In the modern world, cowboy boots have evolved from riding horses to becoming integral daily footwear and work boots. Bootmakers craft a wide variety of brands, features, and stylish western work boots. Within the post, we will round up some of the best cowboy boots for ranch work.
Cowboy work boots are constructed with optimized durability and strength to withstand the tough demands of any ranch work. The cowboy work boots have a distinct slight heel at the bottom of the heels. In addition, they have a mildly tapered toe box for maximum comfort during work.
With various designs and styles, here are some of the best cowboy boots which can be worn at work while still portraying a stylish look. Let’s dive in!
Best Cowboy Boots for Ranch Work
1. Wolverine Men’s Rancher 10” Square Toe Work Boot
Wolverine brand is known to produce high-quality cowboy work boots with ageless craftsmanship. The Wolverine rancher work boots are crafted with 100% waterproof full-grain leather plus a non-slip synthetic sole. The work boots incorporate Goodyear welt construction and steel toe features to optimize protection and comfort.
The Wolverine rancher boots feature a removable Ortholite insole and moisture-wicking lining that aid in keeping your feet dry. Its rubber outsoles are slip-safe to provide ample traction and substantial security while in the fields.
The rancher steel-toe wellington cowboy boot entails waterproof calfskin to make it relentless. Thus, it is appropriate for wet conditions.
Pros
- Simple to wear on and off the boot
- Highly durable leather construction
- Affordable
- Performs better in wet conditions
- A comfortable moisture-wicking interior
Cons
- The sizing of the boot is unusual
2. J’s.o.l.e Men’s Square Toe Western Work Cowboy Boot
The J’s.o.l.e cowboy boots feature full-grain leather that offers ample protection while working on the ranch.
They blend an impressive non-slip elastic sole that provides a firm grip on ranch terrains. The men’s western cowboy boots have wicking sock liners to keep up throughout the day solace.
J’s.o.l.e western cowboy boots integrate removable sponge cushioning insoles which facilitate easy cleaning and comfort. The boot has a 1.3” heel to offer required support while working. In addition, they have a mesh lining that makes your foot breathe easily.
Pros
- Excellent slip-resistant sole
- A moisture-wicking line that maintains all-day-long comfort
- Durable materials
Cons
- Stitches fall apart easily
Also read: How to attach spurs on boots
3. Old West Men’s Round Toe Cowboy Western Boots
The Old West cowboy western boots are constructed with rich cowhide leather craftsmanship with classic western stitching design.
They are honorable rancher boots with hand-corded emblems. The boots feature a padded insole for maximum comfort throughout the day.
Old west boots come with a duty rubber work outsole for optimized stability. The boot opening measures approximately 16” to ease entry. In addition, its heel measures 1.7-inches to offer secure support.
The easy-to-clean Old west work boots have breathable materials that ensure a dry feel. The round toe boots feature a 3-row fancy western stitching pattern on the shaft to enhance the stylish look. More so, it has a strengthened shank for dependability and added stability.
Also read: Good boots for pheasant hunting
Pros
- Comfortable padded footbed
- Easy to clean and dry
- Provides a stylish look
Cons
- The liner cracks quickly
4. Ariat Workhog Pull-on WESTERN Work Boot
The round toe Ariat western work boot is made using leather for a strong and sturdy fit.
The boot coalesces duratread sole material that provides maximum comfort, durability, and torsional stability. Ariat work boot comes with a unique, revolutionary U-turn entry system to ease entry and true fit.
The pull-on work boot features a supportive lightweight and stable cushioning that makes them ideal for ranch work. The EVA cushioning midsole is paired with an abrasion-resistant and slip-resistant outsole for ultimate comfort and durability. The Workhog boot is wide with a round toe to improve performance and comfort.
The stylish full-grain leather is paired with Goodyear welt to optimize durability. Moreover, the Workhog cowboy work boot is self-cleaning; thus, preventing the accumulation of dirt.
Pros
- Strong and durable leather
- Offers optimized stability and grip
- Comfortable cushioning
- Moisture-wicking footbed
- Easy to pull on and true fit
Cons
- The boots are a bit stiff
5. Justin Original Work Boots Men’s Stampede Pull-On Square Toe Work Boot
If you want a boot that will last you a long time and will allow you to work in nearly any environment, then consider the Justin Original Work Boots.
