They're also a great choice, in general, should you desire a pair of leather work boots. If you ride horses at all for your job but have to dismount for periods of physical labor, packer boots are an excellent choice of footwear. We have both available, should you desire either option. You'll notice our Packer boots have a riding-style heel and our Ranger boots have a similar heel to the rest of our work boots.Īgain, the exact shape and dimensions vary depending on who makes the boots in question. Some packer boots - such as our Ranger boots - have a more conventional heel height or shape profile. Marching shoes, such as those worn by marching bands, often have this same heel shape for that specific reason. This feature is sometimes called a 'riding heel' or a 'cowboy heel.' Some boot makers also call it a 'walking heel,' as the rounding of the heel naturally rolls the foot forward. The heel is raised and is also usually chamfered, just like a cowboy boot. Essentially, it's tapered like many dress shoes but not as pointed as some can be. The toe box is narrow and pointed, which is variously called a 'pointed,' 'almond' or 'roper' toe by different boot makers. You'll notice these boots are quite similar to each other but differ in a key aspect.īasically, the defining characteristics of a packer boot are the toe box and the heel. We here at Nick's Boots make a traditional pair of packer boots and a very similar set, the Ranger Boot. The exact nature of a pair of leather packer boots depends on who makes it. What Features Do Leather Packer Boots Have? Thus, a packer boot has the foot and ankle support of a work boot, but the tapered toe and raised heel of a riding boot. Cowboy boots and other riding boots are next to useless in tough mountainous terrain, but standard work boots are almost unusable with most stirrups. Now, a packer, guide and other workers whose job mandated a mix of time spent on horseback and on foot would need a boot that was a little different. There are still people doing that job, though usually, they're part of higher-end outdoor recreation, such as guided hunting operations and so on. They would also serve as guides and perform other tasks as needed. They would 'pack' gear over whatever terrain needed traversing.Įssentially, packers would load and unload horse and mule teams, ferrying supplies and other items overland. In times gone by, 'packers' were laborers and porters for people going on wilderness expeditions or working in wild areas. They are a cross between a standard leather work boot, like what any person doing hard labor might wear, and a riding boot. Packer boots, like cowboy boots, seem out of place today but were at one time very functional working footwear. Granted, they still make fantastic work boots IF you find that they're suited for you. Packer boots are an older style of work boot that dates to at least the 19th century, as they have features that are functional for people who rode on horseback. You're likely to see them around, and they seem something like the bastard child of cowboy boots and logger boots. Custom Configuration - Fire & Duty Boots.Classic Configuration - Fire & Duty Boots.Quick Ship Fire Boots (4 week lead time).Nicks x Zuriick 10 Year Anniversary - LIMITED RUN!.