How to remove cowboy boots? (Explained)

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There are days when nothing beats walking around in a pair of stylish cowboy boots. This kind of footwear is not only nice to look at, but is practical as well! 

However, when it comes time to go home, or visit someone in theirs, you’ll have to take those bad boys off. Unlike shoes, boots are a little more difficult to remove.

It can get frustrating when they aren’t slipping off your feet like they should. If that’s the case, then why do they have to be so difficult?

Is there some secret technique that pops cowboy boots off in the time it takes to snap your fingers? 

Worry not, for there are multiple methods you can use to get your cowboy boots to behave. Read on!

How do you remove cowboy boots with ease?

Pull them off by the heel, but gently.

Whereas simply pulling them off might do the trick, keep in mind though that newer cowboy boots will be stiffer in doing so, as they haven’t been properly worn-in yet.

If you happen to have bought your boots fresh from the store recently, take a long walk around the neighborhood to help soften the leather.

This helps the boots adjust to the unique shapes of your feet, and therefore, will make it easier to remove them later. 

When it comes time for the actual deed of removal, have a seat, and pull the heel of the boot away from your body while curling your foot downwards at the same time.

Cowboy boots have tall shafts which make it harder to remove your feet when compared to a street shoe, so you’ll have to straighten each foot outwards (think of changing the “L” shape of your foot into an “I” one instead) to get them out. 

Even though designed to protect your feet and ankles from sharp rocks and dangerous animals, cowboy boots weren’t exactly made with easy removal in mind.

Otherwise, they’d just slip right off your feet as you’re taking a walk!

Is pulling off cowboy boots the best way?

Maybe, but several factors can make it more difficult. 

One thing that causes difficulty some might not think of is moisture. To combat this problem, wear a pair of dry cowboy boot socks whenever it’s time to go out for a stroll. This will help smooth down both your feet and calves, making boot removal a breeze. 

However, keep in mind that socks can accumulate foot sweat throughout the day, especially during hot weather, making boot removal a serious chore.

If need be, let your feet dry out on a bench before continuing. Or, if you’re at home, change into a pair of dry socks. 

Another thing you can try is stretching your boots out a little. Be mindful though, that stretching should be done with care, such as using a specialized tool that can do the job well.

The last thing you want to achieve is stretching the boots out so much that they won’t only look ugly, but won’t fit properly on your feet anymore! 

However, stretching a pair of cowboy boots can also be done by wearing them often. The more you walk around, the softer the leather will become…you get the picture. 

What can I do if stretching them out isn’t enough?

Use a specialized tool and take good care of your boots.

If push comes to shove, and you’ve worn your boots around town enough, as if you just participated in a marathon, you’ll need something like a shoe horn or boot jack to convince those boots to get off your feet every now and then. 

Think of the boot jack as an anchor. The boot stays with the anchor while your foot is pried free. Simply place the heel of the boot on the hook, hold the thing down with your other foot, and then yank the boot off. 

Shoe horns achieve the same result, they just go about it in a different way. They’re not just for putting footwear on, but can help you take cowboy boots off as well.

Slip the shoehorn in at the heel, secure the boot in place, and then pull your foot out. 

However, using a tool (if needed) is only half the battle. The unseen fight that many cowboy boot wearers face is taking good care of their iconic footwear.

This includes storing your boots in a dry place away from sunlight (to prevent moisture), removing dust and dirt with a damp and soft cloth every now and then (to prevent wear and tear), and avoiding dragging your feet whenever you’re taking a stroll. 

What also helps is using a specialized cream or conditioner to keep the boot leather in top condition.

You can keep your boots clean and dry for years, but if they become too dry during that time, the leather will begin to crack and degrade, which could make them harder to remove.

It’s a balancing act that can seem like a pain at first, keeping the boots just moist enough to not break down, but a good idea to consider keeping them comfortable and easy to remove. 

Final Thoughts

Boot removal might seem a bit complicated, but it doesn’t have to be.

And unless you have a serious ankle sprain that needs attention, removing your cowboy boots requires both the right technique and the right care.