I love cowboy boots; you love cowboy boots – it’s why you’re here, right? So when Tecovas first burst on to the boot scene in 2015 offering handmade boots for less money than the big name brands, we all got a little excited. But it’s 2021 now, and it’s time we reevaluated what matters to us. The real question that matters now is ‘do Tecovas boots stack up against the big boys?’. I’m talking about Lucchese, Rios of Mercedes, Tony Lama, and Stallion. Boots that might cost a little more, but have been household names for years. And the answer to that question is no, I don’t think Tecovas offers the same quality as these name brand cowboy boots. But don’t just take my word for it, let’s look a little closer at why I think that. And then, because I’d hate to leave you without a plan, lets look at how anyone can afford big name brands by shopping with Pinto Ranch (but more on that later)!
When it comes to cowboy boots, there are plenty of options available in the market. While some swear by name brand cowboy boots like Lucchese, Tony Lama or Justin, others prefer to invest in Tecovas boots. Both are highly regarded for their quality and style, but what sets them apart? In this article, we will compare Tecovas boots with name brand cowboy boots, and help you make an informed decision the next time you’re looking to buy a pair of boots.
History
Let’s start by talking about the history of these two brands. Name brand cowboy boots have been around for over a century. Justin Boots was founded in 1879 in Texas, while Tony Lama started making boots in the early 1900s. Lucchese is the oldest of the three, established in 1883 in San Antonio, Texas.
Tecovas, on the other hand, is a relatively new brand. It was founded in 2015 by Paul Hedrick, a former venture capitalist. The brand came about when Hedrick went shopping for cowboy boots and found that most boots were either too expensive, or not up to his quality standards. He decided to create a brand of his own that would offer high-quality cowboy boots at an affordable price.
Tecovas Quality & Materials – Are They Up To Par?
For me, this is Tecovas’ major drawback. The quality of the leather that is used is subpar. They make the outsole with a leather quality that doesn’t stack up against names like Rios of Mercedes and Lucchese. Resoling a pair of Tecovas boots is something you’ll have to get used to on a semi-regular basis. But in fairness to Tecovas, it’s this poorer quality leather that allows them to offer handmade boots at such low prices, so they deserve the benefit of the doubt, right? Wrong.
When it comes to quality and craftsmanship, both Tecovas and name brand cowboy boots score high marks. Name brand cowboy boots are often handmade from premium materials like leather, exotic skins and suede. Tecovas boots are also made from high-grade materials using traditional boot-making techniques.
Where Tecovas stands out is in its commitment to quality control. Each pair of Tecovas boots goes through a rigorous quality testing process to ensure that it meets the brand’s high standards. According to the company, only one out of every five pairs of boots that they make passes their quality control tests.
I hate to say it, but you’ll end up forking out a hell of a lot more in resoling fees for a pair of Tecovas boots than you ever would for one of the name brands. You pay for the initial quality for sure, and that might sting your bank balance a little if you’re buying at full retail price, but what’s that saying again? ‘When you buy cheap, you buy twice’. I’m not saying Tecovas is cheap, but it’s certainly cheaper and in order for them to offer the boots at such low rates, something has to give. And one of those areas is the quality of the materials used, and therefore the amount of time you can realistically keep them in good condition.
The heel counter materials aren’t leather either, which is another way of cutting corners to make your cowboy boots cheaper. The problem? It simply won’t last as long as the name brands. They also dip the shank in a plastic that might crack after wearing the boots for a while, resulting in what I think we can all agree is a cowboy boot lover’s worst nightmare: Squeaky boots.
Men’s Name Brand Boots $100-$250 – CLICK HERE
Women’s Name Brand Boots $100-$250 – CLICK HERE
Cowboy boots are USA in nature. Cut one of them open and I’m fairly sure you’ll see red, white, and blue – and for good reason. We know how to make cowboy boots and we know how to make them well. Better, in fact, than anywhere else in the world! So I, like many other customers, was very disappointed to find out that whilst Tecovas design their boots in the USA, they actually make their boots in Leon, Mexico. I’m not saying this affects the quality, but it certainly makes me feel less impressed with Tecovas than I am with the other name brand cowboy boots.
