If you have to force your feet into the western style boots, you have the wrong size. You want the vamp, the top of the boot, to fit snugly, not too tight, nor too loose. The vamp is what determines if you have the right size or not. The next thing to consider is the heel. In the beginning, your foot might slip about half or a quarter of an inch. This space is needed as the boot will slowly mold to your feet. The forefoot or the ball of your feet should rest on the broadest portion of the boot.