Boot fit guide
How Cairn boots and shoes fit, how to measure your feet and what to do if you have wide feet.
Greta Holm · Gear Specialist2 min read · Updated Oct 8, 2026
Cairn boots and shoes fit true to size for most people, with a medium width and a roomy toe box for downhill miles.
Measure at the end of the day
- Stand on a sheet of paper wearing the socks you hike in.
- Mark the heel and your longest toe and measure in centimeters.
- Add 1 cm for thumb room and match it to the size chart on the product page.
Wide feet
We don't make wide sizes yet. Many wide-footed hikers go up half a size and use a thinner insole, or choose the Cairn Low, which has a softer upper.
Breaking in
- Wear new boots around the house for a few evenings first — they can still be exchanged if you haven't been outside.
- Then take them on short walks before a long trail day.
- Lace firmly over the instep so your heel stays put on descents.
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