Roper boots are similar to cowboy boots but with key differences. Roper boots were made for a dual purpose—riding a horse and traveling on foot. Roper boots have a wider toe, giving your foot more room in the front, and a shorter shaft, which allows more flexibility in your ankle.

This shorter shaft profile makes roper boots more comfortable and functional for all of the different movements a cattle roper makes in a typical day. If you're not out roping cattle, you may find the roper's low profile silhouette an attractive option in terms of style, since they are easier to hide under a pant leg.

I would give them 5-stars for a shoe/boot at their price point, with two exceptions that cost them a rating point: First, as others have noted, these shoes run about a half-size large from true shoe size. I wish that I had ordered mine a half-size smaller. As it is, I must wear heavy boot socks with them.

Traditionally, cattle ranchers and rodeo athletes roped cattle horseback and had to dismount to finish a task quickly. That's why roper boots are specifically designed for both riding and being on your feet.