Find The Best Cowboy Boots To Add To Your Wardrobe

Buying the best cowboy boots is a process that shouldn’t be taken lightly. When buyers purchase cowboy boots on a whim, they end up with shoes that they can’t wear and take out in public.

Product Name	Our Rating	Check Price
Best Mens Cowboy Boots
Ariat Western Cowboy Boot
Old West Western Work Boot
Best Womens Cowboy Boots
Coconuts By Matisse Gaucho Boot
Justin Boots Classic Western Boot
Refresh Cowboy Boots

Why Should You Choose Your Cowboy Boots Carefully?

Keep reading for a brief guide as to what features you should look out for when it comes to buying the right cowboy boots for your feet.

Comfort

People often assume that their cowboy boots will stretch a half size to a full size larger after they break in, which is not the case. A brand new pair should feel slightly snug but comfortable to walk the moment you put them on because cowboy boots don’t significantly stretch after they’ve been broken in.

Cowboy boots come with Cuban heels that vary in height, and the height that guarantees the most comfort is dependent on what you need to boots for.

If you’re wearing cowboy boots purely for riding purposes, a high heel measuring 2 inches will provide the grip and support you need. For those who want cowboy boots that are comfortable to walk around in, the suitable heel measurement would have to be less than 1.5 inches tall.

As a side note, when you’re trying on a pair of cowboy boots, regardless of the heel style and shape, the heel itself should lift ½ inch while you walk. The slippage will decrease the more you wear the boots.

Don’t settle for cowboy shows that lack this slippage feature. Heels that won’t lift will end up pinched after they finally break in, which makes them extremely uncomfortable to walk or ride in.

Break In Time

Once you buy cowboy boots that guarantee a comfortable fit, breaking them in is a quick and easy process that can be accomplished in several ways. One way to break them in is if you walk around your home with them on. This allows the cowboy boots to conform to your foot shape before you take them outside.

If you want to quicken the break in time, you can expose warm steam to the cowboy boot’s leather till it becomes soft and pliable to the touch. Once the leather is soft enough, you should put them on and give them a chance to cool down.

During the cooling down process, the leather molds to the shape of your feet and will harden to support your specific foot. You don’t have to walk around in your cowboy boots for a whole day when you break them in by heating up the leather.

Some things to consider When Choosing Your Cowboy Boots:

Size

There is no uniform size chart for cowboy boots since each manufacturer uses a foot-shaped mold that is unique to that particular company. Experts recommend referring to the size chart of each cowboy boots manufacturer to find the size that best suits your feet.

Many people run into the issue of finding a boot size from one manufacturer that fits perfectly but can’t use that size as a reference for all cowboy boots.

The size differences make it difficult to shop for cowboy boots online, but most companies offer extensive charts that go into detail regarding width measurements, calf measurements, as well as shoe size measurements.

Some even have separate charts that address women’s cowboy boots sizes and men’s cowboy boots sizes since the sizes and shapes of gender specific boots matter.

Material

Cowboy boots are primarily made of cowhide, but other animal skins can also be used to serve the same purpose. More expensive cowboy boots will be made with leathers that include snakeskin, alligator, ostrich, caiman, stingray, and even bison.

Since such a large variety of fabrics exist, they all stretch and breathe in distinctive manners, but all have a limit to the length in which they could stretch to.

Ultimately, the leather used to make cowboy boots won’t stretch to more than a half size bigger, which isn’t the case for other riding and hiking boots.

Color

One thing all cowboy boots have in common is that it’s a rare sight to see one that is plain and minimalistic in design and color. In fact, there are boots styles available that cater to any taste, so you have a lot of options to choose from.

Classic cowboy boots don’t have one set leather and stitching pattern, so you can choose from various intricate stitching designs to bright dyes, to a wide variety of leather materials that allow you to customize cowboy boots to suit your particular taste.

Traditional colors associated with cowboy boots include neutral tones that range from black to gray to brown. Modern cowboy boots differ from traditional styles since you can find boots that come in almost every color imaginable from neon yellow to dark red.

