Are Cowboy Boots Comfortable to Wear? Let’s Find Out.

One of my good friends only wears cowboy boots everywhere and at all times. His dedication to boots prompted my grandson to point out that cowboy boots must be more comfortable than tennis shoes. I decided to find out.

Cowboy boots are very comfortable to wear and give you excellent foot support; however, the boots must fit your feet correctly for optimal comfort. And yes, some are more comfortable than tennis shoes.

Many first-time buyers of cowboy boots select their boots based on their appearance. However, a lot goes into choosing the right boots, and comfort, not looks, should be at the top of your list.

Pro Tip: Always check out Ariat’s website before buying, they often have the best prices and latest styles of their boots.

The Most Comfortable Cowboy Boots

Do you love the look of cowboy boots but find them uncomfortable? If so, you’re in luck! There are comfortable cowboy boots on the market that will let you wear your favorite style without feeling like you’re walking on rocks.

The cowboy boots I’m wearing in the picture above are Tecovas’ “The Doc” I’ve had these boots for a while now and wear them often because they are so comfortable. They are hand-crafted boots made in Mexico.

But there are other boots I like just as well; keep reading to learn more about cowboy boots that look good and are durable and comfortable.

Cowboy boots are comfortable enough to wear all-day

When a person walks into a room wearing a nice pair of cowboy boots, they make a lasting impression but are they comfortable? With many things in life, there is always a trade-off, a meal tastes wonderful, then, of course, it’s unhealthy, or an article of clothing looks fabulous but it’s torture to wear.

But you can have both comfort and style when it comes to cowboy boots. You just need to choose the right type of boots and ensure the fit is spot on. Some of my cowboy boots are the most comfortable footwear I own.

I especially like the Tecovas “Doc” and Chisos cowboy boots; both are exceptionally comfortable and good-looking. They both run a little over two hundred dollars. But, if you shop wisely, you can find a good pair of comfortable cowboy boots for relatively cheap.

Different types of cowboy boots are designed with features that play a role in their purpose and comfort. For example, ropers have short shafts and low-profile heels, making them one of the most comfortable cowboy boot styles.

Pictured below are my round-toe Ariat ropers, I can wear these all-day riding and working around the barn, and my feet are as comfortable as any pair of tennis shoes I’ve owned. I’ve tried to replace them through the years, but few others have held up or been as comfortable.

When you’re looking for a new pair of cowboy boots first, decide on the style of boots you want; next, have patience, and ensure the boots fit your feet correctly. After buying your cowboy boots, give them time to break in and mold to your feet.

With these considerations, you can find a pair of cowboy boots that are as comfortable as your favorite pair of tennis shoes.

Choose the right style of cowboy boots for comfort.

Not all cowboy boots are designed the same. Some are specially made for horseback riding, while others are built for outdoor work. When choosing a boot for comfortable walking, buy one with a moderate heel and mid-length shaft.

There are five primary styles of Cowboy boots:

• Classic western boots have no laces, a 12-inch shaft, and a 1 1/2 to 2-inch angled heel designed to keep a foot from sliding through a stirrup. To read about stirrups, click the link.
• Ropers‘ have a heel that is only about 1 inch and typically is squared off, and the shaft rises slightly above the ankles and has a flexible sole. Classic ropers have a rounded toe but are also available in square-toed styles.
• Western work boots have heels less than 2 inches with soles made of rubber or another composite material designed for traction. The shaft typically comes to the midcalf, and the toe-box is rounded or squared.
• Stockman boots have a short and wide heel. And it also has a wide toe box with rubber soles. The shaft is typically ornate.
• Buckaroo boots have elongated decorative shafts more than 14 inches in height. The heels on these boots are often over 2 inches in height.

The most comfortable style of cowboy boots for everyday walking are ropers, stockmen, and western work boots. Their low-profile heels provide support and balance, and the toe-box is wide enough to make walking around in them a pleasurable experience.

If you are always on your feet, consider one of these cowboy boot styles for your next footwear. If you’re looking for a pair of riding boots that are also good hiking boots, click on the link.

Cowboy boots must fit properly to be comfortable.

A correctly made and adequately fitted cowboy boot will support your foot and provide comfort. They should feel snug when you slide your foot into your boots, like a firm handshake. The instep holds the boots in place, so it is an important area to pay attention to.

It’s ok if your cowboy boots have a little slip in the heel, especially when they’re brand new. Heel movement of a quarter to half an inch is typical; with wear, your foot will form to the boot, and your heel will stop slipping.

If you have no heel movement with a new pair of boots, they are too short for your feet, forcing your toes too far into the toe box. You should have space in the toe box; your toes need to be about 3/4″ to 1 ½ from the end of the boot.

The tips of your toes should reach into the toe box but not take up the toe box. If you can’t wiggle your toes, the boots are too small. The instep holds the boots in place, so this is an important area to pay attention to.

The arches in most boots are typically made with a steel shank, providing excellent support and comfort. Ensure the breakpoint is correct in your boot.

When standing in your boots, the ball of your foot should align with the broadest part of the sole. The natural breakpoint is the area where the boot bends. It must flex where your foot does, at the toe line, for the greatest comfort.

You need to feel slight pressure across your instep, the location of laces on most shoes. Your boots must fit securely across your foot because the leather loosens with continued wear.

