How to Buy Cowboy Boots

So you’re finally ready to take that plunge and buy yourself your first pair of cowboy boots.  First things first: Congratulations!  We know the feeling when you finally decide to pull the trigger and go for it.  After a period of agonizing and pining that can go on for months, during which every pair of cowboy boots you see looks more tantalizing than the last, you come to terms with yourself: It’s time.

We understand and we’re glad to here it!  Consider this post, then, a handy little guide designed to help you pick out that perfect first pair.

The first thing you’ll need to consider, before you even walk into a Western wear store or visit any site, is a budget.  There are certainly a host of good, affordable cowboy boots out there, but their prices can quickly shoot through the roof.  If you’re looking to make a splash with your first purchase, then by all means, do so.  Just be sure to have a solid price range in the back of your mind when you start looking.  It helps your focus.

Once you get past that stage, you’ll need to think about cowboy boot fit.  This is a crucial point to consider, and it can sound a little tricky, but it’s really not.  The point here is to buy boots that are a little on the snug side.  Since boots are fashioned from animal skin, they are malleable and will stretch out a little bit once they’re worn around a little bit.  If you buy boots that feel perfect off the bat, they’ll end up feeling loose after you’ve worn them a few times.  We’re not talking toe-breakingly tight here, but go slightly smaller than you’d think for the best results.

Finally, consider the kind of skin you’re looking for.  They all have different properties, and that should be taken into account.  For example, goat skin boots are softer than others, while stingray skin boots are definitely on the tougher side.  There’s a lot of area to explore here, so consider well.

We’ll discuss more tips on how to make sure your first cowboy boot purchase is a happy one in future blog posts.  For now, happy hunting!