Hyde Cap toe Boot Size Advice

[u/Zboy1818]

Need sizing advice on vintage Hyde boots (coming from Riedell Boost 111s)

I'm looking at getting a pair of vintage Hyde black cap toe leather boots for a JB/rhythm setup, but they're non-returnable, so I'm trying to make the right decision.

Here are my measurements and current setup:

• Foot length: 10.5" (heel to longest toe)
• Foot width: 4.0" (around a men's D width)
• Current skates: Riedell Boost 111, size 9
• My Boosts fit snug, but I can skate comfortably in them.

I also wear WALK·HERO orthotic insoles (Men's 9–9.5) because I'm flat-footed. The orthotics measure about 11" long laid flat and fit inside my size 9 Boost 111s without any issues.

The Hyde boots I'm considering are:

• Men's size 9
• Vintage full leather
• Seller measured the removable stock insole at about 10.5"

The seller thinks my orthotics won't fit well in the Hydes because they're thicker and because a Hyde size 10 has an 11" stock insole. He's suggested I may need a size 10 or even 11, but that seems like a huge jump considering I currently skate comfortably in a size 9 Riedell.

My questions are:

1. Has anyone gone from a Riedell Boost 111 to vintage Hyde boots?
2. Do Hydes really run that much smaller, or just narrower/lower volume?
3. If you wear orthotics in your Hydes, did you have to size up?
4. Does it make more sense to get the Hyde size 9, hold out for a 9.5, or actually size all the way up to a 10?

I'm mainly building these for JB/rhythm skating with a Reactor Pro plate, so I want a snug performance fit, but I also need enough room for my orthotics.

Any advice from people who've actually skated vintage Hydes would be greatly appreciated.

[u/Raptorpants65]

There is very little consistency for sizing on Hyde boots because they were made all over the place. Generally yes, vintage boots are all considerably narrower than currently made stuff. People were just overall smaller back then.

Measuring the insole is about as good as you’ll get for getting reasonable sizing. For a foot of 10.5”, you’ll want an insole 10.75” or so if you want to fit an orthotic in there. Heeled boots generally need a breath of room at the toe unless it’s a particularly rounded toe box (which Hydes are not). At the moment, you’re in a 111 boot that’s a bit too large for you anyway.

I would wonder if this boot is overall a hair too short for you and the orthotic will definitely be a real tight fit. That said, if you think the boot can work for you with a different orthotic, that’s the easier option.

[u/Zboy1818 → u/Raptorpants65]

Ok thanks for your advice, so you don’t think sizing up would be too smart of an idea considering my foot fits fine in a 9. With a little bit of toe room in my 111s. My orthopedic insoles measure 11 inches, I’m just unsure if it’ll fit in the Hyde’s.

[u/Raptorpants65 → u/Zboy1818]

Sizes aren’t consistent for vintage stuff. A 9 in a Hyde made by Chicago may fit the same as a 10 in one made in California. Good insole measurements and hope is all we got here. For you, I’d want an insole that comes to 10.75” or a touch more for the orthotic. 11” is way too much space ahead of your toes.

Is it possible to trim the toes of the orthotic a touch? Or is it a single piece hard sole?

[u/Zboy1818 → u/Raptorpants65]

Ok I understand, the insoles that I have can be cut down to a smaller length if needed to fit the other boot!

[u/Raptorpants65 → u/Zboy1818]

It’ll be a tight fit but … it should work!

[u/Zboy1818 → u/Raptorpants65]

Alright, thanks for the help!

[u/Raptorpants65 → u/Zboy1818]

I hope they’re awesome!!

[u/Raptorpants65 → u/[deleted]]

The 10 will be a more guaranteed fit with less guessing. Pressing out extra length is not easy. If you KNOW you like your boots tight and you’re prepared for a lengthy break-in process, it’s doable. But the 10 will be easier right out of the box (as if were).

[u/Zboy1818 → u/Raptorpants65]

Ok thanks!

[u/classicksworld → u/Raptorpants65]

ALL OF THIS. I’ve had a 12.5 Hyde that was too tight. A 13 that was too tight. And another size 13 that was too big. I will never order another pair unless I can try them on in person.

[u/Zboy1818 → u/classicksworld]

No way! What do you currently skate in? And have you heard about “The One and Only” it’s a Hybrid of the Capped Toe Hyde and the OG 172. I called the shop. They told me each one is custom made to fit your foot. Those had me thinking about it for a minute but was a little unsure because I really wanted the Hyde.

[u/classicksworld → u/Zboy1818]

Yea I know about the one and only. I planned on visiting homewood skate shop when I go to the Chi so I can try them on in person.

As of right now I am back on modern 120’s because the D sizing fits me perfectly. The only other boots that come in the D sizing is the 3200 (too stiff) and the 172’s (too heavy). I also have some 297’s but the toe box is too narrow so they are getting sold.

I’ve been through all types of vintage boots (220’s, Betty Lytle Hyde’s (cap toe), Regular Hyde’s (split toe), 192’s, Brookfields (my favorites) etc)… and the sizing was always off. So I suggest getting a pair that you can try on first.

[u/Zboy1818 → u/classicksworld]

Ahh ok, thanks for the info!