Quote:
Originally Posted by
gasoline 
Seriously. I have the oil slick chukka true to size. It fits perfectly. Unlike the Beckman which I sized down 1 full size. Both fit perfectly. You should not have to break in your boots to get the right fit. That is absurd and horrid for you feet. I have noticed the strange SF phenomenon of people sizing footwear down like crazy. Is it because they read the denim thread and think you're supposed to cripple your feet for months to get a proper fit? Any Red Wing or Alden clerk will tell you err on the big side. Extra room is good.
Based on a Zappos customer survey for the Chukka:
85% "Felt true to width", 49% "Felt a half size smaller than marked". No one said they run large.
The process of breaking in new boots is absolutely normal. Since my days in the army I know that new boots ALWAYS require a break in, sometimes it's easy, sometimes it's tough. In the Red Wing range the hardest one for me was the Beckman (Gentleman Traveller), the easiest was the 877/875. Should be because of the softer leather. You can ease the process by applying lots of boot oil before using the boots, repeat this 3-4 times and the leather will soften up significantly. Before break in your boots should fit lenghtwise (in this area no stretch is to be expected) but the heel area will mold to your feet during the first few days. If you buy your boots too large (means too wide), they'll never develop a snug, supportive fit.
Sizing down is a matter of your standpoint. There are lots of manufacturers that tag their stuff with ridiculous size tags. I usually am an "L" build, but sometimes I need an "XXL" or a "M". That's why you should try before buy.
Red Wing is definitely one of those examples where you almost always can size down on size. So what? Is it important to have a proper fitting boot, or have a boot with your "normal" size tag in it?
I once ordered a pair of 212 a half size bigger than usual, it was their last pair and the price was great. But I ended up sending them back, too wide in the heel area, no way these boots would have ever satisfied me.
The only reason I see why to order Red Wings without sizing down is to have real cold weather work boots. I have a pair of 577 which I only use for doing things in my yard or attending a soccer game in winter. Because they're too big, I can wear thick, really thick, socks in them and I put an insulating insole in them. That'll be impossible if they were my regular size.
