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Whether it’s your first rodeo for buying cowboy boots or your fiftieth pair, you probably want to decide if rubber soles are right for you.
In this article, we’ll help you out by covering questions like “Do cowboy boots have rubber soles?”, “What’s the difference between rubber and leather soles?” “What are cowboy boots soles made of?”, “How long do rubber soles last?”, and “What brand of cowboy boots have rubber soles?”.
We’ll cover these topics in the article below, so stay tuned!
Do cowboy boots have rubber soles?
The short answer is that yes, many cowboy boots do have rubber soles.
In fact, for some people, rubber soles are the preferred style for cowboy boots. Cowboy boots have rubber soles for many reasons. Sometimes, they have rubber soles so that they meet safety standards for workplace wear.
In other cases, cowboy boots have rubber soles so that they can be waterproof and keep feet dry in wet weather. Cowboy boots can also have rubber soles because they have more grip than traditional leather soles on cowboy boots.
In any case, cowboy boots do have rubber soles sometimes. They don’t always have rubber soles, though.
This is why it’s important to consider what your needs are before purchasing cowboy boots. Do your research and make sure that the material of the cowboy boots’ soles is appropriate for your intended use.
What’s the difference between rubber and leather soles?
The main difference between rubber soles in cowboy boots and leather soles is obviously the material of each type.
Rubber soles are made of rubber while leather soles are made of leather. Beyond this basic difference, there are some key features that distinguish the two.
Leather-soled cowboy boots feel softer to most cowboy boot wearers. With regular wear, leather-soled cowboy boots mold to the wearer’s unique foot shape.
Since leather is flexible, it doesn’t take very long to break in a new pair of leather cowboy boots. Leather-soled cowboy boots also move and slide easily. This makes them the perfect choice for square dancing or other dancing fun.
The main drawbacks to leather-soled cowboy boots include their water resistance, which means they are not waterproof, and their short lifespan.
On the other hand, rubber-soled cowboy boots have more traction than their leather counterparts. The extra grip can come in handy on slippery terrain. Rubber-soled cowboy boots are also usually waterproof, which makes them ideal for wearing in all types of weather, including rain and snow.
Rubber soles also stay wearable for longer periods of time. You’ll have at least four years before they need resoled.
Unfortunately, though, some rubber-soled cowboy boots have cement connecting the bottom of the boot with the sole.
This means that resoling them isn’t an option, so they’ll have to be replaced when they wear out.
Depending on the brand, rubber soles might make cowboy boots more expensive. Since they are more durable, this price might be worth it. Sometimes, leather soles are more expensive because they are natural.
What are cowboy boots soles made of?
Cowboy boots’ soles were originally made out of leather.
Over time, technology improved and we started incorporating rubber into cowboy boot soles.
Nowadays, cowboy boots soles can be made out of leather, rubber, or other synthetic materials. Sometimes, cowboy boots will have leather soles with rubber on the heel for grip. It all depends on the brand and style.
Usually, cowboy boots are designed with their specific purpose in mind. If cowboy boots are intended for showing off at a dance, they might be made with leather soles. This way, they’ll be able to smoothly glide over the dance floor.
Cowboy boots that are meant for mucking stalls might have waterproof rubber soles, on the other hand.
How long do rubber soles last?
Rubber soles on cowboy boots last roughly 4-5 years.
Of course, this depends on the amount of use the boots receive and the kind of treatment they receive.
One of the features that make cowboy boots with rubber soles so popular is their ability to stand the test of time (within reason).
Unlike rubber soles, leather soles only last 2 years maximum. After a few years, rubber-soled cowboy boots will need to be resoled.
If you use your cowboy boots in harsh conditions or during snowy or rainy seasons, you may need to replace the soles sooner. Still, replacing the soles every 4-5 years is not as bad as doing it every one or two years.
Over time, the difference in cost will make rubber soles worth the initial investment.
What brand of cowboy boots have rubber soles?
Many brands of cowboy boots feature rubber-soled options and leather-soled options.
Popular cowboy boot brands that have rubber soles include Tecovas, Durango, Dan Post, and Ariat Boots.
To make sure a brand has rubber soles, do your research and ask a shoe salesperson if need be. You’ll usually be able to tell if a brand of cowboy boots has rubber soles because they’ll list it on the materials.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, cowboy boots do have rubber soles sometimes.
Different brands that feature cowboy boots with rubber soles include Durango and Tecovas.
Rubber soles and leather soles differ in that rubber soles last almost twice as long as leather soles. Also, rubber soles are waterproof instead of water resistant, unlike leather soles.
Robert is a native Texan writer for TexasWalkabout, passionate about Texas culture and food, wearing cowboy boots daily. He interviews local pitmasters and chefs, tastes and reviews innovative dishes, and explores hidden gems and iconic landmarks. Graduating magna cum laude in Cyber Security from the University of Texas at San Antonio, Robert excels academically and professionally while also being knowledgeable in Texas history and culture. After living in Texas for over 28 years, he provides first-hand and trustworthy information for all your Texas needs!
