Are cowboy boots good for your ankles? (Explained)

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A lack of ankle support can lead to foot pain and injuries. It’s important to keep your ankles in mind when you buy new footwear, especially if you have weak ankles.

If you’re concerned about your ankles, will cowboy boots give you the kind of support that you need?

Cowboy boots can be a good option for weak ankles, especially if you choose boots with a modern design.

Many boots are shock-absorbent and provide excellent arch support, reducing the amount of stress placed on your feet. The right fit can help to prevent issues with ankles, as can socks and orthotics. 

Are Cowboy Boots Good for Your Ankles?

Even though cowboy boots are designed for riding horses, they provide plenty of ankle support.

While boots with higher heels can put pressure on your ankles, boots with lower heels can be both comfortable and supportive.

A deep heel cup can help stabilize the ankle, reducing the risk of injury. 

If you choose boots with ankle straps, you can tighten your boots to get rid of gaps around the ankles. Ideally, your boots should have a snug fit.

For maximum comfort, look for cowboy boots with a cushioned insole. 

Do Cowboy Boots Provide Good Arch Support?

While traditional cowboy boot designs often have poor arch support, many modern boots have features that help to absorb the energy of impacts as you move.

Cowboy boots with shock-absorbent treads and square heels provide excellent arch support, protecting your feet and ankles.

Wearing boots with a cushioned midsole can reduce the amount of stress placed on your feet throughout the day. 

Although cowboy boots can provide good arch support, it’s important to consider your arch shape when choosing cowboy boots.

Boots with low heels and wide soles will provide more support for flat feet, but a larger heel to toe drop may be best if you have a high arch. If you have a normal arch, most modern cowboy boots will give you the arch support you need.

Should Cowboy Boots Be Loose In the Ankle?

The right fit is key if you want your boots to keep your feet and ankles comfortable. Boots that are too tight can rub against the ankle, but loose boots won’t give you much ankle support.

It’s best to choose snug, fitted boots that aren’t overly tight. If your boots have leather straps, you can adjust the fit and give your ankles more support. 

To keep your boots from bunching up around your ankles, choose boots that have a good fit around your calves. It’s best to have between one and two inches of space in the calf area.

When you try boots on, pay attention to how they fit at the toe, instep, and around the ball of your feet. 

Can You Wear Orthotics In Cowboy Boots?

Custom shoe inserts can be a fantastic way to address foot and ankle problems and keep your feet comfortable. Thankfully, you can wear insoles and other orthotics with cowboy boots.

Not only can an insert keep your feet from getting tired or sore throughout the day, but it can also improve your posture as you walk. 

Orthotics are great for your feet, but when you wear them with cowboy boots, your feet can get overheated.

You can prevent this by choosing insoles micro-holes to disperse heat. If you plan on wearing orthotics, you may want to buy cowboy boots that are a half-size larger than your usual size. 

What Kinds of Socks Should You Wear With Cowboy Boots?

Wearing socks with cowboy boots isn’t a requirement, but socks can prevent chafing and give your ankles extra support. If your ankles are prone to swelling, you may even want to opt for compression socks.

Since cowboy boots can get hot, socks that use moisture-wicking technology are always a solid choice.

While cowboys in the wild west didn’t always wear socks with their boots, the right socks can improve the fit and feel of any modern pair of cowboy boots.

Just make sure that your socks are made from materials that will let your feet breathe, like cotton or wool. You can even wear cowboy boots with dress socks for a more formal look. 

How Can You Stop Cowboy Boots From Rubbing Your Ankles?

If your cowboy boots are rubbing against your ankles as you walk, you’ll need to soften the leather that boots are made from.

The leather will naturally soften as you break your boots in, but you can speed up the process by applying leather conditioner. Moleskin padding can also help cushion your ankles. 

Stretching out your boots can help if your boots are too tight. You can stretch cowboy boots with boot stretchers or by applying a boot stretch spray.

While water and rubbing alcohol can also soften leather, they can be damaging and should be avoided. For the best results, have your boots stretched by a professional. 

Final Thoughts

Some cowboy boots have poor arch support or tend to rub against the ankles, causing pain or discomfort.

With that said, cowboy boots can be very good for your ankles if you choose boots with a good fit and a modern design.

If your boots aren’t as comfortable as you’d like them to be, look at options like cushioned socks and foot orthotics. As long as your feet are well supported, you can wear your cowboy boots on a daily basis.