British Army boots use standard UK shoe sizes, roughly 4 to 13, with Altberg going up to 14. Most models come in two fittings: Medium, the standard width, and Wide, which gives extra room across the forefoot. Start with your usual UK size, choose Wide if your feet are broad at the ball of the foot, and size up if you are between sizes.
- Sizes are standard UK sizes, not European or NATO clothing codes.
- Medium is the standard fit; Wide adds room across the forefoot.
- The Altberg Defender has a secure military fit that can feel snug; size up if between sizes or wearing thick socks.
- Try boots on indoors: returns are accepted within 30 days, but boots worn outdoors cannot be returned.
Do British Army boots use UK sizes?
Yes. Issue combat boots are sized in standard UK shoe sizes, so the number on the boot means the same thing as the number on your everyday shoes. Across our combat boots collection you will find sizes from around UK 4 to UK 13, and the Altberg Defender goes up to UK 14. This is different from military clothing, which uses NATO size codes based on body measurements; our NATO sizes explained guide covers those.
Because boots are worn with thicker socks than most shoes, and because military lasts are built for a secure hold, the right size is not always your trainer size. The sections below explain how to adjust.
What is the difference between Medium and Wide fit?
Medium is the standard fit and suits most feet. Wide gives extra room across the forefoot, the broad part of the foot around the ball and toes. The length of a UK 9 Medium and a UK 9 Wide is the same; the difference is in the width.
| Fit | What it means | Choose it if |
|---|---|---|
| Medium | Standard width | Normal shoes fit you comfortably across the ball of the foot; you have average or narrow feet |
| Wide | Extra forefoot room | Shoes often pinch across the ball of the foot or little toe; you have broad feet; you want room for thick socks without going up in length |
How do I know if I need a Wide fit?
There are a few reliable signs. If standard shoes regularly press on the joint at the base of your big toe or your little toe, if you often buy a size longer just to get enough width, or if your feet spread noticeably on long walks, a Wide fit is worth trying. Going up a full size in length to gain width usually leaves your heel lifting and your toes sliding forward, which causes blisters. A Wide fit in your true length solves the problem more comfortably.
If your feet are average width and Medium shoes feel fine, stick with Medium. Too much width lets the foot move inside the boot, which is just as uncomfortable over distance as a tight fit.
Should I size up in military boots?
It depends on the boot and your socks. The Altberg Defender has a secure military fit that can feel snug, so we recommend going up a size if you are between sizes or plan to wear thick socks. For other makes, start with your normal UK size and use the Medium or Wide option to adjust width. If you intend to wear heavy walking or cold-weather socks, try boots on with those socks. Our socks and accessories collection has suitable options.
How should I measure my feet for boots?
Measure in the late afternoon or evening, when your feet are at their largest. Stand on a sheet of paper with your heel against a wall, wearing the socks you will use with the boots, and mark the tip of your longest toe. Measure the distance from the wall to the mark, then do the same for the other foot; most people have one foot slightly larger, and you should size for the larger one. Compare the result with the guidance on our sizing and condition guide.
How should a combat boot fit when I try it on?
Lace the boot fully, all the way up. A good fit feels like this:
- Your heel stays put when you walk, with little or no lift.
- There is roughly a thumb's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the boot.
- Your toes can wiggle freely and are not pressed together.
- The forefoot feels held but not squeezed across the widest point.
- Your toes do not hit the front when you walk down a slope or stairs.
Leather issue boots soften and mould to the foot with wear, so a boot that feels firm but not painful at first is normal. A boot that pinches sharply on day one will rarely become comfortable.
Do used surplus boots fit differently from new ones?
Used boots can feel slightly softer because the leather has already been broken in, and the insole may have compressed a little. Size still follows the number on the boot. Condition, from Super Grade to Grade 2, describes wear rather than fit; see the surplus grades guide for what each grade means. For help choosing between models, read our comparison of the best British Army combat boots.
What if my boots do not fit?
Try them on indoors on a clean floor as soon as they arrive. Returns are accepted within 30 days, but boots worn outdoors cannot be returned, so keep them clean until you are sure. Full details are on our refunds and returns page. If you are torn between two sizes or fits, ordering two pairs can save a second wait, and our two-pair boot deal gives 20% off the cheaper pair if you keep both.
Frequently asked questions
What size range do British Army boots come in?
British Army boots come in standard UK sizes, roughly UK 4 to UK 13. The Altberg Defender runs up to UK 14. Many models are also offered in Medium and Wide fittings, so you can match both the length and the width of your foot.
Is a Wide fit longer than a Medium fit?
No. A Wide fit is the same length as a Medium of the same UK size. The difference is extra room across the forefoot, around the ball of the foot and toes. Choose Wide for broad feet rather than going up a size in length.
Do Altberg boots run small?
The Altberg Defender has a secure military fit that can feel snug. If you are between sizes, or you plan to wear thick socks, we recommend going up a size. If you are firmly one size and wear normal socks, your usual UK size is a good starting point.
What socks should I wear when trying on boots?
Wear the socks you will actually use with the boots. Thick walking or cold-weather socks take up noticeably more room than everyday socks and can change which size or fit is right, so trying on with thin socks can lead to boots that feel tight later.
Can I return boots that are the wrong size?
Yes, within 30 days. Try boots on indoors only, because boots worn outdoors cannot be returned. Orders placed before 1pm Monday to Friday are dispatched the same working day, and UK delivery is free on orders over £100.
Should I choose Wide fit for thick socks?
Often, yes. If your usual size fits well in length but feels tight across the forefoot with thick socks, a Wide fit in the same size adds room without leaving your heel loose. If the boot also feels short with thick socks, go up a size instead.
Written by the Raid Supply team, who grade every item by hand in Buckinghamshire.