When it comes to acing the look while protecting the feet from the ravages of weather, both cowboy boots and engineer boots make the grade.
Both are quite popular among bikers and the cool ones who like to bring on their A game in the fashion scene. But will the hip cowboy boots be able to replace engineer boots and provide the same level of ease and protection? Which ones a better deal when it comes to utility and durability?
Quite a few mindboggling questions might pop up in your head when you are out shopping and find yourself looking these two options. How exactly are you gonna make a wise decision?
The answer is pretty simple- READ ON!!! So as to make your lives easier we have found answers to your questions, so just read on to find out if you can replace your engineer boots with a pair of cowboy ones.
Cowboy Boots
The stylish boots that had dominated Hollywood for an entire era, has quite the fan-following and rich history to claim.
With a genesis that is intimately intertwined with the Spanish culture, the cowboy boots were born to cater to the needs of the nervy cowboys of the West.
Starring in the Indie movies to taking up the centerstage at fashion shows and being a cultural symbol of America, the modish cowboy boots do have a timeless popularity that never lets it go out of vogue.
Easy to put on, sturdy and stiff, with a sleek look that never goes out of fashion, cowboy boots can be called the footwear for every occasion.
Engineer Boots
Engineer boots do often take after cowboy boots in their looks but they are manufactured to cater to different requirements.
Engineer boots were originally made for firemen on steam vehicles and over the years motorcycle riders, hipsters and young urban professionals have made it their own.
Similar in look and pull on feature, engineer boots and cowboy boots might look like they can pass instead of each other, but is it really the case?
Will cowboy boots be able to perform well around heavy machinery. Let us just carry out a simple comparison to figure out the answer.
Cowboy boots vs Engineer boots
Cowboy boots and engineer boots have these following similarities and differences. Based on the following chart you can make out an idea of how well each would cater to your needs and requirements.
| Feature | Cowboy boots | Engineer boots |
| Lace | Does not have lace | Does not have lace |
| Ease of wearing | Pull on so easy to wear | Pull on so easy to wear |
| Material | Made with exotic hides like alligator, ostrich etc | Made with bull leather |
| Toe shape | Usually pointed toe- uncomfortable | Wide toe- more comfortable |
| Safety toes | Absent | Present |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Shaft | Wide shaft | Shaft is adjusted by a strap, hence more comfortable |
| Height of boots | 12 inches | 17 inches |
| Outsoles | No extra support, not heavy | Strong and heavy |
| Durability | Durable | More durable |
Cowboy boots are meant for light abuse conditions like farming or riding, but engineer boots are supposed to put up with a lot more harsher conditions.
The engineer boots are heavy duty boots that are meant to provide high level of protection and a comparison with a rather shaky opponent like the cowboy boots is, to be honest, not even a one worth making.
Cowboy boots are roomier and hence let’s the toes and leg move and breathe better, whereas the narrow toed cowboy boots would restrict movement and blood circulation and would give you a lot of pain and discomfort.
The protective reinforcements in the form of toe caps and outsoles equip engineer boots with a strong arsenal against the various dangers at the workplace. Cowboy boots are more of a farming or riding shoe and is not meant to and does not have a lot of protective augmentations.
The taller and double layered shaft of Engineer boots provides more coverage and thereby more protection to the leg. The shaft in engineer boots has a buckle/strap which enables the wearer to adjust the shaft according to their liking.
Cowboy boots on the other hand have a shorter and quite roomy shaft. It just bulges out and this can be quite uncomfortable when you have to walk around and can even lead to severe bone deformities over a long period of time.
In a harsh working condition the engineer boots will outlive the cowboy boots as the latter is not at all made to survive in extremely adverse conditions.
The following table sums up how each boot fares in the most commonly sought out categories when pitted against each other in a workplace:
| Category | Cowboy boots | Engineer boots |
| Durability | Not that durable | Durable |
| Comfort | Uncomfortable | Comfortable |
| Stylish | Yes | Yes |
| Flexible | No | Yes |
| Provides protection for work | No | Yes |
So let us repeat the question once again,
“Can you replace engineer boots with cowboy boots?”
Now the answer is pretty clear, cowboy boots are not really much of a competition before the versatile, functional and stylish engineer boots.
Since at the workplace it is not really applicable to use footwear without any protective enforcements or proper grip, we can without a doubt say that it is better to get yourself a pair of Engineer boots rather than a pair of cowboy boots.
Motorcycle riders of all people should avoid using cowboy boots as these stylish ones have a very smooth heel which would not provide the grip required while driving a motorcycle.
But still if you are just planning on getting a pair to show off at your office or at a party you can choose either one of them as it wouldn’t really matter much.
But on any day, getting a pair of Engineer boots would be a much better investment as they have a lot more versatility and would provide greater comfort to the feet.
Recommended Engineer Boots
If you want to get an engineer boot after the pretty long debate on should you or should you not, you can use the following links:
RIDETECS 16” Motorcycle Men’s Side Boot Zipper Oiled Leather Boot
- Durable Full Grain Leather
- Low Maintainence Cost
- Safety Riding Features
- Ride With Comfort
- Versatile Use
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This durable, versatile and low maintenance engineer boot is your perfect part for work and long motorcycle rides
Harley-Davidson Women’s Dorilee 7” Engineer Motorcycle Boot
- UPPER: Full grain leather LINING: Mesh SHAFT HEIGHT: 7.75” / HEEL HEIGHT: 1.5” OUTSOLE: Rubber CONSTRUCTION: Cement YKK locking inside zip
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
A premium boot with a vintage look, this stylish piece is every female Rider’s perfect companion
See also: Engineer Boots vs Motorcycle Boots
Hoping that you would definitely invest your dollars in a stylish and functional pair of Engineer boots and would save money and stay safe, we end today’s quest for answers here.
Go and rock those chunky and hip, engineer boots!!!
