How to Measure Your Feet for Custom Motorcycle Racing Boots
Quick answers: Measure both feet in the afternoon or evening, standing, wearing the socks you ride in. Take the foot length from the heel to the longest toe, the width across the widest part of the foot, and the instep around the highest point of the foot. Use the larger foot and send the measurements in centimetres with your order. Follow the size guide for the exact boot you order.
Key takeaways
- Feet swell during the day, so measure in the afternoon or evening.
- Wear the socks you will ride in. Thick socks change the fit.
- Measure both feet and use the larger one. Many people have one bigger foot.
- Length alone is not enough. A wide forefoot or a high instep are the two dimensions stock boots most often get wrong.
- Fit is a safety feature. A boot that lets your heel lift can come off or let the foot move inside it in a slide.
What you need
- A blank sheet of paper and a pen or pencil.
- A ruler or hard tape measure in centimetres.
- A flexible tape or a strip of string for instep measurements.
- The socks you wear for riding.
- A wall and a hard, flat floor.
Step by step
1. Prepare
Measure in the afternoon or evening, when feet are at their largest. Put on your riding socks. Stand on the sheet of paper with your heel against a wall.
2. Foot length
Stand with your weight evenly on both feet. Mark the paper at the tip of your longest toe, which is not always the big toe. Step off and measure from the wall to the mark. Repeat on the other foot and use the longer measurement.
3. Width
Trace around each foot with the pencil held upright against the foot. Measure straight across the widest part of the tracing, usually across the ball of the foot. Use the wider foot.
4. Instep
Wrap a flexible tape or string around the highest point of the top of the foot, over the instep, and note the circumference. If you have a high instep, tell us, because it affects how a boot closes.
5. Calf
Tall race boots also need room at the calf. Measure around the fullest part of the calf while seated with your foot flat on the floor. If you have muscular calves, send this measurement too.
What to send with your order
| Measurement | How |
|---|---|
| Foot length | Heel to longest toe, in cm, larger foot |
| Width | Across the widest part of the foot, in cm |
| Instep | Circumference over the highest part of the foot, in cm |
| Calf | Circumference at the fullest part, in cm |
| Usual shoe size | Include the system, such as US or UK |
See our size guide for the diagrams, or check the size chart on the boot's product page, for example the Fabio Quartararo French GP boots. Boots are made to order in standard and custom sizes.
Common mistakes
- Measuring in the morning, when feet are smaller.
- Measuring barefoot instead of in riding socks.
- Measuring only one foot.
- Relying on a shoe size from another brand.
- Leaving out the instep and calf, when you have a high instep or big calves.
- Measuring while sitting, which can show a smaller foot.
How a boot should fit once you have it
- Snug, with no heel lift when you walk and flex.
- Enough room to move your toes slightly.
- The zip and closure shut without strain.
- No pressure points when you sit in your riding position.
See our racing boots buying guide for the full fit checklist, and break-in tips for new leather.
Frequently asked questions
Do I measure both feet?
Yes. Most people have one slightly larger foot. Use the larger measurement.
What socks should I wear when measuring?
The thin technical socks you wear on the bike. Thick socks make boots feel tighter.
How much room should I leave at the toe?
Enough to move your toes slightly, but not so much that your foot slides forward. Race boots should be snug.
What if I have wide feet or a high instep?
Tell us when you order. These are the dimensions stock boots most often get wrong, and made-to-order boots can account for them.
What if my calves are big?
Send your calf circumference so the shaft and zip can close comfortably.
Can I use my usual shoe size?
It is a starting point only. Shoe sizes vary between brands, so send your measurements instead.
Sources
- Superbike Factory: Motorcycle boots sizing: essential tips for the perfect fit
- Altberg: Motorcycle boot measurement guide