Tecovas Cartwright Review: The Oddly Comfortable Cowboy Boot

I own 62 pairs of Tecovas boots, and it’s not because I’ve been paid to talk about them. Indeed, this is the first article I’ve ever written about the brand, and reviews were never part of the plan when I started my collection. I own 20 pairs from other brands as well, so I’m no slouch — but Tecovas is the brand I keep returning to.

While there may be other “direct to consumer” Western brands out there, Tecovas has made its mark as a leader in the industry. Naturally, that makes guys suspicious: “Are Tecovas boots worth it?” The answer is a resounding “Yes!”

While the Earl is their more subtle roper boot and the Stockton might be best for work, Tecovas’ Cartwright is the cowboy boot: tall, ornate, and both quiet and head-turning in the way a great cowboy boot should be. If you are just starting out with your first pair of cowboy boots, then the Cartwright might just be for you.

Tecovas Cartwright Pros & Cons

Got somewhere to be? Here’s the skinny on the Cartwright.

Pros

• Comfort: High right out of the box thanks to a combination of soft leather lining, EVA foam insole, and a comfortable heel height of 1 ½ ‘’.
• Style: Available in four (sometimes five) colors and two kinds of animal leather, these boots give you plenty of options.
• Construction: Goodyear Welt construction and high quality leathers ensure they’ll last for years — and through as many resoles as you want.
• Break-in: Unlike many other traditional cowboy boots, the Cartwright doesn’t require extensive break-in time, in part thanks to the EVA insole.

Cons

• Slippery Sole: It’s often the sole of choice for Western boots because it breathes well and is relatively soft, but the leather sole can be slippery, especially on wet surfaces.
• Foam on the Footbed: The layer of EVA gives the boots superior shock absorption, but some traditionalists prefer only leather underfoot.
• Price: They’re high quality, but there are some cheaper Western boots like Thursday Boots Maverick and Tony Lamas Avett.

My Experience with Tecovas

I purchased my first pair of Tecovas in 2017, and it was the Cartwright. Like I said, it’s a great first boot.

As soon as I put them on, I knew they were something special. A Texan boy through and through, I have been wearing cowboy boots practically my whole life, but I had never worn any that were this comfortable so quickly. This is because they use a softer insole than the vegetable tanned leather that’s common in traditionally made boots, plus the use of thinner (but very strong) leathers like calfskin and goatskin help limit the break in.

Since then, my collection has grown to a whopping 62 pairs of Tecovas. I guess you can call me an enthusiast. (I am even wearing a pair right now as I type this review.)

I have tried on almost every style and leather the company has put out. Not every pair is for me, but the style, comfort, and value are what keep me coming back to Tecovas. 

Tecovas: The Brand

• Founded in 2015 in Austin, Texas
• Sells a wide range of boots and accessories
• Stores in 18 states, with excellent customer service

Tecovas was started by Paul Hedrick in Austin, Texas, where they are still based. The “direct to consumer model” was something Paul prided himself on, and took cues after other “direct to consumer” brands such as Warby Parker. This means that they only sold online instead of through “middle man” stores like Boot Barn or Nordstrom who would increase the price.

(Today, though, Tecovas has opened some three dozen stores nationwide.)

After building the business with boots, they now offer a full range of Western clothes with accessories like leather wallets, briefcases, belts, and boot socks.

If you live near a store or close to one by chance, I highly recommend you visit one. The in-store experience is slightly more elevated than most retail stores. Don’t be surprised if someone offers you a beer or a bourbon. And before you leave, don’t forget to ask for a famous Tecovas koozie. These are highly sought after among enthusiasts. 

The Cartwright Leather

• 4 colorways in 2 leathers (goat and calf)
• Goat leather is tougher, but more irregular in appearance
• Calfskin is smoother and more lustrous

The Cartwright comes in four colors (sometimes more) and two kinds of leathers: Calfskin and Goat. Calfskin comes in a black “Midnight” color, while the goat comes in “Scotch,” “Cafe,” and “Sand” colors. 

If you are looking for a more rugged cowboy look, then goat is for you. The goat leather changes over time and the patina can be quite beautiful as you wear them. The goat leather is one of the more popular leathers Tecovas offers, and Goat Cartwrights are their number one best seller. 

If you are into a smoother and slightly shinier finish, calfskin is up your alley. The leather is smooth and a real head turner when conditioned and shined.

The Cartwright is an simple, classic, all-around excellent boot that fits any lifestyle. They are versatile enough to wear in the office (calfskin is recommended for that) but they easily transfer to a casual night out. Because the construction is so supportive and stable, outdoor festivals and concerts are also great activities with a pair of Cartwrights on.

Tecovas Cartwright: Construction & Materials

• Resoleable, Goodyear welt construction
• Leather sole
• Stacked leather heel
• Traditional lemonwood pegs and brass nails to attach the sole
• Leather footbed with EVA foam for shock absorption

The boots are made and handcrafted in León, Mexico, considered the leather capital of Mexico with some of the finest leather workers crafting the boots. (Stridewise’s founder Nick visited tanneries there.)

