How to Choose Western Work Boots

Work boots mean business. While most people shop for work boots when they need foot protection for long hours of moving, hauling, ranching, or standing, you can wear Western work boots for more than on the job. Choosing a pair of work boots can be tricky, so we’ve put together a guide to ease hard-working cowboys and cowgirls through the process. Read on to learn more about Western work boots and how to find the best pair for your job.

What to Look for in Western Work Boots

The boot you need depends on the kind of work you do. If you wear them while cleaning the barn, you may only need leather work boots with a light tread; operating heavy equipment calls for safety-toe boots for extra protection. Once you learn the important parts and features of men’s or women’s work boots, you can make a choice that suits your needs.

Outsole Materials Make a Difference

Most work boot outsoles, or soles, are designed for specific features. Work boots with thick tread and lugs offer a grip for climbing ladders in the barn or a construction site. Cowboys who work outdoors, in the woods, or on rugged terrain need boots with a deeper tread and a higher heel for added traction and grip. Cowboy work boots with a nonslip sole are ideal in garages or wet areas. Many work boot outsoles come in one of three materials:

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) – A type of plastic made from vinyl, PVC soles are oil- and abrasion-resistant, waterproof, and well-insulated, good for working outdoors in cold or rainy weather.

Thermo polyurethane (TPU) – This lightweight but durable sole material is ideal for hiking and rugged terrains. TPU boot outsoles are abrasion- and chemical-resistant, great for barn work.

Rubber – Perfect for construction, electrical, and manufacturing work, rubber sole boots are oil-, abrasion-, and slip-resistant. Thick rubber is difficult to penetrate, so your work boots can last for many years with proper care.

Pro Tip: Lightweight outsoles won't weigh you down, making them a good option for jobs that require flexibility. Thick boot soles are heavier but offer more protection on rough terrain and rocky job sites.

Leather Versus Synthetic Uppers and Shafts

Many Western work boot uppers and cowboy work boot shafts are made in leather, which is rugged, protective, and has a long lifespan when cared for properly. Some manufacturers offer leather boots with a waterproof coating, but it’s easy to waterproof leather work boots at home.

Synthetic leather work boots are constructed in man-made materials including polyester, nylon, acetate, latex, and Kevlar®. Synthetic materials can be lightweight, durable, breathable, and waterproof, but they don't last as long as leather.

Essential Work Boot Safety Features

Many employers require work boots with an ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) rating. ASTM is an independent third-party organization that tests work boots for slip, puncture, pressure, electrical, and impact resistance, then certifies them for safety. Slip-resistant soles have been tested and proven to perform well on wet, dry, and oily surfaces. Electrical-Hazard (EH) work boots have nonconductive, shock-resistant soles and heels with protection against electrocution up to 600 volts in a dry setting.

A work boot with a reinforced safety toe is essential when hauling, ranching, or working with heavy loads or equipment. Most work boots come with steel, aluminum, or composite safety toes.

• Steel – The traditional material for reinforced safety boots, steel toes are heavy, durable, and protective. Steel conducts both heat and cold so feet can become uncomfortable in extreme temperatures.
• Aluminum – Thicker than steel, but lighter weight, protective aluminum toe boots are ideal for working in the heat or cold as they do not conduct temperature.
• Composite – Made in a blend of carbon fiber, plastic, and Kevlar®, composite toe boots are tough, metal-free, and non-conductive.

Not all work boots include a safety toe; soft-toe work boots are flexible, lightweight, and perfect for low-hazard jobs that require support.

Choose Cushioned Insoles and Supportive Midsoles

The insole is the cushioned part under your foot that manages moisture and odor. Some Western work boot brands come with anti-fatigue insoles, but most are made in lightweight foam. Since insoles are usually removable, you can swap them out easily for a pair of sturdy, boot insoles that offer extra cushion, odor defense, or temperature control.

The midsole lies directly below the insole and offers support. The best shock-absorbing work boot midsoles are made in PU (polyurethane) or EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate). PU midsoles are resilient, long-lasting, and thick. EVA midsoles are durable and lighter than PU, but tend to compress over time.

Pro Tip: Wear work socks with your boots. Socks that are ribbed in the arches and thick in the heels and toes provide extra cushioning—especially helpful in a reinforced toe boot.

How to Keep Your Feet From Sweating in Work Boots

One of the biggest questions people have about boots is how to keep your feet from sweating while you work. Choose work boots with a breathable mesh lining that wicks away moisture, or opt for absorbent inserts that can reduce both moisture and odor. Foot powders or antiperspirants are also good for sweaty feet; apply one or the other before you put on your socks. Wear boot socks made in polyester, merino wool, or another fabric that absorbs and wicks away moisture.

Pro Tip: Though cotton socks are lightweight, they aren’t moisture-wicking, which may make sweating worse.

How to Choose Well-Fitting Western Work Boots

In the end, it all comes down to how well your work boots fit. Use your cowboy boot size as a benchmark and try on a few pairs; you might need to go up or down a half size. Try on work boots wearing the socks you’ll regularly wear with them, then follow these guidelines to gauge the proper fit.

• Toe – There should be about a half-inch of space between your toe and the front of the boot
• Heel – Your heel should not rub or slide against the back of the boot
• Sides – Work boots should fit snugly, but you should not feel tight pressure on the sides
• Walking – Feet and toes should not shift forward when you walk

Don’t feel pressure to pick the first pair you try; work boots differ by manufacturer and design, so try a few to ensure you get what you want.

Now that you know how to find and choose the perfect pair of sturdy, supportive, well-fitting work boots, explore our blog for more tips and advice on Western wear.