Find the Right Cowboy Boot for You

Nothing says western like a great pair of cowboy boots! No outfit is complete without the attitude and unmistakable swagger fine boots give your vibe. While trends come and go, classic western elegance never goes out of style. From tall tops to shorties, snip toe to square, and creative stitching to intricate inlays, it’s the artistry that makes the cowboy boot an iconic piece that captures the spirit of Western heritage.

A cowgirl models with an old truck
Durango Boots combine classic cowgirl style with a modern edge that’s perfect for a night on the town. Photo by Kaycie Will/courtesy Durango Boots

Aficionados of cowboy and cowgirl style often collect a wardrobe of boot options to suit daily needs and a variety of style options. Creating outfits based around boots allows western enthusiasts to build a look that shows off timeless wearable art.

Cowboy boots are an investment that can last a lifetime, even becoming an heirloom passed down to future generations if properly maintained. Signs of a quality boot include leather soles that can be re-soled and re-heeled to increase longevity, wood pegged insteps to maintain shape, and leather lining.

There’s a vast selection of styles and price points available, depending on budget and style, ranging from stock styles to custom options that allow boot collectors to show off their unique creative vision.

Whether you’re just starting a boot collection or expanding your Western wardrobe, we’ve curated our favorites to help guide your foray into footwear.

For the Ladies

Macie Bean

As the fifth brand established under the legendary Rios of Mercedes boot company, Macie Bean builds on 150 years of tradition and uncompromised quality. The Macie Bean aesthetic includes a montage of embroidered florals and southwestern feel, with traditional and modern influence mixed with bohemian flare. Both horse-loving cowgirls and the Western-savvy fashionista will find something they love!

Macie Bean style M8012
Macie Bean style M8012 “Never Promised you a Rose Garden” is a snip toe boot with a 13″ shank, colored embroidery, and a leather sole. Shop at maciebean.com.

Fraulein Boots

A small batch, woman owned boot company, Fraulein Boots was formed by two sisters who wanted to build boots like they used to be made—comfortable, nostalgic, and stylish. These retro themed boots can be worn with jeans, shorts, or summer dresses at festivals, farmers markets, or boot scootin’ to old school country music.

A collection of Fraulein cowboy boots
This curated collection includes a butterfly peewee, a rose-inlaid turquoise tall boot, a classic tan daisy mid-height, and a storyteller boot with iconic imagery from the founders’ South Texas landscape. Shop at frauleinboots.com.

Durango Boots

Durango Boots offers options for cowgirls heading into the arena or hitting the dance floor. Durango’s Crush line offers a narrow toe profile with classic cowgirl vibes, while their square toe Arena Pro collection adds style and color to a traditional riding boot.

A cowboy boot
The Arena Pro’s low roper heel and roomy toe box will keep you comfortable all day long. Shop at durangoboots.com.

Tecovas

Sometimes you just need a short boot with easy access. Tecovas has you covered with urban friendly options for those just dipping their toes into Western fashion or looking for a city wardrobe boot.

Pair of zip booties
The Daisy is a classic but edgy zip bootie that features a two-and-a-half-inch heel. The snip toe and toe bug stitching bring attitude and confidence, and a hidden zipper on the inside of the boot makes for comfort right out of the box. This style is available in calfskin, bovine, and Sienna suede. Shop at tecovas.com.

Fenoglio

Want to show off those tall tops? Made in Nocona, Texas, Fenoglio Boots created this store-exclusive style in robin’s egg blue with white scroll and leaf inlay on a 13-inch shaft.

Robin egg cowboy boots
This toe and heel combo is equally at home in the stirrup as it is with a sundress, making this a versatile choice for any cowgirl. Shop exclusively at dollarwesternwear.com.

Planet Cowboy

Planet Cowboy has big city roots and Nashville flair. If you want to stand out, check out this Psychedelic collection in original yellow or green.

Bright yellow stiched boot for cowgirls
For those with more subtle style, the stitched boot also comes in a neutral pink suede, baby blue, black with white stitch, or white on white—a perfect wedding boot. Shop at planetcowboy.com.

The Cowboy Boot for a Cowboy

Durango Boots

Durango Boots offers options for men, including the square toe Arena Pro line that allows all-day comfort with extra room in the toe box.

A cowboy boot
This men’s 13” Western Rustic Tobacco Durango® Arena Pro™ has a cushion flex insole with rigid rear foot stabilizer, a rolled shank area, a high abrasion resistant rubber heel lift, leather stacked heel base, and square toe. The rustic, yet polished, look of this boot can take you from a day in the saddle to a night out on the town. Shop at durangoboots.com.
Cowboy boot
The low roper heel of this cowboy boot works well for standing all day, extensive walking, or a day in the saddle. This mellow brown option pairs well with any look to take you from a brewery visit to a trail ride with equal ease. Shop at durangoboots.com.

Fenoglio

For the dapper cowboy who’s comfortable in a suit, Fenoglio and South Texas Tack teamed up to design a luxurious black cherry full quill ostrich boot.

A pair with ostrich leather
Soft ostrich leather shows off the deep color, while subtle stitching on the upper gives this boot some pizazz. The updated cutter toe is elegant enough for office but functional enough for riding. Shop exclusively at SouthTexasTack.com.

Tecovas

Tecovas offers a variety of options for men, including those who are new to wearing cowboy boots. Styles with a short zipper pair well with dressier apparel or jeans for urban outings.

Tecovas
The Dean is a modern boot designed for all-access versatility. A slim-cut shaft allows for everyday wear with any cut of jeans and a subtle zipper provides easy-on comfort. Handmade with classic western construction in Tecovas’ signature supple calfskin or bovine leather, The Dean may be the most versatile western boot ever. Shop at tecovas.com.

Planet Cowboy

For the musically inclined man who’s not afraid to embrace a rocker vibe, Planet Cowboy’s Classic Cowboy is available in a variety of leathers.

Planet Cowboy boots
These boots are a true classic, with a pointed toe, retro stitching, and a mid-calf shaft height. These boots will stay in style for years, pairing well with jeans or slacks for any occasion. For more foot room, the square toe version called the Dig It, comes in several leather options to suit every style. Shop at planetcowboy.com.

Horse Power

Horse Power’s Top Hand collection is made for the western lifestyle. Whether you ride regularly or want to embrace your inner cowboy, you won’t want to pass up these boots.

Cowboy boot
Made with care down to the last detail, this line showcases genuine exotic skins, leather and hybrid outsoles for optimized performance and comfort, leather stacked heels, leather lined uppers, and a smooth fit. Shop at horsepowerboots.com.

This article about cowboy boot styles appeared in the Winter 2022 issue of Western Life Today magazine. Click here to subscribe!

Robyn Volkening

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