I love my leather boots.
Cowboy boots, work boots, Chelseas, Chukkas—you name it, I’ll wear it.
But the one issue I often find is that bovine leather just isn’t quite up to the task of enduring the long wet and rainy months in Vancouver, British Columbia.
I have to keep my favorite boots in my closet or else risk them getting damp—and ultimately ruined—from exposure to moisture.
Until I discovered an amazing alternative to bovine leather: bison leather.
Turns out bison leather is not only significantly tougher, but also more resilient to water.
Granted, it’s not fully waterproof, but water-resistant enough I can wear my bison leather boots town on those bleak, rainy days and trust they’ll last.
Game-changing, I tell you.
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How Did I Come Up With My List?
I’ve been hooked on boots for years, and I tend to go deep into researching everything there is to know so I can make the best choice—not just in terms of price, but style, functionality, and every other factor.
One of the big issues I keep running up against is the lack of water-resistance in my leather boots.
Many bootmakers try to counteract this by applying oils or coatings to make the boots a bit more hydrophobic, but none of them survive long against the Vancouver rainfall (an average of 57 inches per year).
After losing another pair of my favorite boots (sniff, fly with the angels, you beautiful Red Wings!) to the rain, I set on a mission to find tougher boots better-suited to surviving the very damp conditions in my city.
Over the course of my research, I discovered bison leather, a material thicker and stronger (by about 40%) than cow leather.
When treated with the proper oils and a protective coating or spray, bison leather becomes very resilient to water damage.
I’ve put my research to the test, wearing bison leather boots out in the Vancouver rain, slush, and even snow, and watching carefully for any signs of damage.
After personally trying out 10+ pairs of boots and combing through thousands of product reviews, I’ve assembled a list of the top picks.
Below, I’ll share with you my choice as the absolute top-notch bison leather boots, along with a few boots I’ve chosen for specific purposes and needs they suit.
5 Best Men’s Bison Boots
Best Overall Bison Leather Boot: JK O.T. Bison
Of all the boots I tested, the JK O.T. Bison leather boots were my absolute favorites. Light but tough, made entirely from American-sourced materials, and designed for work and daily life, they’re the best “all-around” pair I’ve found.
The bison leather is wonderfully soft to the touch, but offers durability far superior to any bovine leather. You will need to treat it with a hydrophobic spray or oil to increase its water-resistance, but the leather is tough enough to handle everything from dusty hiking trails to muddy hunting paths to icy mountain slopes.
The Vibram 100 Honey soles offer amazing traction on all terrain and have a wonderfully aggressive tread that makes them well-suited for both work and hiking. I’ve taken them hunting, fishing, backpacking, road-tripping, camping, slogging around a job site, and strolling around town, and after 3+ years of wearing them, they’re still as comfortable and beautiful as the day I pulled them out of the box.
What I Like
Gorgeous color to begin with, but it grows more beautiful as it patinas.
The Vibram leather sole offers traction comparable to any hiking, hunting, or work boot.
Dual-sport design makes it great for all terrains and all uses.
Stylish enough to dress up, but tough enough for hard use.
Lightweight and incredibly resilient.
What I Don’t Like
My feet were a little too wide for the standard size. Thankfully, the JK O.T. is available in E and EE sizes (up to 5E, in fact!) for big-footed guys like me.
What Other Reviewers Say
I had to do some serious digging to find any negative reviews about the JK O.T., and the only one I found was from a guy who had the same problem that I did: the standard size boots were too narrow for his wide feet.
Otherwise, the boots have a stellar reputation (a 4.9-star rating), with users raving about their durability, comfort, ankle and arch support, fit, and quick break-in time (2-3 days).
The Verdict
One reviewer summed it up best, “You can throw everything at these boots. They are absolute tanks.”
If that’s what you’re looking for in a pair of bison leather boots, I strongly recommend the JK O.T.s (in Smooth leather, though the Roughout/Smooth model is a good alternative). They’re stylish and eye-catching, built for sport and work use, and will keep your feet comfortable and protected all day long
The JK O.T. is an excellent work boot because it's lightweight and flexible, but it's still one of the most insanely durable work boots you can get. And you can get the O.T. in bison leather, too. Choose grain side out, or customize with bison roughout if you want.
