Stylish Men's Cowboy Boots

Men's Cowboy Boots

Classic Cowboy Boots

Classic cowboy boots are leather boots with higher heels and shafts that extend at least to mid-calf, originally designed for horseback riding. They typically feature decorative stitching and cutouts on the shaft. A true classic cowboy boot has an angled heel around 1-2 inches high and a pointed or rounded toe box made to withstand horse missteps. These traditional Western boots are ideal for ranch work, rodeos, or Western fashion.

While modern cowboy boots come in various styles like square, round, and wide square toes, the classic pointed or rounded toe remains popular. Premium leathers, durable outsoles like leather or rubber blends, and cushioned footbeds provide all-day comfort and support in classic cowboy boots from top brands. The high shaft, angled heel, and sturdy construction make them well-suited for riding, though they can be worn anywhere for a timeless Western look.

Roper Boots

Roper boots are a distinct style of Western boot designed specifically for calf roping and other rodeo events. They feature a lower shaft height around 11 inches, a flat or low walking heel, and a round or square toe box to allow more foot movement. This makes them more comfortable for walking and provides better grip in the stirrups compared to traditional cowboy boots.

The roper style originated when rodeo associations required proper footwear, leading John Justin Jr. to adapt an existing military boot design with a flat heel and shorter shaft. Modern roper boots maintain this practical heritage with full-grain leather uppers, durable outsoles, cushioned insoles, and the signature low roper heel. While originally for ranch work and rodeos, roper boots are now popular for casual and fashion wear as well due to their all-day comfort.

Square Toe Cowboy Boots

Square toe cowboy boots offer a more aggressive, rugged look compared to traditional rounded or pointed toe styles. The square, box-toed design gives the boots a chunkier, more angular profile. Square toe cowboy boots are available from many major Western brands like Ariat, Nocona, Cinch, and Tin Haul in a variety of premium leathers and exotic skins.

While originally designed for ranch work, square toe boots have become a popular fashion choice as well, suitable for a night out or everyday casual wear. They come in various shaft heights, heel styles, and colors like black, brown, tan, and distressed leathers. With their bold look and durable construction using quality materials, square toe cowboy boots provide all-day comfort and support whether working on the ranch or hitting the town.

Best Cowboy Boot Brands

Lucchese Handmade Boots Lucchese is a renowned Texas-based bootmaker renowned for their handcrafted cowboy boots since 1883. Each pair is meticulously handmade by skilled artisans using premium leathers, exotic skins like ostrich and caiman, and proprietary lasts for superior fit and comfort.

Lucchese's signature twisted cone last creates a sleek, shapely silhouette that molds to the foot. Their boots feature intricate stitching, hand-laid patterns, and attention to detail that elevates them to wearable works of art. From classic Western styles to modern fashion boots, Lucchese epitomizes fine craftsmanship and the spirit of the American West.

Tecovas Handcrafted Cowboy Boots

Tecovas is a direct-to-consumer brand offering premium handcrafted cowboy boots at fair prices. Their boots are made with quality materials like Scotch goat leather and feature authentic construction details like stacked leather heels and lemon wood pegging.

Popular styles include The Dean, a zip boot, The Cartwright, a classic cowboy boot, and The Earl roper boot, all crafted with cushioned insoles and durable outsoles for all-day comfort. Tecovas boots blend traditional Western heritage with modern design elements for a contemporary yet timeless look suitable for ranch wear or fashion.

The brand is focused on delivering top value by selling direct and operating with transparency around their ethical manufacturing and pricing. Tecovas aims to make premium cowboy boots accessible to everyone through their high-quality, accessibly-priced footwear.

Tony Lama Cowboy Boot Collection

Tony Lama is a renowned Texas bootmaker that has been producing high-quality men's cowboy boots since 1911. Their boots are renowned for their intricate Western designs, premium leathers like cowhide and exotic skins like ostrich and caiman, and superior craftsmanship.

Tony Lama offers a wide range of styles from classic Western boots with embroidered shafts to modern square and round toe designs. Popular collections include the Americana line featuring vintage-inspired distressed leathers, the Signature Series showcasing fine exotics, and the Arena collection for performance boots. Many Tony Lama boots are proudly made in the USA using a combination of domestic and globally-sourced materials.

Whether you need rugged roper boots for ranch work or stylish exotic skin boots for a night out, Tony Lama has a high-quality handcrafted option. Their commitment to traditional bootmaking techniques and attention to detail has made Tony Lama an iconic name in Western footwear for over a century.

Justin Men's Cowboy Boots

Justin Boots has been handcrafting premium Western footwear since 1879, establishing themselves as a leading cowboy boot brand. Their men's cowboy boot collections range from traditional roper and buckaroo styles to modern fashion boots featuring premium leathers and exotic skins like ostrich.

The Bent Rail collection epitomizes Justin's commitment to quality craftsmanship, with boots made in the heart of El Paso featuring fine leathers and Western designs. The George Strait line offers timeless comfort and style, while the AQHA collection honors their partnership with the American Quarter Horse Association.

For ranch work, Justin's Punchy and Stampede series provide rugged durability with advanced features like Grip on Demand outsoles and waterproofing. Their classic roper boots continue the tradition pioneered by John Justin Jr., with a lower shaft and wider toe box ideal for roping.

Whether you need hardworking boots for the field or eye-catching statement pieces, Justin offers an array of premium cowboy boots crafted to uphold the "Standard of the West." Their century-old expertise shines through in the quality leathers, superior construction, and Western flair of their men's boot collections.

