Quick Summary: Horsepower Top Hand Boots Review
- Content Type: Hand Tested Review
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Six months ago, I picked up Horsepower Top Hand boots looking for durable shoes to handle my everyday ranch tasks. After wearing them through mud-filled fields rough trails, and endless hours of horseback riding, I’ve learned what sets them apart from typical cowboy boots.
The Top Hand collection stands out from regular Horse Power boots by using authentic exotic leathers, leather-stacked heels, and better cushion insoles. Made in Mexico, these premium cowboy boots also include leather-lined uppers and a smoother fit that feels different during long work hours. While their bold designs catch the eye, the Top Hand boots bring both comfort and rodeo-level style for those who give it their all. Over six months of wear, I’ve figured out what makes these ostrich boots excel or fall flat under the demands of daily ranch work.
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Overview of Horse Power Cowboy Boot Collection
The Horse Power brand began when Anderson Bean wanted to take control of the market for lower-priced imitations of their styles. Instead of watching others copy their work, they made their own affordable line keeping quality as a priority. To achieve this, they teamed up with experienced bootmakers in Leon Mexico. This city is often called the footwear capital of the world and is known for its craftsmanship.
What Makes the Top Hand Line Special?
The Horse Power line offers solid quality using full-grain cowhide leather. However, the Top Hand line takes things to the next level. As the name hints, these boots are made for people looking to enjoy upscale features without paying custom boot prices. The Top Hand boots set themselves apart by including several impressive upgrades.
- Real exotic leathers on the uppers such as ostrich, caiman, bass, and carpincho
- Sturdy leather-stacked heels to provide more durability and support
- Improved cushioned insoles to deliver lasting comfort
- Leather-lined uppers designed to boost breathability and ensure a better fit
The Top Hand collection keeps the roomy fit Horse Power boots are famous for but upgrades the materials and construction. Skilled artisans in Mexico handcraft each pair paying close attention to every stitch and finish. This collection blends traditional designs inspired by Anderson Bean with distinctive Top Hand elements that make them stand out to fans of fine boots.
Popular Styles: HP8001, HP8004, HP8068, and More
The Top Hand collection offers several eye-catching options at different prices ranging between $269 and $469. Some of the top picks include:
The HP8001 Kango Tobacco Full Quill Ostrich costs $429.99. It uses high-quality ostrich leather and develops a unique patina. This design combines stylish luxury with tough durability making it perfect for ranch work or everyday wear.
Another favorite, the HP8004 Black Full Quill Ostrich, is also priced at $429.99. It features the same exotic leather in a sleek black color giving it a more polished formal look. This one works well with either casual work outfits or fancier jeans.
If you want something that stands out, the HP8068 Petrified Oak Big Bass ($449.99) might be a perfect choice. It has unique 13-inch Red Rodeo tops with a special DB toe and a roper heel. These boots come in sizes 8-14D and 8-13EE to fit wider feet .
The collection goes beyond this standout pair and offers plenty of styles and materials, like:
- HP8007 Cigar Matte Big Bass ($449.99)
- HP8002 Black Caiman ($469.99), made with real reptile leather
- Budget-friendly picks like HP9502 Black Suede ($269.99)
The Top Hand collection uses high-end materials while keeping the design practical. Their main Horse Power line sticks with decent leather, but Top Hand boots step it up by adding real exotic leather on the foot, though they sometimes cut costs on the shaft. This smart design choice gives buyers high-quality boots at mid-range costs. They stand out from cheaper options but remain a step below custom-made pairs.
Design and Build Details
The materials used in Horsepower Top Hand boots set them apart from regular cowboy boots. After six months of daily wear, I’ve checked each stitch and stress area to get a clear sense of how they hold up.
Exotic Leather Tops and Inner Lining
The Top Hand collection stands out because of its real exotic leather uppers, which give it both style and toughness. Unlike standard Horse Power boots, Top Hand models use special materials such as ostrich, caiman, pirarucu, and carpincho. The full quill ostrich leather on my boots developed a unique look over time. The natural bumps known as quill follicles, became softer and more noticeable with use.
