Guides

Buying, wearing, and keeping a good pair.

Leather and construction explained in depth, plus the shorter guides on sizing, measuring, and care.

In-depth guides

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Grain & Grade

What separates mass-produced cowhide from the fine and exotic leathers used in high-end boots.

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Built to Last

Shanks, pegging, welts, soles, and linings — how a boot is actually put together.

Quick guides

Recommended reading

How to Shop for Vintage Cowboy Boots

Texas Monthly’s guidelines for finding your perfect vintage pair, plus our take on fit.

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How to Decipher Boot Sizing

US, European, and Mexican sizing systems, and how men's and women's sizes relate.

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Foot Measuring for Cowboy Boots

The nine measurements worth taking before you order a custom pair.

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How to Care for Your Cowboy Boots

Cleaning, conditioning, and storage — including notes for exotic leathers.

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Leather Filler for Scratches and Gouges

A seven-step repair process for scuffs and shallow gouges.

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Inlay versus Overlay

Two decorative techniques, and how to tell them apart at a glance.

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Just What is Leather Tooling?

Carving and stamping explained, and how it differs from machine embossing.

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Toe Shapes and Heel Styles

What each toe shape and heel height is actually built for.

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What's in a Boot?

A labeled look at boot anatomy, from toe to topline to welt.