How to Shop for Cowboy Boots

Western wear is having a moment right now, but buying a pair (or two) of cowboy boots may be more complicated than it appears on the surface. Cowboy boots come in several styles, and in a range of bright colors and exotic leathers. Choosing the right options can be daunting.

But, at least you’re allowed to buy more than one boot. Read on to learn more about how to shop for a pair (or pairs) of cowboy boots.

Think About How You’ll Be Wearing Your Boots

If you’re going to be wearing your cowboy boots to go riding at the rodeo or mucking out the barn, you’ll want something very different than if you’re going to wear them out clubbing or even as a daily casual shoe. You should prioritize durability in a work boot, but in a statement piece, go for the fun colors or the metallic finish.

Consider Shaft Height

Traditionally, cowboy boots are about 12 inches tall. However, these days you can find cowboy boot styles in everything from an ankle bootie to a thigh high. That’s especially the case when it comes to women’s cowboy boots. Boots with tall shafts are increasingly being made with zippers to make them easier to get on and off – especially fashion boots. But, historically, cowboy boots are pull-on work boots, and most are still made that way.

Don’t Shy Away from Fun Colors and Designs

Fun colors and designs are what makes the Western-wear trend. Grab those crazy tie-dyed boots, or the oxblood red ones. Wear them to spruce up your boring work outfits or add a touch of pizzazz when you don’t feel like changing out of sweatpants for your trip to the store.

Know Your Boot Leathers

Not all boot leathers are the same. Cow leather is the standard for cowboy boots, but you can also get boots made from goat leather, which is softer and more buttery, as well as calf leather, bison leather, pig leather, and bull leather. Calf and goat leather might be better options for a boot that you intend to wear as a fashion statement, while the other leathers are sturdy enough for use in a work boot.

You can also buy cowboy boots in a range of exotic leathers. The most sought-after leather is ostrich leather, and the most sought-after part of the ostrich hide is the crown, which is the part on the ostrich’s back where the leather has bumps from quills being removed. Full quill ostrich products are made from this part of the ostrich hide. Other parts of the ostrich hide, such as the legs and neck, have an almost reptilian pattern that mimics caiman or alligator leather.

Many exotic boot leathers are durable, strong, and easy to care for – leathers just need to be conditioned once in a while, and some leathers, like ostrich, contain natural oils that keep them supple. Keep in mind that if you buy any reptile leather boots – snake, caiman, alligator, or tegu – you will have to carefully clean under the scales and condition the boots regularly so that they don’t split or crack at the hinges.

Get the Right Fit

Getting the right fit is important, and can be hard to do when you’re talking cowboy boots. That’s because each boot manufacturer has its own forms that it uses to mold the boots, so each brand of boot is a different shape and will fit your foot differently. That’s why it’s often best to try cowboy boots on in person. That said, fashion boots made with cheaper materials won’t have this problem.

A cowboy boot should fit firmly, like a handshake for your foot. There will usually be a little slip in the heel – about one-quarter to one-half inch – and of course there will be room for your toes to lay flat and for you to wiggle them a little. The heel slip goes away once you break the boots in.

Choose the Right Sole

Traditional cowboy boots are made with leather soles, but you can also buy roper, stockman, and work style boots with rubber soles. Rubber soles are a good choice if you’re going to be doing a lot of walking and need more traction, or if you’re going to be working outside and need something to ground you in the event you’re struck by lightning. If you’re going to be doing any dancing in your boots, though, you’ll want to go with the traditional leather sole. It can be a bit slippery at first, but once you rough it up it’ll gain some traction.

Finding the right pair of cowboy boots can be an adventure in itself, but the fun doesn’t end there. You’ll be kicking up your heels for years once you find the right pair.