Cowhide Boots for Men | Hair On Pelo de Vaca
Cowhide Boots for Men
A cowhide boot keeps the hair on the hide, which means the pattern is grown, not printed, and no two pairs come out the same. Order two boots in the same style and colorway and you will get two different pairs. That is the whole appeal, and it is also the one thing to understand before you buy.
We carry fifteen styles across our own La Herradura line, Rockem and Tanner Mark, in black and white, brown and white, pelo pinto and bleached finishes, priced from $84.99 up to $259.99. Orders over $200 ship free, and every pair can be tried on at our Selma, NC and Columbia, SC stores.
Every Pair Is Different
This is not marketing language, it is how the hide works. The black and white pattern on the boot in the photo is the pattern that was on that animal. The pair we ship you will have the same colorway and the same construction, but the markings will fall differently.
If you want a specific pattern, call the store and we will photograph what is actually on the shelf before it ships. That is the only way to get exactly what you see, and we would rather do that than have you open the box disappointed.
The Styles
Black and white is the classic and the strongest seller, and it is the easiest to wear because the contrast reads as neutral. Brown and white is warmer and softer against denim, and it is the choice if the black and white feels like too much.
Pelo pinto refers to the multi-patched hide with irregular markings, and our La Herradura Daniel Pelo Pinto in café barza cajeta and negro at $249.99 is the most traditional version we carry.
The bleached finishes lighten sections of the hide for higher contrast, and the Cherokee stitch styles add hand stitching across the vamp. Those are the dressier end of the collection at $219.99 to $259.99.
Short Boots
Rockem makes a short cowhide boot in both black and white and brown and white, at $84.99 and $169.99, which is the most accessible entry into this look. The shorter shaft also makes cowhide easier to wear day to day, since a full shaft in a high contrast hide is a lot of pattern.
Building the Look
A cowhide boot is the loudest thing in any outfit it is part of, so everything above it should be quiet. A plain Ariat or Cinch shirt, a dark rinse Cinch or Wrangler jean, and a solid leather belt rather than a tooled one.
Skip the exotic belt here. The usual rule of matching belt leather to boot leather does not apply to cowhide, because a hair on belt next to a hair on boot is too much of the same thing. Keep the belt plain and let the boot carry the outfit. If you are wearing a hat, a solid felt in black or silver belly works better than anything patterned.
Sizing
Our La Herradura line and Rockem both follow Mexican sizing, which generally runs about a half size smaller than American. If you wear a 9 in an American brand, try a 9.5. Tanner Mark runs closer to true to size.
Most of this collection is square toe with generous room across the toes. The heel should lift about a quarter inch when you walk, and that disappears as the sole flexes. Call Selma at (919) 351-0295 or Columbia at (910) 596-7393 for sizing help before ordering.
Care
Cowhide needs different care from smooth leather, and this is where most people go wrong. Never apply polish or standard conditioner to the hair, because it mats the nap and it does not come back. Brush the hair gently in the direction it grows with a soft brush after each wear.
Condition only the smooth leather sections, the welt, the sole edge and any plain panels, and keep the product off the hair. If the boot gets wet, let it dry at room temperature away from heat and brush the hair once it is fully dry, not while damp. We stock boot care products in store and online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cowhide boot?
It is a boot made from hide with the hair left on, so the natural pattern of the animal shows. In Spanish it is called pelo de vaca or pelo pinto.
Will my boots look exactly like the photo?
No, and that is by design. Every hide is different, so the colorway and construction will match but the markings will fall differently. Call the store if you want a photo of the actual pair before it ships.
How much do cowhide boots cost?
The range runs from $84.99 for a Rockem short boot up to $259.99 for the La Herradura Cherokee stitch styles, with most of the collection between $219.99 and $249.99.
Do cowhide boots wear out faster?
The hair will thin at the crease points and the toe over time, sooner than smooth leather would scuff. With brushing and a rotation so you are not wearing them daily, they hold up well. The leather underneath is as durable as any other boot.
Can I polish them?
No. Polish and conditioner mat the hair permanently. Brush the hair only, and condition just the smooth leather sections.
What is pelo pinto?
It refers to a multi-patched hide with irregular markings rather than an even two tone pattern. It is the most traditional cowhide look.
Do they run true to size?
La Herradura and Rockem follow Mexican sizing and typically run about a half size smaller than American. Tanner Mark runs closer to true.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes, on orders over $200. Most boots in this collection qualify. See our shipping policy.
Can I try them on in store?
Yes, both our Selma, NC and Columbia, SC locations carry the cowhide range.