Cowboy boots have almost everything a guy could ask for in a pair of work shoes.
Crafted with sturdy, stiff leather, they offer plenty of protection against abrasion and impact, ankle support, space enough for your toes to move around in, and a sturdy sole (often with built-in shank) to reduce fatigue after a day spent with your feet in stirrups. All that, and they’re handsome, too!
But if there’s one complaint a lot of us boot-lovers have, it’s that many cowboy boots (particularly those built to traditional designs) don’t have a lot of arch support or cushioning.
Stacked leather heels and leather insoles just aren’t thick enough for a full day spent on your feet. There’s not enough material between you and the ground to really absorb impact or reduce foot fatigue.
That’s where a cowboy boot insole can be absolutely game-changing.
Insoles add cushioning and arch support into literally any pair of cowboy boots.
On the outside, they’ll retain their classic cowboy boot look, but inside, they’ll have extra shock-absorption, impact-reduction, and fatigue-preventing insoles.
As a big guy (6’6”, 250 pounds), I absolutely feel the difference between boots with insoles and boots without.
With a good pair of insoles in my boots, I can spend all day on my feet and barely feel the fatigue. Sans insoles, my dogs are barking loud within just a few hours.
I’ve done a great deal of research, extensive testing, and combed through thousands of product reviews to bring you a list of the best cowboy boot insoles to make your days of riding or walking exponentially more comfortable.
Skip Ahead
5 Best Insoles for Cowboy Boots
Best Overall: Tread Labs Ramble
From the moment my brother-in-law told me about these Tread Labs Ramble insoles, I was intrigued. The two-part system and replaceable design seemed ideal for a heavy guy like me who goes through insoles far faster than average.
After testing them over the last 2 years, I can safely say they are my favorite insoles to date for a few reasons.
First, there’s the two-part system: the “base” of the insole that retains its shape forever (and I do mean forever), and the 5mm “replaceable cover” that provides all the padding but can easily be switched out when it’s too compressed after years of use.
Second, the variety of heights—four, in fact, (low, medium, high, and extra high) which lets me choose the right arch support for my specific feet.
Third, the durability of the base. The material is stiff enough that it won’t sag or wear out, but remains firm and tough even after years of use. It serves as the supportive structure, while the cover acts as the padding to absorb shock.
Last, but definitely not least, the antimicrobial-treated open-cell polyurethane top does an amazing job of keeping my feet feeling and smelling fresh all day long. Since I started using these in my cowboy boots, I’ve never had to reach for the talcum powder to combat foot stink once.
What I Like
The two-part system offers amazing longevity to the custom-fitted insoles.
Available in four heights, adaptable to your unique foot physiology.
Antimicrobial-treated polyurethane combats foot odors more effectively than most insoles I’ve tested.
I can use them not only in my cowboy boots, but also in my hiking boots, running shoes, and even my bedroom slippers for all-day comfort.
What I Don’t Like
As a heavy guy, I find I wear through the 5mm padded covers a bit faster than I expected. The base lasts forever, but I have to replace the covers every 6 months.
What Other Reviewers Say
Reviews posted to the Tread Labs website are overwhelmingly positive. In more than 500 reviews, real-life users rave about how comfortable the Rambles are and how quickly the insoles molded to their feet.
Users also loved that the insoles are slim enough to fit in tighter-fitting shoes (like cowboy boots and running shoes).
Really, the only “cons” I could find on these insoles was that the two layers tended to separate (if not stuck together properly), and that the insoles squeaked until properly broken in.
The Verdict
Having tested the Tread Labs Ramble insoles for 2 years now, I’ve come to appreciate their versatility, adaptability, and reliability. I’ve worn them in every pair of boots and shoes I own—from cowboy boots to running shoes to hiking boots—and am constantly blown away by how comfortable and supportive they are. Their customizable height and replaceable padding makes them a pair I’ll keep going back to year after year.
The Ramble is my favorite insole that I've tried from Tread Labs. It offers plenty of cushion for the ball of my foot, and the extra flex in the mid-foot boosts the stability of my boot without affecting my arch too much.
Best for Heavy Guys: Remind Remedy 6MM Custom Insole
For those long days spent on my feet, I’ve found the Remind Remedy 6MM Custom Insole is my go-to choice. As a big, heavy guy, I need extra padding and support, and these thicker-than-average insoles serve my needs just right.
Where most insoles are 4 to 5mm, these are 6mm, so I get that extra millimeter of padding between my feet and the hard ground. The extra thickness and rigidity makes for amazing comfort when hiking, walking, and riding.
