These are the most comfortable cowboy boots that I own.
These boots use a wedge outsole.
Wedge outsoles are becoming more and more popular because they help absorb shock and they evenly distribute stress across the entire bottom of the foot instead of localizing it to only the heel and the toe pad.
And these boots use what is widely considered to be the best wedge outsole on the market today: the Vibram Cristy 4014 outsole.
Here is a look at the Vibram 4014 soles on my boots:
The Vibram Cristy 4014 is known for being comfortable but also very durable compared to other types of outsoles, so expect to get your money’s worth out of the Vibram Cristy soles. The shallow lug pattern offers larger surface-area contact and superior grip.
This Vibram Cristy 4014 outsole is so popular that even though it was originally designed for work boots (specifically construction and industrial footwear) it has since made a transition to casual, city-style footwear due to the comfort and grip it provides.
These wedge outsoles provide a sort of hybrid design, that can transition well from outdoor to indoor environments.
I also like that these boots are made using more traditional boot-making methods, which lead to better long-term results.
For example, they use hand-hammered lemonwood pegging to attach the midsole. These lemonwood pegs are more malleable than modern nailing, and they expand and contract properly when exposed to moisture.
Regarding the leather, these boots are made using treated leather that has a durable, but soft feel to it. They aren’t too stiff and, when combined with the wedge sole, have a flexible design.
In the photo below I tried to demonstrate how flexible my boots are:
The bovine leather upper is treated and combined with weatherproof seams which allows this boot to be hosed off when needed.
No, don’t expect this boot to be completely waterproof, but if you work in muddy conditions and need to take a hose to these boots every once in a while, they are built to handle that.
Yes, Vibram outsoles are long-lasting, but because this boot is made using premium boot-making methods, there is a good chance the upper will outlast the outsole.
The good news is these boots are built using a Goodyear welt construction, which means you can easily get these boots re-soled if needed.
This boot has a 10-inch shaft that finishes near the mid-calf area. The shaft opening is wide enough to comfortably slide your foot in and out so you don’t have to wrestle with these boots.
Yes, they also have pull tabs to help slide the boots on:
I also really appreciate the fact that these boots are made using an “inside-out” stitching approach which helps hide the seams, and means the seams won’t cause irritation against my foot or leg.
Another thing worth mentioning is the footbeds in these boots are removeable. This means if you need to clean or swap these insoles, you can easily do so. The insoles are thick and provide nice comfort under the foot.
And these boots are built using thick cork midsoles which help absorb shock:
Overall, when you buy this boot, you’re buying a boot that has an upper made with premium bovine leather.
The boot is handmade using traditional boot-making methods which help increase the life-span of the boots. And they combine that with, in my opinion, the best wedge outsole on the market today: the Vibram 4014.
Together, this creates a dependable boot that is built to last longer than cheaper competitors.
Why Are Wedge Sole Boots So Popular?
Wedge sole boots offer several benefits that contribute to their overall comfort. One key factor is their flat sole design, which helps distribute stress evenly across the entire bottom of the foot.
In contrast, standard raised heel boots concentrate stress on specific areas such as the heel or toe pad, often leading to discomfort and irritation.
Another advantage of wedge soles is their ability to minimize mud build-up. These boots typically feature shallow lug patterns, reducing the accumulation of mud.
This feature proves particularly beneficial for individuals working in muddy environments like barnyards or construction sites.
In addition to their comfort, wedge sole boots are lighter in weight compared to other types of outsoles. This is due to the blown-rubber crepe style used in their construction, which incorporates tiny air pockets within the outsole.
These air pockets not only contribute to a soft and comfortable feel but also help reduce the overall weight of the boots.
Wedge sole boots provide a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor environments. While they may not be ideal for navigating uneven terrain, they offer excellent surface grip, making them suitable for outdoor use on smooth surfaces.
Additionally, their comfortable design proves advantageous when worn indoors, particularly on concrete and industrial floors. Overall, wedge sole boots offer versatility and comfort for various settings and conditions.
What Are Drawbacks to Wedge Soles?
Wedge sole boots excel in providing superior traction due to their design, which maximizes the contact surface area with the ground. This feature proves especially beneficial on surfaces such as wet concrete, where a solid grip is crucial.
However, when it comes to traversing uneven and rocky terrain, boots with deeper lug patterns are generally a better choice, as they offer enhanced traction in such conditions.
It’s worth noting that wedge sole cowboy boots are not well-suited for riding. This is primarily because they lack a raised heel, which is a key feature in riding boots that helps secure the foot in stirrups and provides stability while on horseback.
Similarly, the absence of a raised heel in wedge sole boots can be a drawback for individuals who spend their days climbing ladders. The raised heel in boots designed for climbing helps provide additional support and grip, making them more suitable for such tasks.
Who Makes These Boots?
Who makes these boots?
Tecovas is the brand that makes these boots. This is the exact type of Tecovas boots these are (paid affiliate link takes you to Tecovas.com).
These boots are available in three different colors. I own the “Midnight” version:
Can You Resole Wedge Work Boots?
Yes, as we discussed earlier, you can resole a flat sole cowboy boot as long as that boot has the correct type of construction. You want a boot that uses a Goodyear welt construction. This allows for the boot to be re-built.
For example, the Tecovas “Knox” boots I feature in the article have a full Goodyear welt build, so they can be re-soled.
And even though the Vibram soles are well-known for being a long-lasting outsole, because the build of Tecovas boots is so dependable, it is likely that the upper will outlast the outsole, so re-soling the boots will likely be needed at some point.
To read more, visit my article about re-soling boots.
Other Boots to Consider
If you are interested in cowboy work boots, visit our other resources linked below: