Goat Leather vs Cow Leather Cowboy Boots: A Comprehensive Comparison

Goat Leather vs Cow Leather Cowboy Boots: A Comprehensive Comparison

Are you thinking about whether to go with goat leather vs cow leather cowboy boots and can’t make up your mind? I have been there before and it is a tough choice as both of these leathers have their pros and cons. There is no doubt when picking out a pair of cowboy boots that the type of leather used is one of the most significant factors in making the choice. The leather choice makes a big difference in the comfort, durability, and appearance of your boots.

Two of the popular options available are goat leather and cow leather both of which offer some unique properties that set them apart from each other. In this article, we will review the differences between goat leather and cow leather cowboy boots as well as spend some time talking about the pros and cons of each of them.

First up, let’s talk about goat leather briefly before deep diving – as the name implies it is derived from the skin of goats and is known for its softness, flexibility, and lightweight nature. These features make goat leather a good choice for cowboy boots as it can provide a very comfortable fit and enhanced adaptability to the shape of your foot. In comparison, cow leather is both the traditional and most common material choice for making cowboy boots. Its sturdy nature matched with a good comfort factor offers durability and a classic look that has withstood the test of time.

Now we will dive further into the details and try to understand the differences between these two types of leather and what makes them the right candidate for your perfect pair of cowboy boots.

Key Takeaways

• Goat leather features softness, flexibility, and lightweight comfort for cowboy boots
• Cow leather features durability and a classic look for traditional cowboy boot lovers
• You will have to consider the pros and cons of these two materials to match how you will wear the boots.

Differences Between Goat Leather and Cow Leather

Appearance

There are many similarities between the appearance of goat leather and cow leather, but as you look closer you’ll notice subtle differences. Goat leather tends to have a more textured look and feel and will often display natural markings, which make each piece more unique. Cow leather on the other hand usually has a more uniform and smooth surface and is often regarded as the more “traditional” option for cowboy boots.

Texture

When comparing texture, goat leather is considered to be softer and more flexible than cow leather. Cow leather, while being a bit stiffer and harder in comparison still possesses a pleasant feel that is very suitable for cowboy boots.

Durability

While both goat and cow leather offer durability there are distinctions in their strengths. Goat leather is generally considered less durable and less strong than cow leather. This is part of its comparatively lightweight and softer nature to cow leather. It is not so much that goat leather is a weak leather, but in comparison to cow leather which is widely recognized for its toughness and long lasting nature that it comes up short.

Comfort

When we come to comfort, we will find that goat leather scores slightly higher due to its lighter weight and more supple feel. These qualities make it feel better compared to leather and generally will provide a comfortable fit that adapts well to your foot shape over time. Similarly to durability, but in reverse, it is not that cow leather cowboy boots are not comfortable, but they are generally not as soft and comfortable in comparison to goat leather boots.

Goat Leather vs Cow Leather Price

Generally for boots of similar build quality from similar quality manufacturers you will find that goat leather boots are usually higher price than cow leather boots.

Pros and Cons of Goat Leather Cowboy Boots

Advantages of Goat Leather Boots

As I think it is clear, I am a big fan of goat leather and think it is an excellent choice for cowboy boots. One of its main advantages is its comfortability and softness.

Another benefit of goat leather is its flexibility. It is more stretchable and more flexible compared to cow leather and will make it a bit easier for you to break in your cowboy boots. This attribute is another contributor to the boots comfort level as well.

Goat leather is also more lightweight when compared to cow leather. You’ll find that goat leather cowboy boots are both breathable and supple.

Disadvantages of Goat Leather Boots

One potential downside of goat leather boots is the cost. High-quality goat leather is usually more expensive than cow leather so you should be prepared for somewhat higher price tags if you go with goat boots over cow hide boots.

As goat leather is a more delicate and thin leather compared to cow leather it will require extra care in comparison and you will need to be more diligent with your conditioning and cleaning regime.

Pros and Cons of Cow Leather Cowboy Boots

Advantages of Cow Leather Cowboy Boots

There are some reasons that cow leather is the most popular choice for cowboy boots. It is well tested for durability and strength. Being thicker than goat leathers cow leather tends to hold up quite well against the normal daily wear and tear. This feature makes it an ideal material for long-lasting and sturdy footwear. Also, while cow leather cowboy boots are not waterproof you are going to get a bit more water-resistance compared to goat leather.

Another comparative advantage of cow leather is its ability to resist minor scuffs and scratches. While there is no material that is completely scuff-proof cow leather is a relatively hardy leather that will ensure your boots can still look good even after extended use. With proper leather care and conditioning your cow leather cowboy boots can maintain their appearance quite a long time.

Disadvantages of Cow Leather Cowboy Boots

Despite its advantages, cow leather cowboy boots do come with some drawbacks as well. You can expect cow leather boots to come with a longer break-in period compared to goat leather. . Due to its comparatively thicker nature, your cow leather boots may start off feeling a bit stiff or uncomfortable. Much like goat boots, over time they will mold to your feet and become more comfortable. However, they are not going to be as soft as goat boots or quite as easy to break in generally.

Closing Argument for Goat Leather vs Cow Leather Cowboy Boots

To get to the TL;DR version – while both leather make good boots they have some pros and cons for each.

If you are looking for a more comfortable, softer, but likely more expensive boot that you are ok may be less durable then goat is the choice for you.

If you are looking for a comfortable, lower cost, and more durable boot and you are ok with a longer break in period then you may want to stick with cow leather cowboy boots.

Consider how you will wear the boots as well when you are thinking about your choice. If you will be inside or in an office environment then goats lower durability may not be as big of a deal compared to if you are working outside and need a thicker, more sturdy boot.

You can watch a Youtube video that is based on a summary of this article by going here: https://youtu.be/zBAfZXa2CfI