A big difference with these boots is their all-leather lining. This boosts airflow much more than synthetic liners and works like a natural system to absorb moisture. Over a few weeks of wearing, the leather lining forms to match the shape of your foot. The result feels like a custom-made boot, but without an expensive price.
The exotic leathers aren’t just for looks. They serve useful purposes too. Ostrich leather bends more the more you use it but stays strong over time. Caiman and lizard leathers, on the other hand, bring unique scale designs and resist scratches and scuffs well.
Comparing Sole Styles: Leather or Hybrid
Top Hand boots give you two choices for soles—classic leather or hybrid—and each one comes with its own perks. The leather-soled styles I tried out offer a range of benefits:
- They adapt fast shaping themselves to match your foot.
- Their flexibility provides great “ground feel” and freedom of movement.
- Leather’s breathable nature keeps odors at bay .
- They slip into and out of stirrups with ease, which matters a lot to riders.
- You can resole them again and again, which adds years to their life.
The hybrid-soled versions mix leather bottoms with rubber inserts striking a solid balance between the old-school look and modern functionality. This setup boosts grip on wet ground while keeping the clean classic style that cowboy boots are famous for.
One downside to mention: all-leather soles might feel slick out of the box and aren’t as water-resistant as rubber ones. But once they’re broken in, the leather gains texture making this less of an issue.
Stitching and Finish Details
Top Hand boots show their detailed craftsmanship when you look at the stitching. Bold colorful stitching decorates the shaft of every pair reflecting the handmade quality of the boots.
The welt, which links the upper part of the boot to the sole, reveals a strong focus on precision. Top Hand boots use careful stitching on this section to ensure a secure and lasting connection. This way of building the boot not makes it tougher but also makes future resoling possible.
The heel design highlights the quality even more. They build leather-stacked heels by using adhesive and nails. This traditional method creates a sturdy base that holds up over time.
Craftsmen finish each pair by hand-dyeing the leather and trimming the edges with care. Before shipping, they polish every boot to complete the process. These boots blend tough practicality with a stylish finish showcasing Anderson Bean’s mark on the Horse Power line all while keeping them more affordable.
How They Held Up After Half a Year
I wore my Horsepower Top Hand boots every day for ranch work over six months and discovered what they can manage. From full days on my feet to unpredictable weather, my experience gave me a clear sense of their performance in everyday conditions.
Staying Comfortable Through Long Days
When I got these boots six months back, they felt stiff right away. But after wearing them just a few times, I saw a big change in how flexible they were. Most work boots take weeks of tough breaking in, but my Top Hand roughouts felt good within a few days. The leather lining makes a big difference here. One person even said they’re “way comfier than 90% of the boots I own.”
Long workdays often push footwear to the test. During 12-hour shifts, the shock-absorbing EVA midsole and cushioned insole in these boots stand out. Each step feels lighter even on rough or solid ground. While most cowboy boots leave feet aching after hours, the Top Hand collection keeps things comfortable all day. This is made possible by:
- Wide toe boxes that stop pinching
- Comfort insoles that bounce back and ease pressure
- A sturdy shank that adds stability on uneven surfaces
- Leather lining that lets feet breathe and stay cool
The leather uppers started off feeling a bit stiff but softened over time while still staying strong. This mix of flexibility and support works well for doing different ranch tasks. You can switch between riding for hours and walking around just fine.
Weather Resistance and Grip
The hybrid outsole on my Top Hand boots turned out to be useful in all kinds of weather. This design uses rubber in the middle where most wear happens, and leather along the edges. This smart setup does a few things. It makes the boots last longer, helps you grip better on slippery surfaces, and keeps them lighter than boots with rubber soles.
On rainy mornings and in muddy spots, the boots manage to keep water out pretty well for brief periods. However, they don’t block water—if you’re in heavy wet conditions for too long, water starts seeping through the leather. The rubber part of the outsole gives much better grip than regular all-leather boots when walking on wet ground or stepping on and off machinery.
These boots handle slippery areas better than plain leather-soled cowboy boots, though work boots with heavy-duty treads still grip better in tough situations.
These boots manage to find a decent mix of classic cowboy style and ranch-ready practicality.
