How to choose my JoBear’s
Here’s a complete guide to sizing, shapes, and models! Start by converting your usual size to our European sizing system by following one of the charts below.
If you are in between sizes, we recommend you go up slightly as our boots are mostly on the snug and narrow side. Although our models are adapted to modern feet, as they are based on antique models they are made to be slim fitting.
Each model is made with a different last, so depending on the boots you’re interested in, you may need to go up a size.
The last is the shape on which the shoe is moulded, so if you have very wide feet, some models might be a bit snug for you even in our wide fit. Generally speaking, for anything with a pointy toe you should go up slightly, while our lasts with a rounder toe box are truer to size, but they are still snug. So it is worth choosing a wide fit if you are worried about shoes being tight.
The fit and correct size of a shoe also depend on how you like your shoes to feel, some people like a lot of extra room, while others prefer a tight fit.
Most of our women’s styles come in two widths: Regular and Wide. Please note our wide fit is still elegant and not noticeable to the naked eye. We recommend a wide fit if you are worried about shoes feeling tight or like to wear thick socks. We consider a wide fit when your flat measurements are above 10 cm across the widest part of your foot.
Other factors worth considering are high arches, bunions, old injuries, or if you use orthopaedic insoles, and it might be a good idea to go up in size to accommodate these issues.
Here´s detailed info about our lasts to help you decide which one would be better for your feet:
1. Our Pointy Narrow last
Pointy lace-up boots and Cycling boots, some people like to go up a whole size, plus choose the wide fit if you have wide feet.
Button Boots, Two-tone 1930’s brogues and 1920’s Mary Janes: Most people choose their correct size, or half a size above their usual size, but choose a wide fit if extra space is needed.
2. Our Round Toe last
The round-toe lace-up walking boots, 1930’s tall boots, service shoes, and 1940’s Mary Janes are all made with our round last.
Bear in mind these are true to size, but can still be snug. If you have wide feet, plan on wearing thicker socks, or like to have a bit of extra room, please opt for the wide fit.
3. Our Unisex Oval lasts
The Victorian work boots and Burnt orange boots are generous. Choose your regular shoe size. As they have a bit more of an oval toe, if you are a man and have very wide feet, it is worth sizing up. If you require even more width we have an extra large last with a squared-off toe box, which is a lot more generous if you need extra width.
4. The Irregular Toe last
The Irregular toe work boots are made with a last that was moulded from an old pair of boots from the 1900s. They are true to size and more generous in the toe box than our oval shape unisex last.
6. The Chiselled Toe last
The Victorian Oxford lace-up boots, Men’s Button boots, Balmoral boots and Brogue shoes, and Derby shoes, are all made with our chiseled toe last. This is true to size but can be a bit narrow. If you are worried about width, it can be a good idea to size up.
These models can also be made in a wider different last, so if you require a wider-fitting shoe please get in touch!
If you are still unsure, you can send us your foot measurements, and tell us more about the sizes you usually wear so we can advise you.
The best thing to do is to draw an outline of your foot, and then draw a rectangular box around it. If you then give us the measurements of the width and length of your foot we can advise you best that way! See the “step by step” image below.
