Hey there, boot lover! If you‘re considering investing in a pair of high-quality cowboy boots that will last for years to come, you‘ll want to keep reading. As someone who‘s always on the hunt for the perfect blend of style and craftsmanship, I‘ve had my eye on Ranch Road Boots for a while now. I finally took the plunge and ordered a few pairs to test out, and I‘m excited to share my honest review with you!
In this article, I‘ll be giving you the full scoop on Ranch Road Boots – from the brand‘s history and values to the nitty-gritty details of their most popular styles. I‘ll also share feedback from other customers and provide some tips for choosing the right size and style for you. By the end, you‘ll have all the info you need to decide if Ranch Road Boots deserve a spot in your boot collection. Let‘s giddy up!
What‘s the Deal with Ranch Road Boots?
If you‘re not familiar with Ranch Road Boots, let me give you a quick rundown. This Texas-based brand was founded in 2012 by Sarah Ford, a former US Marine who grew up on a cattle ranch and has a serious passion for preserving the heritage of the American West. Every pair of Ranch Road Boots is handcrafted by skilled artisans in Spain using traditional techniques and the highest-quality leathers.
One thing I really admire about Ranch Road is their commitment to ethical and sustainable production. They partner with family-owned factories and tanneries in Spain that share their values, and they use eco-friendly vegetable-tanned leathers whenever possible. The result is a boot that‘s made with integrity and built to last.
So what kind of boots does Ranch Road offer? They‘ve got a curated collection of classic cowboy boot styles for both men and women, with a focus on timeless designs that will never go out of style. From rugged work boots to dressier options for a night out on the town, they‘ve got something for every occasion.
Putting Ranch Road Boots to the Test
Now, let‘s get down to the real reason you‘re here – to find out if Ranch Road Boots live up to the hype! I ordered several pairs in different styles to get a feel for the brand‘s quality and fit. Here are my honest thoughts:
Men‘s Calhoun Cognac
First up, the Calhoun Cognac. This is Ranch Road‘s take on a classic roper boot, with a shorter shaft and a rounded toe. The waxed suede leather in a rich cognac hue is absolutely stunning, with a slight burnishing that gives it a vintage look.
When I first pulled these on, I was blown away by how comfortable they were right out of the box. The leather-lined interior is buttery soft and molds to your foot like a glove. I also appreciate the cushioned insole, which provides support and reduces fatigue when you‘re on your feet all day. The crepe rubber sole offers excellent grip and makes the boot feel lightweight and flexible.
I‘ve been wearing my Calhouns regularly for a few weeks now, and I‘m happy to report that they‘re holding up beautifully. The waxed suede is easy to care for and resistant to scuffs and stains. I can dress these boots up with a sport coat for a night out, or wear them with jeans for a more casual look. At $498, they‘re definitely an investment piece, but I believe they‘re 100% worth it for the craftsmanship and materials.
Men‘s Linesman Black
Next, I tried out the Linesman Black boots. These caught my eye immediately with their edgy cut-out shaft pattern and handsome black bullhide leather. They‘re definitely a boot that makes a statement!
The fit on these was slightly narrower in the toe box compared to the Calhouns, so I‘d recommend sizing up a half size if you have wider feet. Once I got the fit dialed in, though, I was really impressed by the craftsmanship of these boots. The hand-corded sole is a work of art, and the stitching is flawless.
I can see why other reviewers have said these make great motorcycle boots – the thick bullhide leather and durable Vibram sole are ready for anything. The 13" shaft also provides great support around the calf. At $428, these boots aren‘t cheap, but they‘re a worthy contender to more expensive designer brands.
Women‘s Current Issue Wellington Sand
For the ladies, I got my hands on a pair of the Current Issue Wellington boots in a versatile sand suede. I love the minimalist western details on these, from the subtle embroidery to the angular cut of the shaft. The 10" height hits right at the calf and looks great with skinny jeans or dresses.
These boots have a cushioned insole and supple leather lining that make them incredibly easy to wear all day long. The stacked leather heel is the perfect height at 1.5" – it gives you a little boost without sacrificing comfort.
I was also pleased to discover that the suede on these boots is weather-resistant, so you don‘t have to baby them. I got caught in a rainstorm while wearing these and they still looked great after they dried. Ranch Road recommends using their water and stain repellent spray for extra protection, which I‘ll definitely be ordering.
Women‘s Presidio Short White
Last but certainly not least, I tried out the Presidio Short White boots. These stopped me in my tracks with their gorgeous alabaster hue and intricate hand-tooled details. The shorter 6" shaft makes them super easy to style with a variety of outfits.
Let me tell you, the leather on these boots is unlike anything I‘ve ever seen. It‘s vegetable-tanned cowhide that‘s been hand-colored and polished to perfection. The craftsmanship is truly remarkable – you can see the love and skill that went into every stitch.
I was a little nervous about the fit since I have slightly narrow feet, but I needn‘t have worried. The Presidios fit like a dream right out of the box with no breaking in required. The leather footbed is cushioned yet supportive, and the rubber sole has a great grip.
These are definitely a statement boot, but I‘ve been surprised by how versatile they are. I‘ve dressed them up with a floral sundress for a garden party and worn them with cut-offs and a vintage tee for a more laid-back look. If you‘re looking for a boot that will turn heads and start conversations, the Presidio Short White is it!
