Cody James Western Boots

Tips, Tricks, and Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

Western boots are a timeless footwear choice loved by cowboys, cowgirls, and country music fans alike. Their distinctive stylish silhouette accentuates any western wear ensemble. When you choose a reputable brand like Cody James, you get both incredible style and durability.

If you’re in the market for new western boots, Cody James should be at the top of your list. With so many styles and customization options to choose from, it can get overwhelming though. That’s why we created this comprehensive buying guide.

Read on to learn everything you need to know before purchasing your next pair of Cody James western boots.

What Materials Are Cody James Western Boots Made Of?

One reason for Cody James’ reputation for quality is the premium materials they use to construct every pair of boots. Most Cody James boots feature genuine leather uppers and ostrich leg skin inlays.

Full-quill ostrich leg skin is valued for its distinctive bumpy texture. Ostrich leather is also extremely tough and durable.

For the outsoles, Cody James uses high-quality leather or rubber to ensure excellent traction. Durable synthetic materials make up the boot lining as well.

Some special edition boots may contain exotic materials like stingray skin or crocodile belly overlays. But you can expect real leather on the majority of styles.

Where Can I Buy Cody James Western Boots?

Cody James sells their full line of western boots direct through their website. This allows them to offer reasonable prices by cutting out the retail middleman.

You can also find selections of Cody James boots at some western wear stores and online retailers. But the official website will have the largest array of styles, customization options, and fastest shipping.

Cody James offers free shipping and returns within the continental US. Best of all, you can get fully custom-made boots without paying extra custom fees. Their website makes it easy to design your dream pair.

How Do Cody James Western Boots Fit?

Cody James boots are designed to fit true-to-size for most wearers. They accommodate both narrow and slightly wider feet.

Each boot contains a generous toe box that gives your toes comfortable wiggle room. The arch and heel are slightly raised to properly support your foot’s natural shape.

Since the materials are stiff at first, expect the boots to feel snug when new. But the leather will stretch and soften within 2-3 weeks of wear. For the best fit, choose your normal shoe size.

Wide calf options are available for anyone needing a bit more room in the shaft. You can also request a custom wide width. Just reach out to Cody James’ customer service team.

Are Cody James Western Boots True to Size?

Yes, most customers find Cody James boots to run true to size once fully broken in. If you normally wear a size 10 in regular shoes or boots, that will be your standard Cody James size as well.

Some folks with especially narrow or wide feet report sizing up or down a half-size. But unless your feet are at the extremes, your usual size should work great.

Cody James includes detailed size charts on their website to help you select the correct boot size. Measure your foot length and width and match it against their guidelines for the most accurate fit.

You always have the option of exchanging for free if the sizing ends up off. Take advantage of their convenient free returns to get the perfect fit.

What is the Price Range for Cody James Western Boots?

A major benefit of the Cody James brand is the reasonable prices compared to other high-quality western boot makers. Their boots range from about $150 on the low end up to $500 for exotic skins.

The most popular leather western boots cost $180 to $350. You’ll pay between $250 and $450 for ostrich leg overlays. Stingray and crocodile boots run $450 to $550.

Considering the outstanding craftsmanship and real leather construction, these prices are very affordable. The ability to customize every detail makes them an even better value.

Some other western boot companies charge over $1000 for similar quality. But Cody James skips the retailer markup to offer budget-friendly prices direct to customers.

How Do I Clean Cody James Western Boots?

Proper care and cleaning will maximize the life of your Cody James western boots. Here are some tips:

• Wipe boots down with a damp cloth after each wear. Remove dirt and allow leather to air dry.
• Apply leather conditioner every 1-2 months. Use conditioner sparingly to avoid discoloration.
• Remove scuffs with a leather polish in a matching color. Follow with a conditioner.
• Use a suede brush weekly to revive the nap of suede boots.
• Spot clean stains immediately with a damp cloth. Harsher cleaners may damage the leather.
• Store boots with cedar shoe trees to absorb moisture and maintain shape.
• Bring boots to a cobbler for replacement heel tips or new soles when tread wears down.

With proper care, a quality pair of Cody James western boots should last for years of regular wear. Conditioning is vital for keeping the leather supple and preventing cracking.

What Styles of Cody James Western Boots Are Available?

One of the best aspects of Cody James is the huge selection of custom boot styles. They offer both classic and modern silhouettes so you can find your perfect pair. Some of the most popular options include:

• Ranch Hand – Iconic classic western boot with ornate stitched shaft and toe detailing. Fully customizable.
• Buckaroo – Badass, bold western boot with exotic belly overlay and striking colors.
• West Point – Sophisticated pointed toe cowboy boot with ostrich leg overlays.
• The Duke – Men’s western boot inspired by John Wayne with a squared toe.
• Belly Cutter – Women’s western boot with floral embroidery and decorative belly cutouts.
• Wild West – Intricately stitched kids boot designed for comfort and rugged play.