These boots come with a handcrafted leather upper and a rubber sole, suitable for rugged terrain and inclement weather. They’re also breathable, so your feet won’t get overheated in even the most extreme summer conditions. These boots are available in sizes 7 to 14 wide and run true to size.
The Justin Original Work Boots are comfortable, with a padded collar that keeps the foot from rubbing on the top of the boot. The footbed is removable for easy cleaning, and there’s even a steel shank underneath to provide arch support.
Also read: Cowboy boots good for flat feet
The tread is non-marking, so you won’t leave footprints behind when you’re on your rounds.
Pros
- Tough and long-lasting
- Waterproof and breathable
- Heel height is perfectly comfortable
- The boots are the best fit for those who work on cattle ranches.
Cons
- The only real complaint about these boots is that they don’t stay tied very well. The laces are short, and they don’t come with a double-knot feature.
- The stitching around the toes tends to wear quickly, and it doesn’t take much for this to happen.
6) Durango Men’s Rebel DB4442 Western Boot
Though they’re not usually known for their work boots, Durango has made a pretty good pair in their Men’s Rebel DB4442 Western Boot. If you’re looking for cowboy boots that are perfect for ranchers, then these might be what you need.
These boots have a leather upper and a rubber sole, making them suitable for use in any weather. They’re also waterproof, so they’ll keep your feet dry in any work environment.
The boot is available in sizes 7 to 15 and comes with a steel shank to provide arch support and prevent the arch from sinking into the boot. It helps to reduce fatigue on long days spent on your feet. There are even removable insoles for those who want extra cushioning.
Pros
- An excellent fit.
- Arch support makes the boots more comfortable on long days.
- Removable insoles provide extra cushioning.
Cons
- The outer leather tends to wear more quickly than the leather on the inside of the boot, making the boots look a little shabby.
Also read: Are cowboy boots good for short guys?
7) Ariat Women’s Quickdraw Work Boot
Ariat is another company that doesn’t usually make work boots, but they’ve outdone themselves with their Women’s Quickdraw Work Boot.
This boot has a durable leather and nylon upper that’s breathable and waterproof for those hot summer days spent working on the ranch. It comes in sizes 5 to 11, and it runs true to size.
The sole material is a lightweight rubber that provides better traction than most work boots, but it’s still pretty sturdy on uneven terrain.
The boot comes with a leather and suede lacing system to keep the boot from coming undone. There’s also an adjustable steel shank, which is helpful for anyone who has foot problems.
Pros
- Waterproof and breathable.
- Adjustable steel shank provides arch support.
- The boot uses 100% leather, ensuring durability.
Cons
- The lining tends to pill.
- The sole tends to wear quickly, even with regular use.
8) Dan Post Boots Men’s Milwaukee Round Toe Boots Mid Calf – Black
If you’re looking for a boot that’s comfortable, durable, and well-made, then the Dan Post Boots Men’s Milwaukee Round Toe Boots might be just what you need. These boots come with a high-quality leather upper and a rubber sole.
They’re slip-resistant and very sturdy, making them perfect for anyone who does a lot of walking on rugged terrain. They’re also water-resistant to keep your feet dry in even the wettest conditions. The boots come in sizes 6.5 to 18, and you can get them with a traditional square toe or a round toe.
The square toe runs slightly smaller than the round toe, so it’s a good idea to try on both sizes before buying the boots to make sure you get the right fit.
Pros
- High-quality leather and rubber
- Slip-resistant and very sturdy
- Water-resistant for wet conditions
- It comes with pull tabs that make it easier to get the boots on
Cons
- The boot can seem slightly flimsy, especially compared to some of the other boots on this list.
- The sole doesn’t last as long as some other brands.
Considerations to Make When Choosing Cowboy Boots
Below are features you should consider when picking a preferred cowboy work boot;
1. Material
Different boots are crafted using varying materials; hence, select boots with the strength to withstand ranch job. Traditional leather materials are extremely strong and robust fabrics for work boots. Artificial materials are less tough compared to conventional leather.
