Boots That Win Fair & Square
There are literally hundreds of cowboy boots out there to choose from. From various shaft colors and designs to heel height and toe shape, the possibilities are practically endless! One boot style that has been increasing in popularity is the square toe boot.
Square toe cowboy boots come in a variety of colors, heel heights, and shaft designs. This toe shape is great for riding or walking, as it gives your toes extra room to spread out. The extra space also makes this a popular style for those with wider feet. Square toe boots are comfortable and still deliver that classical Western style!
Source: Canva
Boot Style
When it comes to cowboy boot styles, the options can feel slightly overwhelming.
Traditional Cowboy Boots – Most traditional cowboy boots will have a mid-calf shaft height, a narrow toe to fit your foot easily into the stirrup, and a higher heel to keep your feet in place when you are horseback.
Work Cowboy Boots – These boots draw inspiration from traditional cowboy boots, but typically have a thick and grippy rubber sole to provide traction and the ability to work in a variety of conditions. Some work boots feature a steel (or composite) toe to provide protection in extreme work environments.
Roper Boots – This style of boot was made for roping cattle and features a lower heel with a shorter shaft height. These boots are designed for comfort in the saddle, walking distances, or even running.
Exotic Cowboy Boots – These boots get their name from the unique materials that they are made from including alligator or ostrich skin. Traditionally, they are worn for special occasions, not necessarily in the saddle.
Boot Toe Styles
Pointed, or J Toe – This toe style is sharply pointed at the end.
Snip Toe – This toe style is pointed, but the very end is squared off as if someone cut it straight across.
Classic, or R Toe – This toe style is tapered, but rounded at the tip and is one of the most common toe styles that is seen in cowboy boots.
Round Toe – Just as it sounds, the end of the toe is rounded.
Fashion, or A Toe – This is also known as the fashion toe and has a narrow, sharp toe for appearance.
Square Toe – The toe style we talk about in this guide, which features a wide, flat toe.
Broad Square Toe – This version of a square toe is just a wider version, which can make the boot more comfortable for some.
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Top Picks for Square Toe Boots
| Category | Option | Price Point | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Square Toe Boot | Ariat Women’s Cattle Drive Western Boot | $$$ | · Lightweight Outsole · Full Grain Leather · Two Color Options |
| Most Comfortable Square Toe Boot | Justin Ema Boot | $$ | · Orthotic Insole · Rubber Outsole for Durability · Great Style for Any Occasion |
| Best Square Toe Work Boot | Wolverine Men’s Square Toe Wellington | $$ | · Steel Toe for Protection · Full Grain Leather |
| Best Men’s Square Toe Boot | Twisted X Men’s 12-Inch Lite Western Work Boot | $$ | · Several Color Options · Full Grain Leather · Slip Resistant |
| Best Women’s Square Toe Boot | Ariat Women’s Round Up Square Toe Western Boot | $$ | · Traditional Western Style · Contrast Stitching · Duratread Sole |
Ariat Women’s Cattle Drive Western Boot
This traditional western boot combines both style and comfort while keeping the price point in check. It features a stabilizing shank for added support and full grain leather through the foot and upper.
With two different color options, it is an ideal choice if you are looking for a quality square toe boot.
Click to see it at
PROS:
- Lightweight Design
- Added Support and Cushion
- Beautiful Design
CONS:
- Can Run a Little Large in Sizing
Where to Buy: Ariat
Justin Ema Boot
This eight-inch boot is perfect for the person who wants to go from riding all day to dancing into the evening. With a removable orthotic insole, this option practically guarantees comfort all day long.
Click to see it at Amazon
- Comfortable Insole
- Contrast Design
CONS:
- Rubber Outsole Might Be Too Casual for Some
Where to Buy: Amazon
Wolverine Men’s Square Toe Wellington
This premium men’s work boot features full grain leather and moisture-wicking lining to keep feet cool. A steel shank provides strength and the rubber lug outsole offers ideal grip to the ground in any environment.
Click to see it at Amazon
- Cushioned Footbed
- Lightweight Construction
- Comfortable for All Day
CONS:
- Rubber Soles May Wear Down Over Time
Where to Buy: Amazon
Twisted X Men’s 12-Inch Lite Western Work Boot
This square toe work boot is crafted in full grain leather uppers to provide a casual look that many men are looking for while still meeting all safety standards. This boot option is breathable and moisture-wicking to provide comfort all day long.
Click to see them at Amazon
- Comfort Level is High
- Slip Resistant
- Known for Durability
CONS:
- Can Run Slightly Big
Where to Buy: Amazon
Ariat Women’s Round Up Square Toe Western Boot
These beautiful western style boots with contrast stitching provide the perfect trendy boot to wear for any occasion. The high-end
Click to see it at Amazon
- Stabilizing Shank
- Beautiful Design
- Duratread Sole
CONS:
Can Be Difficult to Break In
Where to Buy: Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who should wear square toe boots?
Anyone can wear square toe boots! Whether you want to wear them for fashion purposes or to ride in, this particular toe style is (mostly) personal preference.
Square toe boots are a great choice for those with wider feet, as they provide more room for your toes to spread out.
Q: Are square toe boots still in?
Yes! Square toe boots are still being worn quite frequently. There are many people that are wearing them to ride horses as well as for more casual wear.
Q: Do real cowboys wear square toe boots?
Real cowboys do wear square toe boots, although they may steer more towards a rounded toe, as it is easier to get your foot in the stirrup.
Q: Are square toe boots more comfortable?
Square toe boots can provide additional space in the toe box of your boot. For some people, they prefer square toe boots for this reason. Square toe boots are known for being comfortable for both riding and walking.
Q: What are the best square toe work boot insoles?
Check out
Q: What are the best waterproof square toe work boots?
Many brands make waterproof square toe boots.
Q: What are the best lace-up square toe work boots?
Cavender’s has quite a large selection of lace-up work boots from brands such as Justin and
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Parting Thoughts
Although picking out new cowboy boots can feel a bit overwhelming, rest assured that these square-toe boot options will outperform your expectations.
P.S. Enjoy this article? Trot on over to:
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