Best Bison Cowboy Boot: Tecovas Prescott
Ranchers, cowboys, and farmers, the Tecovas Prescott are the bison cowboy boots you’re going to love.
The upper is made from bison leather, with an elongated (13½”) bovine leather shaft that will protect your legs while in the saddle or on the trail. The traditional riding boot shape makes it well-suited to daily ranching and riding, but they’re also stylish enough to serve as your dress boots. With that bison leather toe peeking out from your jeans, you’ll look your Sunday best every day.
The leather sole has been treated with Butyl to increase durability and resilience, and the 2” pitched heel fits perfectly into your stirrups but is still comfortable enough for long hours on your feet. And if you’re a heavy guy like me who wants extra support, the boots come with a removable insole that adds just the right amount of cushioning.
What I Like
The removable polyurethane insole offers excellent padding for big, heavy guys like me who need cushioning for long days on our feet.
The stylish combination of the bison upper and bovine leather vamp makes for a very eye-catching and unique pair of boots.
Cowboy style is well-suited to farm and ranch work.
Reinforced pull holes make it easy to pull the boots off and on.
The sizes tend to run large, making them a great fit for guys like me with slightly longer, wider feet. They’re also available in both D and EE sizes.
What I Don’t Like
If I had one complaint, it’s that the boots are heavier than I typically like. But that’s the trade-off for bison leather—it’s thicker and weighs more than bovine leather, but so much tougher for it.
What Other Reviewers Say
With 1,300+ reviews and a 4.8-star rating, there’s no doubt the Tecovas Prescotts are a winner in many real life users’ books. Positive reviews speak highly of their quality, durability, and versatility, with some calling them “the most comfortable boot I’ve worn”.
A few negative reviews were from people who had issues with the sizing (the sand shark model fit more tightly than the bison leather model), but all praised Tecovas’ quality customer support for handling their problems quickly and efficiently.
The Verdict
For a good pair of cowboy boots built tougher (and, in my opinion, better-looking) than your average cowhide leather boots, I recommend the Tecovas Prescott. They’re everything you need in a daily work boot if you spend long hours in the saddle, and they’ll keep your feet comfortable and protected all day long.
Cowboys, this one’s for you. The riding boot style features a round toe, 13½” shaft, and 2-inch stacked leather heel that makes them ideal for long days with your feet in the stirrups.
Best Bison Work Boot: JK Superduty
I bought my mechanic son the JK Superduty boots as his daily work pair, and he’s worn them every day (including weekends when he’s off-duty) for 2+ years.
The Superduty is JK’s flagship boot, and a true masterpiece of American craftsmanship. The bison leather is as hardy as it is beautiful, but it’s details like the safety toe (optional) and NFPA rated adhesives, Technora fire resistant thread, and a Vibram RedX Fire Hard rubber sole that make them suitable for use on any job site and around any hazard.
But what earned them my pick as the best bison leather work boots is their comfort. Break-in time is just 2-3 days, but they’re comfortable right out of the box, with a snug fit that conforms very nicely to your feet.
Their handmade quality is just the cherry on top of a truly spectacular sundae.
What I Like
Handmade in the USA using only American-sourced materials and hardware.
Incredibly tough and well-built; capable of withstanding hard daily use.
The NPFA-rated adhesives, thread, and rubber sole make them safe for firefighters and smokejumpers to use.
The 8-ounce leather is sturdy but not so heavy they feel stuffy or cause my feet to overheat.
What I Don’t Like
The “wide” fit isn’t quite wide enough for my feet, but my son (of average foot width) had no problem with them.
For a heavy guy like me, a bit more arch support and cushioning on the insoles would be welcome.
What Other Reviewers Say
Reviewers rave about the JK Superduty boots, calling them “exceptionally well made”, using “awesome materials”, and praising their “ZERO break in” time. JK’s customer service also earns a lot of positive feedback in all the reviews I’ve read.
