6 Best Cowboy Work Boots in 2022
Cowboy boots have evolved from riding boots worn by cowboys in the 1860s to everyday work boots. This is because manufacturers have fused its classic style that entails tall shafts, high heels, and no lacing with modern comfort system insoles, breathable linings, and safety features like safety toes, electric hazards, and slip-resistant outsoles.
Quick Answer: Best cowboy work boots
On that note, you don’t have to work on a ranch or farm to wear cowboy work boots. In fact, most of them are versatile and come with the same features as the majority of work boots. Because of that, they can be worn by any professional who benefits from their pull-on feature and high craftsmanship.
However, it can be challenging to come across the best cowboy work boots. Fortunately, we’ve done in-depth research to come up with great durable options from reputable brands to keep your feet safe and comfortable as you take on hard tasks.
Ariat Workhog Steel Toe Cowboy Work Boots (Best overall)
Material: 100% Leather
Size: 6-15
Weight: 4.98lbs
Shaft height: 13 inches
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| Slip-resistant outsole | They retain a lot of heat during summer |
| Comfortable padded insole | |
| They’re waterproof | |
| They’re comfortable | |
| Designed with steel toe protection |
These Ariat boots are a perfect mix of modern heavy-duty work boots and classic western style. Their U-turn entry system and pull-on style make them easy to wear and remove even if you have high arches. Moreover, they don’t leave room for unraveled laces that potentially become trip hazards. Better yet, you don’t have to worry about wet laces or leaks while working with water.
If you’re a farmer, rancher, or veterinarian who works in an environment prone to snakes or scorpions, these boots’ 13-inch shafts will protect you from their poisonous bites and stings. Also, they keep thorns and rocks from entering into the boots and causing pain and discomfort.
Speaking of things they keep out, they’re designed with waterproof uppers; you can wear them on rainy days while pouring water in the trough for cows or cleaning the barn and your feet will remain dry. They’re also insulated to keep your feet warm for winter work and cold mornings.
Their interiors are lined with moisture-wicking linings to prevent fungus and bacteria that lead to smelly feet at the end of a hectic workday. For comfort, they’re specially fitted with gel cushion insoles that absorb shock with every step you take. Their lightweight composite shanks ensure proper body alignment to prevent foot fatigue.
Lastly, these steel-toe work boots are ASTM certified to shield the foot against compression. Their dura tread outsoles offer traction and energy return with every step.
Wolverine Men’s Rancher (Best for riding horses)
Material: 100% Leather
Size: 7-14
Weight: 4lbs
Shaft height: 11.5 inches
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| Gently padded footbed | The soles could wear out if you’re too heavy |
| Excellent arch support | |
| They’re durable | |
| They’re slip and oil resistant | |
| They’re breathable |
Wolverine Men’s rancher is an excellent option if you have sweaty feet. For starters, they have been designed with a moisture-wicking lining that wicks out perspiration and lets in air to keep your feet dry. That means you won’t have smelly boots and feet due to microbial growth.
If your toes get cramped up, these boots have stylish square toes that offer more room. It gets better, in case a heavy tool or a horse steps on them while you’re working, your toes won’t get crushed since these boots have been fitted with steel toe guards that absorb the impact of up to 200 joules.
For comfort and support, these Wolverine boots have been engineered with removable ortholite padded footbeds that relieve your foot’s pressure points by distributing your body weight evenly across the arches of your foot. Additionally, they have a slight heel that provides arch support, especially for people with flat feet.
Another fantastic thing; their uppers are made from pure leather that can withstand a brutal beating from any work environment. Not to mention, their uppers and outsoles are attached using the Goodyear welt construction technique, making them more durable and waterproof.
These square-toe cowboy boots are almost perfect. However, they run a bit large. Because of that, we would recommend you pick one that’s a size down, especially if you have narrow feet.
Tony Lama Cowboy boots (Best Western Style)
Material: 100% Cheyenne Leather
Size: 6-11.5
Weight: 5.88 lbs
Shaft height: 11 inches
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| Wear resistant rubber sole | They could be too spacious if you have narrow feet |
| Comfortable toe box | |
| Their uppers are durable | |
| They’re roomy in the toe area | |
| Their outsoles are slip resistant | |
| They’re waterproof | |
| They have a steel toe |
If you’re a country music fan, the name Tony Lama probably rings a bell. These boots have had a steady reputation in country music because of the high craftsmanship and superior materials used to formulate them since 1911. Aside from that, the vintage touch from the Cheyenne leather and beautiful Western-style embroidery on the uppers makes them aesthetically pleasing; you can wear them casually to work.
What about comfort? Their insoles are specially engineered with a multi-dense form to evenly distribute body weight, relieving pressure points without getting compressed fast, especially for people who weigh over 200lbs. Moreover, they have a round toe and a heel lock system to prevent irritation and keep your feet comfortable.