As a side note, it’s completely normal for some cowboy boots that come with eccentric colors to bleed onto your feet the first couple times you wear them.

Design

There are various cowboy boots styles available, and each contains a particular design that allows you to perform specific actions and movements.

List Of Cowboy Boots Styles

• Classic
• Western Riding
• Roper
• Western Work
• Western Fashion

Classic cowboy boots are iconic shoes that come with heels that measure at least 1.5 inches, and with anoverall height of 12 inches. Since this style is the most common, you can use these boots for a large number of things such as saddle riding, dancing, or just for everyday walking.

The second most common cowboy boots style that guarantees an extremely comfortable fit and is best suited for walking purposes would be Roper Cowboy Boots. These boots come with a rounded toe shape as well as a flexible sole, which makes them less stiff to walk around in.

Since Roper boots have heels that measure a maximum of 1.5 inches, they are not ideal for riding on a saddle. Some ropers come with laces that ensure ankle support and balance that come in handy if you want to use your cowboy boots for everyday purposes.

Our Recommendations For Best Cowboy Boots

Keep reading for brief yet in-depth reviews of the best men’s cowboy boots as well as the best women’s cowboy boots available on the footwear market. Below you’ll familiarize yourself with the best cowboy boots brand that will suit your riding boots needs.

Best Men’s Cowboy Boots Winner: Ariat Western Cowboy Boots

For those who want a pair of cowboy boots that are functional, stylish, and of high-quality, Ariat is the manufacturer that you should rely on for your riding boots needs.

In fact, Ariat’s mission is to design some of the world’s most technologically innovative riding boots that top equestrian athletes depend on to perform their physical potential.

Ariat Western Cowboy Boots lives up to Ariat’s standard of being a riding boots that professionals could swear by along with being the best cowboy boots for men in particular.

Features of Ariat Western Cowboy Boots

• Material: Leather
• Duratread Sole
• Shaft Height from Arch: 11 inches
• Heel Height: 1.62 inches
• Boots Opening Circumference: 15 inches

• Mid-Calf
• Decorative Stitching
• Two Color Options: Earth & Wicker
• Square Toe

Durable Build Ariat Western Cowboy Boots

Even though the full-grain leather used to make Ariat Western Cowboy Boots is categorized as a high-grade leather material, Ariat spends most of its time investing in the boot’s sole and bottom platform section to focus on quality rather than fancy features.

The bottom platform can be split up into four separate parts that each play a role in providing you and your feet the ultimate comfort possible.

The top portion of Ariat Western Cowboy Boots footbed consists of moisture wicking technology that promotes circulation to prevent sweat buildup and blisters from forming.

Moving on to Ariat Western Cowboy Boot’s bottom footbed section, it contains a gel cushioned layer that is specifically designed for shock absorption, so your feet don’t have to withstand a lot of pressure.

Underneath Ariat Western Cowboy Boot’s footbed rests a forked shank that features a lightweight build and functions to stabilize your feet. The forked shank comes with Advanced Torque Stability technology that promotes excellent posture and helps to reduce fatigue so you can complete your tasks with no hiccups.

All the way to Ariat Western Cowboy Boot’s exterior lies its outer sole that is built with Duratread technology that ensures high levels of wear resistance. This ensures that these cowboy boots will last you several years before the sole gives out and wears away.

Best Men’s Cowboy Boots Runner Up: Old West Western Work Boot

Those looking for the best cowboy work boots that can put up with any abuse possible should look no further because Old West is the manufacturer that delivers cowboy boots to suit those standards.

Old West Western Work Boots is one of Old West’s most popular boots because people of all ages can take advantage of the foot support it provides as well as the versatile use it guarantees.

Features of Old West Western Work Boot

• Material: Genuine Rugged Leather
• Rubber Sole
• Slip-resistant Soles
• Fancy Stitching Details
• Three Available Colors: Black, Distressed, & Black Cherry
• Comes in Extended Sizes

Affordable & Durable Old West Western Work Boot

Old West Western Work Boots is the best option for someone who works a physically demanding job and requires boots that offer superior protection and functionality regardless of the environment they’re in.

