Smooth ostrich and full quill ostrich are two popular choices for exotic leather cowboy boots. Both offer something different from traditional cowhide, and both are considered premium materials in the western boot market.
The biggest difference in smooth ostrich vs full quill ostrich cowboy boots is the surface of the leather. Smooth ostrich has a relatively clean, understated appearance, while full quill ostrich features the raised follicles that give the leather its distinctive texture. I have many examples of both types in the article below.
Although both types come from the body hide of an ostrich, full quill is generally considered the more premium and desirable option. Smooth ostrich tends to sit a step below it in terms of market appeal, but that does not make it a worse choice for every buyer. It comes down to personal preference. Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Smooth Ostrich Leather in Cowboy Boots?
Smooth ostrich leather is made from the body hide of the ostrich and is recognized by its relatively even “smooth” surface. Unlike full quill ostrich, it does not retain the prominent, raised follicles associated with the bird’s feathers. Instead, the leather has a cleaner appearance, with natural grain and subtle variations that give it character without creating the pronounced texture found on full quill boots.
Here is one of the smooth ostrich boots that I own:
Notice how you can still see where the quills were, but they have been smoothed down for a more even appearance across the leather. The result is leather that still looks different from ordinary cowhide without having the same textured appearance as its full quill counterpart.
This distinction makes smooth ostrich a good option for buyers who want exotic leather without an especially bold pattern. The material can look refined with dress clothing while remaining appropriate for jeans, casual shirts and everyday western wear.
Smooth ostrich also offers an alternative for people who appreciate the qualities of ostrich leather but do not particularly like the raised bumps of full quill. Rather than treating the texture as the defining feature of the boot, smooth ostrich allows the leather’s color, finish and overall shape to play a larger role.
What Makes Full Quill Ostrich Leather Different?
Full quill ostrich comes from the main body portion of the hide and retains the natural follicles where the bird’s feathers were attached. These follicles create the raised bumps that make the leather recognizable. The pattern is not manufactured or stamped into the hide. It reflects the natural characteristics of the animal’s skin.
Full quill is generally considered the most premium of the common ostrich leather options. Here is a full quill ostrich cowboy boot that I own:
The arrangement of the quills varies from one hide to another (because no two animal hides are completely alike). Some have relatively small, closely spaced follicles, while others feature larger bumps that create a more pronounced pattern. Which means two pairs of full quill ostrich boots can look noticeably different even when they are made in the same color and style.
This natural variation is a major part of the material’s appeal. Buyers are not simply purchasing a pair of boots made from an expensive leather. They are also getting a pattern that cannot be reproduced exactly on another pair.
Is Full Quill Better Than Smooth Ostrich Leather?
In most cases, full quill ostrich is considered the more premium type of ostrich leather as it pertain to price point (there can be exceptions). Buyers often associate its raised follicles with the most recognizable characteristics of ostrich leather, making it a popular choice among people who collect exotic cowboy boots when compared to smooth ostrich.
However, the leather type alone does not determine what a boot is worth. Brand reputation, construction quality, condition, color, fit and overall design can all influence its value.
A well-made pair of smooth ostrich boots from a respected manufacturer may be more appealing to a particular buyer than a less desirable pair of full quill boots. Likewise, the condition of the leather matters when evaluating used boots. Deep scratches, discoloration and excessive wear can affect the value of either material.
Where Ostrich Leg Leather Fits In
Ostrich leg is another popular type of ostrich leather used in cowboy boots. Rather than the rounded follicles associated with full quill, ostrich leg typically features a more pronounced, irregular scale pattern. This gives it a different appearance from both smooth and full quill ostrich.
Which Ostrich Cowboy Boots Should You Buy?
I would recommend smooth ostrich to buyers who want premium exotic cowboy boots with a more understated appearance. It offers a distinctive alternative to cowhide while remaining relatively easy to pair with different clothing. It can also be a good choice for someone who appreciates ostrich leather but does not particularly care for the raised quills.
Full quill is the stronger option for buyers who want the recognizable texture and traditional appeal associated with ostrich boots. Its distinctive follicles give the leather a bold appearance.
My Favorite Smooth Ostrich and Full Quill Ostrich Boots
Lucchese Cliff Full Quill Ostrich Boots
Type: These are men’s Lucchese Cliff Full Quill Ostrich Boots in colorway Black Cherry + Black. Click here to see more photos and learn more about these boots.
Rios of Mercedes + Kemo Sabe Ostrich Boots
Type: These boots are a collaboration between Rios of Mercedes and Kemo Sabe. They are men’s full quill ostrich boots in color brown. Click here to see more photos and learn more about these boots.