Talking about durability, the uppers are specially tanned and waxed to make them durable and scratch-resistant; you can subject them to a harsh work environment, but once you clean them and oil them, they’ll spin back to shape. Similarly, their outsoles are made from wear-resistant rubber; they won’t split apart, leaving your feet vulnerable.
Most importantly, they’re ASTM certified to offer protection against slip and fall accidents, electric hazards, and compression.
Justin Original Stampede Work Boots (Best for Protection)
Material: 100% Leather
Size: 7-14
Weight: 2lbs
Shaft height: 10.5 inches
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| Oil and slip-resistant rubber outsole | Not ideal for narrow feet |
| They’re comfortable | |
| They offer great arch support | |
| They’re durable | |
| Steel toe protection | |
| They’re lightweight |
Justin Original Stampede boots are hard workers just like you; they can withstand harsh conditions, such as rugged terrains and fields with sharp objects like thorns, without tearing. Moreover, its manufacturers used the Goodyear welt technique to secure the uppers with the outsoles.
Beyond that, they let you take on the day confidently without fear of nursing foot, knee, back, and back pain after work. Their J-flex comfort system makes you feel like you’re walking on soft fluffy clouds; you won’t get fatigued due to the ground pressure. When they’re straight out of the box, you don’t need to spend hours trying to break them in with all sorts of hacks because they quickly adapt to the shape of your feet.
Furthermore, if you have flat feet that overpronate and cause ankle strain and pain, these boots’ heel lock system and 10.5-inch shafts set your heel in place to prevent that from happening. Even better, they prevent foot conditions that cause extreme foot pain because of injured Achilles tendons like plantar fasciitis and shin splints thanks to their removable cushioning insoles and steel shanks.
It’s also worth mentioning they offer exceptional hazard protection while you work since they’re fitted with steel toes that shield the feet from fractures when heavy objects fall. On top of that, they have slip-resistant rubber outsoles that seep you on your feet while on muddy, wet, oil, or another low traction surface.
Rocky Men’s Cowboy Boots (Best for heavyweight users)
Material: 100% Leather
Size: 7-15
Weight: 2.1 lbs
Shaft height: 14.5 inches
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| Breathable waterproof layer | The sizing is a bit off since they run large |
| Reinforced stitching to improve durability | |
| Excellent shock absorption properties | |
| They’re durable | |
| They’re versatile | |
| They can be resoled |
Rocky Cowboy work boots are an excellent all-around option that can withstand any job in almost any work environment. This is because they’re constructed using full-grain leather uppers and double-row stitches, which are wear resistant. They’re waterproof, so you can work with them when it’s raining or in the mud, and your feet will remain dry.
If you’re heavyweight and have difficulty finding cowboy-style work boots that can relieve your pressure points, these boots have been constructed with an 8-layer comfort system. Its insoles are contoured to offer arch support and cushion the Achilles tendons to prevent pain and fatigue. Furthermore, it’s designed with a welted insole and a flex facilitator, so you can comfortably bend or drive the tractor without straining.
Another thing; you’ll find that the outsoles have patterns that secure your footing while you walk on loose gravel, muddy, wet, and slippery surfaces. Additionally, they’re fitted with composite toes which are 15% lighter than steel toes and more flexible. Furthermore, when the temperatures are extremely low, they’ll keep your feet insulated to prevent frostbite.
You’ll have to go down a size when purchasing them if you don’t want them to feel like flip-flops.
Durango Maverick Cowboy Boots (Best waterproof)
Material: 100% Leather
Size: 7-15
Weight: 4.7 lbs
Shaft height: 8 inches
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| Cushioned footbed | Their insoles are insufficient |
| They’re extremely breathable | |
| They’re durable | |
| They’re waterproof | |
| They’re slip and oil resistant |
Do you love high-quality boots that make a fashion statement? The Durango Maverick boot’s alligator skin pattern and western style embroidery will make your feet the center of attention. Of course, these boots do not just look without guns; they’re fitted with steel toes to shield your feet from lacerations and compression while you work with heavy and sharp objects.
What’s more, during summer when it’s hot, these boots won’t turn into mini ovens since they have ventilation shafts that increase airflow to keep your feet dry and cool. Inside the boots, there’s a comfortable, removable polyurethane footbed that cushions your feet while you work on hard surfaces.
Additionally, its midsoles are dual-density for better arch support, shock absorption, and even weight distribution; this helps prevent foot pain and fatigue; it enables you to work for longer hours, increasing your productivity. Not to forget, they’re lined with gore expansion for easy wear and removal.
To top it off, these boots meet the ASTM standards for toe protection, electric hazards, and slip resistance. The only issue is the outsoles wear out fast, so you might need to replace them with ones that last longer.
Things to Consider When Purchasing The Best Cowboy Work Boots.
Protection
If you want to protect your feet against impact and compression while working with heavyweight objects, look for boots with ASTM-approved steel, composite, or alloy toe. Not to mention, they will also offer your feet protection against lacerations and punctures while you’re working with sharp objects.