The first boot in this video to be cut in half is a Tecovas boot. He compliments the calf lining inside, but that is where the compliment(s) stop. This Tecovas boot is basically a ticking time bomb where you might get 4-5 years of use (compared to some name brands that get 40 or more years). No heritage, no durability with these boots. No thanks in my opinion. Will, the founder of Chisos boots recommends Tecovas for “city use“. Yeah, you heard that right.
I will say, that the 2nd boot he cuts in half is a Lucchese boot, but it’s basically their cheapest model. Has some good things, some bad things. Definitely not one of the higher end Lucchese boots that are absolutely unbelievable.
Click image to view all the great western wear & premium cowboy boots from Pinto Ranch
Design and Style
Cowboy boots are all about style, and both Tecovas and name brand cowboy boots offer a range of designs and styles to choose from. Name brand cowboy boots often feature more traditional designs, with intricate stitching and decorative designs. Tecovas boots, on the other hand, offer a modern take on cowboy boots with sleek, minimalist designs.
In terms of customization, name brand cowboy boots take the lead. Many brands offer a variety of customization options, including different colors, toe shapes, heel heights, and embroidery patterns. Tecovas, on the other hand, offers limited customization options but provides a broad range of classic designs to choose from.
Tecovas Fit – It’s Up To Your Feet Lol
Next up is the fit, something I have personal experience with. The boots I’ve tried on from Tecovas simply don’t work for me. The top of my foot felt loose in the boot, causing uncomfortable amounts of heel slip. I’m not trying to bad mouth Tecovas, but when I’ve invested in a pair of name brand boots, I’ve never had this problem.
I guess it comes down to what you pay for. You can’t spend less money on a Tecovas boot and expect to get the quality of a Tony Lama. I think the real problem occurs when people think they’re getting better quality cowboy boots than they are. So, my friends, if you’re in the market for a pair of top-quality cowboy boots, then be prepared to pay a few extra dollars than Tecovas. And I say ‘a few extra’ for good reason, but I’m getting ahead of myself…
Comfort
Comfort is a crucial factor when it comes to footwear, and cowboy boots are no exception. Both Tecovas and name brand cowboy boots are designed to be comfortable and durable. However, Tecovas takes the lead in this category.
The brand uses a unique “3D Fit” technology that ensures a perfect fit for every customer. Tecovas also offers a range of widths, making it easier for people with wider feet to find a comfortable pair of boots. Name brand cowboy boots offer limited width options, which can make finding the right fit a challenge for some customers.
Tecovas’ Major Appeal – (Great Marketing IMO)
It’s no secret that Tecovas’ major appeal is the price. You get a good quality cowboy boot for a good price, but you don’t get an amazing quality cowboy boot. If amazing is what you’re after, then you’ll need to look to the big name brands I’ve mentioned throughout this post.
In my opinion, there’s room in the market for a cowboy boot like Tecovas. You need to have good quality products for good quality prices. But if, like me, you love a name brand cowboy boot for their quality, I still don’t think they can be beaten.
A cowboy boot expert explains in this Tecovas video – “Good for the office, but not for the farm – Boots won’t hold up as well”
What If You Can’t Afford The Name Brands?
Now what if I told you there’s a way to get your hands on a name brand cowboy boot, without paying the high retail price? What if I told you I could pass on deals and savings directly to you, so you can pick up that pair of Tony Lama’s, Lucchese, or Rio of Mercedes (and a bunch of other big name brands in the cowboy boot world) you’ve always wanted, for the price of a Tecovas? You’d probably think I was lying, but I assure you, I’m not.
By heading over to Pinto Ranch, you can pick up a pair of name brand cowboy boots without the name brand prices. How? It’s simple. As an affiliate website, Pinto Ranch gets special deals because it’s essentially free advertising for big brands. They pass on their thanks in savings, and Pinto Ranch passes it on to you. Simple. There’s also a boot clearance section too, so if the savings you see as standard aren’t enough, I’m fairly certain the prices of the clearance boots will floor you! Head over there now to pick up the best big brands for much smaller prices!
Men’s Name Brand Boots $100-$250 – CLICK HERE
Women’s Name Brand Boots $100-$250 – CLICK HERE
Price
One of the most significant differences between Tecovas and name brand cowboy boots is the price. Name brand cowboy boots can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000 or more. Tecovas, on the other hand, offers boots in the $200 to $300 range.