If the boot is loose when you buy it, don’t expect it ever to fit your feet correctly. For optimal comfort, the boot must fit your foot correctly before purchasing.

Boots that fit poorly can cause blisters, inflammation, and plantar fasciitis. If you choose your cowboy boots correctly, they will be so comfortable that you will never want to take them off.

You must buy the correct size, don’t just pick up boots the same size as you usually wear shoes. Boot companies use custom templates, and frequently their sizes are different than standard shoe sizes. You want to measure your foot and try on the boots.

If you’re buying boots online, head to your local store and measure your feet. The sales clerk will provide you with a length and width measurement. Different brands invariably are of different sizes.

Top 3 most comfortable men’s cowboy boots

1. Ariat Heritage Ropers

These boots have a short shaft and stylish look combined with comfortable low squared-off heels. What sets this boot apart is its gel-cushioned and moisture-wicking Duratred soles. When you have to walk all day, you will appreciate their gel-cushioned design.

The shank is made of a durable composite material and provides better-than-average arch support to ensure all-day comfort. Whether you’re going for a walk in the countryside or the city, this boot offers the most comfortable way to travel.

The boots are all leather and built to last. Ariat is known for designing comfortable and long-lasting boots, and these heritage boots live up to their reputation.

I’ve researched these boots and highly recommend them. However, checking out Amazon’s customer reviews is a good idea. This boot has more than a thousand reviews with an average of 4.5 stars. Here is the link to Ariat Heritage’s customer review pages.

2. Justin Ropers Equestrian Boots

This roper made by Justin is one of the most comfortable boots you will ever wear. It’s made from durable but soft kipskin leather. The shaft reaches just the right height.

The heel is set correctly to provide comfort, and the insoles are designed so you can wear the boots all day and be comfortable. Justin is a reliable brand, they’ve been making boots since 1879, and when you buy a pair of Justin ropers, you will be wearing the most comfortable boots ever made.

We reviewed these Justin Ropers, but they also get high marks from Amazon customers. With over 200 reviews, they average 4 stars. Here is the link to Amazon customers’ review of the Justin Ropers Equestrian boots so you can compare them to other boots.

3. Ariat Sport Patriot

You can order these Ariat Sport Patriot boots with a rounded or square toe. It’s made using high-quality leather with shock-absorbing EVA midsoles to give you toe protection.

Ariat designs their boots for the working athletic cowboy, so they design all their boots with the expectation they will be worn all day. The Sport Patriot may be their most comfortable design. Give these boots a try, and you won’t be disappointed.

With over 650 customer reviews on Amazon, these Ariat’s garner 4.7 out of 5 stars. Here is the Amazon customer review page link so you can read why hundreds of other customers are satisfied with their Ariat Sport Patriot boots.

Top 3 most comfortable women’s cowboy boots

1. Ariat Fatbaby Heritage boots

The Ariat Fatbaby Boots are comfortable and durable. It’s made of pliable leather that doesn’t restrict movement. The shaft on this Ariat is only 8″ inches, so it should wear well with skirts or jeans.

The synthetic soles are made of flexible material and provide sufficient traction either on the trails or the sidewalks. These are functional multi-purpose boots that you can wear riding, walking, or working, and not have to change your footwear.

These boots are reviewed by over 5,000 customers on Amazon and have a 4.7 out of 5-star rating. This is amazing. Here is the link for you to read what others have to say about the Ariat Fatboy.

2. West Blvd – Miami Cowboy Boots

West Blvd boots are more fashionable than the other boots we’ve reviewed, but because of their style and comfort, they earned a place on our list of most comfortable women’s cowboy boots.

The boots come with cushioned insoles that provide non-slip features. This West Blvd boot comes with a flexible 10-inch shaft, which is high enough to give support but low enough to be comfortable.

You can order your boots in a variety of colors. The material is breathable and is suitable to wear in either winter or summer. Overall this is an excellent boot, especially for the price.

More than 1,500 customers have reviewed these boots on Amazon. So if you are considering purchasing these boots, you have a great resource. The average rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars. Here is the link so you can read what other customers think about these affordable West Blvd. Miami boots.

3. Justin Women’s Gypsy Ropers

The shaft on this Justin boot is 10.75 inches and is made of 100 pieces of leather. The Gypsy series is a combination of high comfort and technology. The boots look good and are functional.

They are offered in various colors and are styled with meticulously crafted stitching. The rubber soles provide excellent grip and flexibility, and the low heels are perfect for long days on your feet.

Justin boots are legendary, and their makers have a reputation for designing the most comfortable cowboy boots on the market. The Gypsy boots live up to this great tradition; they look and feel exceptional.

Here is a link to Justin Gypsy’s ropers customer reviews on Amazon. More than 600 people wrote reviews and rated these comfortable-fitting boots by Justin.

Below is a helpful YouTube video that points out which styles of cowboy boots are most comfortable.

Related Information

• Best American-made cowboy boots
• Best Cowboy Boot Brands Made in Mexico
• Good-looking cowboy boots you can wear with a suit or slacks
• The best women’s cowboy boots for under $200
• Click on this link to read about the best brand of cowboy boots for horseback riding
• Can snakes bite through leather cowboy boots? Click on the link to find out.