Western boots for women are typically made from cowhide and are primarily for function instead of fashion. However, that doesn't mean they aren't stylish. They usually have lower or roper-style heels that are easy on the feet, making them ideal for long working hours.
These boots are often treaded and feature rubber outsoles, providing excellent traction and protection on uneven, hard surfaces. Many of them come with a cushioning midsole for shock absorption and safety toes to additionally protect your feet. Without further ado, let’s discover more about these incredible boots.
Leather Western Boots
Most western boots for women consist of the shaft and vamp. Together these parts make the boot's upper. The upper is typically made of natural leather. Western boots come at different prices because of the diverse types of leather used in their manufacture.
Regarding cowhide, you can opt for rugged full-grain leather for durability or suede for a softer feel and scuffed-up look, where the first option might be a better choice for work.
Soles, Heels, and Toes of Western Boots
Traditional western boots were typically made with a smooth leather sole and a stacked leather heel. This combination was best for riding horses with feet in the stirrups. However, most women today rarely ride a horse. So, many other types of western boot soles and heels are available today to serve different purposes.
For example, many western boots for women now feature a midsole and footbed made from materials like natural cork or spongy synthetic EVA to cushion the bottom of your feet. That's crucial if your work involves long hours standing or walking.
Western Boot Soles
Treaded and slip-resistant rubber outsoles are ideal for working or long walking. You may even find western work boots with oil-resistant outsoles.
Other women's western boots have soles made from smooth, natural leather, which are great for riding or line dancing. Some combine a leather outsole and a rubber-capped heel, offering a small slip-resistant surface.
Western Boot Heels
Before going for a pair that catches your eye, there are some things to consider. Lower heels are best for working and walking, while higher heels are best for riding. Unless your work involves riding horses, better go for a pair of western boots with lower heels. There's also a middle heel height, providing the best of both worlds.
Western Boot Toes
Traditional cowboy boots have narrow, pointed toes to slide easily into the stirrups. However, western boot manufacturers now offer different toe styles to suit anyone's needs or preferences. Many western work boots even feature safety toes, but more on that later. Below are some of the most common toe styles:
J toe - sharply pointed
D toe - tapered toward a pint, but having a flat tip
R toe - tapered but rounded at the tip
U toe (roper toe) - fully rounded
Square toe - a flat, wide, and angular toe
What to Look for in Western Work Boots for Women?
Your work boots, including western, are essentially made to protect you from potential dangers that could occur while you work. Ideally, the western boots you use for work will have several protective features combined, protecting you from different unpleasant situations your work may throw at you.
To find a pair of women's western boots with the features you need, you must know the safety requirements of your job. Some will demand waterproofness, while others may require safety toes. Anyhow, safety should be the first thing to consider before buying any work boots. So, choose the ones that fulfil those standards.
Safety Toes
Some work environments involve the dangers of falling objects that could severely injure your feet if not protected. That's where safety toes save the day. There are three types - steel, composite, and alloy toes.
Steel toes are perfect for heavy duties as they provide exceptional protection but are pretty heavy. Composite toes are lighter but offer lower levels of protection. Nevertheless, they don't conduct heat, cold, and electricity, so they are perfect for extreme temperatures and jobs involving electricity. Finally, alloy toes offer the same level of protection as steel but are lighter and more expensive.
Naturally, the safety measures of your workplace will dictate which safety toe you should go for. Moreover, some jobs don't require safety toes. So, you can choose a pair of western work boots with soft toes.
Slip Resistance
Slippery surfaces can cause falls resulting in injuries. If you work in such conditions, you will benefit from wearing western work boots with slip-resistant outsoles. Apart from providing excellent traction, they are resistant to abrasion and oil. Some slip-resistant boots have puncture-resistant qualities protecting you from nails and other sharp objects you might come across on duty.
Waterproofness
If you work on a ranch or other places involving muddy or wet surfaces, you will need a suitable pair of waterproof western boots for women. Ensure you get the ones with the right degree of water resistance, as some offer lower, while others have higher levels of protection.
Comfort
Like all work boots, western work boots have to be comfortable because you'll be on your feet for up to 10 hours a day. Materials impact their overall comfort, and western boots are typically leather-made. That means they are some of the most comfortable boots after the break-in period.
How they fit will also decide how comfortable they will be, so they must suit you perfectly. Your feet will hurt if they are too small. However, if they are too big, your heel will slide up and down in the boot, causing blisters, which is, again, pretty unpleasant. So, ensure you get the right size by trying them out, measuring your feet, and checking sizes thoroughly if buying online.
Getting western work boots with insoles providing good arch support will help distribute weight across your feet, making them more comfortable too. Also, consider flexibility. Flexible boots reduce fatigue by allowing a more natural step.
Durability
Naturally, you want your work boots to last. And materials decide the boot's durability. Western boots for women are typically made from leather, a material famous for providing durability and comfort. However, how you care for them will dictate how long they last in the end, so ensure you follow the instructions for maintenance these boots come with.
Western Boots for Women Are Stylish
Women's western boots, work or not, are some of the most stylish boots ever, and they never go out of fashion. So, you won't have any problem going for a drink after work or to the party in the same boots you wore the whole day. All you'll need to do is get all dressed up, clean them, and you're good to go.
Get The Best Western Boots for Women
Now that you know what to look for in western boots for work, it's time to pick a stylish and protective pair that will serve you for years to come. Not only will you do your best in them, but also look your best. Browse our collection and find the quality you deserve.