Although cowboy boots are very durable and can last up to 10 years, their bottom is not.
In most cases, the soles of cowboy boots usually last only about 3 years if they are leather and about 5 years if they are made of rubber.
The heels of cowboy boots are like their soles, they cannot last longer than the upper part because they constantly rub against the road surface.
Therefore, you need to replace them periodically, about 2 or 3 years if you use them regularly.
If you use cowboy boots for heavy-duty work like a construction site, you’ll probably need to change them once a year.
Today, we will talk about the problem of changing the heel of cowboy boots. Can you replace them or not? How and when?
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Are there any ways to replace heels on cowboy boots?
You can replace the soles and heels of most cowboy boots. There are various reasons for this replacement. Some people change the heel to a shorter one to make it easier to use, others feel the heel of the boot is too old and shows signs of damage.
Even so, you should also call the cowboy boot brand to ask for clarification. Although just a few, some brands still do not recommend replacing their original heels.
Or more simply, just bring your cowboy boots to the cobbler, he will immediately know if the boot heel can be replaced or not.
Note that don’t replace the entire heel of your cowboy boots by yourself at home. Instead, you should bring them to cobblers. The cost is not too expensive but the process is much faster and less risky.
Alternatively, when asking a cobbler to replace the heel on a cowboy boot, you can also request them to attach a different type of heel to it.
Some of my friends often choose a roper heel for their old boots, because this heel type is low, and has a wide and flat bottom that makes it easier for them to work.
You should also determine if you need to replace the entire heel or just the heel cap. If it is just the heel cap, you can do it at home.
Because today’s heel cap is sold a lot on the market. All you need to do is measure and cut it so that your new heel cap is the same size as your old one.
Then use a hard knife or screwdriver to remove or pry the old heel cap off. Then stick the new heel cap on. It’s done!
There are also some heel caps that use nails to attach, you will need a hammer to remove the old nails and attach the new heel cap to the heel.
But if you are not confident with your workmanship, just bring them to the cobbler.
Most people will replace only the heel cap instead of the entire heel. Because after a long time of use, only the heel cap shows signs of wear and damage.
Heel caps also come in many varieties, for example, 1 inch tall and 1/2 inch tall. I recommend choosing a heel cap at about 1/2 inch to ensure better stability.
When should I replace my cowboy boot heel?
There are many causes or signs for you to know it’s time to change the heel of your cowboy boots.
Firstly, you can feel them, if you walk on cowboy boots and feel they wobble and lack stability. Plus, if there is pain in your back, heel, or ankle, it is likely that the heel is worn and damaged.
Besides, looking at the bottom of the heel, if you see the appearance of nails on the surface, it looks like your heel is too worn now, it’s time to switch to a new one.
In general, you should also consider replacing the heels of cowboy boots periodically. If you wear them quite often and the bottom of the heel is leather, then you should replace them every 1 to 2 years. If it’s rubber on the heel bottom, then about every 3 years is okay.
In case you always do heavy work, rubber heel caps are such a great choice for you. The ideal time to change it is once a year.
Conclusion
Most cowboy boots have replaceable heels, so don’t worry.
But to be safe, you can ask the brand or cobbler, as some brands might suggest you not replace their original heels. But it’s just a few!
You should specify whether you need to change the heel cap or the entire heel. If you’re just changing the heel cap, you can do it at home. But if you intend to replace the entire heel, you should bring your boots to a cobbler.
Most people just replace the heel cap, because only it wears out.
The cost to replace the entire heel of a cowboy boot is not too expensive and does not take too much time, you should bring a cobbler to minimize the risk.
Signs to know when the heel of a cowboy boot needs replacement are:
- Cowboy boots wobble and lack stability, causing heel, ankle, or back pain.
- The bottom of the heel appears spikes, that’s when the heel is too worn
In addition, you should also replace the heel periodically. If the bottom of the heel is leather, then you should replace it every 1 to 2 years. But if it’s rubber, it’s every 2 to 3 years.
That’s all you need to know, good luck!
Howdy y’all! I’m Grace, a Western style enthusiast with over 5 years of experience. From cowboy boots to western gear, I’m passionate about all things Western and dedicated to helping you find the perfect style to suit your taste. Join me and my fiancé Jay Gatz as we explore the rich history and timeless appeal of Western fashion together!