No matter your personal style, Cody James likely offers a boot for you. Browse their entire product line online to view all one-of-a-kind options.

Are Cody James Western Boots Durable?

You can expect outstanding durability and longevity from Cody James western boots thanks to the premium materials and detailed construction.

The leather uppers hold up well to regular wear without cracking or peeling. The thick leather soles also provide miles of traction before needing to be replaced.

These boots are designed for riding, walking, working, or dancing. The sturdy construction ensures they last through years of use. The double row stitching keeps the seams intact through heavy activity.

Cody James boots should provide the same level of durability as other top western boot brands like Lucchese and Rios of Mercedes. With proper care, most customers get 5-10 years of wear before needing to be resoled or retired.

How Do Cody James Western Boots Compare to Other Brands?

Cody James stands up well against competitor brands in terms of quality, value, and customization. Key differences include:

• Ariat – Cody James leather is higher quality but Ariat has a wider casual style selection.
• Justin Original – Cody James has better construction but Justin offers more work boot and orthopedic options.
• Tony Lama – Cody James has lower prices with similar exotic material choices as Tony Lama.
• Lucchese – Cody James allows full custom boots at lower prices than Lucchese’s starting costs.
• Rios of Mercedes – Cody James has quicker turnaround times for custom boots than Rios.

Overall, Cody James hits a sweet spot between high-end boutique brands and lower tier companies. You get premium materials and construction for reasonable costs.

What is the Return Policy for Cody James Western Boots?

One benefit of ordering directly from Cody James is the exceptional return policy. If you are unsatisfied with your boots for any reason, returns are free within 30 days of delivery.

They also allow returns or exchanges for up to 90 days from purchase. You just pay a $35 processing fee after the first 30 days.

The free return shipping makes it risk-free to try out multiple sizes or styles. Keep the pair that fits best and send back the rest. This perk makes the online ordering process easier.

For exchanges, Cody James will customize a replacement pair for you at no added charge. Contact their helpful customer service team for return authorization and details.

Can Cody James Western Boots be Resoled?

Unlike cheaper boots, Cody James boots are designed to be resoled, allowing extra years of wear. A cobbler can replace the outsole once the tread wears thin or holes develop.

Resoling costs around $100-150 depending on your location. It adds significant longevity vs. buying a brand new $300+ pair.

The high-quality leather upper will easily outlast multiple sole replacements. With proper care, the shaft and vamp can stay intact for decades.

Cody James constructs their boots using proven methods that allow for resoling. Avoid using a cobbler who insists on gluing versus stitching soles for best results.

Investing in resoling high-end boots saves money in the long run. Don’t trash boots that can have new life with fresh soles.

Where Are Cody James Western Boots Manufactured?

All Cody James boots are handmade by skilled craftsmen in Leon, Mexico. This area has a generations-long tradition of expert bootmaking.

Rios of Mercedes boots are also made in Leon using similar construction methods. The region is renowned for artisan-quality western boots.

Cody James founder Kent Linge chose this manufacturing location after years researching materials and techniques. The quality control oversight ensures consistency across every pair.

Supporting small family workshops in Leon helps artisan bootmaking skills thrive. These talented craftspeople take great pride in their work.

You get made in Mexico quality without inflated prices by ordering direct from Cody James. The boots are crafted locally using regional leather.

How Should I Store Cody James Western Boots?

To keep boots looking their best when not being worn, proper storage is key. Follow these tips:

• Keep boots away from direct heat or sunlight, which can dry out leather.
• Stuff boots with a shoe tree or tissue paper to retain shape.
• For suede boots, use a suede brush before storing to revive the nap.
• Apply a light coat of leather conditioner before storage to prevent cracking.
• Allow boots to air and dry out naturally between each wear. Don’t store damp boots.
• Keep boots in breathable canvas bags or boxes. Avoid non-breathable plastic bags.
• Store in a closet or room with low humidity and cool temperatures.
• Clean and condition boots every 2-3 months during storage. Check for cracking.

Proper storage care will extend the life of your boots and prevent premature aging of materials.

What Outfits Go Well with Cody James Western Boots?

Half the fun of western boots is styling them in your wardrobe. Cody James boots pair perfectly with:

• Jeans – Bootcut, straight leg, and flair jeans complement tall shaft boots. Dark washes look sharp.
• Western shirts – Button-down plaid, chambray, or denim shirts balance flashy boots.
• Dresses – Floral, prairie, or denim dresses with tights or leggings. Go boho chic.
• Skinny jeans – Tuck slim jeans into shorter shaft styles for a modern vibe.
• Leggings – Leggings tucked into boots show off vamps and embroidery.
• Ranch jackets – Sherpa and fleece-lined jackets are cozy with boots.

