Ostrich obsessed? Join the club!
Cowboy boots can be made from a variety of materials. If you’re wanting to try a different type of leather, or want something a bit more exotic than cowhide, it’s time to dip your toe into the world of ostrich boots.
Ostrich leather is known for its soft, durable, comfort. You can tell you’re looking at ostrich leather because it will feature raised points (i.e. full quill), creating little bumps. Tough as cowhide, but with a more fashion-forward vibe, ostrich boots often carry a higher price tag—but deliver a higher-end feel that will have you boot scootin’ around town in style.
Feature photo courtesy of Chisos Boots
Most Comfortable Ostrich Boots
| Category | Option | Price Point | Key Features |
| Best Overall | Justin Women’s Western Smooth Ostrich Boot | $ |
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| Best Men’s Boot | Tony Lama Men’s Ostrich Boot | $$ |
|
| Best Everyday Boot | Justin Women’s Smooth Ostrich Square Toe Boot | $$ |
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| Best Ladies Look | Lucchese Women’s Maeve Ostrich Snip Toe Boot | $$$ |
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| Best for a Splurge | Chisos No. 1 & No. 2 Men’s Ostrich Boots | $$$ |
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Justin Women’s Smooth Ostrich Western Square Toe Boot
This is a great everyday women’s boot for both riding and working around the ranch. It comes in half sizes from a 7 to 11 and features a roper-style heel.
Premium ostrich leather offers a stylish peek-a-boo look under bootcut jeans.
Click to see it at Amazon
- Removable orthotic insole
- Genuine leather lining
- Rubber outsole for better grip
CONS:
- Square toe can be less comfortable for some people than round
- Shaft height may be too tall for those with shorter legs
Tony Lama Men’s Ostrich Boots
This is a great overall boot at a reasonable price—a pull-on style made of farm-raised African ostrich. It’s ultra-durable, conforms to your foot with wear, and is easy to break in.
This boot features a 12″ kidskin upper and a 1 5/8″ heel.
Click to see it at State Line Tack
PROS:
- Very comfortable with cushion insoles
- Good quality and affordable
- Available in wide width
CONS:
- Round toe may not be comfortable for everyone
- Wider feet may need the wide style
Justin Women’s Square Toe Ostrich Boot
This ostrich boot is a bit on the pricier side, but you get what you pay for. Exotic without being impractical, this striking color combination looks great under or over jeans.
Justin’s limited-edition boot features a removable orthotic insert and smooth ostrich leather.
Click to see it at Amazon
- Very comfortable insoles
- Made of premium leather
- Very durable multi-textured outside
CONS:
- Can be heavy to wear for long periods of time
- More expensive than some other brands
Lucchese Women’s Maeve Ostrich Snip Toe Boot
The Lucchese brand is known for their luxury-level take on Western style boots, and these ostrich kicks don’t disappoint.
Full-quill ostrich is paired with a delicate tulip stitch pattern, and it’s handmade in Texas.
Click to see it at Amazon
- Leather sole
- Delicate stitching on the tulip design
- Handmade in Texas
CONS:
- These boots may run on the smaller side; reviewers said to size up ½ a size. The largest size available is a 10
- More expensive than other options listed
Chisos No. 1 & No. 2 Men’s Ostrich Boots
The No. 1 Ostrich Boot and No. 2 Ostrich Boot from
Impeccable craftsmanship, premium ostrich leather, and timeless design delivers show-stopping style.
Ostrich Boots (Photo Credit
PROS:
- Full-quill, selectively-bred South African AAA grade ostrich is plush and durable
- Natural variances in leather tone and texture give each pair a unique presence
- Cowhide shafts feature
Chisos exclusive designs - Stacked leather heel and signature stripe complete the luxury look
CONS:
- Feels firm upon arrival and requires time to break in and conform to your foot
- Paired with cowhide vs. a full ostrich leather boot, if that’s a dealbreaker
Note:
Click to see the
Boot Basics: Materials
Cowboy boots can be constructed from a range of materials, from cowhide to alligator skin to 100% synthetic leather (or a combination). Different materials have pros and cons, including price, durability, comfort, and care requirements.
Cowhide Leather
This is the most commonly used material for cowboy boots. Leather is easily sourced and can be less expensive than other options.
While traditional leather boots can last a long time, they do need routine care to remain in good condition.
Cowhide boots. Photo Cred: Canva
Ostrich Leather
Ostrich is a great option as it’s very soft and breathes well, making for high-end boots. It features unique raised dot pattern due to the bird’s natural skin texture.
This material tends to be more expensive, as it’s harder to source in the market.
Ostrich Boots (Photo Credit
Alligator & Crocodile Skin
Caiman belly is very soft and pliable material, but makes for high-maintenance boots requiring extra care to prevent cracking. The texture is striking, however, and it certainly stands out from the crowd.
Alligator and crocodile skin boots are also notoriously expensive.
Alligator skin boots. Photo Cred: Canva
Snakeskin
Rattlesnake skin provides a tough finish, making boots that are quite durable.
Snakeskin can yellow with time, though, so weigh that when you make your decision.
Snakeskin boots. Photo Cred: Canva
Spotlight: Blackrock Leather ‘N’ Rich
Looking for a leather cleaning alternative to saddle soap, mink oil, conditioners, and preservers? Blackrock was founded in 1976 and quickly become a household name—for good reason.
Not only does it breath new life into any finished leather product, Blackrock products are made in the USA. Blackrock is safe to use on boots, shoes, saddles, tack, furniture, car interiors, and everything in between. (Note: Don’t use it on suede or nubuck.)
Plus, the company pledges 1% of sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment.
“If it’s leather… use Blackrock!”
Click to see Blackrock Leather Care Products
Blackrock Complete Leather Care Kit
Here’s a leather jacket that hadn’t been cleaned in 20 years after a single Blackrock application!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Ostrich boots comfortable?
Generally, yes, though they made require a break-in period. If comfort is key, also look for a boot with removable cushion insoles.
Q: Which style of cowboy boots are most comfortable?
Round toe boots are typically more comfortable than square toe, but the choice comes down to personal preference and foot shape.
Q: Are Ostrich boots soft?
Yes, high-quality ostrich boots have a plush feel—especially after they’re broken in a bit.
Parting Thoughts
Ostrich boots are a great option for your next pair of cowboy boots. It’s important to take price and quality into consideration before making your purchase, but we hope you find your perfect fit on our list!
P.S. Enjoy this article? Trot on over to:
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- 7 Best Steel Toe Cowboy Boots for Hard-Working Women
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