Boots made of cowhide leather are more sturdy, durable, and less prone to tear. On the other hand, calfskin leather can easily scratch and scuff without proper polishing.
2. Style and Comfort
Cowboy boots come in various styles encompassing traditional work boots and stylish western boots. Cowboy boots with rounded or mildly tapered toe boxes provide maximum comfort for ranch work. Pick a boot that has a shaft height of your choice to shield the ankle and lower leg.
3. Boot stitching
Stitches found on the boot’s surface beautify the boots and support the structure of the cowboy boots. The stitching design optimizes stability so that the boot doesn’t sag.
4. Bootheel
Cowboy work boots feature heels of different shapes and sizes. The heels are aimed at optimizing the functionality and style of the boot. Select heel height that offers most comfort during ranch work.
5. Security and safety
Right ranch work boots should provide ultimate comfort with a combination of security and safety features. Durable cowboy work boots with steel toe boxes offer optimized safety while dealing with farm machinery or while in the field.
Boots boasting slip-resistant materials offer maximum traction no matter the weather conditions.
Also read: When to stop wearing boots
6. Durability
Cowboy boots use leather, but that doesn’t mean they’ll last forever. Leather is naturally-textured due to its cut, leading to premature wear. Like any other leather product, work boots will start to show signs of wear after a few years of use. Luckily, it’s easy to repair worn leather with essential tools and supplies.
7. Waterproofing
No pair of work boots is worth much if they aren’t waterproof. The last thing you want is to have your feet soaked through due to a leak in your cowboy boots. That’s why any good pair of cowboy boots need to be completely waterproof.
If you’re working with livestock, there’s always the chance that something could spill on your boots, making them soaking wet. It can lead to all sorts of foot problems and discomfort throughout a long day’s work. The last thing you want is to ruin a good pair of boots because they weren’t waterproof.
8. Ease of Use
Walking around in work boots all day is tiring, and it can make any job seem longer than it is. That’s why it’s a brilliant idea to choose a pair of cowboy boots that are easy to get on and off. Some cowboy boots have pull tabs on the back while others have zippers, but they’re all designed to make the boot easier to put on.
Any good cowboy boots will have a lacing system and a steel shank for arch support. It will help keep the boot in place when it’s on your foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of boots do ranchers wear?
Ranchers often wear classic-style cowboy work boots featuring waterproof, breathability, and excellent traction. The boots may incorporate steel or composite toe boxes for added protection.
Rancher work boots are popularly made of leather for maximum durability in the field.
Why do ranchers wear cowboy boots?
Ranchers wear cowboy boots because they are specially designed to protect foot and legs while riding on horseback. More so, the cowboy boots are ideal for working in rough conditions.
What leather makes the toughest cowboy boots?
Traditional cowboy boots popularly integrate the use of cowhide leather because it is extremely durable, sturdy, and difficult to tear.
Why are cowboy boots square toe?
Just like rounded toe boots, square toe boots provide ample room for your toes to spread out. They are suited for horse riding because they easily slide into the stirrup. Square toe boots offer optimized comfort when walking.
Is calfskin better than full-grain leather?
Full-grain leather is extremely durable and sturdy. Calfskin leather is better at maintaining its shape and has waterproof properties. Calfskin is soft, thinner, and lightweight compared to full-grain leather.
Calfskin leather is best for leather garments like jackets and coats, whereas full-grain leather is suited for cowboy boots.
How do I keep my cowboy boots clean and in good condition?
The first step in keeping your cowboy boots clean is to make sure they’re dry after each use. If you’re keeping your cowboy boots in a garage, it’s easy for them to get wet during an inclement weather event.
To get your cowboy boots wholly dried out and ready for subsequent use, you’ll need to place them on their sides in the sun. Try not to let any rainwater come in between the boot and the side of the boot.
It will help keep moisture from getting inside.
For a long time, cowboy boots have been worn to make a fashion statement. However, the western boots make an amazing ranch work footwear for invading treacherous lands and riding horses.
Find the right pair of cowboy work boots depending on needs, durability, terrain, and safety features. That’s a wrap! We hope you found this guide on the best cowboy boots for ranch work helpful!