Comfortable boots legal for Classic Cowboy

[Bullseye Bracc]

I shoot Classic Cowboy.  In the SASS rulebook, it says that the boots for Classic Cowboy must be of traditional design with “no tread soles.” Most cowboy boots that I see are not totally smooth on the bottom. Not sure what is considered acceptable. I want something that is undeniably legal, in case I travel to a big match in the future. I am also looking for something comfortable, preferably square toe. Anybody have recommendations?

 

thanks,

Bullseye Bracc 

[Whitey James]

They can have rubber soles, just not lug soles.

This is the type I wear when I don't wear my lacers.

 

https://www.bootbarn.com/cody-james-cush-core-mens-honcho-performance-western-boots---broad-square-toe/2000400486.html?dwvar_2000400486_color=800#prefn1=ref-toe&prefv1=Broad Square Toe&start=5

 

I have wide feet and these are pretty comfortable.

Edited November 10, 2025 by Whitey James

[Wild Eagle]

 

You might want to try some Ropers.  They have a slightly lower heel.  Most people find them more comfortable than regular cowboy boots.

[Will Kane]

I’ve had really good luck with a pair of Durango Rebels. My pard who recommended them to me said they feel like you’re wearing tennies. And I found he wasn’t exaggerating.

[Flanigan Flats]

These are Ropers by Dan Post. Great boots and very comfortable. I won them in a cowboy raffle. My feet have been happy every day since

[Bullseye Bracc]

I didn’t realize that laces were legal for Classic Cowboy 

[Bullseye Bracc]

11 hours ago, Wild Eagle said:

 

You might want to try some Ropers.  They have a slightly lower heel.  Most people find them more comfortable than regular cowboy boots.

Nice. Who makes them?

[Jack Spade]

Lace up ropers are very hard to find because they went out of style.  I just bought a pair of the Twisted X square toe lace up boots and have worn them to every match big and small for over a year with no problem.  They are the most comfortable boot I have ever worn and required no break in, good to go right out of the box.  They make them with or without steel toe, they are around $200.  

[Choctaw Jack]

44 minutes ago, Bullseye Bracc said:

Nice. Who makes them?

I recently bought a pair of Justin Basic ropers.

They're a Wellington type roper with a round toe.

Very affordable and well built.

They will take a little breaking in, but nothing excessive.

Choctaw

[Randy Saint Eagle, SASS # 64903]

These are good boots, I've worn them for years. I even have one pair for Church.

 

Randy

 

Justin Men's Conductor 8" Lace-Up Work Boots - Soft Toe | Sheplers

[Snake-eye, SASS#45097]

Lace up Ropers by Horeshoes. Comfortable leather with soft sole. I’ve seen these worn by cowboys in all categories. I can wear mine all day and be comfortable.

 

[Nawlins Kid SASS #36107]

 Ariat Packers are very comfortable . 

[Bullseye Bracc]

What would be an example of a boot that would be legal for all other categories, but not Classic Cowboy? There’s got to be a reason that they specifically address boots in the Classic Cowboy section of the rule book. A lot of these boots look to have grips on the sole. And what does the rulebook mean by “of traditional design”?

[Wild Eagle]

11 hours ago, Bullseye Bracc said:

Nice. Who makes them?

Ropers are more of a style than a "brand".  Most boot makers have a roper style boot.  They are made so that when a roper gets off of the horse to tie the calf he can run.  Most cowboy boots are not good for running.  I have never tried the lace up boots, but I like the pull-on Justin brand ropers.  They're comfortable, last a long time, and are affordable. 

[Whitey James]

1 hour ago, Bullseye Bracc said:

What would be an example of a boot that would be legal for all other categories, but not Classic Cowboy? There’s got to be a reason that they specifically address boots in the Classic Cowboy section of the rule book. A lot of these boots look to have grips on the sole. And what does the rulebook mean by “of traditional design”?

There are only two costume categories. Traditional boots are the typical "cowboy boots". Lace up cowboy boots are allowed in Classic but not B-Western. B-Western requires pull on cowboy boots with fancy stitching or colors. Classic can wear plain cowboy boots. A pair ike this would cover all categories.

[Bullseye Bracc]

8 hours ago, Whitey James said:

There are only two costume categories. Traditional boots are the typical "cowboy boots". Lace up cowboy boots are allowed in Classic but not B-Western. B-Western requires pull on cowboy boots with fancy stitching or colors. Classic can wear plain cowboy boots. A pair ike this would cover all categories.

Ok, that clears up a lot, thank you. I’m assuming the boots below are NOT Classic Cowboy legal because of the bottom tread?

[Flanigan Flats]

3 hours ago, Bullseye Bracc said:

Ok, that clears up a lot, thank you. I’m assuming the boots below are NOT Classic Cowboy legal because of the bottom tread?

That is correct. See my post above. 

[Chief Rick]

Double-H Packers are very comfortable (for me) and Classic Cowboy legal.

[Tall John]

I struggle with boots ‘cause I wear a size 15AA SHOE, have high arches back issues and a bionic hip..  I’ve had two pair of custom boots made and I sold (gave away) one pair ‘cause of immense discomfort and reserve the other for dress events ‘cause the cost as much as a slicked up Vaquero.
 

I'm using these Redwing work boots and added a Tassel tongue protector.  Curious to know if these would pass in the Classic Cowboy class ‘cause I can wear these all day.  

 

[Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L]

34 minutes ago, Tall John said:

I struggle with boots ‘cause I wear a size 15AA SHOE, have high arches back issues and a bionic hip..  I’ve had two pair of custom boots made and I sold (gave away) one pair ‘cause of immense discomfort and reserve the other for dress events ‘cause the cost as much as a slicked up Vaquero.
 

I'm using these Redwing work boots and added a Tassel tongue protector.  Curious to know if these would pass in the Classic Cowboy class ‘cause I can wear these all day.  

 

Appear to be lugged soles to me from that photo.

[Tall John]

Not lugged like Vibram’s but certainly not smooth either.

 

[PaleWolf Brunelle, #2495L]

40 minutes ago, Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L said:

Appear to be lugged soles to me from that photo.

 

They're NOT.

This is the example used to define a lugged sole:

[PaleWolf Brunelle, #2495L]

34 minutes ago, Tall John said:

Not lugged like Vibram’s but certainly not smooth either.

 

There are NO CATEGORIES that require SMOOTH soled footwear.

[Tall John]

@PaleWolf Brunelle, #2495L so these boots would be ok for Classic Cowboy?

 

 

[Captain Clark]

8 hours ago, PaleWolf Brunelle, #2495L said:

 

There are NO CATEGORIES that require SMOOTH soled footwear.

^^^^^ sometimes I think this ought to be pinned at top of the page