When you’re standing in a shoe store in Galway, Dublin, or Cork, staring at a pair of waterproof women’s boots with a tiny B printed beside the size, it’s easy to wonder: what does B mean in boots? In Ireland, where rain isn’t just weather-it’s a lifestyle-getting the right fit isn’t about style alone. It’s about staying dry, comfortable, and safe on muddy lanes, cobbled streets, and slippery coastal paths. The answer isn’t complicated, but it’s critical.
What B Actually Means in Boot Sizing
In women’s boots, B stands for medium width. It’s the standard width for most women’s feet in North America and the UK, including Ireland. Don’t let the letter fool you-it’s not a brand code, a style indicator, or a secret size. It’s a measurement. Brands like Clarks, UGG, and Irish-made labels such as Boots of Ireland and Claddagh Footwear use B to denote a medium width that fits the average foot across the ball and heel. If you’ve never had issues with boots feeling tight or slipping at the sides, you’re likely a B width.
But here’s the catch: Irish weather doesn’t care about average. When you’re walking from Busáras to the Liffey quays in a downpour, or trekking through the Burren’s limestone pavements, your boots need room for thick wool socks, extra cushioning, and swelling feet after hours on wet ground. That’s why so many Irish women end up buying a half-size up-or switching to a D width-just to breathe.
Why Boot Width Matters More in Ireland Than Elsewhere
In a country where the average annual rainfall hits 1,000mm (and over 2,000mm in the west), your boots are your first line of defense. A narrow boot might look sleek, but it’ll crush your toes when you’re standing in a queue at Dunnes Stores after a long day. A too-tight fit traps moisture, leading to blisters, fungal infections, and that all-too-familiar Irish complaint: ‘My feet feel like they’re in a wet sock.’
Real talk: if you’ve ever bought a pair of boots in Limerick, worn them once in the rain, and returned them because they pinched, you’re not alone. Irish women have been doing this for decades. Local shoe repair shops in Kilkenny and Waterford see a spike in complaints every October, right before the winter rains settle in. The fix? Don’t just size for length-size for width.
How to Measure Your Boot Width at Home
You don’t need a specialist to find your width. Here’s how to do it in five minutes, right in your kitchen:
- Put on the socks you’d wear with boots-usually a medium-weight wool blend.
- Stand barefoot on a piece of paper. Trace the outline of your foot with a pen.
- Measure the widest part of your foot (usually across the ball) in millimeters.
- Compare it to this simple guide:
| Width Code | Foot Width (mm) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| A (Narrow) | 88-95 | Slender feet, low arches |
| B (Medium) | 96-102 | Average Irish foot |
| C (Wide) | 103-109 | Swelling feet, thick socks, bunions |
| D (Extra Wide) | 110+ | Post-pregnancy, arthritis, long walks |
If your foot measures 98mm, you’re a B. If it’s 105mm? Go wide. Brands like Geox and ECCO offer B and C widths in Ireland, and you’ll find them stocked in stores like Shoe Warehouse in Dundalk or Boots Ireland on Grafton Street.
Top Irish Boot Brands That Get Width Right
Not all boots are created equal. Some brands design for the American foot. Others for the Italian. Ireland needs boots built for the Irish foot-wider, sturdier, and built to last through five seasons of damp.
- Clarks - Their Desert Trek and Wendy lines come in B and C widths, and are widely available in Irish department stores like Brown Thomas and Arnotts.
- Claddagh Footwear - Made in Galway, these boots are designed by locals for locals. Their West Cork model has a roomy B width and a grippy sole for slippery Atlantic cliffs.
- Boots of Ireland - A small but respected brand based in County Tipperary. They use Irish leather and offer custom width fittings by appointment.
- ECCO - Danish, but widely sold in Ireland. Their Yucatan and Soft 7 boots have a natural foot shape and are available in B and C widths in most major cities.
Pro tip: Avoid cheap fashion boots from online retailers that don’t list width. You’ll save money upfront-but lose it in blisters, returns, and ruined socks.
