Sign in Pro
Best Cowboy Boot Brands Reviewed & Rated
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
As with any other type of footwear, the way in which you care for your cowboy boots will determine not only how good they look, but also how long they last and how they perform the tasks you need them to do. A well cared for pair of shoes will always be more comfortable to wear, will avoid retaining odors, and will protect your feet. But caring for your boots needs a bit of extra knowledge and extra time. Make sure to perform your routine regularly, and it will be shorter, while your boots will be in many conditions, regardless of how hard you make them work.
Most commonly seen in the way of material for cowboys boots is Leather. This can be 100% genuine Cowhide Leather as well as a variety of other animal skins. Each option will require a different type of care. While each has benefits that are unique they also may require intensive care to keep them in top condition.
Keeping your boots in great condition will add to the overall life and feel of your shoes. If you are wearing them for work you certainly don't want them to crack and allow moisture and debris inside the boot. In addition, a broken heel can be very detrimental to the tough work you put your boots through.
Wearing your boots for purposes that aren't work-related still requires exceptional care of your material. Often this type of shoe is quite expensive and you want them to continue looking great so you get the best bang for your buck. Take some time and think about how much effort you want to put in and the pros and cons of each type of outer material.
There are certainly other materials you may come in contact with when buying new shoes and each one of course has it's benefits. Choosing what is right for you will come with experience in wearing this type of shoe. If you are buying your first pair, sticking to Cowhide will ensure you can take proper care of your boots with ease. As you grow more comfortable with maintaining shoes you can venture into different types and styles that may require a bit more elbow grease.
Features
Spurs are predominately used for horseback riding, as a way to control where the horse goes. The small, metal tool is attached to the heel of the cowboy boot, locking in place. Spurs are not harmful to the horses - their spiked wheels aren't sharp or dangerous. They're simply used as a means of directing the horse into the direction they're meant to go. Commonly horses respond to foot and leg pressure. As you train your horse, spurs can actually be used as a type of reward system. Thanking them for responding so well to your command.
Spurs have three main pieces:
There are also many types of attachable spurs available in today's market. They are typically meant for a specific purpose. Some are intended for lighter use and others are more hardcore. You must take the time to understand that just because you are wearing spurs does not mean your horse needs you to use them. Using the wrong spurs could cause harm or lead you to injury due to an unhappy horse. Let's take a minute and look at the different types of spurs and their intended uses.
Comfort
When shopping for boots that you’re going to be wearing for prolonged periods of time, especially if it’s for work in less than perfect conditions, you need to consider the factors that go into the comfortability level of said shoe. Not only does it have to serve a purpose, but it should also feel good on your feet, without any hot spots that would cause pain, rubbing or blistering. To ensure that a pair of footwear is the right choice for you, there are several things you should consider before investing your money:
Outsole
Traditionally, cowboy boots were made with leather soles that were comfortable, easy to break in, protective enough in tough conditions and relatively durable if properly taken care of. Nowadays, however, you’ll find that most manufacturers have moved on to rubber and synthetic compounds that provide better properties in terms of durability, protection and flexibility. There are several things you’ll want out of a good outsole, and these include the following:
Value
Ideally, you will manage to find a pair of footwear that’s cheap, looks amazing, is versatile in the way it can be worn, and offers all the comfort and protection features you require. Realistically, this is almost impossible to find, so getting a product that’s worth the investment will require some research at least.
A number of the models listed above feature higher prices that are often too expensive for some. However, depending on their versatility, durability and performance features, they may actually be worth the investment, as they may prove to last you two or three years, ending up being cheaper than buying a new pair every six months.
To ensure that a pair of shoes is truly worth the asking price, you need to consider the following aspects:
Quality of materials used
Construction quality
Versatility
Design & style
Brand Reputation
Customer reviews
Don’t be lazy to do a bit of research on a pair that’s caught your eye. You’ll often find all the info you need by reading a review of the shoe or just looking at customer feedback. If there are any issues, these will be addressed, and you’ll know whether it’s the right shoe for you. Online reviews can also be a great place to look if you’re unsure about sizing, as they’ll almost always state if a shoe runs small, big, wide or narrow.
Cowboy Boot Reviews
1. Dan Post Milwaukee Western
The Dan Post Milwaukee Western is a boot made both for city and country use, with quality materials and comfort technologies. These cowboy boots will be pleasant to wear even for hours on end, and you'll find that putting them on is much easier than similar high styles, thanks to the pull tabs. With a distinctive stitched design, these are sure to show off your unique style, and you can get them in 9 different colors, which means you'll easily find just the right shade for your wardrobe.
