Choosing Cowboy Boots for Riding Horses That Are Safe & Effective

Cowboy boots have become a fashion statement all of their own, but they still very much have their place as the safest and best style of a boot if you are planning to add horseback riding to your homesteading lifestyle.

 

The rugged, durable cowboy boot is still the choice for farm and ranch horse activities, no matter if they are the current fashion ‘craze’ or not.  And if they are the latest fashion statement, well you’ll have a cool pair of well-worn cowboy boots to wear to the party!

 

But first, let’s get you set up with a great pair of practical cowboy boots for your homestead.

Why are Cowboy Boots Worn around Horses?

Cowboy boots are the “American” version of an equestrian the boot which has been around for about as long as people have been riding horses. Each culture put its own spin on its equestrian boot, with many unique styles and look. But the functionality of the boot was always the same and that is reflected, today, in both working and ‘fashion’ cowboy boots.

Good, working equestrian boots all have four main things in common:

1.   Cowboy boots have a distinct heel

Most boots today have a heel made of solid rubber, but traditionally the heel would have been made of wood.  The heel height can vary but if the boot is being purchased for riding horses, it should be at least 1 inch high and typically not more than 1 ½ inch high.

The reason the heel is so important is that when you are riding in a saddle (Western or English style) your foot rests in the stirrup. The heel of your boot prevents your foot from slipping through the stirrup and ending up in a situation with a stirrup around your ankle. The worst-case scenario is you fall off your horse with the stirrup caught around your foot and then your horse drags you. This is why any experienced horseperson ALWAYS wears boots with a heel when they are riding and will never let other people ride without an appropriate boot.

    2.  Cowboy boots are typically fairly narrow and pointed.

This is a style element also designed to work well with your foot in the stirrup. A big fat boot, say like a hiking boot, won’t fit well into a stirrup and again, pose the risk of getting a stuck foot.

The narrower design also lends itself well to being able to nudge your horse in the side with your heel (giddy-up!) or grip closer if needed. This, again, doesn’t work so well if you try and ride wearing a wide, fat pair of hiking boots.

    3. Cowboy boots are tall

There is some variation in just how tall equestrian-style boots are designed (some go almost all the way to your knee!), but generally speaking, a good functional cowboy should hit your leg at least six inches or so above your ankle.  You don’t want a short ‘ankle boot’ for riding horses.

Why? Well it again, it has to do due with the saddle and the stirrup. The leathers that the stirrup is attached too, hang down and rest against the horse’s side. When you put your feet in the stirrup and apply pressure as you ride, your leg, ankle, and calf will naturally rub against that stirrup leather. Your boot simply protects your tender skin from chaffing and rubbing raw against the stirrup leathers while you ride.

   4. Cowboy boots are always made of leather

Unlike other farm boots that may be made of rubber, neoprene, or other materials, good cowboy and equestrian boots are always made of leather. Why? Well because leather is not only unmatched for durability and flexibility and comfort with wear, but leather is a rugged material that protects your foot (and calf and ankle!).

When you work around horses, it is common to experience a horse accidentally stepping on your foot. Having a horse put all 1000 plus lbs of their weight onto your foot is a painful moment. This is not the time when you want to be wearing tennis shoes! Or even thin rubber or neoprene boots. The rugged leather in your cowboy boot protects your foot from injury. Some even include a steel toe which is a nice added feature.

So, now that we understand why the ‘cowboy boot’ has evolved to look like they do — even if totally worn for just a fashion statement!  — how does a homesteader find a great cowboy boot? 

Because there has been quite an industry develop around cowboy boots, different designs and styles have evolved over the years. Start off by considering the main cowboy boot styles.

Various Types of Cowboy Boot

There are five various types of cowboy boots:

Classic Western Boot:

The classic Western Boot features an angled heel that is one and a half inches. The traditional Western Boot is the most iconic and standard designed cowboy boot out of all on the market.

Ropers:

Here is where innovation and durability work together. This boot tends to be a bit wider, less fancy than some of the other styles. It is a classic standard from the old working cowboy days. It is a versatile, working boot.

Stockman:

The Stockman has the similar style to that of the classic boot. This particular boot has a hybrid design for those who stay in their saddle most days.

Western Work:

A lower cost boot compared to other cowboy boots simply because it is typically made of lower grade leather and less attention to detail, design or flair. Not a bad style though, if you are just starting out with horseback riding and on a tight budget.