Mix and match your favorite western wear basics with boots as a bold focal point. Boot styles from sleek to ornate provide outfit versatility.

Do Cody James Western Boots Come in Wide Widths?

Cody James boots only come in standard B/D medium widths for men or B medium width for women. No wide sizes are available as a standard option.

However, Cody James does make accommodations for wide calf circumferences. You can request calf sizes up to 18″.

For wide foot widths, you will need to contact Cody James customer service to request a custom wide boot. There is no upcharge for custom widths.

This custom wide option makes their boots accessible for more foot shapes. Keep in mind wide boots may require an extra 1-2 weeks production time.

With free exchanges, don’t hesitate to try your normal size first. Then customize the width if needed for the ideal comfort.

How Long Do Cody James Western Boots Typically Last?

With a reasonable amount of care, you can expect your Cody James boots to last 5 years or longer before needing resoling. The all-leather construction holds up well over time.

With extra care like regular conditioning and occasional repairs, it’s not uncommon for a good pair of western boots to last 10-20 years or longer.

Since Cody James boots can be resoled, you don’t necessarily have to retire boots once the tread wears down. Resoling extends the life at a fraction of the cost of new boots.

The exotic materials like stingray, ostrich, and crocodile may show wear sooner than leather. But the soles and structural components can still be restored via resoling.

Quality western boots like these are intended to be an investment. Take care of them and they’ll be a durable wardrobe staple for years of style.

Are Cody James Western Boots Good for Horseback Riding?

The high quality construction of Cody James boots make them an excellent choice for riding and working with horses. Key benefits include:

• Higher heel – A riding heel around 1.5 inches provides stability in stirrups.
• Defined shank – A rigid shank supports the arch and allows you to stand in the stirrups.
• Stacked leather sole – The slight extra sole thickness maintains shape when walking on concrete.
• Premium leather – Tough leather holds up to barn chores and riding abrasion.
• Decorative accents – Ostrich leg overlays add grip and interest but shed dirt well.

Just be sure to shop for a style with a tall enough shaft to protect your ankle and calf from chafing. Then you’ll stay comfortable in the saddle all day long.

What is the Warranty on Cody James Western Boots?

Cody James offers a standard 1 year manufacturing warranty against defects in materials and craftsmanship. This protects your purchase from any construction issues.

Natural breakdown of materials from regular wear and aging is not covered. But flaws like cracked soles out of the box or loose stitching would fall under the warranty.

Your original order receipt is required for warranty claims. Contact Cody James customer service right away if defects become apparent during the first year.

Resoling or other repairs can extend a boot’s life well beyond the 1 year mark. Reasonable care is required to avoid premature breakdowns.

How Do I Break In Cody James Western Boots?

New Cody James boots have a snug fit and rigid feel until the leather softens up. Follow these tips to break them in faster:

• Wear thick socks – The extra padding reduces friction and cushions your foot.
• Use a boot stretch spray – Spraying the insides expands the leather.
• Wear for short periods – Slowly increase wear time to avoid pain and blisters.
• Use a boot jack – The tool makes it easier to remove tight boots.
• Apply conditioner – Keeping leather hydrated speeds softening.
• Add insoles – Aftermarket insoles enhance comfort during break-in.

Plan to spend 2 weeks allowing boots to fully mold to your feet. The investment will pay off in personalized fit and comfort.

Are Cody James Western Boots Waterproof?

No, Cody James does not claim their western boots are fully waterproof. The leather uppers can withstand light rain or snow, but are not intended for deep puddles or heavy precipitation.

The boots are not constructed using waterproof sealed seams like a rubber rain boot. With sufficient exposure to moisture, water can penetrate the seams and permeate the leather.

Treating boots with a water repellent spray will provide some water resistance. But also avoid stepping in pools of water or wearing boots all day in heavy rain.

If boots do get saturated, air dry them fully with a shoe tree inside to prevent lasting damage to the leather. Never dry near high heat.

For full waterproofing, choose a style with rubber bottoms rather than leather soles. But also care for the leather upper appropriately.

Time to Go Shopping!

We hope this comprehensive buying guide gives you all the details needed to confidently shop for your perfect pair of Cody James western boots. Their outstanding selection of materials and customizable builds allow you to design your ideal cowboy or cowgirl boots.

Take the time to browse all their one-of-a-kind styles and accent options online. The right pair of Cody James boots will become your most reached for footwear for years to come. Don’t settle for cheap imitations – invest in western boots made to last.