Boot Brokers Standards

Most marketplaces treat boots like just another listing. Boot Brokers is being built around one idea: reduce uncertainty to near-zero for buyers, and protect good sellers by making listings complete, honest, and verifiable from the start.

Required listing essentials (non-negotiable)

Every listing must include:

1) Proof of size + width

  • Photo of the size tag/stamp/printing showing size and width (D, E, EE, etc.)
  • If the boot has no tag, seller must provide a clear photo of the marking (or note "no tag" and provide measurements)

2) Outsole + heel wear verification

  • Full outsole photo (straight-on)
  • Heel wear close-up (straight-on)
  • Any sole separation must be clearly shown

3) Measurements that prevent fit regret

  • Insole length heel-to-toe (or interior footbed measurement)
  • Outsole length + outsole width at widest point
  • Shaft height (for western/engineer/tall boots) when relevant

4) Condition transparency

Close-ups of:

  • Toe/vamp creasing
  • Any cracks, cuts, deep scuffs, stains
  • Heel counter condition
  • Interior photos showing lining condition (especially heel lining)

5) The "what you're buying" shot list

Minimum photo set (10 photos):

  1. 3/4 front-left
  2. 3/4 front-right
  3. Outer side profile
  4. Inner side profile
  5. Back/heel
  6. Top-down
  7. Outsole (full)
  8. Heel wear close-up
  9. Size tag/marking
  10. Flaws (close-up)

Structured fields (so buyers can filter like adults)

Boot Brokers listings require standardized fields that most marketplaces ignore:

  • Brand
  • Model (if known)
  • Style (Chelsea / service / work / cowboy / etc.)
  • Size + width
  • Leather type (full-grain / suede / roughout / etc.)
  • Color
  • Sole type (lug / leather / wedge / etc.)
  • Construction (welted / stitchdown / Blake / cemented / unknown)
  • Condition grade (see below)
  • Measurements (auto-highlighted in the listing)

Condition grades (clear, consistent, enforceable)

To stop "excellent condition" from meaning nothing:

New / Unworn

No wear; may be tried on indoors

Like New

Minimal wear; outsole shows almost no use

Excellent

Light wear; no structural issues; clean uppers

Good

Visible wear; still solid; flaws disclosed

Fair

Heavy wear; priced accordingly; may need repair soon

Project / Needs Repair

Issues clearly stated (sole separation, deep cracks, missing hardware, etc.)

Anti-scam basics built into the marketplace

Boot Brokers is being designed to reduce the usual nonsense:

  • No pressure to move off-platform for payment
  • Clear listing requirements reduce "not as described" ambiguity
  • Listings with missing proof photos or incomplete fields don't publish

Seller-friendly clarity (less drama, fewer disputes)

Because listings are standardized:

  • Buyers know what they're getting before they buy
  • Sellers spend less time answering the same questions
  • Disputes are based on defined standards, not subjective expectations

The result: A marketplace where complete listings are the norm, not the exception. Where buyers can shop with confidence and sellers can list without drama.