Sizing Guide — Solovair, Dr Martens, George Cox, Loake & Grinders

Every brand we stock fits differently. Solovair is not the same as Dr Martens. George Cox is not the same as Loake. If you are spending £200 or more on a pair of boots, getting the right size first time saves you a return and a week of waiting.

This guide covers every brand we carry. It is based on decades of fitting customers at our Camden Town shop — not on guesswork or manufacturer claims.

UK / EU / US Size Conversion

UK	EU	US Men	US Women
3	36	4	5
3.5	36.5	4.5	5.5
4	37	5	6
4.5	37.5	5.5	6.5
5	38	6	7
5.5	38.5	6.5	7.5
6	39	7	8
6.5	40	7.5	8.5
7	41	8	9
7.5	41.5	8.5	9.5
8	42	9	10
8.5	42.5	9.5	10.5
9	43	10	11
9.5	44	10.5	11.5
10	44.5	11	12
10.5	45	11.5	12.5
11	46	12	13
12	47	13	14
13	48	14	15

All our products are listed in UK sizes. Use the table above to convert from EU or US sizing. When in doubt, go by UK size — it is the standard we use in the shop.

Solovair

Runs: True to UK size
Half sizes: Available across most styles
Width: Medium
Break-in: Firm for 5–10 wears, then moulds to foot

Solovair boots run true to size. If you are a UK 9, buy a UK 9. Do not size down the way you might with Dr Martens. The leather is thicker and firmer out of the box than standard Dr Martens, but it softens and moulds to your foot over the first two weeks. The leather insole also conforms to your foot shape.

The greasy leather range is slightly more forgiving on width — the oils in the leather allow it to give. The hi-shine range is stiffer and less accommodating of wider feet.

Steel toe models: The steel cap takes up space in the toe box. Some customers go a half size up in steel toe boots. Try before committing if possible.

Dealer (Chelsea) boots: Size down if between sizes. A loose Chelsea boot is worse than a snug one — there are no laces to adjust.

Read our detailed Solovair sizing guide for more.

Dr Martens

Runs: Slightly large
Half sizes: Not available (whole UK sizes only)
Width: Wide toe box
Break-in: Stiff initially, loosens over 1–2 weeks

Standard Dr Martens run about half a size large. If you are a UK 9.5, buy a UK 9. If you are a UK 9, a UK 9 should fit — but there is no half-size option if it is slightly too big.

The Made in England range fits slightly differently from the standard range — the leather is thicker and the insole is stiffer, so the break-in period is longer but the long-term fit is better.

For vintage Dr Martens from our Vintage & Rare collection, sizing can vary by era. Boots from the 1980s and 1990s may fit differently from modern production. Contact us before ordering if you are unsure.

Read our guide to Dr Martens Made in England vs standard for more on the differences.

George Cox

Runs: True to UK size
Half sizes: Available on most styles
Width: Medium to wide (varies by style)
Break-in: Moderate — 3–7 wears

George Cox creepers and shoes are hand-lasted, meaning each pair is shaped on a wooden form. The fit is generally true to size, but there is natural variation between individual pairs — this is a feature of handmade production, not a defect.

The D-Ring Creeper has a wider last than the Gibson or the Robot Range. If you have narrow feet, the Robot may suit you better. If you have wider feet, the D-Ring is more forgiving.

The thick crepe sole on standard creepers adds significant height. If you have not worn creepers before, the sole thickness can feel unusual initially — give yourself a few wears to adjust.

Read our George Cox history and George Cox vs Underground comparison.

Loake

Runs: Varies by last
Half sizes: Available
Width: Narrow to medium (depends on last)
Break-in: Short — most styles are comfortable within 2–3 wears

Loake uses multiple lasts — different shoe shapes designed for different foot types. This means sizing is not consistent across the range the way it is with Solovair.

The Capital last runs narrow — if you have wide feet, size up or choose a different last. The Pennine last is wider and more forgiving. Check which last the specific style uses before ordering.

Loake leather soles are smoother than rubber soles and can be slippery on polished floors until the sole wears in slightly. This is normal for leather-soled shoes.

Read our Loake vs Solovair comparison.

Grinders

Runs: True to UK size
Half sizes: Limited availability
Width: Medium to wide
Break-in: Minimal — most styles are comfortable quickly

Grinders are generally the most forgiving fit in our range. The toe box is roomy, the leather is softer out of the box than Solovair, and most customers find them comfortable from day one.

If you are between sizes and half sizes are not available in your chosen style, size down. Grinders tend to run true or very slightly large.

Between Sizes?

If you are between sizes — say a UK 8.5 — here is the brand-by-brand advice:

Solovair: Buy the half size (8.5). They offer it.
Dr Martens: Size down (buy 8). They run large and do not offer halves.
George Cox: Buy the half size (8.5) if available. If not, try both and contact us.
Loake: Buy the half size (8.5). Check the last width.
Grinders: Size down (buy 8). They run slightly generous.

Width Concerns

Wide feet: Solovair greasy leather, Grinders, and George Cox D-Ring Creepers tend to accommodate wider feet best. Loake Capital last and Solovair hi-shine are narrower.
Narrow feet: Loake Capital last, George Cox Robot Range, and Solovair hi-shine work well. Add an insole if boots feel too roomy — we stock insoles in the shop and online.

Still Unsure?

Come to the shop. We are at 5 Kentish Town Road, Camden Town, London NW1 8NH — two minutes from Camden Town tube. Nick will measure your feet, fit you across brands, and tell you honestly what works.

If you cannot visit, email us before ordering. Tell us your usual UK size, the brand you normally wear, and whether your feet are wide or narrow. We will recommend the right size.

Read our Complete Boot Buying Guide for more on construction, leather, and styles. Or browse our Solovair, George Cox, Loake, Dr Martens, and Grinders collections.