I’ve seen a lot of cowboy boots in my time, classics, customs, one-offs, you name it. But every now and then, a pair comes along that blends performance and style so seamlessly. Enter the Durango PRCA Collection Full Quill Ostrich Boot.
Designed With Riders, For Riders
One of the first things that stood out to me about these boots is that Durango didn’t just design them in a boardroom somewhere, they worked with a full team of PRCA rodeo athletes to dial in exactly what these boots needed to be. We’re talking about folks who are in the arena day in and day out. That kind of hands-on input goes a long way, and it shows in nearly every detail of the boot.
This isn’t just a boot that looks good on a shelf, it’s meant to perform. Durango even refers to this line as their “top shelf” boots, and I can see why.
The Rundown: Materials and Build
The pair I reviewed featured a full-quill ostrich foot and counter, giving the boots that exotic, luxurious look while also offering durability and softness. The colorway is Kango Tobacco and Rust, a rich, warm combo that catches the eye but still feels rugged enough for the arena.
We’ve got a cutter toe, which is a narrow square toe. It’s becoming more and more popular, especially in Texas. A lot of the rodeo athletes Durango works with requested this toe shape because it gives them better control and more precision in the stirrups.
The heel is a 1.5-inch stacked leather long base riding heel, which adds to that control and grip while mounted. Up top, the boot stands at 13 inches and features full-grain leather shafts with a classic stitch pattern.
Underfoot, we’re looking at a leather outsole with a Goodyear welt, which is a mark of quality and longevity. Durango also added nails alongside their Dually Shank System, which is two fiberglass shanks that provide extra support and stability.
Another design tweak worth pointing out is the ¾ leather midsole. Durango went a little thinner on the insole, so the midsole helps provide structure and prevent the outsole from feeling too soft. It also keeps your feet from getting too tired when you’re in the saddle all day. Despite all that structure, the boots are still surprisingly flexible right out of the box.
Inside the boot, we’ve got a leather lining and a thin, non-removable insole. The insole is made of memory foam and topped with leather, it’s about 3mm thick. According to Durango, their athletes weren’t big fans of thick or removable insoles. They wanted to be closer to the ground, feel the boot better, and have just enough cushion to keep it comfortable.
Fit and Feel
Now, when I tried these on, one of the first things I noticed was how secure they felt, especially around the arch and heel. Durango offers narrow widths, which isn’t something you see as often these days. Mark, one of the design guys at Durango, used to work for a brand that made boots in 10 different widths, and that philosophy carries through here.
Some of Durango’s younger athletes actually requested narrower fits to get better control and performance, and I think that’s an important detail for anyone who’s struggled with sloppy-feeling boots in the past.
The cutter toe combined with the narrow fit gives you this locked-in, balanced feel that’s perfect for performance, but still comfy enough to wear casually.
Final Thoughts
There’s no question these boots are purpose-built. They’re not trying to be everything to everyone, they’re made with rodeo performance in mind. And yet, they don’t sacrifice on style.