Heel Types

The heel on a cowboy boot started as a working part. It was designed to catch the stirrup and keep the foot from sliding through. Over time, heel styles spread to suit everything from ranch work to city sidewalks. The heel is a good clue to a boot's intended use and era.

Walking heel

The walking heel is the lowest option, typically about 1 to 1¼ inches tall with a broad, flat base. It sits more squarely under the boot instead of being cut under, which makes it stable on hard surfaces. Walking heels are common on ropers and everyday boots and are the most comfortable choice for people who spend most of their time on foot. Justin and Dan Post use walking heels on many everyday lines.

Cowboy or underslung heel

The classic cowboy heel, also called an underslung heel, is the most iconic profile. It stands roughly 1½ to 1¾ inches tall and angles forward, with a base that narrows toward the bottom. That undercut is what catches the stirrup. It is the standard heel on most dress and traditional Western boots. Lucchese, Tony Lama and Nocona all use versions of the underslung heel on their traditional lines.

Did you know? How far the heel is undercut varies by maker. A steeper undercut looks more dramatic but can feel less stable on pavement. If you are buying vintage boots for daily wear, notice how pronounced the undercut is.

Roper heel

The roper heel is a low, squared-off heel, usually about 1 to 1½ inches tall. It has a wider base than a cowboy heel and little or no undercut, which makes it stable and practical. Roper heels are associated with roping events, where riders dismount quickly and run on foot. The style became popular in the 1980s and remains a staple. Hyer and Justin are known for well-built ropers.

Riding heel

The riding heel is the tallest, about 2 inches or more, with a pronounced underslung angle. It is built for the stirrup and gives the most secure hold. Riding heels are less common on modern boots and appear mainly on buckaroo-style boots with tall shafts. They are awkward on hard surfaces but remain the choice of serious horsemen. Black Jack and Rios of Mercedes make riding-heel boots for working ranch customers.