While name brand cowboy boots are undoubtedly high-quality, the high price tag can be off-putting for some customers. Tecovas offers an affordable option that does not compromise on quality or style.
What’s So Great About The Big Name Brands?
Still not sold on the name brands just yet? That’s OK, lets explore some reasons these brands are so great, so you understand why picking up a pair at Pinto Ranch is practically daylight robbery!
Quality of the materials used
Take Tony Lama, for example. They offer leather soles for almost every model and style of boot. These last much longer than rubber ones, but they also feel much nicer to wear too. You can tell the difference immediately, and it’s something I personally would miss when wearing a pair of boots from mid range brands like Tecovas.
The quality of the leather overall is better. Leather is graded based on the quality, durability, and style, and universally these name brands outperform Tecovas boots. It doesn’t matter what animal skin is used either, kangaroo, calf, alligator, snake – if it’s leather, then these name brands pay the extra money for the best materials available because they know it means a lot to their customers.
Click image to view all the great western wear & premium cowboy boots from Pinto Ranch
The Style
Speaking of exotic skins, the name brands we’ve spoken about throughout this post all offer different styles that are truly unique to them. Any cowboy boot fan can tell their Lucchese from their Tony Lama, and their Rio of Mercedes from their Stallion, even if they are made of the same skin. Distinctive style is important to these big brands, because they started out when battling for position as the top seller of cowboy boots mattered most, so a distinctive style wasn’t just a bit of fun, it was a survival tactic in a harsh business environment. The result? Amazing cowboy boot styles from all the big name brands, so now us customers are spoiled for choice!
Their History
Some of these brands are hundreds of years old too. They’ve seen it all, but they are still going strong. There might be some people reading this who think that buying name brand products is a sign of snobbery, but I couldn’t disagree more. There’s a reason big name brands become big names, and it’s usually because they’re the best at what they do. It isn’t snobbery to go with an American company that has proved themselves time and time again over many years – it’s common sense!
Their Durability
And finally, whilst we’re talking about proving themselves, let’s discuss the durability of a pair of name brand boots. These are the boots you buy in your 20s and still whip out to walk to the store in your 70s just because you can. You’ll get to the point where these boots will fit you like a friend, and you won’t ever need to say goodbye to them because they are built to last. When you take expert craftsmen and craftswomen and provide them with the best materials and strongest designs, you get boots that are going to be here for many years to come! Buying a name brand is an investment for the future too, so if you can get them cheaper from somewhere like Pinto Ranch, why wouldn’t you? The price may be less, but the quality is still the same!
Why should you be wearing a pair of name brand boots like Lucchese, Rios of Mercedes, Tony Lama, Stallion, etc…?
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Customer Service and Warranty
Another factor to consider is customer service and warranty. Both Tecovas and name brand cowboy boots offer excellent customer service and stand behind their products. Tecovas offers a free return policy within 30 days of purchase, and a one-year warranty on all boots. Name brand cowboy boots also offer warranties, but the policies vary by brand.
Tecovas also scores high marks in terms of customer service. The brand has a dedicated customer service team that is available via phone, email or chat to answer any questions or concerns that customers may have.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Tecovas and name brand cowboy boots offer high-quality, stylish boots that are designed to last for years. Tecovas stands out for its affordability, commitment to quality control, and use of innovative technology to ensure a comfortable fit. Name brand cowboy boots offer a broader range of customization options and have a long history of quality craftsmanship.
Ultimately, the choice between Tecovas boots and name brand cowboy boots will depend on your individual preferences and budget. However, by considering the factors listed above, you can make an informed decision and invest in a pair of cowboy boots that you’ll love wearing for years to come.
These handcrafted western boot brands are made in America for men, women, and children. Made from the finest materials by the best boot craftsman in the business. There are plenty of styles, colors and types of leathers to choose from so you don’t have to worry about limited selections. If you’re a boot lover and want something better than Tecovas or some other lower quality boot, you need to be looking at places like Pinto Ranch!
Tecovas Boots VS Name Brand Cowboy Boots
