how they fit, so you will need to check user reviews and see what people have said about them. In particular, you should look out for talk of wide and narrow fits, as they are the most common sizing problems when buying shoes online.

Be gentle with the shoes until you are sure you want to keep them, sending them back is usually an option as long as you haven’t damaged them.

Does Pregnancy Affect Shoe Size?

Unfortunately, pregnancy does affect shoe size, albeit temporarily. This can be down to a number of factors, such as the increased weight a pregnant woman carries around adding more stress to their feet and causing them to “spread” slightly. Pregnancy also introduces a number of hormonal changes that can lead to swollen joints and ligaments.

One of the more frustrating things about these changes is the fact that they are temporary. Of course, few women would choose to have bigger feet indefinitely, but it does put pregnant women in the position of potentially not having any shoes that fit for a few months.

If you are pregnant and you find you are a person whose feet have gotten a little tight in their favorite shoes, it is best to get some cheap, comfortable shoes to tide you over until your feet return to normal size. There is no sense in buying expensive shoes that will only fit you for a few months.

In order to prevent problems with your feet like callus or blisters, it’s important that your shoes are the right size. Many people seem to struggle with determining their accurate shoe size, so this article is meant to provide some clarity. Keep reading to find out what’s the best way to measure your shoe size!

What you will need

-Two pieces of white paper

-Adhesive tape

-A pencil

-A ruler

Step-by-step plan

Now, if you want to know the exact way to measure your own shoe size, follow the next five steps carefully.

Step 1

Use the adhesive tape to stick the two pieces of white paper to the floor or some other kind of hard surface. Make sure that you do this thoroughly because the paper needs to stay completely still when you’re measuring your feet later on. The pieces of paper need to be wide and long enough to fit your feet. For obvious reasons, you need two pieces of paper to measure both your left and right foot.

Step 2

Place your left foot on one of the pieces of paper and use your pencil to completely outline your foot on the paper. Try to stay as close to the edges of your foot as possible. If you find this task hard to perform, try asking someone else that’s nearby to help you with this. When you’re done with your left foot, repeat the action with your right foot.

Step 3

Use your pencil and ruler to draw two lines on your pieces of paper. The first line should measure the width of your feet so you must draw that line between the two widest points on your forefoot. The second line will ultimately determine the length of your feet so it should start at the center of your heel and should stop at the end of your largest toe. Keep in mind, though, that your largest toe isn’t necessarily your big toe, it’s different for every person. When you’re done with one piece of paper, repeat this action with the other piece of paper.

Step 4

Use your ruler to measure the lines in order to know the exact width and length of your feet. Then, subtract ca. 4 mm of the obtained dimensions. This is crucial because otherwise, there might be a little diversion because of the fact that you used a pencil to measure your feet. Once you have done this, you need to compare your feet to each other to know if there are any differences in length.

Step 5

With the dimensions that you have obtained, you can measure your exact shoe size. To do this, you will need to use a size chart like the one below. Just compare your obtained dimensions to the dimensions on the size chart and you will be to know exactly what your shoe size is. When you go shopping for shoes, you can bring this size chart with you to help you make the right choice when it comes to choosing the perfect shoes with the perfect size!

Voila, now you know your exact shoe size!

Today, more and more people are buying their shoes online. There is some advantages to buying online, you don’t have to waste time to visit a store just to find out your favorite shoes are missing. Shopping online gives you a huge selection of shoes to choose from, but also have a great downside.

You don’t measure the shoes yourself.

Another problem is that we have European and US has different sizing system, so you need to be aware of it – and make proper conversion.

That’s why we included Men’s and Women’s Size Conversion charts.

Women Shoe Chart – US, UK and European

US Size	UK Size	European Size	Inches	Centimeters
4	2	35	8.1875"	20.8
4.5	2.5	35	8.375"	21.3
5	3	35-36	8.5"	21.6
5.5	3.5	36	8.75"	22.2
6	4	36-37	8.875"	22.5
6.5	4.5	37	9.0625"	23
7	5	37-38	9.25"	23.5
7.5	5.5	38	9.375"	23.8
8	6	38.5	9.5"	24.1
8.5	6.5	39	9.6875"	24.6
9	7	39-40	9.875"	25.1
9.5	7.5	40	10"	25.4
10	8	40-41	10.1875"	25.9
10.5	8.5	41	10.3125"	26.2
11	9	41-42	10.5"	26.7
11.5	9.5	42	10.6875"	27.1
12	10	42-43	10.875"	27.6

Men Shoe Chart – US, UK and European

US Size	UK Size	European Size	Inches	CM
6	5.5	39	9.25"	23.5
6.5	6	39	9.5"	24.1
7	6.5	40	9.625"	24.4
7.5	7	40-41	9.75"	24.8
8	7.5	41	9.9375"	25.4
8.5	8	41-42	10.125"	25.7
9	8.5	42	10.25"	26
9.5	9	42-43	10.4375"	26.7
10	9.5	43	10.5625"	27
10.5	10	44	10.75"	27.3
11	10.5	44	10.9375"	27.9
11.5	11	44-45	11.125"	28.3
12	11.5	45	11.25"	28.6
13	12.5	46	11.5625"	29.4
14	13.5	47	11.875"	30.2
15	14.5	48	12.1875"	31
16	15.5	49	12.5"	31.8

Here is a great Guide I’ve found about converting Eurpoean Shoe size to US size. Watch and Learn!