The Verdict
If you need a pair of work boots that’s good looking and rated for heavy-duty use, the JK Superduty is my top pick. The use of NFPA-rated materials, the inclusion of a safety toe, and the high shaft and ultra-tough bison leather makes them perfect for just about job site or work environment, and boots you can trust to last for years of daily use. Thanks to their short break-in time, you can be comfortable nearly from the moment you slide them on.
The Superduty is a classic logger boot, and JK’s most popular style. And even though the regular version is built fit for the hardest treatment, the bison leather just takes the durability of the Superduty to the next level.
Best Bison Leather Dress Boot: Grant Stone Bison Diesel
Grant Stone has always impressed me with their eye-catching, classy styles, and they’ve become my go-to when I want to pick up a pair of dress boots. So when I spotted these Diesel boots in a gorgeous walnut-colored bison leather, I knew I had to get them on my feet.
I tell you: I haven’t regretted that decision once.
The boots are heavier-weight than my usual dress boots, but I’ll take the extra ounces in exchange for more durability and natural water-resistance. That way, I can still dress up even when the sky is pouring and trust the boots (with the frequent application of oil and spray) will shrug off the damp and damage with no trouble.
Made on the Leo last, these boots are well-suited to guys with high or medium arches. The combination of a cork filler, steel shank, leather heel counters, and integrated ankle and arch support does a wonderful job of reducing foot fatigue if I’m walking around Vancouver all day long.
What I Like
Just an all-around handsome pair of dress boots that look stylish whether paired with dark/black jeans, slacks, chinos, or even a suit.
The full-grain bison leather (sourced from the Seidel Tannery) is gorgeous but also wonderfully tough.
The cork filler adds a nice amount of cushioning to the leather insole and leather heel counters.
The lug rubber sole is surprisingly grippy even when the sidewalks are wet or icy.
Sizing runs a bit large, so they’re comfortable on my over-sized feet.
What I Don’t Like
Honestly, I haven’t found a single thing about these boots I don’t like. When I want to dress to the nines, they’re my go-to.
What Other Reviewers Say
Users seem to love the Grant Stone Diesels as much as I do, praising their stylish good looks, the soft texture, the eye-catching leather grain, and excellent arch support.
Negative reviews are as few and far between as I’d expect from a pair of Grant Stones. Some guys had issues with the sizing, but a quick exchange took care of that. One found his boot arrived with a scratch in the leather, too, a sadly common problem when shipping leather products.
The Verdict
In all my research, I have yet to find a pair of bison leather dress boots that I loved as much as the Grant Stone Diesels. They’re a truly stylish choice, easy to pair with any date-night or work outfit, comfortable for all-day use, and hardy enough I’ll gladly wear them out even if rain is on the horizon.
Wear these bad boys to dress to the nines. Sleek bison leather, a low profile, thick arch support, and a snug fit make these the dress boots you’ll want to wear every day.
Best Wedge Sole Bison Boot: Origin American Bison Boot
Being a big, heavy guy, I’m always a fan of wedge sole boots. I appreciate the extra support and cushioning provided by the wedge sole. And when paired with bison leather, like these Origin American Bison Boots, well, I consider that a match made in Heaven.
From the moment I pulled these on, I knew these would be a pair of boots I’d use every day. Comfortable right out of the box, they mold to your feet and fit snugly within a matter of hours. The bison leather actually softens and flexes more quickly than bovine leather, so break-in time is much shorter. It’s tougher, too. I’ve worn these bad boys daily for 4+ years now and they’re showing no sign of quitting.
What I Like
American-sourced materials and American craftsmanship make for a truly long-lasting pair of boots.
Wedge sole offers excellent arch support and cushioning.
Stylish and incredibly sturdy.
Virtually no break-in time, become very comfortable right away.
What I Don’t Like
If I had one complaint (and it’s not even really a complaint), it’s that the boots have all eyelets, when I prefer speed hooks for faster lacing.