The insoles are built with five layers of material: the top layer with antimicrobial coating, a heat-moldable layer to adapt to your foot shape, a cushioning layer to absorb impact, a “durability” layer that provides a solid supportive base that won’t wear out easily, and a bottom layer for extra padding.
The insoles feature Blue Magic technology that claims to “out-perform any other product on the market”. After watching their bowling ball and egg-drop test video and trying them out for myself, I’m convinced they’re among the best of the best on the market.
What I Like
Amazing cushioning and shock-absorption.
Even after a long day spent on my feet or in the saddle, there’s far less foot fatigue than just wearing my cowboy boots on their own.
Thick padding and sturdy base combine to make them a very long-lasting pair of insoles.
The heat-moldable material really conforms to the shape of your feet very nicely for a truly customizable fit.
What I Don’t Like
The insoles are thick enough that if your cowboy boots fit snugly, the addition of the insole may make them a bit too tight at first. Only once the boots expand and the insoles mold to your feet fully will they be comfortable—but very comfortable at that.
What Other Reviewers Say
Users have a lot of great things to say about the Remind Remedy insoles. Some compare them favorably to prescription orthotics, saying they are “every bit as comfortable and provide the same support as my prescription pair”. One user claimed they offer “better arch and toe support than any other product I have tried”.
The only negative review I could find stated the “arch takes some getting used to” because of how thick they are until they mold properly to your feet.
The Verdict
If you’re a big, heavy guy like me, I strongly recommend the Remind Remedy 6mm insoles. Their extra thickness means you’ve got additional padding to cushion your feet and protect against shock, and they’re versatile enough to use in just about any pair of shoes or boots you own. Plus, I found they last around 8 months rather than the “average” 6 month lifespan, so you’ll get more bang for your buck.
If you’re a big, heavy guy like me, I strongly recommend the Remind Remedy 6mm insoles. Their extra thickness means you’ve got additional padding to cushion your feet and protect against shock, and they’re versatile enough to use in just about any pair of shoes or boots you own. Plus, I found they last around 8 months rather than the “average” 6 month lifespan, so you’ll get more bang for your buck.
Best for Square Toe Boots: Ariat All Day Square Toe Insole
Square toe boots are ideal for guys with wide forefeet and thick toes, because they offer extra room in the forefoot. But if you’re going with this style of boots, you need insoles built specifically for the wide, square toe.
The Ariat All Day Square Toe Insole is purpose-built to fit inside your square toe cowboy boots, with the wider forefoot so your toes won’t feel the edges (like they would if you tried a round-toe insole).
The insoles offer pretty much everything you could want: advanced technical materials, precision-engineered arch support, contoured cushioning, and a moisture-wicking, odor-resistant top liner.
They’re thin enough to fit into any pair of cowboy boots, and once inserted, they do a darned good job of providing padding and absorbing shock.
And because they’re made by Ariat, you know they’ll fit like a glove inside your favorite pair of Ariat cowboy boots.
What I Like
Slim enough to slide into even snug-fitting cowboy boots.
Great at keeping away odors and keeping my feet dry even on hot, muggy days.
Sturdy material will hold up to long days in the saddle and on my feet.
Very well-priced, but still well-built and reliable.
What I Don’t Like
They’re a bit too slim for my tastes. As a big, heavy guy, I like the extra padding of thicker insoles. But for guys of a more average build, they are definitely an option I recommend considering.
What Other Reviewers Say
With a 4.3 out of 5-star rating, it’s clear there’s a lot that users really like about these Ariat All Day Square Toe insoles. Reviews claim they “bring new life” to old, used boots, while one called them a “life saver” because the insoles “are comfortable and I can wear my boots all day with no issues”.
There are few negative reviews, but the one issue that keeps cropping up is that the slim insoles tend to wear out quickly and need to be replaced more frequently than average. But given they’re so affordable (compared to some of the others on my list), it’s not cost-prohibitive.
The Verdict
If you’re wearing square toe cowboy boots, I recommend the Ariat All Day Square Toe Insole. Not only are they sized right to slide inside any Ariat boot, but they’ve also got that specific square-toe tip that ensures a snug fit against the boot’s inside so you can’t feel the edges with your toes (which is super annoying!). Their low price tag and comfortable (if slim) padding makes them a great option for anyone who needs a pair of insoles to wear for long days spent on their feet.