A feature of western work boots includes treaded soles that come with a rubber surface exterior whose purpose is to provide non-slip traction that is specific to the work boots design and no other cowboy boots style.

It’s no surprise that Old West Work Boots comes with slip-resistant soles, which solidifies its ability to perform well under various terrain settings.

On top of containing slip-resistant soles, Old West Western Work Boots comes with heels that measure slightly lower in height when compared to classic cowboy boots. The low heels are much easier on the feet for walking purposes than tall riding heels.

Keep in mind that the low heel is ideal for men who have to stay on their feet all day since it effectively prevents tension from building up around the heel as well as the ball of the feet.

In regards to cost, Old West Western Work Boots is an authentic Western Work Boots because it is one of the most affordable options in the cowboy boots market.

Even though it’s made with strong and durable leather, the cowhide material used isn’t as expensive as exotic leathers commonly found in other more expensive cowboy boots styles.

Best Women’s Cowboy Boots Winner: Coconuts By Matisse Gaucho Boots

For those who want a pair of cheap cowgirl boots that function to make a fashion statement rather than offer any practical use in regards to herding cattle, you should take a look at some of the boots Coconuts By Matisse has to offer.

Officially known as the Matisse and Coconuts Shoe Company, the brand came into existence in 2001 and became known as a leader in producing trend setting footwear designs that impacted the international fashion community.

In fact, the Matisse and Coconuts Shoe Company values high-quality craftsmanship and innovative design above all else to produce boots that fall within its performance standard parameters. More importantly, this company provides every fashion-forward shoe you’ll ever need to complete your wardrobe.

If you’re searching to add a bit of Western flair to your wardrobe, Coconuts By Matisse Gaucho Boots is the stylish boots that ensures comfort, usefulness, and beauty while still maintaining an authentic cowgirl aesthetic.

Features of Coconuts By Matisse Gaucho Boots

• Material: Manmade
• Synthetic Sole
• Shaft Height From Arch: 12 inches
• Heel Height: 1.5 inches
• Boots Opening Circumference: 13 inches
• Nine Color Options

Stays True to Western Fashion Boots with Coconuts By Matisse Gaucho Boots

Classic Western Cowboy Boots are frequently made with genuine cowhide leather and follow strict style guidelines, but that is not the case with Coconuts By Matisse Gaucho Boots.

This cowgirl boots is the perfect example of a Western Fashion Boot, which means that you shouldn’t expect much practical use out of it other than having it be a fashion statement.

Although the boot’s lightweight feature does enhance its functionality to the point that you can comfortably dance with them on, you should avoid horseback riding, or working of any sort with these boot’s on.

Western Fashion Boots can vary in heel height, shape, and design, but a majority of these boots have one thing in common. Most fashion boots are made with synthetic materials and not with genuine leather, which makes them a less durable and inexpensive option when compared to the strength of Classic Western Cowboy Boots.

Keep in mind that the synthetic materials give room for highly decorative and colorful shafts that are also seen on the shaft’s of Coconuts By Matisse Gaucho Boot. This boots also features Western stitching details that make it the perfect vintage Western boots for a night out with the girls.

In fact, the best handmade cowboy boots that are ideal for occasional social purposes is hands down Coconuts By Matisse Gaucho Boot.

Best Women’s Cowboy Boots Runner Up: Justin Classic Western Boots

For those who want a cowboy boots that effectively implements 21st-century technology to create a revolutionary cowboy boots with never before seen levels of comfort, you should take a look at Justin Boots incredibly fashionable Western Cowboy Boots.

Compared to the rest of the recommended women’s cowboy boots, Justin Boots Classic Western Boots is the only one that features a boot style that’s not a Western Fashion Boots but is a Classic Western Style Cowboy Boot. This cowboy boot is the closest option available to a traditional cowboy boot.