What Other Customers are Saying
Of course, you don‘t just have to take my word for it – I always like to see what other customers have to say before I make a big purchase. I dug into the reviews on Ranch Road‘s website and a few other online retailers to get a sense of what people love (and don‘t love) about these boots.
Overall, Ranch Road Boots get rave reviews for their style, quality, and comfort. Here‘s a snapshot of the ratings for the boots I tried:
| Boot | Rating |
|---|---|
| Calhoun Cognac | 4.9/5 stars (45+ reviews) |
| Linesman Black | 4.9/5 stars (40+ reviews) |
| Current Issue Wellington Sand | 4.9/5 stars (30+ reviews) |
| Presidio Short White | 4.8/5 stars (45+ reviews) |
Clearly, these boots are well-loved by customers! Some common themes in the reviews:
- Exceptional craftsmanship: Many reviewers comment on the high-quality materials and construction of Ranch Road Boots. They appreciate the hand-stitched details and say the boots are comparable to more expensive brands.
- Timeless style: Customers love the classic, authentic look of Ranch Road‘s boots. Several mention that they receive compliments every time they wear them.
- Made to last: People are happy to invest in Ranch Road Boots because they know they‘re getting a product that will last for years. Reviewers talk about the boots getting better with age and holding up well to daily wear.
- All-day comfort: While a few people mention that the boots require some breaking in, the vast majority say they‘re extremely comfortable right out of the box. The cushioned insoles and soft leather lining get a lot of praise.
I did come across a few critiques in my research – some people feel that the boots run a bit large and recommend sizing down, and a handful of reviewers mention that the lighter leather colors easily and need more care. However, the vast majority of reviews are overwhelmingly positive.
Ordering Your Own Ranch Road Boots
So, have I convinced you that you need a pair (or two) of Ranch Road Boots in your life? Here‘s what you need to know about ordering:
Ranch Road Boots are available directly from their website, as well as a few select retailers like Boot Barn and Cavender‘s. However, for the widest selection, I recommend ordering straight from the source at ranchroadboots.com.
One of the best perks of ordering from Ranch Road is that shipping is free on all orders within the US! They also accept returns and exchanges within 30 days, as long as the boots are in new condition.
When it comes to choosing your size, Ranch Road offers a handy fitment guide on their website with instructions for measuring your foot. In general, they recommend ordering your usual size in US men‘s or women‘s sizing. However, if you‘re between sizes or have particularly wide or narrow feet, you may want to size up or down accordingly.
Ranch Road also has a great customer service team that‘s happy to provide personalized fitment advice. When I was unsure about what size to order in the Presidio boots, I called their customer service line and spoke to a very helpful representative who asked about my foot shape and what types of socks I planned to wear with the boots. She recommended going with my usual size, and it turned out to be the perfect fit.
Caring for Your Ranch Road Boots
Investing in a pair of high-quality boots is just the first step – if you want them to last for years to come, you‘ll also need to put in some effort to take care of them. Here are a few tips for keeping your Ranch Road Boots in tip-top shape:
- Brush regularly: Use a soft-bristled brush to remove dust and dirt from your boots after each wear. This will prevent the leather from getting caked with grime and keep it looking fresh.
- Condition occasionally: Every few months (or more often if you wear your boots daily), apply a quality leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and supple. Ranch Road sells their own conditioner that‘s specially formulated for their leathers.
- Protect from the elements: If you‘ll be wearing your boots in wet or snowy conditions, make sure to treat them with a waterproofing spray first. This will help repel moisture and prevent stains.
- Let them rest: Leather boots need time to air out between wears to prevent moisture buildup. Make sure to rotate your Ranch Road Boots with other shoes to give them a break every few days.
- Store properly: When you‘re not wearing your boots, store them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. You can stuff the shafts with boot trees or rolled-up magazines to help them maintain their shape.
By following these simple guidelines, your Ranch Road Boots should stay looking great for years to come.
The Bottom Line
As someone who‘s always on the hunt for the perfect pair of cowboy boots, I can confidently say that Ranch Road Boots are the real deal. From the moment I first slipped my feet into these beauties, I could tell that they were something special. The quality of the leather, the attention to detail in the stitching and hand-tooling, the perfect balance of style and comfort – it all adds up to a boot that‘s truly worth investing in.
What I love most about Ranch Road is their commitment to preserving the heritage and craftsmanship of the American West. These aren‘t just fashion boots that will fall apart after a season or two. They‘re built to last, using the same techniques and materials that have been passed down for generations. When you pull on a pair of Ranch Road Boots, you‘re not just buying a shoe – you‘re buying a piece of history.
Whether you‘re a die-hard cowboy boot collector or you‘re just looking for a versatile, stylish boot to add to your wardrobe, I highly recommend giving Ranch Road a try. With their wide range of styles and customization options, there‘s truly something for everyone. And with free shipping and returns, there‘s no reason not to take the plunge!
So go ahead and treat yourself to a pair of Ranch Road Boots. Your feet (and your sense of style) will thank you. And who knows – you might just find yourself strutting down the street with a newfound swagger in your step. Happy trails, y‘all!
