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Wear cowboy boots on a hike?

cowboyboots

Q. Is it OK to wear cowboy boots on a hike? I have a pair that is very comfortable.
— B.J. the Cowboy, LeHigh Acres, Florida

Interesting question. I’ve definitely never been asked that one before. Cowboy boots are not the ideal type of footwear for hiking. Yes, cowboys wear them, but they also probably spend more time riding horses than hiking.

The main problems with cowboy boots are the tall heel and the lack of traction, both of which could spell trouble and instability on tricky, rocky or slippery terrain. Also, since most cowboy boots have very little cushioning, your feet probably will not be too happy after a few miles on the trail.

I’d say you’re much better off leaving the cowboy boots at home and instead wearing a pair of light hiking boots or trail runners with good cushioning and traction.


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9 Comments on Wear cowboy boots on a hike?

  1. I have ran climbed hiked hunted almost anything you can think of in cowboy boots if I switch boots or shoes I will be walking like I’ve a stick in my butt it’s all in what you adjust or feel comfortable to

  2. I have a pair of low healed cowboy boots and hiked in them they gave me blister’s but they were comfortably to hike in.

  3. I hike in my cowboy boots all the time. They have slippery soles, pointed toes, and six inch heels. I usually don’t wear socks but I wear very short hiking shorts. My boots never let me down.

  4. what is an ideal type of hiking boots?

  5. If your cowboy boots are comfortable you will be OK hiking in them I have done it lots of times.

  6. I remember seeing a kid running around a Webelos camp in cowboy boots one year. Saw him again toward the end of the 3 days, and he had very painful looking raw marks ringing his legs from the boot tops.

  7. The ones with the lower heels—called roper boots—will work for the shorter hikes. The problem is that they have no support for the ankle.

  8. Well if you are not familiar with real live cowboy boots you should know they come in all kinds of heel height and traction… If you are comfortable wearing them, wear them. If you are an Urban Cowboy then…stick to your citified walking shoes. I’ve walked miles and miles in cowboy boots (we just call them boots, cause, well, that’s what they are) with no issues.

  9. Hiking with cowboy boots?? That’s like hiking with cotton gym socks. Asking for major trouble.

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