Dan Post takes the ordinary cowboy boots and adds tiny details that all lend to the final masterpiece. This leather boot has more than elaborate stitching, the shaft is supportive, trimmed with a scalloped topline. This boots also offers dual pull-tabs for the ultimate inconvenience. Elaborate stitching brings noble western glamour and a stacked heel screams Western boot.
These are slightly more expensive than average and is one of the higher-priced boots on the Best Cowboy boot list. These are attractive and decoratively stitched, the cost is slightly higher because of the finesse used in producing these boots.
2. Ariat Gold Rush
Completely different than anything else you'll find on this list, the Ariat Gold Rush is a pair of western cowboys boots geared towards those who want to show off their bold style. As all Ariat boots, these are made to perform well and feature a number of comfort features you'd pay huge amounts of money for from any other manufacturer.
The added suede fringe emphasizes how stylish and fun these boots look. They’re perfect for wearing when you’re out-and-about, or for when you’re working. The fringe goes all around the boot, falling in a pretty waterfall pattern.
These boots contain a forked shank, which helps stability. The sole is rubber and is resistant against any liquids such as oils or acids. These features lengthen the wearability of the boots and protect them for longer. The Ariat Gold Rush boots are on the cheaper side. With the way they’re produced and manufactured, these boots are sold for less than what they’re worth. Made of leather and sporting the fringe, these cowboy boots are easily worth the paycheck.
3. Corral Heart Angel Wing
These boots are distinctive from traditional cowboy boots, not as wide, much longer and flooded with striking graphics and colors. With a beautiful and unique look and quality craftsmanship, Corral Heart Angel Wing boots have amassed a huge fan following, garnering exceptionally positive and happy customer reviews.
You'll have trouble finding a pair of footwear as intricately designed as the Corral Heart Angel Wing. This boot will surely set you apart from a crowd, bringing you plenty of compliments, giving you cowboys boots that you'll love wearing any chance you get.
These are all-around sleek, the skinny cousins of a traditional heft cowboy boot. Bringing function as well as form, they hold up well considering they are also constructed with care. The cost is towards the highest on the list, the MSRP is firmly between the 200’s to 300’s - this boot represents a mid to higher cost cowboy boot item. The value depends on the consumer needs, if the shopper loves the motif then it is an excellent value.
4. Roper American Beauty
These patriotic cowboy boots are a fan fave, and masterfully combine old west sensibility with a splash of United States History – complete with an American flag theme of red, white and blue. These are defined by the company as all-leather and All-American, and will work great with a number of fun outfits. Plus, you'll find that in addition to amazing style, these offer sturdy protection, and can last quite a while with heavy wear.
These boots feature a cemented sole, with a 7’ shaft. The all-leather construction guarantees that these will stand up to the harshest of elements. This is what these boots are famous for, besides a distressed and intentionally weathered appearance, the front of the cowboys boots has blue and white stars, the rear is adorned lovingly with the red and white stripes of the US flag.
The average cost is lower-end, this is an entirely reasonable price. Especially if you take into account the distinctive flag design. This will appeal to a certain percentage of shoppers looking for patriotic-themed merchandise.
5. Ariat Sport Patriot
For those who are looking for a high-quality riding boot, the Ariat Sport Patriot is an excellent choice. These square toe shoes have a unique pattern as well as being made from suede and leather. They’re made to fit around any calf, the boot opening being around 20”, and you'll be happy to hear that they are some of the easiest boots to fit available for purchase.
These Sport Patriot cowboy boots hold a unique pattern on the front of them. A camouflage pattern circles the top of the boot, covering the front and back. In the center is an American flag, all in shades of brown. These boots have the finest comfort technology included in them. With a rubber sole to prevent accidental slipping to a full-grain leather foot, these boots will last long.
These cowboys boots are priced within a practical price range. They are imported and hold a rubber sole. Adding the flag and camouflage details, they’re priced accordingly.
6. Ariat Rambler
The Rambler lands the number one spot on the list, and is a stylish choice of western boots thanks to the distressed leather upper and square toe. Made by a company who pride themselves on footwear for “rodeo and ranching,” this Ariat boot is sure to make you one happy cowboy. Choose it for riding or casual wear, you'll find that it performs exceptionally.
This square-toe full-grain leather boot sports a thick outsole that is tough and flexible. Known as the Duratread outsole, this Ariat boot also offers ATS Technology composite fiber and removable, gel-cushioned insole.
