There are many different factors that affect the durability of a cowboy boot. However, when compared to other footwear, cowboy boots are still extremely durable.
This is actually not too difficult to understand when the structure of the boots is not too complicated with 100% leather material.
Today, we are going to talk about the durability of cowboy boots. How long can they last?
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How Long Do Cowboy Boots Last?
As mentioned above, the durability of cowboy boots depends on a lot of factors. In general, they are much more durable than other types of footwear.
If a pair of cowboy boots is good quality and only used for casual wear, it is quite normal that they can last up to more than 10 years. Some people even used them for nearly 15 years. That’s a respectable number!
However, such long-lasting lifespan depends on how you take care of them as well as the type of material that makes up cowboy boots.
If cowboy boots are not well taken care of, they can still last from 4 to 6 years.
In addition, if you use cowboy boots for heavy work like construction sites, it only takes 2 years (or even 1 year) for you to change a new pair of boots.
In addition to the lifespan of cowboy boots, you may need to pay attention to the endurance of the outsole. Because while in use, you will need to resole cowboy boots a few times.
If you own leather sole boots and use them for casual wear, the leather soles only last about 2 to 3 years. Meanwhile, the rubber sole will last up to 4 to 5 years. After this time, you will need to resole if you want to continue using your boots.
- Proper care of cowboy boots makes them last longer
There are 3 basic steps that can prolong the durability of cowboy boots: cleaning, conditioning, and polishing. These caring methods help cowboy boots stay in the best condition. Your boots will not get dried out, cracked, moldy, etc.
In addition, you also have to pay attention to keeping cowboy boots dry, not getting damp or wet because moisture will ruin cowboy boots in the long run.
Finally, keeping the shape of cowboy boots always upright also determines the ability to hold up well for a long time of use.
If you do all of the above perfectly, a pair of cowboy boots that can last more than 10 years is quite normal. Otherwise, 4 to 6 years are common numbers.
- The material of the boots
In addition to the issue of boot care, the material that makes the boots is also very important in this regard. If you’ve been a longtime fan of cowboy boots, you know the difference between the durability of exotic leathers.
For example, ostrich boots are very durable so they will last longer than other materials such as lizard or goat leather.
In addition to cowhide, ostrich boots are very popular in the world of cowboy boots because of their softness and remarkable durability. Ostrich boots have a lot of natural oils so they are less prone to drying and cracking, and they are softer than other leathers.
Besides ostrich leather boots, cowboy boots made from kangaroo leather are also extremely durable (the structure of kangaroo leather is referred to make bulletproof armor). But kangaroo boots are less common than ostrich ones.
Boots made from ostrich, kangaroo, or bovine leather can last for more than 10 years (with proper care) due to their very durable properties.
- Your job and intended use
Your job and intended use also affect the endurance of cowboy boots. For example, if it is just for casual wear, yard work, or truck driving, cowboy boots can last more than 10 years.
But if cowboy boots are used for ranch then 4 to 6 years of lifespan would be a more reasonable number.
Today, many cowboy boots are heavily reinforced to be used for heavy work such as construction sites. However, that only increases their protection, not their durability.
Cowboy boots that are often present in heavy outdoor work usually last for almost 2 years!
- Pay attention to the sole of cowboy boots
In addition to the upper, the durability of the outsole is also very important. It is obvious that if the outsole gets damaged, you cannot use cowboy boots. The good news is that we can resole most cowboy boots.
In general, cowboy boots have two main types of soles, leather soles and rubber soles.
Leather soles last about 2 to 3 years if used continuously, while rubber soles last about 4 to 5 years. After this period, you will need to find a good cobbler to resole them if you want to continue using them.
Before you leave
Overall, there are many factors that affect the durability of cowboy boots. But if you buy cowboy boots from a reputable brand for casual wear, you take good care of them and have them resoled at the right time, it is normal for them to last 10 to 15 years.
Otherwise, cowboy boots can last from 4 to 6 years. Since they are made from 100% leather, they are very durable.
But if you use cowboy boots for heavy work, that number drops quite significantly, only about 2 years.
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!