Where to Buy Men's Cowboy Boots

Boot Barn

Cowboy Boot Selection Boot Barn is a leading retailer for men's Western boots, offering an extensive selection of cowboy boots from top brands like Ariat, Justin, Dan Post, Tony Lama, and Lucchese. Their assortment covers all the popular styles including classic Western boots, ropers, exotics, work boots, and more.

For traditional cowboy boots, Boot Barn carries leather boots with angled riding heels and tall shafts from respected makers like Justin's Bent Rail line and Tony Lama's Signature Series. They also offer affordable fashion cowboy boots in distressed leathers and bold colors from brands like Stetson and Dingo.

Boot Barn is a great source for men's roper boots designed for ranch work and rodeo events, with options like the Justin Roper and Ariat Crunch styles featuring lower shafts and wider toe boxes. Their work boot selection includes rugged lace-up and pull-on boots from brands like Justin, Ariat, and Double-H with safety toes and waterproof linings.

For a luxurious look, Boot Barn has an impressive array of exotic skin cowboy boots made with ostrich, caiman, lizard, and other premium leathers from makers like Lucchese, Tony Lama, and Corral. With their vast inventory and knowledgeable staff, Boot Barn makes it easy to find the perfect pair of authentic Western boots for any occasion.

Specialty Cowboy Boots

Ostrich Skin Cowboy Boots

Ostrich skin cowboy boots are a luxurious and distinctive style crafted from the quilled hide of the ostrich. The unique texture and pattern of ostrich leather creates an eye-catching look prized for its exotic elegance. Ostrich boots are available in both full quill and smooth quill varieties, with the full quill displaying the entire raised quill pattern.

Premium ostrich boots are handcrafted by respected Western brands like Lucchese, Tony Lama, Justin, and Cavender's using high-quality ostrich hides. They come in traditional silhouettes with angled heels and tall shafts, as well as more contemporary profiles with square or round toes. Ostrich leather is remarkably durable yet supple, providing lasting comfort and breathability.

Whether in classic shades like black and brown or bolder hues, ostrich skin cowboy boots make a sophisticated statement piece suitable for formal occasions or casual everyday wear. The distinctive quilled texture elevates any outfit with a touch of refined Western style. For those seeking an elegant exotic leather boot, the unique character of ostrich is an iconic choice.

Vintage Cowboy Boot Styles

Vintage cowboy boots offer a unique blend of classic Western style and modern flair. Popular vintage styles include:

Acme boots with intricate inlaid leather patterns and fancy stitching on the shafts. These highly decorative boots were a hallmark of the brand.
Goding boots featuring two-tone leather uppers in contrasting shades like brown and black. The distinctive color blocking gives them a retro look.
Petite women's boots from makers like Westex with shorter shafts and slimmer profiles tailored for smaller feet.
Exotic skin boots crafted from materials like ostrich, snake, shark, and elephant leather for a luxurious vintage vibe. Brands like Rios of Mercedes and T.O. Stanley were known for their exotic cowboy boots.

Whether plain or ornately tooled, vintage cowboy boots showcase the quality leatherwork and attention to detail from a bygone era. Seeking out American-made vintage boots ensures getting a well-constructed, long-lasting pair with authentic Western heritage. Their unique patinas and designs lend vintage cowboy boots an heirloom character perfect for modern ranch wear or fashion statements.

Most Comfortable Men's Cowboy Boots

For all-day comfort in a cowboy boot, look for styles with cushioned footbeds, breathable linings, and flexible construction. Brands like Ariat, Twisted X, and Dan Post are known for their comfortable cowboy boots designed with technology to support and cushion the feet.

Ariat's popular Groundbreaker and Workhog collections feature their ATS® technology with a moisture-wicking footbed and heel cushion for superior comfort. Their boots also utilize lightweight, flexible Duratread outsoles.

Twisted X incorporates their Composite-Toe Technology with a roomy toe box, CellStretch cushioning, and air-mesh linings in styles like their Tech X line for maximum breathability and cushioning. Their boots are designed for all-day wear.

Dan Post's Milwaukee and Waterproof Cowboy Certified lines utilize lightweight, flexible construction with cushioned insoles and rubber outsoles for traction. Their boots are made to be comfortable out of the box.

Other comfortable options include Justin's Cowhide Work Boots with their Dri-Lex moisture management system, and Lucchese's handmade boots featuring their proprietary twisted cone last for a sleek, foot-hugging fit. With the right cushioning and support, you can find a stylish cowboy boot that feels great all day.

Affordable Men's Cowboy Boots

For an affordable cowboy boot option, look for styles made with synthetic or man-made materials like polyurethane instead of premium full-grain leathers. Brands like Shyanne, Roper, and Smoky Mountain offer inexpensive cowboy boots in the $50-$100 range.

While not as durable as leather, these cheaper boots can still provide the classic Western look with details like embroidery, distressed finishes, and traditional heel and toe styles. However, they may lack the breathability and broken-in comfort of higher quality leather boots.

Another option is to look for cowboy boot styles on sale or clearance from major brands like Ariat, Justin, Durango, and Dan Post. While made with genuine leathers, these discounted boots may have minor cosmetic defects or be from past seasons.

For the budget-conscious, stores like Boot Barn and online retailers frequently offer deals on their in-house brand boots as well as name brands. With some searching, you can likely find a decent quality leather cowboy boot for under $150 from a respected maker.

Just keep in mind that very cheap cowboy boots under $50 are unlikely to be made with premium, long-lasting materials or construction. But for a casual Western look on a budget, inexpensive synthetic or sale-priced leather cowboy boots can be a viable option.

Richard Sutherland

RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.org

Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.