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Ostrich Cowboy Boots: Exotic Luxury for the Western Lifestyle

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Best Ostrich Cowboy Boots

When it comes to the best ostrich cowboy boots on the market, several brands consistently receive top praise from experts and enthusiasts alike.

Chisos No. 1 Ostrich Boots

Chisos No. 1 Ostrich Boots are widely regarded as offering the best price-to-quality ratio in the world of ostrich cowboy boots. Customers rave about the exceptional quality, robust and thick ostrich leather that maintains its shape over time. Chisos uses premium South African AAA grade full-quill ostrich leather and heritage craftsmanship techniques, including stacked leather heels, leather soles, and comfortable removable insoles. As one reviewer put it, "Nothing built like a Chisos boot today."

Lucchese Ostrich Boots

Lucchese Ostrich Boots are commended for their impressive toe-out cut of the ostrich hide and excellent fit, feel, and craftsmanship. They are particularly recommended for those who prefer the classic 7-toe style. Lucchese offers a variety of ostrich boot styles, such as the Randall, Rio, Charles, and University of Texas boots, catering to different tastes and preferences.

Black Jack Ostrich Boots

Black Jack Ostrich Boots are praised for their fine hand-made quality and customizable options. Customers describe them as "terrific" and fitting like Lucchese boots, with the added benefit of decent prices for custom designs. Black Jack's attention to detail and willingness to accommodate individual requests make them a top choice for those seeking personalized ostrich boots.

Justin Ostrich Boots

Justin Ostrich Boots are known for their unique textured quills, supple leather, exceptional breathability, and durable craftsmanship. They offer both full quill and smooth ostrich leather styles, ensuring there's an option for every preference. Justin also incorporates advanced comfort features into their ostrich boots, such as the J-Flex Flexible Comfort System® and removable orthotic insoles, providing all-day comfort and support.

Dan Post Ostrich Boots

Dan Post Ostrich Boots offer a wide range of full quill ostrich boot styles, including the Alamosa, Pershing, Gehrig, Kershaw, and Tempe. For those who prefer a smoother look, they also have options like the Scott boot in smooth ostrich leather. Dan Post's commitment to quality and variety makes them a popular choice among ostrich boot enthusiasts.

While brands like Tecovas and Rujo are mentioned as good mid-range options, Chisos, Lucchese, Black Jack, Justin, and Dan Post emerge as the top recommendations for premium, high-quality ostrich cowboy boots from multiple expert sources and customer reviews. Each brand offers its own unique take on the classic ostrich boot, ensuring that there's a perfect fit for every discerning customer.

Ostrich leather has emerged as a popular and luxurious choice for crafting high-end cowboy boots. Known for its unique texture, durability, and comfort, ostrich leather offers several advantages that make it worth the premium price for boot enthusiasts.

The Distinctive Look of Ostrich Leather

What sets ostrich leather apart is its signature quill pattern, created by the feather follicles on the skin. This bumpy texture, known as "full quill," gives ostrich boots an exotic and eye-catching appearance that stands out from traditional cowhide. The leather can be dyed in a wide range of vibrant colors that penetrate deeply, ensuring the boots retain their bold look for years.

Ostrich Leg Leather

Ostrich leg leather, sourced from the bird's legs, offers a different aesthetic resembling reptilian scales. This too is prized for its unique pattern that mimics more expensive leathers.

Durability You Can Count On

Despite its soft and supple feel, ostrich leather is surprisingly durable and long-lasting when cared for properly. The natural oils present in the skin help prevent cracking and drying out, allowing ostrich boots to withstand regular wear. While ostrich leather is thinner than cowhide, it's still robust enough for cowboy boots meant for everyday use.

Exceptional Comfort and Fit

Ostrich boots are renowned for their luxurious feel and glove-like fit. The leather is exceptionally soft, breathable, and flexible, molding to the shape of the foot over time. This results in a customized fit that's hard to achieve with stiffer leathers. Some wearers find ostrich conforms to the foot more readily than other exotics.

The Tanning Process

Creating ostrich leather for cowboy boots involves a meticulous, multi-stage tanning process. Each ostrich hide is put through over 30 specialized steps to preserve the quill pattern and achieve the desired hand feel. This labor-intensive process requires skilled artisans and specialized equipment.

Chrome and Vegetable Tanning

Chrome tanning is most commonly used for ostrich, sometimes followed by vegetable tanning. Dyeing involves aniline or semi-aniline techniques to infuse color throughout the leather. The final product is often lightly polished to accentuate the quill texture.

Best Ostrich Cowboy Boots

Chisos No. 1 Ostrich Boots

Lucchese Ostrich Boots

Black Jack Ostrich Boots

Justin Ostrich Boots

Dan Post Ostrich Boots

Other top contenders for best ostrich boots include Lucchese, Black Jack, and Stallion. These prestigious brands offer a range of styles and custom options for discerning clients, with prices reflecting the premium materials and craftsmanship.

Proper Care and Maintenance of Ostrich Cowboy Boots

To ensure ostrich boots last for decades, proper upkeep is essential. Use a damp cloth to gently clean the leather after each wear, taking care to remove dirt from the quill crevices. Condition the boots monthly with an exotic leather conditioner to replenish moisture and prevent drying out.

Polishing and Storage

Polishing is optional but can be done with a neutral wax polish to achieve a glossy shine. Always store ostrich boots in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and heat. Use cedar shoe trees to maintain the shape.

The Price of Luxury

Due to the limited supply of ostrich leather and extensive tanning process required, cowboy boots made from this material command premium prices. When crafted by reputable brands, a pair of ostrich boots can cost anywhere from $500 to several thousand dollars.

Long-Term Investment

However, enthusiasts find the unique aesthetics, all-day comfort, and long-lasting durability make the investment worthwhile. With diligent care, ostrich boots can become legacy pieces that provide decades of wear.

The Ethics of Ostrich Leather

It's important to note that ostriches are raised and slaughtered for their hides, feathers and meat. Animal rights organizations have raised concerns about the inhumane practices involved on some ostrich farms, including live plucking of feathers and inhumane stunning prior to slaughter. Ethical consumers will want to research the practices of individual brands before purchasing.

Conclusion

For those seeking an exotic alternative to cowhide that offers comfort, longevity and incomparable style, ostrich leather cowboy boots are hard to beat. With their signature full-quill texture, supple feel, and lasting durability, these boots can be a worthwhile splurge for fashion-forward western wear aficionados. Brands like Chisos, Lucchese, and Black Jack offer some of the finest examples of the art of ostrich boot making.

Richard Sutherland

 RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.org

Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.