Why do winter boots fit perfectly in October but shrink two sizes by January?

You try them on in the store. Roomy. Comfortable. You could wear two pairs of socks if you wanted.

Fast-forward to the first real snow day. You pull them out of the closet, and suddenly they're a size four. Your foot is a size eight. Physics has left the chat.

Punchline

Turns out winter boots are like jeans fresh out of the dryer — they shrink exactly when you need them most.