Western Boots

Boots That Will Never Go Out of Style

You can’t go wrong with a stylish and comfortable pair of cowboy boots – that’s a fact. It’s 2023, and western boots are not going anywhere. This boot style has always been widely loved, and it will continue to be one of the most popular styles if we do say so ourselves. Still don’t have your perfect pair of cowboy boots? What are you waiting for? Learn more about everyone’s favorite boot style and get yourself a high-quality pair – keep reading to see why they’re so great.

Bang for Your Buck Western Work Boots

At Overlook Boots, the primary aim is to provide you with high-quality western work boots that you can proudly display to your friends. However, we understand budgeting (especially as the economy is right now) which is why we offer the best affordable western boots in many price ranges. Yet, you should remember that even if you pay a bit more for a true cowboy boot, they will last for years, saving you money in the long run.

How to Choose Your Perfect Western Style Boots

Planning on doing some home renovations in your western work boots? Or working in the field the morning after heavy rain? Maybe you want to take a stroll around town during winter? You can do all of these activities in a pair of western work boots, but in order to get the most out of your footwear, you need to make your choice based on the different features they have.

Waterproof Boots

Waterproof western boots come in two varieties: waterproof and water-resistant. Many people use these two terms interchangeably, and you can’t be faulted if you do the same, as even the companies that make them don’t clearly define the terms.

Even though there is no set standard for what constitutes “water-resistant” or “waterproof,” one thing holds true in general: waterproof signifies a higher degree of resistance than water-resistant. So, if you’re going for a walk after a light drizzle, water-resistant boots will be more than enough to keep your feet dry. However, if you’ll wear the boots while working outside after heavy rain or melting snow, waterproof western boots would be your best bet.

Type of Safety Toe

You can choose from three varieties of safety toes: steel and composite toes, and boots with no safety toe. All have different advantages and disadvantages, with the simple explanation being that western boots with a steel toe provide the most protection, the composite toe is an intermediary between the steel toe and no toe, while the no toe boots provide the least protection. Let’s get into it a bit.

Steel Toe

The steel toe provides the most protection from impact and compression. So, if you are doing construction and there’s a chance of heavy objects hitting your toes, it’s the best choice. It also offers the most protection from slow, continuous pressure - like if a truck was to run over your foot. However, the steel adds weight to the boots and can get hot or cold quickly, which makes it the suboptimal choice for long walks or working in extreme-temperature environments.

Composite Toe

The aim of the composite toe is to offset the disadvantages that the steel toe has while still providing decent impact protection. It’s lighter than a steel toe and doesn’t conduct heat, so it’s the better choice if you work in extreme temperatures. However, even with the advancement of technology, composite materials simply don’t have the strength that good old steel has, so your feet won’t be as protected.

No-Safety-Toe Boots

You may think that western boots with no toe serve no purpose if you can choose between the other two variants. That’s far from the truth. Think of a time when you’ve been out in the field for half a day. How heavy do your feet feel afterward? Now add some additional weight to your work boots and imagine how it adds to your fatigue. No-safety-toe boots are lighter, allowing you to be more durable. Plus, they can be more comfortable, as there is no toe box to constrain your feet.

Proper Degree of Insulation

You also need to consider how many grams of insulation you want your western boots to have. This can range from 0 to 2000+, but unless you live in the Arctic, you have no need for it. In general, 200G of insulation is enough to keep your feet warm during a chilly late spring or early summer night. 600G and upwards is fine for the winter conditions of most moderate climates.

Of course, you can always put on an additional pair of socks, so more is not always better. This is especially true if you’ll wear your boots in hot weather. Insulated boots seal your feet, so they can cause your feet to sweat and make you uncomfortable. While modern cowboy boots have a lining that allows your feet to breathe and lets the moisture out, there’s only so much it can do if you wear winter boots to a summer cowboy festival.

Style and Comfort

Because you are looking for western boots, your primary style is already evident - appreciation for the Old West. However, you still need to choose between modern and classic western boots and between the many designs and patterns available. Naturally, your boots also need to be comfortable, so you need to get a pair that fits properly and suits the shape of your feet.

CLASSIC VS MODERN COWBOY BOOTS

Classic western boots for men go to about mid-calf, have an angled heel about 2 inches high, and are often decorated. The toe box is usually either pointed or rounded and able to absorb a horse's misstep. Unlike traditional cowboy boots, with modern western boots for women or men, there’s no limit to the styles and variations you can get. 

Here are a few of the options you can consider if you’re looking for a modernized version of western boots.

• Do you want black western boots or would you prefer them in brown or white, for example?
• Would you like to go for the classic look or try some square toe cowboy boots?
• What height do you want – are you more interested in short cowboy boots, or do you prefer them taller? 

PROPER FIT

Obviously, your boots need to fit properly to be comfortable. Here are a couple of tips when trying on the fit of western boots. 

• First, always try them on with the type of socks (regarding the thickness) you’ll be wearing with the boots. 
• Then, don’t worry if there’s some initial slippage when you walk in your boots, but it shouldn’t be more than half an inch. Over time, the boots will mold to your feet and feel like they were handmade just for you.
• Finally, when you put on your boots for the first time, you should feel a bit of pressure on the top of your foot, but not enough to make you uncomfortable. 

Don’t worry if the boots don’t fit perfectly right away – you will break in good leather cowboy boots with time and wear, so they should fit better as time goes on. However, you shouldn’t feel uncomfortable, even when you put them on for the first time.

Don’t Hesitate – Get Yourself a Pair of High-Quality Western Boots

Western boots are durable boots, period. Once you decide on the features you want your boots to have, don’t hesitate to get a pair you like. Good cowboy boots can serve you for years, no matter how much you test them. Show off your western aesthetic and choose a pair that suits your personality.
Browse through our western style boots and find the perfect pair of your next boots! You can choose between all the most popular cowboy boot brands. And if you think western boots aren’t for you, simply check out our other boot collections!