Similarly, if you work around electric hazards that might electrocute you, it’s better to choose cowboy boots that are EH rated; some can even withstand currents of up to 18000 volts when dry. Boots with this rating are generally designed with non-conductive materials such as rubber or Vibram and a secondary protective layer.
Lastly, to prevent slip and fall-related accidents that can cause severe injuries, purchase boots with deep lugs to improve traction while walking on slippery surfaces and rugged terrains.
Comfort
Comfortable cowboy work boots will improve your endurance by reducing fatigue, especially during those long shifts. On that note, make sure the boots you purchase are true to size; we recommend that you size up by ½ an inch since feet tend to swell up as the day goes by due to pressure and heat.
Another thing; make sure the cowboy work boots you like have insoles that can distribute your body weight evenly without weighing down so that it doesn’t weigh down on your Achilles’ tendons and cause foot pain and fatigue. Also, if you have chronic conditions requiring specialized support, choose boots with removable insoles that can be replaced with orthotics.
Not to forget, to prevent blisters and pinching when boots are new, purchase boots made with soft, flexible uppers and padded interiors. Alternatively, make sure you try and wear the boots in the house and walk around with them before you wear them to work so that they break in, therefore limiting discomfort at work.
Longevity
Apart from safety and comfort, durability is also important. No one wants to spend money on a cobbler or new boots just after a few wears from your purchase. To get value for money, the secret is to purchase a cowboy boot made of high-quality craftsmanship and materials. Boots made of premium full-grain, nubuck, or suede leather tend to last longer than those made of bonded leather, faux, synthetic, or genuine leather.
Most importantly, the construction technique used to hold together the upper and outsoles plays a significant role in making the boots wearable for the long haul. Boots made using the Goodyear welt have proven to stand the test of time since their uppers are attached to the upper using neat solid stitches and a strip of leather. The bonus is that this construction technique seals out spaces that sip in moisture.
The Basic Types Of Cowboy Work Boots
Steel toe Cowboy Work Boots
These types of cowboy work boots are fitted with steel safety guards at the toe area to protect your feet against injuries by heavy falling objects. Best of all, they also offer protection from lacerations and punctures. Therefore, if you’re surrounded by numerous sharp and heavy hazards at work, steel-toe boots might be the way to go.
Composite-toe Cowboy work boots
If you’re not a fan of steel toes because you need something lighter and more flexible, you might want to buy cowboy-style boots with composite toes. This way, you can easily bend and perform your duties without discomfort with the toe caps grinding into your skin. Moreover, they won’t conduct heat or freeze while you’re working under extreme temperatures.
Waterproof Cowboy Work Boots
These types of cowboy boots are designed with waterproof uppers and lined with waterproof membranes to keep your feet dry while you work under wet conditions. Therefore, if you work in an environment with mud, muck, dew, oil, or during the rainy season, you should choose waterproof cowboy boots.
Insulated Cowboy Boots
Working when temperatures are low can be very daunting since your feet might get numb, and you might even get frostbite in extreme circumstances. That’s why manufacturers have designed cowboy work boots with insulative properties to keep your feet warm while you work.
Slip-resistant Cowboy Boots
Even though most work boots are slip-resistant, some boot’s outsoles have thread patterns that wear out fast and lose their grip on low-traction surfaces. On the other hand, slip-resistant cowboy work boots have been designed with deep lugs to keep you on your feet while you work under rugged terrains.
Electric Hazard Cowboy Work Boots
Electric hazard cowboy work boots are designed for people who are likely to encounter open wires with live electric currents, for example, linemen, electricians, or people who work around electric fences.
Common Q&A
Why should you choose Cowboy work boots over traditional work boots?
For starters, they’re full-on, which makes them easy to wear and remove. Also, their high shafts which range from 8 to 14 inches, protect your feet from snake bites and keep out thorns and rocks. Better yet, most of them offer a heel fit that can reduce the stress that causes pain to the Achilles tendons.
What is the difference between cowboy boots and cowboy work boots?
Typically cowboy boots have flat, thin outsoles that don’t offer arch support. To make matters worse, some are narrow at the toe area, compress the toes and cause nerve pain. Their wide shafts allow your heel to slip and cause irritation.
On the other hand, cowboy work boots are an improvement of traditional cowboy boots; manufacturers have designed them with safety and comfort features that offer protection and endurance while you go about your duties.
Who benefits from cowboy boots?
Cowboy boots are popular among farmers, ranchers, and veterinarians thanks to their protective features that work well in rugged trains and iffy environments. They can also be worn by other workers inclined to the western work boots.
Conclusion
Although it was difficult to choose, Ariat Workhog is the best overall pick based on safety, comfort, and durability. Not to mention, they’re highly rated amongst a number of workers.
Regardless, all the cowboy work boots we’ve reviewed are fantastic and have unique features that give them an upper hand over the rest. That said, click the link and choose the perfect pair of boots.
