To assess whether cowboy boots are durable or not depends on many factors such as the intensity of use and the skill of the bootmakers.
Everyone who buys a high-priced item always wants to know if it is really durable or not and worth their money. And cowboy boots are one such product.
But in general, when it comes to the durability of cowboy boots, it is hard for anyone to underestimate.
Today we’re going to dive into this. Are cowboy boots durable?
Let’s get started!
Are cowboy boots sturdy, well-resistant, and long-lasting?
You may encounter many complaints about how hard it is to choose the right-sized cowboy boots. But one thing is for sure, there are very few complaints about the durability of cowboy boots.
A good pair of cowboy boots can be used for 10 to 15 years, according to many die-hard fans in the cowboy boot world.
That is understandable as cowboy boots are made from 100% leather, and this material is very durable.
Besides, the original structure of traditional cowboy boots is also quite simple, they are like armor to protect the feet, so the structure is very simple.
Let me make a comparison, a normal pair of hiking boots or work boots can completely break down after about 2 years of continuous use due to torn eyelets, tongues, or laces.
Whereas cowboy boots possess laceless construction, such things do not happen at all. You have to spend more time looking for cowboy boots that fit well because you can’t tighten the laces.
Or another case you can see in other boots is the rubber or mesh parts wearing or tearing out, which is very common. But with 100% full grain leather construction, that won’t happen.
Cowboy boots are mainly composed of large pieces of leather. Therefore, their parts are not discrete and not attached by glue or stitching (the stitches on the shaft or vamp of cowboy boots are just for decoration). So they are often difficult to tear at those locations.
The primary reason why bootmakers create cowboy boots is also to serve farmers in various types of environments or extreme weather. Therefore, they must ensure durability and endurance against external forces.
Only thing is that you should pay attention to the sole of cowboy boots, it is not as durable as their upper.
Most traditional cowboy boots have soles made of leather. The fact that leather soles are often subjected to a lot of force and contact with many different surfaces makes them only last about 2 to 3 years. You will need to resole them periodically.
If you mind this, you should choose rubber soles because they can last up to 5 years.
In addition, it is also necessary to mention exotic leather in this regard. Some types of leather like ostrich are even more durable than cowhide so they can completely exceed 15 years. The reason is that ostrich possesses more natural oils, so it is less prone to cracking.
We have talked about how long cowboy boots last in this article! To know more about their lifespan, you should check it out!
Overall, a pair of cowboy boots that are well cared for and used for the right purpose will last a long time.
Why do I say use the right cowboy boots for the right purpose? Because there are so many types of cowboy boots these days, some for hard-working, others for fashion.
Using a pair of cowboy boots for fashion with a 2 1/2 inch heel and a narrow toe box will only make them break down quickly.
Conclusion
In short, cowboy boots are very durable because the construction is very simple and is made from 100% leather. The nature of cowboy boots is like armor, they protect farmers from the sun, rain, and other extreme weather so their endurance is indisputable.
Some exotic leathers like ostrich are even more durable than cowhide boots. You won’t find any work boots that can last longer than cowboy boots.
Even so, the outsole of the boots is usually not so durable, you will need to resole them often during use.
And don’t forget, cowboy boots only really last when used for the right purpose. Don’t use “catwalk” cowboy boots to work on the ranch.
That’s all you need to know!
Howdy y’all, and welcome to From The Guest Room, your ultimate guide to all things Western! I’m Jay Gatz, a lifelong cowboy boot enthusiast with over 5 years of experience in the Western style world. I’m excited to share my knowledge with you and help you discover the perfect cowboy boots and western gear to elevate your style. Let’s explore the rich history and timeless appeal of Western fashion together!