Buckaroo:

This cowboy boot, the Buckaroo comes has more flair in regard to the design as compared to other cowboy boots and will often have a higher heel. This is less of an actual riding boot, and more of a ‘go out on the town in my cowboy boots’ sort of boot.

Our Five Best Cowboy Boots for Riding Horses

Ariat Women’s Fatbaby Heritage Western Cowboy Boot

Ariat is well-known and beloved brand in cowboy boots. This Ariat Fatbaby Heritage Western Cowboy Boot is one of the leading sellers in cowboy boots.

It not only looks fantastic, but the performance and durability place this boot on this list. The following features are just a few details that make this pair of boots the leader. These are:

·         Mesh Lining

·         100 Percent Leather

·         Imported

·         Rubber sole

·         Mesh Lining

·         Round Toe Shape

·         Full-Grain Leather Upper and Foot

·         Shaft measures approximately 8″ from arch

·         Heel measures approximately 2-Inches

Click Here to go to the products page on Amazon to read more, see more and order yours today.

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Ariat Men’s Heritage Roper Western Cowboy Boot

This Ariat brand boot is the second to make this list. This rugged boot is built to hold up to the athletic demands that come with ranching but with comfort in mind for a long day of work. Even if that means you’re hoping on and off your horse. The Heritage Rope is design with versatility and extended wear in mind.

Here are the features this boot design has that makes it unique:

·         Leather lining

·         Duratread Sole

·         Approximately 37 Inches Heel Measures

·         10-Inches from the Arch the Shaft Measures

·         Imported

·         Leather

·         Western Boot with a Square-Toe that Features sturdy stitching at the entry and an embossed logo at the counter

·         Square-toe Western boat featuring tonal stitching at the entrance and embossed logo at counter

Would you like more information on this pair of cowboy boot? Click here to find more features as well as see just how beautiful this boot is.

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Old West Boots Men’s TBM3011

The Old West Boot for men is another good all-purpose rugged boot. This boot will sit up higher on your calf, which may be preferred over the Heritage Roper for long days in the saddle.

The boots have a soft leather upper, a tough rubber work outsole and a cushioned insole for comfort all day. It is a little fancier boot, with classic leather workmanship, but still a solid working boot. Check out these features that make this pair of cowboy boots a best-seller:

·         Numerous Sizes to Choose

·         Leather

·         Rubber Sole

·         Imported

If you like the features of this pair of boots, view the boots and get you a pair ordered, click here:

Buy from Amazon

Soto Boots Men’s Broad Square Toe Boots H50019

If you are in search of a rugged boot that does it all, this Soto Boot, Men’s Broad Square Toe Boots is a great choice. Consumers own a pair claim once you wear a Soto boot, you will never go back to any other brand. This style offers a little bit more wiggle room for the toes, which can be more comfortable for some

The colors that this boot comes in is a dark brown color or tan. Check out these additional features that make this boot by Soto Boots as unique as it is solid:

·         Popular Men’s Square Toe Design

·         Imported

·         Leather and Rubber sole

·         Shaft measures approximately 11-Inches

·         Western Stitching that is Classic on shaft

·         Decorative Inlays for Style

·         Rubber Ridges on the Leather Sole for Slip Resistant

This cowboy boot is as classic and popular as the wild west days. If you want to view the product, read additional details and get yours ordered today, click here:

Buy from Amazon

Ariat Men’s Western Boot

Once again, another classic Ariat boot makes our list. This standard western boot is a great example of the of marriage between a little bit of fashion and style that has become the hallmark of ‘cowboy boot style’ plus the versatility of a working equestrian boot.

With that solid heel, mid-calf height and durable leather construction it is a great all-around cowboy boot. Take a look at these features to get an idea of just how excellent this boot is for riding horses (and hitting up the tavern afterwards!).

·         100 Percent Leather

·         Duratread Sole

·         Imported

·         Shaft is 11.5 Inches From Arch

·         The Opening to the Boot Measures 15 Inches Around

·         Full Grain Leather Foot With a Four-Row Stitch Pattern

·         For Comfort, the Boot has 4LR Four-Layer Footbed

There are many other features and factors with this pair of boots. Click here to see the item and get your order in today.

Buy from Amazon

We hope this helps you to find a great pair of cowboy boots for your homestead. As a last bit of advice, a good pair of cowboy boots rarely feel comfortable the first time you put them on. The leather is often a bit stiff and they take a bit of time wearing them to get the boot to relax and conform to your shape.

But once you got a great pair of cowboy boots worked in, we promise, you’ll never want to take them off!