If you’re wearing square toe cowboy boots, I recommend the Ariat All Day Square Toe Insole. Not only are they sized right to slide inside any Ariat boot, but they’ve also got that specific square-toe tip that ensures a snug fit against the boot’s inside so you can’t feel the edges with your toes (which is super annoying!). Their low price tag and comfortable (if slim) padding makes them a great option for anyone who needs a pair of insoles to wear for long days spent on their feet.
Best for Snip Toe Boots: Ariat Nitro Round Toe Insole
With snip toe boots, you need an insole with a thinner toe shape that fits into the narrow, pointed boot toe. My research didn’t turn up any insoles built specifically for snip toe boots (at least none I believed worth sharing), I did find a solution that worked: the Ariat Nitro Round Toe Insole.
As its name suggests, this insole is built specifically for round toe boots. But the forefoot material is slim enough that you can simply trim it with a pair of scissors and it’ll fit nicely into your snip toe boots.
Once in place, you’ll find these are a truly amazing pair of insoles. Advanced open-cell cushioning offers amazing shock-absorption and provides great arch support.
Built into the heel is both a cradling “stability system” and a heel pod for maximum impact-reduction.
And, to top it off, there’s the moisture-reducing, temperature-controlling upper layer that keeps your feet cool and dry all day long. I tend to get “swamp feet” when wearing my boots during the warmer spring and summer months, but it’s been far less of a problem since I started wearing these Ariat insoles.
What I Like
Does an amazing job of reducing foot sweat, hot feet, and bad odors.
Can be easily adapted to fit snip toe boots as well as round toe boots.
Amazing shock-absorption on the heels and arches.
I’ve gotten far fewer blisters because my feet aren’t rubbing against the back of my boots, thanks to the heel cradling design.
What I Don’t Like
The padding is very comfortable, but it’s too slim for my heavier-than-average build. The cushioning tends to compress and needs replacing after 4-5 months.
What Other Reviewers Say
Combing through all the reviews I could find on the Ariat Nitro Round Toe Insole, I can see why they’re one of Ariat’s best-selling insoles. One user raved that they “made a 10+ year old pair of boots feel brand new again”, while others praise their comfort and reliability.
I couldn’t find any negative reviews about these insoles, not even about fit or sizing (a pretty common problem with all boots and insoles!).
The Verdict
If you’re wearing snip toe boots, the Ariat Nitro Round Toe Insole can be easily customized to fit the specific toe shape while still providing reliable all-day comfort. The ample cushioning and heel-cradling design will do a great job of reducing impact and improving foot stability. And of course, you can’t forget my personal favorite feature: the odor- and heat-reducing lining that keeps “swamp feet” at bay.
If you’re wearing snip toe boots, the Ariat Nitro Round Toe Insole can be easily customized to fit the specific toe shape while still providing reliable all-day comfort. The ample cushioning and heel-cradling design will do a great job of reducing impact and improving foot stability. And of course, you can’t forget my personal favorite feature: the odor- and heat-reducing lining that keeps “swamp feet” at bay.
Best Gel Insole: Dr. Scholl’s Energizing Comfort Gel
Dr. Scholl’s is the most-recommended brand of insoles anywhere, not just for cowboy boots, but hiking boots, running shoes, and for pretty much everyone. Given that their Energizing Comfort Gel insoles is one of their best-loved and highest-rated of their products, it should be no surprise that I’m including it here.
I’ve been using these insoles in my sports shoes for nearly ten years now, and I’ve come to love the responsive cushioning, massaging gel technology, and thick padding. I can run, jump, and play in comfort no matter how active I am.
When I tested them in my cowboy boots, I was blown away by how little impact I felt while riding and walking.
The ripple wave heel, in particular, proved amazing at keeping my heels comfortable and securely in place, reducing friction and blisters while also providing arch support.
Since I added these into my cowboy boots, I’ve been working longer days with far less foot fatigue. Thanks to their very affordable price, I stock up on 5-10 pairs at a time and insert them into all my shoes and boots to make every pair more comfortable.
What I Like
Extra-thick gel padding does an excellent job of cushioning and reducing impact.
Very affordable—the best-priced insoles on our list.
Prevents foot fatigue from walking and reduces pressure from stirrups while riding.
It feels like I’ve got more “spring in my step” when wearing these.
What I Don’t Like
The gel does compress fairly quickly, and they’re not the longest-lasting pair of insoles I’ve tested. I have to replace them often (every 4 months or so) if I’m using them for work or high-impact sports.
What Other Reviewers Say
With more than 17,000 ratings and a 4.3 out of 5-star review, it’s safe to say the Dr. Scholl’s Energizing Comfort Gels are a much-loved pair of insoles. Users agree that they’re “nothing fancy, just good insoles”. Reliable, affordable, and comfortable—what more could you ask for?
