Work Boots Vs Cowboy Boots – Main Difference

Boots are not only a  fashion accessory but rather so crucial in human life that battles were won and lost because of the choice of boots.

In outdoor spaces where most work is done in the open and the boots may be subjected to all types of terrain and weather conditions, the two most preferred boots are Cowboy boots and Work boots.

Both the boots indeed have their utility and usability but these are often interchangeably used. So without further ado let’s jump into how different work boots and cowboy boots are.

Comparison Overview Between Work Boots Vs Cowboy Boots

Cowboy Boots

Cowboy boots are the first thing that came to mind when discussing wild west. These were popularized in the 1800s by cattle headers of the west also known as Cowboys. These were used while riding horses and in desert settings so they became the sensation that they are by the sturdiness.

Design

These were typically made of cowhide leather but nowadays most are made of Suede leather. The exotic ones may be made from the skins of snakes and alligators.

The cowboy boots have typically a long boot shaft that comes from your heel to the middle of the calf. These have pointy toes, come with an angled heel, and are without any laces. The newer design may have a flat heel and may be slightly high than your ankle.

Can you wear cowboy boots on construction sites?

Cowboy boots are said to be the initiation of work boots and were commonly worn at the time during the construction of railroads back in the era.

Nowadays construction sites have much to do with concrete and leather does not go very with concrete. Also, these are now prized possession as well as status symbols nowadays.

Are cowboy boots comfortable to work in?

Surely cowboy boots are very comfortable as they are handmade of leather, with ample support to you to the ankle and heel. If the size is right these are so comfortable that you can wear them all day.

Fashion

The cowboy boots are now more of a style statement and are worn by celebrities and enthusiasts more often. These are considered a novelty. It was popular in fashion back in the 1800s, it is fashionable now with new iterations cowboy boots keep coming back.

Cowboy boots also have add-ons like a Steel toe cap, spur in the back, and belts to give them a more stylish look.

Price

These are on the higher spectrum of the price based on the fact that most of them are handmade. Even industrially produced cowboy boots can cost up to $300 and based on finesse and crafts work, the sky is the limit. 

Work Boots

Work boots encompass a variety of boots that have their specific purpose, these include Wellington boots, Steel toes, and industrial safety boots which are oil and chemical resistant as well as insulated from electrical current. 

The most commonly used are rubber soles with composite toe these were made famous by the Caterpillar company.

Design

The Work boots have a simple round toe which is reinforced by either steel or by composite to protect the toe from a falling heavy object. It has long laces that are tied up to provide maximum grip to the ankle and tarsal.

It has a rubber sole so it is water-resistant. It has soft padding of foam at the ankle so that the ankle joint be properly cushioned. It has a broad heel to provide the maximum grip on the ground. 

Can you wear work boots on construction sites?

Usually, any work boots do the deed but on the construction site where cement pouring is done Wellington boots are worn.

There is another advantage that the work boots are puncture-resistant, this means that a splinter of wood or a nail may not be directly lodged into the foot but rather the sole absorbs that.

Are work boots comfortable to work in?

The ones with steel toes are heavier and may cause sore feet, but other than that composite ones are the most comfortable in the lot. One issue that arises in the work boots is that they are not breathable and have tight laces. To overcome that nylon mesh fabric is used in some boots to make them breathable.

Fashion

In the beginning, the work boots were only for work purposes but as fashion has changed and become closer to the common man’s style,  the work boots have also made some headways in the fashion industry and shoes like Caterpillar and Timberland are considered fashion brands nowadays. 

Price

A simple pair of work boots can be obtained as low as $30 and with each brand and purpose, the price also rises. The common all-purpose work boot can still be purchased in the $80 to $120 range. 

Are There Any Similarities between Work Boots Vs Cowboy Boots?

There are quite a few things that are alike in the work boots and cowboy boots. These are a few of them.

• Both are a category of outdoor boots.
• Both are durable, robust, and sturdy in use.
• Both had a basic design and with time there are changes taking place essentially to make them more comfortable and for better protection of your feet.
• Both are very versatile and can be worn for different purposes.
• They are designed to withstand the elements of nature and the work environment that they are made for.

To sum it up

There is a lot in common between both work boots and cowboy boots. These are outdoor shoes but the work boots are often purpose-specific and cowboy boots are worn when riding a horse or on a ranch.

They are both made of leather and have a simple design yet cowboy boots are mid-calf length and do not have any laces.

Whereas the work boots are normally of ankle length and have long laces. Both have a broad heel and a simple design. The main difference is that the cowboy boots are handcrafted while the work boots are industrially produced.

So, it all breaks down to the choice and utility of the boot. It is advisable not to wear cowboy boots on a slimy surface or industrial chemical. Although nowadays cowboy boots with rubber soles are made.

Work boots have provided a better alternative to cowboy boots as it covers all the aspects of protection to one’s feet and is more cost-effective. 

Hopefully, you have got all the answers to the questions about the cowboy and work boots.