How to Choose Western Boots

Choosing a Boot Toe Shape

The toe shape largely defines a boot's style and purpose. Think about where you'll be wearing your boots most often to find the shape that’s right for your lifestyle.

• Square Toe: A modern and popular choice that offers a roomier fit. It's very versatile, making it a favorite for everything from riding to casual, everyday wear.

• Round Toe: This is the classic, traditional boot toe. Its comfortable, natural shape makes it ideal for walking and working all day long.

• Roper Toe: A hybrid between round and square, the roper toe provides plenty of room and is a go-to for ranch work and roping, where quickly getting in and out of the stirrup is key.

• Pointed (or Snip) Toe: This style offers a sharper, dressier look. While it's a staple for country concerts and weddings, it's generally less suited for a long day of work.

Types of Western Boot Heels

A boot's heel isn't just for looks; it's designed for a specific function. The right heel provides the foundation for comfort, stability, and performance.

• Walking Heel: This is the most common heel you'll see. It's a shorter, broader block heel (typically 1.5 inches or less) that provides excellent stability and comfort for all-day wear.

• Riding Heel: Taller and angled, the riding heel is designed to lock into a stirrup and prevent your foot from slipping through. It’s the best choice for time in the saddle.

• Roper Heel: The shortest of the bunch, this flat, square heel is usually about an inch high. It’s built for stability on the ground, making it perfect for roping and groundwork.

Understanding Your Boot Material

A boot's durability starts with its leather. Understanding the different types is key to choosing a pair that will last.

• Cowhide: The workhorse of the boot world. It's durable, breathable, and breaks in naturally over time. Full-grain cowhide is the highest quality, offering maximum strength and longevity.

• Exotic Leathers: Materials like ostrich, caiman, and snakeskin offer unique textures and bold style. They make a unique statement for a dress boot but often require more specialized care.

Expert Tip: No matter the leather, invest in a good conditioner. Keeping the leather hydrated will prevent cracking and dramatically extend the life of your boots.

Finding the Perfect Fit for Western Boots

This is the most important step. A well-fitting boot should feel snug and secure but not painful. First, it’s important to understand sizing and width to help narrow down the best fit for your feet. 

Sizing: Length and Width

As a general rule, many people go down a half-size from their athletic shoe size. For example, if you're a size 10 in sneakers, start by trying on a 9.5 in western boots.

Just as important as length is the width, indicated by a letter. For men's boots, a 'D' width is considered standard, while 'EE' (sometimes seen as E or DD) is wide. For women's boots, 'B' is standard and 'C' is wide. If the boot feels uncomfortably tight on the sides of your foot and is squeezing the ball of your foot, choose a wider size. The boot should feel snug, but not painfully pinched.

Remember, this is just a starting point, because every brand fits a little differently. Our best advice is to use this rule of thumb to get you in the right ballpark, and then rely on the following feel-based checks to know for sure.

• The Right "Pop." When you slide your foot in, you should feel a distinct "pop" as your heel settles into the back of the boot.

• Check the Arch. The boot should fit snugly over the top of the arch of your foot. This is the most critical area for a secure fit—if it’s too loose, the boot will more than likely not feel supportive.

• Embrace the Heel Slip. In a new pair of boots, your heel should lift about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch. This is completely normal. As you wear the boots, the leather sole will break in and flex, and that slip will diminish. Don't mistake it for a poor fit.

• Feel for the Ball. The widest part of your foot (the ball) should sit comfortably at the widest part of the boot.

• Wiggle Your Toes. You should have enough room to wiggle your toes freely. They shouldn’t feel cramped or pressed against the end.

Choosing the right western boot comes down to matching the toe, heel, and fit to your needs. If you have more questions, stop by your local SCHEELS and speak with one of our Experts.