Generally, a western work boot is a type of cowboy boots that is largely designed for more practical uses. In comparison to the classic and roper types of cowboy boots, the western work boots are much more inexpensive and have fewer details.

Apparently, it is a common mistake that western work boots are seen as the traditional cowboy boots. Although western boots are cowboy boots, technically, it is important for you to note that these western boots are just one of the many types of cowboy boots.

And to further understand what is a western work boot, here is a quick overview about the cowboy boots.

The Founding Era of Cowboy Boots

Cowboy boots generally originated in Europe. But since trading goods and services play a huge role in the history of the United States and Europe, cowboy boots entered the United States in the late 1800s.

Traditionally, they are just simple boots that are largely designed to keep the feet safe from a harsh environment. But as these boots entered the said region, the Western people were the first ones to utilize the boots.

Years later, it is seen that farmers in the area were the apparent users of the boots. And these farmers became the cowboys of today. Hence, this is where the name of the boots came from.

Cowboy Boots Variations

The classic cowboy boots are the ones you would normally see in movies where the setting is located in the west. They are largely used for riding horses. Also, the design of this boot is meant to keep the feet safe from horses. And take note that these boots are all handmade.

But as the years pass by, industrialization came and it revolutionized every part and aspect of the market. Machines and equipment became available which resulted in mass productions of different goods. In this case, the cowboy boots.

And because of the said product revolution, this is the time when the ropers, western work boots, stockmen, and buckaroos have become available in the market. Accordingly, these types became the wide variations of the traditional cowboy boots.

The Western Work Boots Today

Western Work Boots are quite similar to the classic cowboy boots. However, the details of the features are largely different from one another. This is because the western work boots are designed mainly for workers whose jobs are more focused on walking and strolling in the field. Hence, the features of a western work boot are not really appropriate for riding horses and roping activities.

Now, these features largely include the roper-style heels that measure about 1 ¾ inches, more or less. Also, the tread and traction of this type are much more highlighted. As for the shaft, they have usually about 8 to 12 inches in height.

And in terms of the toe shape, the toe box of a western work boot is either a round-shaped or a slightly-tapered figure. These shapes are essentially included to provide genuine comfortability as these boots are utilized mainly for walking.