How the Leather Changed Over Time
The way the leather has transformed in six months of regular use stands out. Brown leather boots deepen in color as they age, while black leather fades just a bit. My brown Top Hand boots gained a rich warm patina that makes them look unique without appearing used.
The exotic leather tops, in particular aged gracefully. They started out stiff, but softened and adjusted to the shape of my feet. Over time, the leather also developed specific patterns of wear that match how I walk and go about my day. This change gave the boots a feeling of being custom-fitted for me.
Leather types changed color . Oil-stuffed leather developed a patina . Harder leathers showed wear patterns more but formed deeper creases. Conditioning it every three months kept the leather soft and avoided cracks in areas that bent often.
After six months of daily ranch work, the boots have held up well. The hybrid outsole shows wear in the spots that take the most stress. The vamp leather has become softer but still gives enough support. Breaking them in over time makes the boots comfier each week. Regular use makes them mold to the feet turning into personalized footwear.
Fit, Toe Shape, and Style Options
Picking the right Horse Power Top Hand boots means knowing about their unique sizes, colors, and toe shapes. These details play an important role in ensuring the boots feel comfortable and work well if you wear them for long periods.
DB, TK, and Roper Toe Details
Horse Power Top Hand boots offer different toe shapes, and each has its own purpose. The DB toe also called double-beveled, has a square-like design that gives more space for toes to sit . This style suits people with wider feet or those whose feet swell throughout the day.
The TK toe has a classic look with a narrow shape. Many people call it a “French toe” because it sits between a round and square style. This design combines a comfortable fit with a polished look, which works well for the office and formal occasions.
On the other hand, Roper toes have a shorter and rounded style taking inspiration from old-school western boots. They were made for rodeo riders who needed shoes that allowed movement but avoided bulk. These toes deliver great flexibility making them a solid choice for ranch jobs that blend riding and walking duties.
Variations in Color and Shaft Design
The Top Hand Collection offers boots in a range of colors, including classic black and deep tobacco browns. My black caiman pair comes with a 13-inch black pull-up top decorated with subtle but elegant stitching. Other designs stand out through their bright and bold shaft patterns, which emphasize the skill that goes into crafting these boots.
While they look impressive, these design choices are also useful. Darker shafts do a better job hiding dirt and scuffs, while lighter colors make it easier to show off the intricate stitching work.
To Find the Right Fit
Getting the correct fit starts by knowing how cowboy boots should sit on your foot. The arch needs to feel snug, and you should have about 1/8-inch of heel lift. The instep matters a lot too; it should hold your foot enough to keep your heel secure, but not so tight that it slices off circulation.
Square toe models give the most comfortable fit to those with wider feet. People with narrower feet often choose TK or snip toe styles. Whatever the toe shape is, you need around half an inch to one inch of space between your longest toe and the tip of the boot.
These boots use standard western boot sizing. Women’s sizes go from A, which is narrow, to C, which is wide. Men’s sizes range from B, which is narrow, to EE, which is wide. After about six months of use, I noticed the leather lining adjusts well to the shape of your foot giving it a more custom feel.
Price Details and How to Buy
To buy Horse Power Top Hand boots, you need to understand their pricing and decide how to balance quality with cost. After wearing and researching them for several months, I’ve learned their value changes based on what you’re looking for.
Comparing Basic and High-End Versions
The Top Hand collection offers a range of prices, with basic models starting at about $200 and more luxurious options reaching close to $470. The cost difference comes down to the materials used in each boot. Suede and roughout leathers make up the $200 to $270 range, while higher-end models between $350 and $470 use exotic materials like full quill ostrich, caiman belly, and big bass. At the lower end, the HP2201 Imposritch Swedge costs $200 and provides the Top Hand style without using exotic leathers. On the other hand, the HP8002 Black Caiman priced at $469.99, features real reptile leather and superior design.
Best Value Picks Under $300
I checked out many models and found some outstanding choices priced under $300 that stand out in quality:
- HP9502 Black Suede ($269.99) – This boot combines a black suede foot with a blue goat shaft. It gives great comfort at a unfamiliar price.
- HP9501 Snuff Waxy Commander ($269.99) – Made from tough waxy leather, this one gets better with age.
