While all styles are explored, we’re partial to the Cartwright, which we think is the best cowboy boot for most people due to its hand-laid ropes on the shaft, resoleable Goodyear welt construction, and a range of Color and color.
Roper boots
Designed specifically for cattle roping, the rope boot is a shorter boot, about 10 inches tall, with a short, straight heel, unlike the sloping “Cuban” heel of many other cowboy boots. The shorter shaft of the rope means there’s less canvas for the ornate decorative stitching on taller cowboy boots, so they’re often simpler in comparison. With a lower profile and conservative design, ropes are less intimidating and an easier way to dip your toes into cowboy boots. Think of them as your gateway cowboy boots.
zipper boots
While most cowboy boots are meant to be worn, these boots are meant to be zipped up. They are usually shorter than ropes and feel less like cowboy boots and more like rock star boots.
Knight’s Boots
The brand’s riding boots are available in heights up to 13.5 inches and are designed for riding. With a high, angled heel to help keep the rider’s feet stable in the stirrups, tough bison or cowhide to handle spurs, and pull holes at the top of the stem for easy wear, these are a rider’s best friends.
work boots
They might not take up much space in Tecovas’ list, but there are some cowboy-style work boots out there. Each style features a sturdy rubber sole with pronounced lugs for extra grip, or a thick wedge sole for superior support and comfort, and each shoe carries the Vibram seal of quality. Best of all, each pair of work boots comes with a removable, comfortable insole, as well as waterproof leather and weatherproof seams to keep moisture out.
Tips for buying cowboy boots
Looking at all the cowboy boot options feels like looking at a litter of puppies. They’re both handsome, but it’s hard to tell them apart at first. Here are all the details you should consider before picking out your first pair of shoes. The three most important aspects to consider are material, toe shape, and sole type.
Material
- Cowhide: Cow leather is the standard for cowboy boots. This leather is durable, cost-effective, and available in a variety of colors and finishes.
- Suede: Suede leather has a matte finish and has a natural “fleece” texture. It comes from the fibers that make up the fleshy layer of leather. Suede is more casual than smooth leather and is more susceptible to water damage. That said, waterproofing spray can help prevent damage.
- goat: Goat leather is softer than cowhide and tends to have more grain and texture. Goat leather wears and tarnishes significantly faster than cowhide due to the natural oils it contains.
- ostrich: Ostrich leather is distinguished by the traces of its feathers, which are plucked from the leather.
- lizard: The scales of lizard skin are small, dense, and have a shiny surface.
- Alligator/Crocodile: These exotic leathers are among the most popular due to their unique scales and natural luster. They are also a rarer material. Therefore, their prices are much higher.
toe shape
- Round head: Although cowboy boots are classified as round, they are generally not as round as a pair of Doc Marten oxfords. Instead, they still have a rounded corner, which makes them easier to slide into the stirrups.
- Square head: Square toes are another common shape for cowboy boots, often with double rows of stitching on the welt.
- Toe clipping: A scissor toe has a sharper angle than a square toe with a “snip” square toe. It’s more radical in appearance and the least common option.
Sole type
- leather: Most of Tecovas’ products use traditional leather soles. They are slippery right out of the box, but as you continue to wear them they gain some traction.
- eraser: Alternatively, you can opt for rubber soles, which have more grip than leather soles and hold up better in wet conditions. Vibram soles offered by Tecovas are known for their quality and durability.
- Hybrids: Tecovas also offers a combination of leather and rubber soles, giving you the best of both worlds.
How to fit cowboy boots?
Getting the right size is crucial, especially when you are considering purchasing a pair of cowboy boots. The widest part of the toe box should feel snug but shouldn’t pinch your toes. You should have enough room for your heel to slide into the boot, but not too much slip. It’s okay if the heel is raised a little, but not so high that the boot falls off.
If the heel rises too high or your size is in between sizes, order a half size down. If your toes feel cramped or you have a high instep or arch, order a half size up.