Most of the negative reviews I found had to do with getting them set up. Reviewers claim they are “a bit finicky to get them set in the shoe correctly” and take some effort to trim correctly and insert right. But once they’re in, they do a great job of staying securely in place and don’t slide around inside your boots.
The Verdict
If you’re going to be doing a lot of fast-paced, high-impact activity (such as rodeo riding or roping), the Dr. Scholl’s Energizing Comfort Gel insoles are a great pick. The gel cushioning does an amazing job of absorbing impact to prevent foot strain and fatigue. Though they’ll wear out quickly with regular hard use, they’re inexpensive and comfortable enough you’ll never blink at buying them again and again.
Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Insoles don’t seek to change the wear of your shoes or add arches where there are none. They simply add a layer of super comfortable cushioning. It lacks a lot of extra features, allowing the gel technology to shine.
Can You Use a Round Toe Insole for a Square Toe Boot?
While you technically can use a round toe insole for a square toe boot, it’s better not to.
Round toe insoles are purpose-built to slide into your boot and fit snugly against the rounded toe.
But if you slide them into a square toe boot, there will be extra space between the edge of the rounded toe insole and the interior of the square toe boot. Every time you wear them, your toes (particularly your big toe and two smallest toes) will feel the edge of the insole.
Trust me, I’ve tried it and found it supremely annoying. It actually caused the insoles’ toe-end to wear out faster, and there was space enough in the boots’ forefoot for the insole to slide around.
If you’re going to wear square toe cowboy boots, you’re better off choosing an insole crafted with the square toe. It’ll create a more natural fit that just feels right.
Do Insoles Help Cowboy Boots Fit Tighter?
Insoles do help cowboy boots to fit tighter—and, in some cases, better.
Insoles with arch support will press your mid-foot and heel up against the instep area of the boot, making the fit a bit more snug. This may be painful at first, but once the boot leather expands suitably, it’ll create a more stable and secure fit overall.
Flat insoles will elevate your entire foot evenly, making the boot fit more snugly from your toes all the way to your heels. If the boots are too big or fit your feet too loosely, you can use a flat insole to tighten up the fit and keep your feet from sliding around inside.
More Cushion and Support Is Always Welcome
Cowboy boot insoles can be the one thing your favorite pair of boots are missing to be the most comfortable, supportive footwear they can be.
With the right insole, you can increase stability in your heel, reduce impact, improve the fit of your boots, and even combat odors and foot sweat. If you spend long hours every day riding, walking, and working in cowboy boots, I can’t recommend insoles highly enough.
My personal favorite pair, and the pair I found to be best overall, are the Tread Labs Ramble. Their two-part design makes them both long-lasting and easily renewed so you always have the thickest, most supportive padding.
The Ramble is my favorite insole that I've tried from Tread Labs. It offers plenty of cushion for the ball of my foot, and the extra flex in the mid-foot boosts the stability of my boot without affecting my arch too much.
But for heavy guys who are on their feet all day, I suggest the Remind Remedy 6MM Custom Insole because it’s thicker and offers better cushioning to accommodate your weight.
For square toe boots, you can’t go wrong with Ariat’s All Day Square Toe Insole, and the Ariat Nitro Round Toe Insole are easily customizable to fit into your snip toe boots. Given that they’re both built by one of the best cowboy boot makers in the country, it’s easy to see why they’re one of my top picks.
The Dr. Scholl’s Energizing Comfort Gel is my favorite pair of gel insoles, with amazing impact-reduction and a massaging effect that keeps your feet comfy even through fast-paced, high-impact work.
FAQs
Should I put insoles in my cowboy boots?
If you need extra arch support and cushioning to reduce foot fatigue, using insoles in cowboy boots is a good choice. This is particularly the case for “traditional” cowboy boots built using stacked leather for the heel and leather for the insole and outsole.
“Modern” cowboy boots and cowboy work boots may have extra features like removable cushioned footbeds and EVA midsoles that offer enough support and padding without the need for an insole.
What inserts make cowboy boots tighter?
Both flat and arched insoles will make your cowboy boots tighter. Flat inserts will increase tightness across your entire foot, which arched inserts will increase tightness around your midfoot and ankle.
Can you put two insoles in cowboy boots?
Some cowboy boots already come with padded insoles, and it’s not a good idea to add another pair of insoles into these boots. Thankfully, most padded insoles/inserts can be removed so you can add in the pair of insoles you’ve chosen specifically for your feet rather than the “one size fits all” insoles typically added into cowboy boots.
