Leading the fashion trend: Looking for a way to share your love of cowboys? For some gentlemen out there, having a quality pair of men’s cowboy boots doesn’t just make a fashion statement—it’s an investment into Western footwear that lasts for years, and is comfortable with each step. There are so many brands and styles available on the market now that knowing how to tell if cowboy boots are good or not can prove to make all the difference. Here’s what to keep in mind when shopping for your next pair.
Material Quality
For high-quality men’s cowboy boots, the first thing you need to look for is the material. The most classic and preferred material for cowboy boots is leather, but not every leather is born equal. Opt for boots constructed of full-grain leather, which is the best grade of leather. This leather will be the sturdiest and the most resistant, and it will gain a good appearance while your boot gets older.
You’ll also see cowboy boots in exotic materials such as alligator, ostrich and snake leather. These boots cost more than most, but they look great and are exceedingly tough.
Craftsmanship
For cowboy boots, it’s all about craftsmanship. Just like anything decent in life, most good boots are handmade, and some real bastards will show straight away in the stitching and construction of your pair. Inspect the finishing, which should be even and taut. Good cowboy boots will have small space stitches around that are strong and consistent.
Notice the stitching around the welt, the strip of material that attaches the upper part of the boot to the sole. In good cowboy boots, this stitching is straight and tight, so the boot will endure for decades.
And make sure they’re smooth inside and out. A nicely constructed boot won’t have a lot of rough edges and such — and the inside won’t have any loose threads or unfinished spots.
Fit and Comfort
The right pair of men’s cowboy boots should fit nicely out of the box. As much as cowboy boots take some time to break in, the fit should be snug rather than tight as you slide your foot in, especially in the arch and ankle. The boot should fit snugly and provide support, but not be tight and painful. And don’t forget to consider the height of the heel either—classic cowboy boots usually feature a taller heel, adding extra support and stability.
If you’re buying boots online, be sure to check sizing charts and reviews, so you get the right size. Many makers also provide extensive guides on how to fit their boots, whether they’re true to size or whether you need to size up or down.
Sole Quality
The sole is also key in trying to determine the quality of cowboy boots. With high-quality cowboy boots, these soles are made from long-lasting materials such as leather, rubber, or a leather and rubber composite. For a classic look and solid grip, many high-end boots have leather soles. But for rougher outdoors boots with soles of rubber are preferred because they provide much better traction and last longer.
Do you find the level of comfort and durability to be equally balanced? A good, well-built sole will afford years of wear without the loss of flexibility for walking or riding.
Design and Style
Quality is probably the most important aspect of small cowboy boots for men, but so is the design and style of your boots. The finest of the boots also boast designs on their shafts–stitching, embroidery, or inlay. The attention to detail and the work that have gone into these designs are clear.
One other consideration is the shape of the toe. Toe style Cowboy boots can be found in several toe shapes – from round and square to pointed. The ideal toe shape is the one that appeals to your aesthetic sense and gives the comfort you need while wearing them all day long.
Brand Reputation
The brand’s reputation is very important when you want to make sure you receive an excellent product. A few brands are known for their quality and longevity. Always make sure you’re doing your homework and maybe avoid the cheapest brand of cowboy boots if quality is what you’re after.
Price
Though price isn’t always a measure of quality, watch out for boots that seem too cheap to be real. True western boots are a work of art born of skilled labor, and the materials used are of the highest quality to justify the price. But it doesn’t have to cost a fortune — there are plenty of middle-of-the-road offerings that still deliver quality.
Conclusion
When buying a pair of western-style men’s cowboy boots, one should pay attention to several factors, such as materials, design, fit, and quality of workmanship. By paying attention to those key factors, you can make sure you’re buying boots that look good and will last. Whether for workwear or to make a statement, a pair of well-made cowboy boots can provide you with a wardrobe staple for years to come.