The Cartwright is built with Goodyear welt construction, considered the gold standard for boots that you need to be hardwearing, water resistant, and easily resoled.

(Some other construction methods are easily resoled but less water resistant, some are more water resistant but harder to get resoled, but Goodyear welts are the ideal middle ground.)

The boots feature a leather outsole and a stacked leather heel finished with a rubber top lift. The stacked leather means that the heel is easy to repair if you wear through the rubber.

A double row of lemonwood pegs are also used to secure the sole. The use of wooden pegs in a cowboy boot is very traditional, but Tecovas also uses brass nails underneath for extra reinforcement.

What makes the Cartwright so comfortable is the bovine leather lining and the layer of EVA padding underneath the footbed, which helps with shock absorption and reduces the break in.

This is where some traditionalists might take issue with Tecovas, since the EVA isn’t the old fashioned way to build a boot — but it’s certainly part of the reason the brand is so popular. The average guy prefers the softer feeling underfoot.

Tecovas Cartwright: Sizing

• Size down a half-size from your sneaker
• Wide width (EE) available
• Slight heel slippage is normal at first
• Free returns (remember to test them out inside and on a carpeted floor)

If you have never worn cowboy boots at all, the rule of thumb is to go down a half-size from your normal shoe size.

For example, if you wear a size 11D in a casual sneaker, then go for a 10.5D in Tecovas. Sneakers often run small, though — guys who always buy size 12 sneakers are often surprised to learn they’re actually 11.5 — so if you’re able to swing by your local shoe store, you should get your foot measured on their Brannock device and subtract 0.5 to find your boot size.

After you try them on, do not be alarmed that there is some slight heel slippage. In time, as walking applies heat and friction to the leather, the back of the boot will conform to your heel.

Don’t fret if you don’t live in a city where there is no store. Tecovas is known for their excellent customer service and allow free returns and exchanges.

In the past couple of years, some customers have noticed that the sizing has been a bit inconsistent compared to when Tecovas first started. I, too, have experienced this.  I normally wear a size 10.5D in Tecovas, but in some styles, I can easily fit into a size 10D. This may be due to a factory change that happened a couple of years ago.

Nonetheless, Tecovas sizing still remains pretty consistent, and again, the free exchanges should reduce your sizing stress. Some guys order two sizes and return the one that doesn’t fit.

Tecovas Cartwright: Price

• $345

The Cartwright is priced at $345.

In the past couple of years, Tecovas has raised their prices, but who hasn’t? The high quality of the boots makes up for the price: they fit great and the Goodyear welt construction is much more expensive and complicated than the “cemented” construction you may be used to if you usually wear sneakers.

If money isn’t a big concern, Tecovas offers many exotic leather options. Caiman will run you $595, or a full quill ostrich will cost you $495.

Tecovas Cartwright: Alternatives

• Tecovas Earl (a shorter “roper” boot)
• Tecovas Dean (a zip-up roper boot)
• Thursday Boots’ Maverick

Maybe the classic cowboy look is not for you. Well, Tecovas has some less conspicuous options. 

The Cartwright vs The Earl

The Earl ($315) is another classic look, but it comes with a shorter shaft and heel (1 ⅛”).

It usually comes in the same colors and leather options as the Cartwright, but in addition to its shorter height it doesn’t have the decorative stitching that’s found on more “stereotypical” Western boots like the Cartwright.

You could think of the Earl as a taller version of a Chelsea boot but without the elastic side paneling. Check out Troy Barmore’s Tecovas Earl boot review. 

The Cartwright vs The Dean

The Dean ($295) is a good choice if you want a more modern look. It’s a boot with a size zipper, an 8-inch shaft thats slim enough for tapered jeans, and a 1.25-inch heel that is in between the Cartwright and the Earl.

Tecovas vs. Thursday Boots Maverick

Another alternative to Tecovas is Thursday Boots’ Maverick.

The brand that has risen to the top of the “city boot” industry has branched into Western wear with aplomb.

They’re made in a very similar manner to the Cartwright: Goodyear welted, leather lined, decorative stitching, leather sole, foam insole, and they’re even made in the same city.

And they’re almost $100 cheaper.

The stitching on the shaft isn’t the same — the Maverick uses a more ornate fleur de lis than the Cartwright’s corded design — but the main differences are that Thursday has a slightly slimmer look and Tecovas uses more interesting and unusual leather. The Cartwright is calfskin and goat while Thursday’s is regular cowhide. Then again, that might be just what you’re looking for.

Wrapping Up

With so many Tecovas in my collection, I often have trouble deciding on what to wear. I stand in front of my closet pondering, but in the end, I almost always choose the Cartwright. They are such a timeless and classic all-rounder of a boot that never disappoints, no matter what the occasion is. 

The Cartwrights offer a compelling blend of comfort, style, and quality construction. While not the cheapest cowboy boot on the market, they cater to those who value a well-made, versatile boot with a touch of tech — again, the shock absorbing foam is relatively rare for this area of footwear.

If you prioritize immediate comfort, durability, and appreciate classic design, the Cartwright boots are definitely worth your investment.