- HP8054 Cowboy Comanche Shrunken Shoulder ($269.99) – Offers a cool texture and solid durability.
These mid-range boots balance solid craftsmanship with affordability. They still feature the leather lining and cushier insoles that make the Top Hand collection special.
Where to Buy: Online and In-Store
You can check out a few trusted places to grab Horse Power Top Hand boots. Baker’s Shoes at bakershoe.com offers the largest range available. Outpost Boots at outpostboots.com and Dollar Western Wear at dollarwesternwear.com also have good choices worth considering. If you’d rather see the boots in person, Boot Barn stores sell some Top Hand styles too, so you can try them on before deciding. Comparing prices at these shops might help you spot some good deals on older models that are no longer in production.
Conclusion
Six months of working on the ranch really showed why Horsepower Top Hand boots hold their own in a crowded market. These boots manage to mix high-end features with everyday usefulness all without costing as much as custom ones. The exotic leather uppers aged well over time staying sturdy and forming a deep patina that shows hard use instead of just breaking down.
What stood out to me the most was how fast they went from feeling stiff to becoming reliable favorites. After a few days of wear, they got comfortable for long 12-hour shifts. Their leather lining pulls moisture away keeping your feet dry no matter the weather. The hybrid outsole also offers far better grip than regular leather soles but still keeps that timeless cowboy boot look.
Spending $200-$470 seems fair when you take a close look at the materials and how well they’re made. The more expensive models use fancy leathers, which bump up the cost, but the mid-range ones under $300 still give you great value with many of the same comfort perks.
It’s tough to find boots that handle tough ranch work while still looking good enough to wear in more polished settings. The Top Hand collection manages to do both. They’re not perfect since they’re not waterproof for wet conditions, but they’ve held up as my go-to boots. I’ve worn them for hours in the saddle and on rough uneven ground, and they’ve earned their spot.
Anyone looking to get high-quality cowboy boots built tough and made with real exotic leathers should check out the Horsepower Top Hand collection. After wearing them for six months, I can say they do what they promise. They are a smart buy for heavy-duty ranch work or anyone who cares about authentic western boots that hold up over time.
Main Points
After putting the Horsepower Top Hand boots through intense ranch use for half a year here are some important things buyers should keep in mind:
- Easy to break in: You’ll find these boots comfortable in just 2-3 days, unlike other work boots that take much longer and can be painful at first.
- Great value for their price: If you’re spending under $300, you still get high-end touches like leather lining and exotic leathers all without the hefty price of custom boots.
- Better grip with hybrid soles: Combining leather and rubber improves traction compared to traditional leather soles, while still keeping that classic cowboy boot look.
- Strong exotic leathers: Full quill ostrich and caiman uppers hold up well during everyday ranch tasks and get a nice patina as they age.
- Comfort that lasts all day: The leather lining and soft insoles help feet stay comfortable during 12-hour shifts without overheating or getting tired.
The Top Hand collection blends the affordability of work boots with the quality you’d expect in premium western boots. They work well for tough ranch jobs or anyone wanting durable cowboy boots with an authentic style. Though they aren’t waterproof, they perform great in varied conditions and look better the more you wear them.
FAQs
Horsepower Top Hand boots use high-quality exotic leathers, leather-lined insides, and improved cushion insoles. They last longer and feel more comfortable than most cowboy boots. These boots work well for tough ranch tasks and long hours on your feet.
Yes, these boots feel great even during long days. They break in and fit your foot well thanks to their leather lining. The cushioned insoles and solid support reduce foot soreness even on 12-hour shifts.
Horsepower Top Hand boots offer two choices for soles. You can get a classic leather sole or a hybrid one. The hybrid option combines leather bases with rubber inserts, which help with grip on wet surfaces but still look like a traditional cowboy boot.
Exotic leather uppers like full quill ostrich or caiman improve with wear. They soften up and fit better over time building a unique patina while staying strong. Regular use gives them a personalized well-worn fit without losing durability.
The cost of Horsepower Top Hand boots starts at $200 and goes up to $470 if you go for exotic leather styles. Boots priced below $300 often give great value by including premium features without being too expensive.