No swirls or paisley on this unpretentious boot, all leather with an 11” high shaft, the Rambler also features Advanced Torque Stability with a composite forked shank. At a fair price point for any leather boot, cowboy boots, in particular, these cowboy boots are a great value. While it is possible to find lower-priced options, you will be sacrificing comfort and quality. For any well-designed leather shoe product, be prepared to spend quite a bit. For tough cowboy boots, expect to pay more – the retail price of the Ariat Rambler is comfortable and at a reasonable price point, making these an excellent value.
7. Ariat Legend Phoenix
Ariat’s Legend Phoenix boots are primarily riding cowboys boots. They come in a variety of three colors and have a 2” heel. They’re square-toed and have a four-row stitch pattern that are as stylish as they are functional. The Ariat company is known for making equestrian riding boots that are practical as well as wearable to places that aren’t a stable.
The four-row stitching gives these boots a classy and twist to normal cowboy boots. They can be worn with anything - overalls, jeans, dress pants, and even a tux if you’re feeling up to it. They’re comfortable - the forked shank and square-toe adding to the style as well as the wearability of them.
The material that will touch your feet with the Legend Phoenix is soft leather that works great not just to cradle your foot, but also to protect from excess moisture retention that can lead to blisters or odors - things you definitely don't want while you're working hard. The Legend Phoenix’s are a lower, more feasible price. They are imported, but their price wouldn’t suggest so. The boots are presented as chic, sleek riding boots that look as good as they seem.
8. Dingo Concho Strap
The Dingo Concho Strap is a simple choice for those who want some added accents and embellishments, without going too crazy in material choice. They are available in black pigskin, which makes them quite soft once broken in, and are a functional and comfortable option for a rustic pair of cowboy boots.
The concho harness adds a flare to these western-styled boots. They have added silver accents to the toe and heels, giving an overall classy look, making these just as suitable for day wear as they are to going out and use on special occasions.
These boots are available in a large variety of sizes and even come in several widths to accommodate all foot types. From narrow to extra wide, you'll easily find the perfect fit. However, do keep in mind that they run slightly small. These cowboys boots run on the more affordable side of the price spectrum. The reason for this is the pigskin upper and the fact that they're imported, but you shouldn't worry about their quality - they are a well-made boot that's got a lot to offer in terms of comfort and style.
9. Dan Post Raleigh
Dan Post boots are crafted with exotic leathers - these happen to be made with lizard leathers. They have unique patterns imprinted on them and come in a variety of five colors, ranging from ‘black cherry’ to ‘antique tan’. The boots hold a heel that measures to 1.5”. With a varying array of sizes, they’re ideal for work or play.
Lizard skin is durable and makes the boot built to last. The entire foot is made of genuine lizard leather, the pattern on the front showcasing exactly that. These boots are stylish and look like they just came from an old western movie.
These boots have a high selection of sizes. Narrow, medium, wide - all of these are available in a selection of colors. With a 14” opening, these boots are quick to sell. In addition, they will help those that struggle with wide calves and can never find a pair of boots to fit. Being imported and made from exotic leathers, these boots aren’t on the cheap side. The genuine lizard leather and leather sole add up, but it’s not a shock that these boots are worth it.
10. Wolverine Anthem
The Wolverine Anthem is a western inspired wellington boot that was made for ranchers who need a combination of protection and all-day comfort for working in tough conditions. You'll definitely appreciate the addition of a steel toe, especially if you're shopping for work footwear. You'll also be happy to hear that this is an item constructed with quality materials and attention to detail that we've all come to expect from a brand such as Wolverine. You'll definitely benefit from the comfort of a full grain leather upper, as well as a moisture-wicking mesh lining that won't leave you feeling swamped and sweaty after a hard day's work.
Because it's made for the workplace, this boot takes special care to provide you with a comfortable wearing experience. First and foremost, you'll find that the compression-molded EVA midsole is both cushioning and supportive, while an OrthoLite footbed ensures a pleasant feel under the foot, preventing fatigue or pain.
This is definitely one of the best types of construction that you can get in any shoe. Not only is it flexible and less likely to leave you with soggy feet in the rain, but it's also completely replaceable, meaning that these cowboy boots can be resoled should you find that they don't offer the same level of comfort they did when they were brand new.
Sources
- , How to Buy Cowboy Boots, National Geographic Traveler
- , A Brief History of the Cowboy Boot, The Wild West
- , Art of Manliness, Mans Guide to Cowboy Boots
- , How to Care For Exotic Leather Handmade Cowboy Boots,