Features of Justin Classic Western Boots

• Material: Leather
• Leather Sole
• Shaft Height from Arch: 13 inches
• Heel Height: 2 inches
• J-Flex Comfort System
• Available in Four Colors

• Platform: 0.25 inches
• Boots Opening Circumference: around 16 inches
• Narrow Square Toe-Shape
• Memory foam midsole

Ultimate Comfort with Justin Classic Western Boots

Justin Boots Classic Western Boots comes with two features that aren’t commonly seen in standard cowboy boots, and functions to provide the user with the support that is needed with stiff Classic styled cowboy boots.

The boot’s midsole is made with memory foam, so your feet feel as if they are resting on a cloud while you’re walking about. In fact, the memory foam midsole provides the extra buffering needed to cushion your feet against the typical stiff nature of cowboy boots.

Other than having a memory foam midsole, Justin Boots Classic Western Boots comes with a patented J-Flex Comfort System that will cause the boots to feel as if they were already broken in for you.

The J-Flex Comfort System features a fully covered leather cushion as well as an insole board with triple density qualities that promote a flow of energy generated from your feet to the boots, which will consistently move cyclically. This means these boots will work with your feet, not against them, to enhance your ability to move and be in a state of ultimate comfort.

Read Our In-depth Review

Best Women’s Cowboy Boots Alternative: Refresh Cowboy Boots

If you’re in the market for incredibly cheap yet functional cowboy boots that can only be used for walking and fashion purposes, Refresh Cowboy Boots won’t put a dent in your wallet and give off the appearance of being an authentic cowboy boot.

A lot of women love wearing Refresh Cowboy Boots because they can match with any outfit ranging from skinny jeans, to skirts, to even sundresses. These boots do emit a clacking sound while you’re walking, which dampens its Western Cowboy Boots authenticity a bit.

Refresh Cowboy Boots low price and four color options makes it appealing for women to buy all four color models, so they have boots to match any outfit imaginable. A couple of buyers even wore these boots to a rodeo, and they blend right in without having someone question its authenticity.

Refresh Cowboy Boots Features

• Material: Synthetic
• Made in the USA
• Shaft Height from Arch: 9.75 inches
• Platform: 0.25 inches
• Manmade Sole
• Heel Height: 2 inches
• Four Color Options: Black, Premium Black, Brown, & Tan
• Mid-Calf Shaft

Stylish & Practical For Everyday Use Refresh Cowboy Boots

Refresh Cowboy Boots is a perfect example of how a Western Fashion Boots can follow through in regards to providing a solution to functional footwear while preserving the classic Western cowboy boots style.

Since Refresh Cowboy Boots is predominately made from synthetic materials, it provides the necessary amount of protection you’ll require from a pair of boots that are meant for casual walking use.

Keep in mind that you should under no circumstances use Refresh Cowboy Boots for horseback riding and cattle herding purposes. There is a limit to the practicality of these boots, so don’t assume that they can perform to levels comparable to authentic Classic Western Cowboy Boots.

You have to admit that the color variety, the distressed upper shaft design, as well as the soft flannel interior lining unique to Refresh Cowboy Boot, make it the perfect women’s cowboy boots alternative to an authentic Western version that would cost four times as much.

Ultimately, the most you’ll get out of Refresh Cowboy Boots is the fashion-forward impression you’ll make whenever you incorporate these boots into one of your outfits.

Conclusion

After several brief reviews that cover Western Cowboy Boots suitable for both men and women, you should now have a better understanding of what options will best cater to your footwear needs.

If your wife or girlfriend is in need of a gift, the best cowboy boots to surprise her with is Coconuts By Matisse Gaucho Boot. On the other hand, the best cowboy boots option that would make his day is Ariat Western Cowboy Boot.

The other cowboy boots reviewed above are still great options for you to choose from, and in fact, you may prefer the design aspects of the runner up and alternative cowboy boots than the ones labeled as winners.

Resources

True West Magazine

Forbes

News Observer