Not too long ago, the best cowboy boots were the preserve of callused ranch hands and folks who actually ride horses. No longer. Over the last few years, rodeo-ready stompers of every stripe have slipped off the saddle and onto the streets, part and parcel of menswear’s ongoing western kick. Don’t look so surprised: the vast majority of wardrobe classics you know and love—cargo pants, work jackets, heck, even suits—were initially designed with function top of mind. Over time, though, they’ve all become righteous symbols of self-expression and personal style, not just job uniforms.
Cowboy boots are no different. Though their exact origins are a tad fuzzy, they likely originated with Mexican cattle herders known as Vaqueros, who trace their own lineage back to Spain. The Vaqueros left an indelible influence on American cowboy culture, especially when it came to their shoes: their tall shafts kept riders’ legs safe from the brush, while their angled heels helped to stabilize their feet in the stirrups.
These days, you might not appreciate those benefits in their intended context, but we damn-near guarantee you’ll appreciate the look of them when the time comes to really start dressin’. So to help you do just that, we wrangled the absolute best cowboy boots this side of the Mississippi, from the budget-friendly beaters you’ll wear with jeans to the oil baron-approved joints you’ll dust off at your next destination wedding.
The Best Cowboy Boots, According to GQ
Best Cowboy Boots for Most People: Tecovas The Cartwright Boots
The good folks at Tecovas are living, breathing proof that direct-to-consumer brands aren’t all operated by algorithms tasked with solving imaginary problems. The DTC upstart might be the youngest of the bootmakers on this list, but it’s quickly endeared itself to budget-strapped swashbucklers with a hankering for democratically-priced kicks. Take, for example, the Cartwright, a handsome riff on a classic western silhouette made in Leon, Mexico, a bona fide cobbling capital of the world with over a century of expertise to draw on. It boasts hand-laid cording at the shaft, a resoleable Goodyear-welt construction, and a slew of colors and leathers to choose from, including genuine cowhide and goat leather. They’re not the cheapest boots on this list, but the relatively approachable price belies the craftsmanship involved. For $345, they’re one small step up from our favorite budget cowboy boots—but one giant leap in overall quality.
Best Roper Boots: Rhodes Footwear Roper Boot
You can think of roper boots as the chilled-out version of the average western boot. Originally designed for calf roping, roper boots feature a shorter shaft and a shorter, squared off heel. These details made it easier for cowboys to dismount their horse and run after the calves they roped. Coincidentally, they also make roper boots easier to walk in which is why some people prefer them over other cowboy boots for everyday wear. Our pick for the best roper boots goes to Rhodes. They’re made in León, Mexico using local premium cowhide and feature Goodyear welt construction so you can have them resoled and keep ‘em going for a long time. Plus, if you’re just dipping your toes into the cowboy boot world, the minimalist uppers forgo the decorative western stitching which makes them easier to style.
Best Budget Cowboy Boots: Ariat Groundbreaker Boots
If you’re after that western look but need a pair of boots that can handle the demands of a jobsite, a lot of guys will tell you to look to Ariat. That’s because they manage to blend classic cowboy style with modern-day features, and a palatable price point in perfect proportion. While they do offer a range of work boots in lace-up styles, their Groundbreaker boots are a standout with classic cowboy boot looks. They’re made of full-grain leather, include a supportive and comfortable insole, and meet ASTM standards for slip resistance and electrical safety. Because it’s among Ariat’s most popular styles, it’s also available in a wide range of colorways, toe shapes, and even steel toe versions. Some more traditional cowboys will poo-poo the fact that these aren’t made stateside, but if you’re on a budget, you’ll get more than what you pay for.
Best Dressy Cowboy Boots: Tony Lama Nacogdoches Western Boot
Cowboy boots aren’t all rough-and-tumble affairs. In fact, the right pair can easily strut the red carpet or waltz into a fancy restaurant with panache. You’ll want a pair with leather that shines up well and in a darker colorway. For date nights and more formal affairs, these Tony Lamas will impress thanks to the exotic lizard skin uppers and low-key embroidery. They’re the kind of boots that can play well for the in-laws with a tailored suit or play a rock-’n’-roll star with some vintage jeans and a tight white tee.
Best Cowboy Boots for Oil Barons: Lucchese Summer Cowboy Boot
These days, most boot brands walk in the shadows of one brand: Lucchese. They’ve been outfitting American presidents, high-profile celebs, and the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders for decades and it’s all thanks to their commitment to high-quality craftsmanship. Though any pair of Lucchese’s would earn you more than a few approving head nods, the most coveted are the boots that they make in their Texas workshop. Using a range of full-grain leathers and exotic leathers like caiman alligator and pirarucu fish skin, each pair is crafted by master bootmakers using time-honored techniques. The Summer is a picture-perfect style featuring American calf leather uppers with intricate embellishments, welted construction, and lemonwood pegs—made the old-fashioned way, basically. They’ll cost you a pretty penny, of course, but the drip you’ll get in return is priceless.
More Cowboy Boots We Love
Justin Tobias Boots
RRL Roughout Suede and Leather Boot
Celine Homme Leon Boots
Maison Margiela Tabi Western Boots
What should I wear with cowboy boots?
The classic move for western boots is to lean into their rougher side. Toss them on with well-fitting jeans (preferably vintage bootcuts) and a snap-button shirt. But open up your mind and step outside of the saloon and the possibilities are practically endless. A slick pair of exotic leather cowboy boots matched with a ’70s-inspired suit screams filthy rich oil tycoon—if not Alessandro Michele-era Gucci. Or why not mix up a preppy pair of chinos with a grungy graphic tee and some roughed-up suede ropers? The point is, you don’t have to pretend to be a cowboy to wear their boots (but you can). So treat them like any other pair of shoes in your closet and wear them however you want. Hell, we’d go so far as to call them an essential pair of boots for every wardrobe.