What Other Reviewers Say
The Origin American Bisons score high marks with reviewers across the board. Users rave about their solid construction, the snug-yet-comfortable fit, stylish good looks, and their resilience in rainy and wet weather.
One or two users mentioned that they had to re-sole their boots after just a few years, but that’s an issue common with all wedge sole boots. Other than that, I couldn’t find any negative feedback about these boots.
The Verdict
If you’re like me and want a bit more cushioning and support, the Origin American Bison Boots are my top recommendation. They’re made wonderfully tough and capable of enduring hard use and wet conditions, but will still look good after years of wear. Thanks to their very short break-in time, you can be comfortable pretty much right out of the box.
For a heavy guy like me, the heavy wedge soles offer just the right amount of cushioning and comfort for long days on our feet. And there’s no arguing with the good looks of the bison leather upper.
Why Bison Leather? Pros and Cons of Bison Leather
Benefits of Bison Leather
- Bison leather is tougher than cow leather. The pebbled texture isn’t just for looks, but actually increases its durability (by as much as 40%). Bison leather will typically last for decades with the proper care and maintenance.
- The color of bison leather is very unique, and tends to have a richer, more complex, and more unique grain pattern than cow leather. Most bison leathers are also treated with a minimal tanning process that ensures the grain pattern is highlighted by the finish.
- Bison leather tends to be softer and more pliable than bovine leather. Less break-in time is required, and the boots become more comfortable more quickly.
Drawbacks of Bison Leather
- Because bison leather is thicker than bovine leather, it ends up being heavier. Bison leather boots will weigh marginally more than a pair of cowhide leather boots of the same design.
- Bison leather tends to be more expensive than bovine leather. It’s rare you’ll find a pair of well-built bison leather boots for under $300, but prices will easily reach $600+. By comparison, there are plenty of cowhide leather boots sold in the $100 to $200 price range.
- The grainy appearance may not be well-suited to all types of shoes (for example, loafers or dress shoes).
Hardy and Handsome in Equal Measure
Bison leather is a tougher, thicker, heavier-duty, and more raw-looking material, but one that I believe is beautifully suited to crafting boots for men. The fact that it’s also more resilient to water and won’t wear out as quickly as cowhide leather makes it a great choice for guys like me who live in rainy/wet environments and put miles of hard use on our boots every day.
For the best bison leather boots overall, I recommend the JK O.T. boots. The combination of a resilient upper, Vibram leather sole with an aggressive tread, and integrated arch support and cushioning makes it a pair I love to use all day every day.
The JK O.T. is an excellent work boot because it's lightweight and flexible, but it's still one of the most insanely durable work boots you can get. And you can get the O.T. in bison leather, too. Choose grain side out, or customize with bison roughout if you want.
If you’re looking for a cowboy-style boot, the Tecovas Prescott will be just what you need for long hours of riding, ranching, and farming. On the other hand, if you’re gearing up to slog around a job site or head out to fight a forest fire, the JK Superdutys are the boots of choice.
Cowboys, this one’s for you. The riding boot style features a round toe, 13½” shaft, and 2-inch stacked leather heel that makes them ideal for long days with your feet in the stirrups.
When dressing up, I love the looks of the Grant Stone Diesel Bisons. And for comfort and cushioning, I have yet to encounter wedge sole boots that suited my big, heavy frame better than the Origin American Bisons.
FAQs
Is bison leather better than cow leather?
Bison leather isn’t necessarily “better” than cow leather. It’s tougher, more naturally water-resistant, lasts longer, and breaks in easier. However, it’s also more expensive, a “rougher-looking” material, and can be too heavy for all-season use.
What is the difference between bison and water buffalo leather?
Bison leather is derived from the bison found exclusively in North America, while water buffalo leather is derived from the water buffalo native to Asia and Africa.
Is bison leather stronger than cowhide?
Bison leather is about 40% more durable than cowhide. Bison hides are thicker, heavier, and the fibers tend to be clustered more tightly together, making it harder for predators (like wolves) to sink their teeth into. That means bison leather is also less likely to tear, rip, or be worn out than cowhide.