What to Do If Your Boots Still Feel Tight
Even if you’ve picked the right width, Irish weather plays tricks. Cold feet swell. Wet leather stiffens. After a long day in the rain, your boots might feel like a prison. Here’s how to fix it:
- Use a shoe stretcher with a width expander-available at Shoe Care Ireland in Bray or online.
- Wear them with thick socks for 20 minutes indoors, then apply a leather conditioner like Obenauf’s to help the material relax.
- Try insoles designed for width relief-brands like Sof Sole offer thin, cushioned inserts that take up less space than bulky socks.
And if you’re still struggling? Visit a podiatrist. Many Irish health centers offer free foot assessments under the GP Visit Card scheme. A simple gait analysis can reveal if your issue is width-or something deeper, like flat feet or overpronation.
Where to Buy Width-Specific Boots in Ireland
You don’t have to order online. Here are five Irish stores where you can try on boots in person and get expert width advice:
- Shoe Warehouse (Dundalk, Limerick, Waterford) - Staff trained in foot anatomy. They’ll measure you and suggest B or C widths based on your walk.
- Boots Ireland (Grafton Street, Dublin) - Carries Clarks, ECCO, and Geox with clear width labels.
- Claddagh Footwear (Galway City Centre) - Handmade, local, and width-conscious. Ask for the Connemara model.
- Irish Country Boots (Cork, Kilkenny) - Specializes in rural footwear. Great for farmers, walkers, and anyone who spends time on country roads.
- Shoe Care Ireland (Bray, Wicklow) - Not just repairs-they offer free width consultations.
Pro tip: Go midweek. Weekends are packed. Staff have more time to help you when it’s quiet.
Common Myths About Boot Width in Ireland
Let’s clear up some myths you’ve probably heard:
- Myth: ‘I just buy one size up.’ Truth: That makes the boot too long. Your heel slips. You get blisters. Width is the fix, not length.
- Myth: ‘All Irish boots are wide.’ Truth: No. Many imported boots are designed for slimmer feet. Always check the label.
- Myth: ‘B width is for skinny women.’ Truth: B is average. Most Irish women are B. The problem is that many brands don’t make C in stylish designs.
The truth? Irish women’s feet are diverse. We come in all shapes. But the boots we wear? Too often, they’re not.
Final Advice: Don’t Just Buy Boots-Buy the Right Fit
When you’re choosing boots in Ireland, remember: the goal isn’t to look pretty. It’s to walk. To work. To hike the Wicklow Way. To get to the bus stop without your toes going numb. A B width is the sweet spot for most-but if your foot is wider, don’t settle. Demand a C. Ask for it. Insist on it.
Next time you’re in a store, hold the boot up to your foot. Can you wiggle your toes? Is there space at the ball? Does the leather pinch when you flex? If not, it’s not right. Walk out. Come back tomorrow. There’s always another pair.
In Ireland, your boots aren’t just fashion. They’re your connection to the land. Make sure they fit.
What does B mean in women’s boots?
B stands for medium width-the standard width for most women’s feet in Ireland and the UK. It’s not a size or a brand code. It’s a measurement across the ball of the foot. If you’ve never had boots feel too tight or slip at the sides, you’re likely a B width.
Are Irish women’s feet wider than average?
Irish women’s feet aren’t inherently wider, but they often need more room due to weather conditions. Thick wool socks, swelling from damp, and long walks on uneven terrain mean many women benefit from a C width-even if their foot measurement falls in the B range. The key is comfort, not standard sizing.
Where can I buy wide boots in Ireland?
You can find wide-width (C) boots at Shoe Warehouse in Dundalk and Limerick, Boots Ireland on Grafton Street, Claddagh Footwear in Galway, and Irish Country Boots in Cork and Kilkenny. Brands like ECCO, Clarks, and Geox offer wide options in-store and online.
Should I buy a larger size if my boots feel tight?
No. Buying a larger size makes the boot too long, causing heel slippage and blisters. Instead, switch to a wider width (C) while keeping your correct length. Width affects comfort more than length in wet, cold conditions.
Do Irish-made boots offer better width options?
Yes. Brands like Claddagh Footwear and Boots of Ireland design specifically for Irish conditions. They know that feet swell in damp weather and that walking on wet stone requires more toe room. Many offer custom width fittings, which imported brands rarely do.