For many of us, finding the correct size in police boots or tactical footwear, can pose a big challenge. We all want well fitted and supportive footwear but almost all safety footwear is only available in full sizes. Haix are a leading brand of tactical footwear and supply waterproof, lightweight and combat boots in full and half sizes from a 3-15 (UK) certified to EN 20345.
Wearing the correct size of safety footwear is vitally important, not only for protection from workplace hazards but also for comfort. Ill-fitting footwear can leave you feeling uncomfortable, cause damage to your feet and had a negative impact on productivity.
I need a half size but can’t find my size in the tactical footwear that I wish to purchase
Did you know that footwear sizing can differ in the same way clothing sizing does? You might wear an 8.5 in your favourite pair of trainers, when, in fact, you need a 9 in your work boots. The style of footwear, the shape and the fabric can all affect the sizing therefore trying on a few styles and measuring your feet will ensure you are wearing the correct size, regardless of the number on the label.
Is there a big difference between a half-size and full-size tactical footwear?
There is very little size difference between the length of a half-size and full-size tactical footwear, 4mm if fact, which is less than half a centimetre. Once you factor in the thickness of your socks and the possibility of your feet swelling over the course of the day, the size difference is marginal. Have a look at the table below which shows the differences in feet length in relation to their UK and EU footwear size.
| UK Shoe Size | EU Shoe Size | Foot Length (mm) | Foot Width Narrow (mm) | Foot Width Standard (mm) | Foot Width Wide (mm) | Foot Width Extra-Wide (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 36 | 221 | 216.5 | 222.5 | 228.5 | 240.5 |
| 3.5 | 36.5 | 225 | 221 | 227 | 233 | 245 |
| 4 | 37 | 229 | 225.5 | 231.5 | 237.5 | 249.5 |
| 4.5 | 37.5 | 233 | ||||
| 5 | 38 | 237 | 230 | 236 | 242 | 254 |
| 5.5 | 38.5 | 241 | ||||
| 6 | 39 | 246 | 234.5 | 240.5 | 246.5 | 258.5 |
| 6.5 | 40 | 250 | 239 | 245 | 251 | 263 |
| 7 | 41 | 254 | 243.5 | 249.5 | 255.5 | 267.5 |
| 7.5 | 41.5 | 258 | ||||
| 8 | 42 | 263 | 248 | 254 | 260 | 272 |
| 8.5 | 42.5 | 267 | ||||
| 9 | 43 | 272 | 252.5 | 258.5 | 264.5 | 276.5 |
| 9.5 | 44 | 276 | ||||
| 10 | 45 | 280 | 257 | 263 | 269 | 281 |
| 10.5 | 45.5 | 285 | 261.5 | 267.5 | 273.5 | 285.5 |
| 11 | 46 | 289 | 266 | 272 | 278 | 290 |
| 11.5 | 46.5 | 293 | ||||
| 12 | 47 | 298 | 270.5 | 276.5 | 282.5 | 294.5 |
| 12.5 | 47.5 | 302 | ||||
| 13 | 48 | 306 | 275 | 281 | 287 | 299 |
| 13.5 | 48.5 | 310 | ||||
| 14 | 49 | 314 | 279.5 | 285.5 | 291.5 | 303.5 |
| 14.5 | 50 | 319 | 284 | 290 | 296 | 308 |
| 15 | 51 | 323 | 288.5 | 294.5 | 300.5 | 312.5 |
I have narrow/wide feet, can I get my footwear in different widths?
Both the length and width needs to be considered when correctly measuring your feet. The width of a foot is broken down into four types including narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide. If you are unsure about the width of your foot you can use or downloadable HeroQuip Shoe Size Guide to measure the length and width of your feet and compare those measurements against the sizes listed.
I’m still struggling to find tactical footwear that fits
Insoles have been used in footwear for many years and can be permanent or removable. Supportive insoles can have a positive impact your posture, joint pain, foot comfort and how much your feet can breathe resulting in increased productivity at work.
Paul O’Malley, a Musculoskeletal Podiatrist and Clinical Biomechanist says:
“As clinical research has progressively proven that work productivity in labour intensive environments is increased with the provision of better health care, footwear has become an increasingly important concern. A lack of correct support leads to comfort issues and pains that result in poorer performance and efficiency. Adding a fitted insole to the footwear of employees is a cost-effective tool to increasing work productivity and comfort and is something that shouldn’t be ignored.”
It is important to always choose a reputable brand of insoles as these have been designed to provide proper foot support without compromising the minimum space required inside the protective toe cap. Many boots that are categorised as tactical footwear can also be labelled as safety boots and therefore have been tested in accordance with EN 20345. If you opt for a thicker insole that is not suitable for your chosen boot, the effectiveness of the toe cap can be compromised. Items such as the VS210 Dynamic Arch Men’s High Insole from V12 and the Rock Fall Activ-Step 3Feet Mid Footbeds which are sold by our parent company, Clad Safety, are popular choices when choosing insoles.
My new tactical footwear feels tight, do I need to return them and exchange them for a bigger size?
All footwear can feel a little tight and stiff when you first try them on, but the fabric and stitching will stretch over time but only by a few millimetres. If they feel very tight all over and especially at the widest part of your foot, there is a high chance that you need to wear a bigger size.
A common misconception surrounding safety boots and tactical footwear is to size up and wear thick socks if they feel a little loose. This school of thought is incorrect; it is of paramount importance that you wear the correct size of safety footwear both for comfort and to provide your feet with the appropriate protection from hazards at work.
If you are unsure about your size, you can print off the footwear template in the HeroQuip Shoe Size Guide and check the measurements against the footwear chart. If you are still unsure, our team of technical experts can advise you on the correct tactical footwear.
Are half size tactical boots designed for men only or are there ladies options available?
Traditionally safety boots and tactical footwear were only available in men’s sizing but as the demand for this type of ladies footwear has grown, so has the range of products available. Ladies styles have been designed in a slimmer style to suit female feet while certain boots are identical to their male colleagues such as the Haix range which are also available in half sizes. Other brands such as Rock Fall and V12 are available in smaller sizes which are often better suited to women’s feet.
I’ve downloaded the HeroQuip Shoe Size Guide, how do I use it?
The HeroQuip Shoe Size Guide has been designed to make it a simple and straightforward process to measure your feet.
- Print the Shoe Size Guide and Ruler on A4.
- In the print settings the Page Scaling must be set to Actual Size or None. Check against an actual ruler to ensure scale is correct.
- Cut out the ruler.
- Place heel on the green line as shown.
- Measure length using foot gauge.
- Measure the full width of your foot by wrapping the paper ruler around your foot at the widest point.
- Check the measurements against the attached HeroQuip Shoe Size Guide to find your correct size.
If you have any problems, please contact the HeroQuip Team.
Ok, now I know my size. What brand of tactical footwear should I choose?
HeroQuip sell a wide range of safety and tactical footwear from the leading brands including Blackrock, Haix, Ecos, Rockfall and V12. Waterproof, sustainable and lightweight are all popular requirements alongside durability, slip resistance and comfort. You can view the full range of tactical footwear here.
HeroQuip has a wealth of experience, supplying quality uniform and footwear solutions to a wide range of organisations including Ambulance, Fire and Rescue, Ministry of Defence, Police and HM Prison Service. Our technical team can help guide you in your decisions and offer advice on the range of products in the marketplace. For further information please contact our Customer Service Team on 01423 803999 or email [email protected].
