Best Cowboy Boots for Men: 12 Authentic, Functional, and Stylish Pairs

I love cowboy boots. While I’m not a Texas native, I lived in the state for 12 years and they’re ubiquitous there, coming in all sorts of amazing, beautiful, practical, and unique iterations. They can be made from a range of different leathers as well as ostrich, python, lizard, and crocodile; they often feature exquisitely stitched and sometimes colorfully intricate designs on the shaft. Many of them are still handcrafted in Texas by companies that have been in business for over 100 years.

To get advice on choosing the very best cowboy boots for men, I talked to Mary Kate Killilea, the costume designer for the CW show, Walker, as well as some Texan wranglers and actual cowboys about their favorite boots and what to look for when buying your own pair.

Our top picks for the best cowboy boots for men

How to choose the best cowboy boots for men

Like searching for the right pair of winter boots, the best cowboy boots are functional yet stylish.

Details

According to Killilea, you should look for quality leather, unique design details, and hand stitching. “Cowboy boots are very personal!” she says.

Size

Cowboy boots commonly come in a variety of widths, too: “I suggest trying them on to see what works best for your foot shape,” says Killilea. “We found very large and extended sizing locally in Austin, Texas, at specialty stores for extra-wide feet.” Killilea suggests paying attention to whether there’s room in the back for your heel to move, too—don’t want too much movement, as that could cause blisters.

Brands

Some easy brands to find include Heritage, Lucchese, Ariat, Tecova, and Justin. Killilea shares that she and her team source special boots through local Austin vintage shops and dealers such as Full Circle Vintage in Lockhart, Texas, and Feathers off of South Congress Street in Austin. “Or we travel to Fort Worth and hit M.L. Leddy.” If you don’t live in Texas, search Etsy and Ebay for vintage boots. Two of Killilea’s favorite finds from last season were from Full Circle for the character Stella.

Rubber sole vs leather

Rubber soles are best if you plan to wear your boots while working in various conditions, as they’ll be less slippery than leather soles.

Toe shape

Cowboy boots come with a variety of toe shapes, so brands like Lucchese allow you to choose from a few options. A traditional toe shape is generally considered to be a narrow oval ending in a slight point, which makes it easier to get your foot into and out of a stirrup. Ropers and more casual boots often have a round shape, while dress boots tend to feature a snip, or sharp point. There are a few versions of a square toe shape, which range in width, the wider being great options for people who need or want more room in the toe area.

Heel height

Traditional cowboy boots usually have a heel height of around 1.5 inches, which helps keep your foot in a stirrup when riding. Ropers will have a lower heel, making them easier to run in (not that you can’t run in a regular pair of cowboy boots). Work cowboy boots feature an even lower heel for more comfort and stability.

How we selected the best cowboy boots for men

We selected these boots from well known, reputable boot-making companies that use traditional handcrafting methods. All were recommended by professionals and people who actually wear cowboy boots.

Tips for care and maintenance

Use a damp cloth to remove dirt and other debris from your boots and a soft brush for scuffs. Make sure they’re completely dry before applying a non-oil-based leather conditioner (or one specific to what your boots are made from–ostrich, snake, etc.) Start at the bottom and use a cloth to rub the conditioner in a circular motion.

After conditioning, apply polish in the same way then buff with a soft brush. Clean your boots every three months if you wear them daily and every six if only occasionally. Never expose your boots to direct heat as this will cause the leather to crack.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What brand of boots do real cowboys wear?

Real cowboys often wear boots from Justin and Ariat, according to Killilea. But, as we mentioned before, cowboy boots are extremely personal and people often develop a loyalty to a specific brand, ending up owning several different styles from their preferred one. To find yours, try on a lot of different pairs!

What is the difference between cowboy and western boots?

Technically, cowboy boots are a subset of western boots, though many consider them synonymous. Originally made for the purpose of riding horses, cowboy boots feature a tall shaft, a pointed toe that makes getting into stirrups easier, and a heel that helps keep your foot in that stirrup when riding.

Another type of western boot is the roper, made for roping cattle. Their lower heel and shaft make them more comfortable in the event you need to run after a calf making a break for it (you can’t really wear running shoes on a ranch, you know?) Work cowboy boots, meanwhile, meld the tall shaft and design details of traditional cowboy boots with a thick, rubber sole and lower heel. Typically, they also have a rounder, wider toe.

What are the two types of cowboy boots?

There are actually three distinct types, including traditional riding cowboy boots, ropers, and work cowboy boots, as explained in more detail above.

What not to wear with cowboy boots?

“Nothing–cowboy boots can go with anything!” says Killilea. I strongly agree.

What is the most famous brand of cowboy boots?

The answer to this sort of depends on who you ask. On the show “Walker,” Jared Padalecki wears a Chisos No. 1 Ranger Boot, a pair of Lucchese dress boots, as well as a pair from M.L. Leddy in Fort Worth, Killilea tells me. While Texas rangers don’t have to wear a specific boot style, they must be a traditional cowboy boot without laces.

All the brands on our list are famous for producing beautifully made quality boots, the majority of which have been in business for over a century and still use hand-made construction. A few brands that no longer exist but were known for creating wonderful, long-lasting boots, include the Adams Boot Company and Chris Romero.

“The last good pair of boots I had were some Chris Romero handmade boots,” Dye tells me. “I don't believe they’re in business anymore.” They’re not, but with some searching and luck you can still unearth some of these exquisite boots from years past.