Below is a comparison of Tecovas Earl vs Cartwright Boots. I have included photos of the boots that I own so you can see the differences. Quickly, here’s what you should know:
- The Cartwright costs more than The Earl when comparing the same leather type, although exotic versions of The Earl can cost more than non-exotic Cartwrights.
- The Earl is a roper boot with a shorter heel height. The Cartwright is a traditional cowboy boot with cowboy heel.
- The Cartwright Boot has a taller shaft with more decorative cording on the shaft.
- Both styles are offered in a wide range of leathers, but the Earl also comes in exotics whereas the Cartwright is mainly non-exotic leather like cowhide, calfskin, goat, and bison (there can be exceptions in limited edition runs).
- The Cartwright has decorative toe bug stitching on the vamp area. The Earl does not have toe bug stitching.
- Both styles have a rounded toe.
- Most versions of The Earl and The Cartwright are made with leather outsoles, however there are occasionally types of both boots that are offered with hybrid rubber/leather outsoles to make the boot more weather friendly. Both styles have rubber heel caps.
- Both styles are made with a goodyear welt
Tecovas Earl vs Cartwright Boots
Tecovas Earl Boot
The Tecovas Earl is a classic roper boot, which means it has a shorter straight-back roper heel. These types of boots are often referred to as “daily drivers” because the lower heel height makes the boot a bit easier to wear on a daily basis. The Earl has a 1 ⅛” stacked leather heel with rubber heel cap.
The Earl is designed to have a clean, basic appearance that would blend well with a wide range of casual and/or formal outfits. The Earl is offered in both exotic and non-exotic leathers. What leathers are currently offered will vary, but here are some of the leather types that are or have been offered in The Earl: cowhide, calfskin, bison, goat, caiman, ostrich, python, suede, carpincho, lizard.
One of Tecovas’ most popular men’s boots is The Earl in the Scotch Goat version. Here is a pair of Tecovas Earl Scotch Goat Boots that I own:
Notice it has an unadorned vamp area that gives it a more casual appearance when compared to The cartwright. One reason I prefer the Goat leather version is it creates a cool distressed look as you wear it. For example, here is a look at my boots after they have been worn for a while:
Remember, the height of the shaft is also shorter than the cartwright. Here is a look at the height of my Tecovas Earl Boots:
Overall, The Earl is a good choice if you prefer a more casual appearance in the vamp area (no toe bug stitching) and want a lower heel height that is a bit easier to wear as a daily boot.
Tecovas Cartwright Boot
The Tecovas Cartwright is a classic cowboy boot, which means it has a taller, angled cowboy heel (1 ½” heel). Tecovas refers to The Cartwright as their “original cowboy boot” and it’s designed for both casual or formal wear.
Here is the Tecovas Cartwright in the Cafe Goat version:
The Cartwright is offered mainly in non-exotic leathers such as cowhide, calfskin, goat, and bison, but there are exceptions and limited edition runs of The Cartwright in exotic leathers.
The Cartwright has a rounded toe design, with Tecovas Signature Toe Bug stitching on the vamp (The Earl does not have a toe bug).
The Cartwright is offered most commonly with leather outsoles, however Tecovas does offer it in some versions that have a hybrid rubber outsole. It has a taller shaft height than The Earl.
Tecovas Earl vs Cartwright Comparison Table
| Feature | Tecovas Earl | Tecovas Cartwright |
|---|---|---|
| Boot type | Roper | Traditional cowboy boot |
| Heel height | 1⅛ inches | 1½ inches |
| Heel style | Short, straight-back roper heel | Angled cowboy heel |
| Shaft height | Shorter | Taller |
| Toe shape | Rounded | Rounded |
| Toe bug stitching | No | Yes |
| Shaft decoration | Simpler | More decorative cording |
| Leather options | Exotic and non-exotic | Mainly non-exotic, with limited exceptions |
| Common leathers | Cowhide, calfskin, goat, bison, caiman, ostrich, python, lizard, and more | Cowhide, calfskin, goat, bison, and more |
| Outsole | Usually leather, with some hybrid options | Usually leather, with some hybrid options |
| Heel cap | Rubber | Rubber |
| Construction | Goodyear welt | Goodyear welt |
| Price | Generally lower for comparable leather types | Generally higher for comparable leather types |
| Overall look | Cleaner, simpler appearance | More traditional cowboy boot appearance |
Other Popular Men’s Cowboy Boots
Navy Chocolate Full Quill Ostrich – click here to see brand name and see more photos of this boot
Poblano Sueded Caiman Boots – click here to see brand name and see more photos of this boot
Black Cherry Crocodile Boots – click here to see style name and see more photos of this boot
Giant Gator Square Toe Boots – click here to see brand name and see more photos of this boot
Gray Full Quill Ostrich – click here to see brand name and see more photos of this boot
Navy Back Cut Python – click here to see brand name and see more photos of this boot
Gunsmoke Sueded Caiman Boots – click here to see brand name and see more photos of this boot
Heritage Brushed Brown Boots – click here to see brand name and see more photos of this boot
