While all the styles are exploring, we’re partial to the Cartwright, which we anoint as the best cowboy boot for most folks thanks to its hand-laid cording at the shaft, a resoleable Goodyear-welt construction, and a slew of colors and leathers to choose from, including genuine cowhide and goat leather.
The Roper Boot
Designed for cattle roping, the roper boot is a shorter boot that stands about 10 inches tall and with a shorter, straight heel, as opposed to the angled “Cuban” heels of many other cowboy boots. The shorter shaft of the roper means a smaller canvas for the ornate decorative stitching of taller cowboy boots, so they’re often more pared-back by comparison. With a more humble stature and reserved design, ropers are less intimidating and an easier way to dip your toes into cowboy boots. Think of them as the gateway cowboy boot.
The Zip Boot
While most cowboy boots are meant to be pulled on, these are meant to be zipped in. Zip boots retain the characteristic shape of the cowboy boot from the toe to the top of the shaft, but have an added zipper to help things move along. They’re usually shorter than a roper and feel even less like boots you’d see on a cowboy and more like boots you’d see on a rockstar.
The Horseman Boot
The brand’s horseman boots can reach heights up to 13.5” and are made expressly for horseback riding. With tall, angled heels to help keep the rider’s feet stable in the stirrups, tough bison or bullhide leather to handle spurs, and pull holes at the top of the shaft for easy donning, these are a rider’s best friend.
The Work Boot
They may not take up much space in Tecovas’ roster, but there’s a smattering of cowboy-style work boots in the mix. Each of these styles features beefy rubber soles with pronounced lugs for extra grip or a thick wedge sole for superior support and comfort, each with the Vibram stamp of quality. On top of that, each of these work boots comes with a removable, comfy insole, plus water-resistant hides and weatherproofed seams to keep moisture out.
Tips for Buying Cowboy Boots
Looking at all the cowboy boot options can feel like looking at a litter of puppies. They’re all handsome, but difficult to tell apart at first. Here are all the details you should consider before picking up your first pair. The three most important aspects to consider are materials, toe shape, and sole type.
Materials
- Cowhide: Cowhide is the standard when it comes to cowboy boots. The leather is durable, cost-effective, and offered in a wide variety of colorways and finishes.
- Suede: Suede leather has a matte finish with a natural “nap” texture. This comes from the fibers that make up the flesh layer of the leather. Suede tends to be more casual than smooth leather and is also more prone to water damage. That said, waterproofing sprays help to prevent damage.
- Goat: Goat leather is a bit softer than cowhide and tends to have more texture and grain. Because of its natural oils, goat leather tends to wear in and patina noticeably faster than cowhide.
- Ostrich: Ostrich leather is distinct for its quill marks where the leather was plucked of its feathers.
- Lizard: Lizard leather has small, dense scales with a shiny finish.
- Alligator/Crocodile: These exotic leathers are some of the most sought after thanks to their distinctive scales and natural sheen. They’re also a rarer material. As such, they command significantly higher prices.
Toe Shape
- Round Toe: Though categorized as round, cowboy boots aren’t often as round as, say, a pair of Doc Marten oxfords. Instead, they still have a rounded point which makes them easier to slip into stirrups.
- Square Toe: Square toes are another very common shape for cowboy boots and are often coupled with double-row stitching at the welt.
- Snip Toe: The snip toe has a sharper angle than the square toe with a ‘snipped’ square toe. It’s more aggressive of a look and the least common of the options.
Sole Type
- Leather: Most of Tecovas’ offerings use a traditional leather sole. They’re slippery right out of the box, but will gain some traction as you continue to wear them.
- Rubber: Alternatively, you could opt for rubber soles which are grippier than leather and better in wet conditions. Tecovas offers Vibram soles which are famous for their quality and durability.
- Hybrid: Tecovas also offers a combination of leather and rubber soles to give you the best of both worlds.
How Should Cowboy Boots Fit?
Getting the right size is imperative, especially when you’re considering a pair of cowboy boots. The widest part of the toebox should feel comfortably snug, but shouldn’t pinch your toes. You should have enough room to slip your heel into the boot, without too much slippage. It’s fine if there’s a bit of heel lift, but not so much that the boot could fall off.
Order a half-size down if there’s too much heel lift or if you’re in-between sizes. Order a half-size up if your toes are feeling cramped or if you have a high instep or high arch.