Tecovas ‘The Jasper’ Smooth Ostrich Boots
Info: These are men’s Tecovas ‘The Jasper’ Smooth Ostrich Boots in colorway Russet. Click here to see more photos and learn more about these boots.
Lucchese Black Cherry Ostrich N7018 Boots
Type: These are men’s Lucchese Full Quill Ostrich Boots in colorway black cherry. Click here to see more photos and learn more about these boots.
Tecovas Dean Full Quill Ostrich Boots
Type: These are men’s Tecovas Dean Full Quill Ostrich Boots in colorway Onyx Black. Click here to see more photos and learn more about these boots.
Lucchese ‘Zane’ Full Quill Ostrich Boots
Type: These are men’s Lucchese ‘Zane’ Full Quill Ostrich Boots in colorway “Barnwood + Tan”. Click here to see more photos and learn more about these boots.
Lucchese Smooth Ostrich Cowboy Boots
Type: These are men’s Lucchese Smooth Ostrich Boots in colorway Cigar + Red. Click here to see more photos and learn more about these boots.
Lucchese Elgin Full Quill Ostrich Boots
Type: These are men’s Lucchese Elgin Full Quill Ostrich Boots in colorway Chocolate. Click here to see more photos and learn more about these boots.
Ariat Futurity Relentless Buckles Ostrich Cowboy Boots
Type: These are men’s Ariat Futurity Relentless Buckles Full Quill Ostrich Cowboy Boots. Click here to see more photos and learn more about these boots.
Larry Mahan Smooth Ostrich Cowboy Boots
Type: These are men’s Larry Mahan Smooth Ostrich Cowboy Boots in colorway Black. Click here to see more photos and learn more about these boots.
Lucchese Men’s Harmon Full Quill Ostrich Boots
Type: These are men’s Lucchese Harmon Full Quill Ostrich Boots in colorway Barnwood + Tan. Click here to see more photos and learn more about these boots.
Lucchese ‘Cliff’ Navy Chocolate Full Quill Ostrich Boots
Type: These are men’s Lucchese ‘Cliff’ Full Quill Ostrich Boots in colorway “Navy + Chocolate”. Click here to see more photos and learn more about these boots.
Lucchese “Rowdy” Full Quill Ostrich boots
Type: These are men’s Lucchese “Rowdy” Full Quill Ostrich boots in colorway Cognac + Brown. Click here to see more photos and learn more about these boots.
Tecovas ‘The Wyatt’ Full Quill Ostrich Boots
Type: These are men’s Tecovas ‘The Wyatt’ Full Quill Ostrich Boots in colorway Pecan (brown). Click here to see more photos and learn more about these boots.
Lucchese Full Quill Ostrich ‘Montana’ Cowboy Boots
Type: These are men’s Lucchese 1883 Full Quill Ostrich ‘Montana’ Cowboy Boots. Click here to see more photos and learn more about these boots.
Lucchese Full Quill Ostrich Cowboy Boots
Type: These are men’s Lucchese Full Quill Ostrich Cowboy Boots in colorway Saddle (butterscotch tan color). Click here to see more photos and learn more about these boots.
Lucchese Lance Smooth Ostrich Boots Barnwood + Antique Saddle
Type: These are men’s Lucchese Lance Smooth Ostrich Boots in colorway Barnwood + Antique Saddle. Click here to see more photos and learn more about these boots.
Ariat Men’s “Broncy” Full Quill Ostrich Boots
Type: These are men’s Ariat “Broncy” Full Quill Ostrich Boots in colorway Antique Saddle + Chestnut. Click here to see more photos and learn more about these boots.
Tecovas ‘The Wyatt’ Russet Ostrich Boots
Type: These are men’s Tecovas ‘The Wyatt’ Full Quill Ostrich Boots in colorway Russet Brown. Click here to see more photos and learn more about these boots.
Lucchese Men’s Black Cherry Full Quill Ostrich Boots
Type: These are men’s Lucchese N7018.R4 Full Quill Ostrich Boots in colorway black cherry. Click here to see more photos and learn more about these boots.
Black Jack Full Quill Ostrich Boots
Type: These are men’s Black Jack Ostrich Boots in color black. Click here to see more photos and learn more about these boots.
Lucchese ‘Harris’ Full Quill Ostrich Boots
Type: These are men’s Lucchese ‘Harris’ Full Quill Ostrich Boots in colorway Anthracite Grey. Click here to see more photos and learn more about these boots.
Lucchese Classics Men’s Full Quill Ostrich Boots
Type: These are men’s Lucchese Classics Full Quill Ostrich Boots in colorway Tan + Brown. Click here to see more photos and learn more about these boots.
