When it comes to finding the best cowboy boots for you, there are a few things you need to consider. Don’t worry, we’re here to help break down all the options. Toe type, style, what material the sole is made from, and the type of leather can all affect which pair is best for you. Keep reading to learn more about how to find the best cowboy boots for you.

What is the best toe type for your boots?

There are four main types of toes for cowboy boots: snip, square, punchy or narrow square, and round. Each has its own benefits, so it really depends on your personal preference.

Snip & Pointed Toe Boots

Snip and pointed toe cowboy boots are great for those who want a more streamlined look. Some say snip and pointed toes have a dressier look than a square toe. They’re also great if you have more narrow feet; they won’t make your feet look wide. However, they can be less comfortable than some of the other types of toes because they don’t have as much room for your toes to move around.

Square Toe Boots

Square toe cowboy boots are a classic style. They’re also great for those with wider feet; they provide more room in the toe area. However, they could look a bit boxy if you have more narrow feet.

Narrow Square & Punchy Toe Boots

Narrow square or punchy toe cowboy boots are a good compromise between the pointed and square toe styles. They’re also a good choice if you can’t decide between the two types of toes.

Round Toe Boots

Round toe cowboy boots are a very comfortable type of toe, as they provide plenty of room for your toes to move around. They are great if you’ll be doing a lot of walking.

What is the best sole type?

There are four main types of soles for cowboy boots: rubber, leather, hybrid, and crepe. Each has its own benefits, so it really depends on your personal preference.

Rubber Soles

Rubber soles are a good choice for those who want a boot that is slip-resistant and gives you extra traction. They’re also great if you’re looking for a boot that is easy to care for, as they don’t require any special treatment. Rubber soles traditionally last longer than a leather soled boot. A rubber sole can also absorb more shock to your foot and is abrasion resistant. Boots with rubber soles are best for work around the farm, ranching, and horseback riding.

Leather Soles

Leather soles can be more comfortable than rubber soles as they mold to your feet over time and are naturally breathable. Cowboys and cowgirls alike have always loved leather soled boots for their ability to easily slide in and out of a stirrup as well as slide across the dance floor during a favorite country western song. Leather soled boots can also be re-soled if they become worn out. However, it’s important to note that a leather sole can be slippery and they’re not as durable as rubber soles if you’ll be wearing them to work in day in and day out.

Hybrid Soles

Hybrid soles are a good choice for those who want the best of both worlds. A hybrid sole is a leather sole that has been injected with rubber at the ball of the foot. They’re oil and slip resistant so they can provide you with better traction than a traditional leather soled boot. Lightweight and flexible, many cowboys choose hybrid soles for their authentic western look that gives more traction than a traditional leather sole.

Crepe Soles

Crepe soles are a good choice for those who want a softer, more comfortable sole. They are made from colloidal latex which is a material separated from rubber at a microscopic level. Because of this, crepe soles offer more bounce and flexibility as you walk.

What is the best style of cowboy boot?

Besides the well-known western cowboy boot style, here are four other popular types of cowboy boot styles: ropers, stockman, buckaroo, and work boots.

Roper Boots

Roper cowboy boots are a very beloved style of cowboy boot. They’re typically made for being on your feet all day and riding a horse. Roper boots have a shorter shaft, a lower heel, and a rounded or squared toe. Designed for cowboys who needed a shorter shaft so they could quickly dismount off their horse, these are great boots for the working or rodeo cowboy.

Stockman Boots

Stockman cowboy boots are great if you’re looking for a boot you can wear every day. They’re typically made from a heavier weight leather which makes them more durable. They also have a low, flat, and wide heel, which makes them great for working in. Most stockman boots also come with a durable rubber sole. Other features in stockman boots are their square toes and deep throats for added comfort.

Buckaroo Boots

Buckaroo cowboy boots are named after the cowboys who originally wore them. The most noticeable trait of a buckaroo boot is their very tall shaft. (Usually more than 14 inches high) They also have a higher heel, which makes them more comfortable for riding. However, the higher heel can make them less comfortable if you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Buckaroo boots usually come in round or square toe styles.

Western Work Boots

Work cowboy boots are designed for those who spend their days working on a ranch or farm. They’re typically made from a heavy-duty leather or rubber that can withstand the wear and tear of a hard day’s work. Usually, a work boots sole has more traction than a traditional cowboy boot and is oil resistant, so you don’t slip on the job. Worried about hazards on the job? Some work boots even come with built in steel or composite toe caps for extra protection.

What is the best type of leather for your boots?

There are different types of leather used in cowboy boots: full grain leather, top grain leather, genuine leather, bonded leather, and exotic leather. Leather quality can vary because of different factors, such as how the animal was raised or even where it came from.

Full Grain Leather

Full grain leather is the highest quality type of leather used in cowboy boots. It’s made from the top layer of the hide, which is the strongest and most durable part. Full grain leather is also more resistant to water and stains than other types of leather. However, it’s also the most expensive type of leather.

Top Grain Leather

Top grain leather is made from the second layer of the hide, just below the full grain layer. It’s not as strong or durable as full grain leather, but it’s more affordable. Top grain leather is softer due to its sanding and is not as water resistant as full grain leather.

Genuine Leather

Genuine leather is from any layer of hide that undergoes treatment to the surface for a more uniform look. It’s not as strong or durable as full grain or top grain leather, but it’s more affordable.

Bonded Leather

Bonded leather is made from pieces of fine leather scraps that are bonded together onto a sheet or fiber mesh. Because the amount of mixed leather can vary in the production process, bonded leather is not as functional as full grain, top grain, or genuine leather. Some manufacturers emboss bonded leather to give it the look of a certain type of leather grain.

Exotic Leather

Exotic leather is any type of leather that is not from a cow. Common types of exotic leather used in cowboy boots include ostrich, snake, alligator, and lizard. Exotic leather is more expensive than cowhide, but it’s also more durable and often more stylish. Exotic leather is also more resistant to water and stains than cowhide.

Find the Perfect Cowboy Boot For You at Cavender’s

Now that you understand the different features to consider when shopping for cowboy boots, it’s time to shop Cavenders.com or head over to your closest Cavender’s store to find the perfect boot for you. We have a wide selection of boots in all shapes and sizes so you can find the perfect pair for your needs. With brands like Ariat, Justin, Double-H, Twisted X, and more, we are confident you will find the best cowboy boots for you at Cavender’s. Let your feet decide and we’ll help you put some stomp in your step.