Your closet may be full of tried-and-true kicks and dress shoes, but you can’t say it’s complete if you don’t have at least one pair of epic cowboy boots in the mix. Think of it as an essential style upgrade. Cowboy boots have a decidedly difficult reputation, given that so many feel they can’t pull them off unless they’re actual ranchers. What’s great about this footwear option is that they defy expectations in every way: they actually are far more versatile than you might realize, and they can look great dressed up or down. Here are some of the best cowboy boots of the moment.
Tecovas The Doc
Their handmade boots are widely regarded in some circles for their meticulous attention to detail. The fact that a single pair alone is put through a rigorous 200-stage construction process is impressive enough, but the end result is enough to wow even the most ardent naysayers. Tecovas The Doc boots are the answer if you’re looking for a pair that’s equal parts dressy and equal parts casual. The search ends here!
FRYE Harness-8R
As good as rugged gets, the FRYE Harness-8R is the kind of boot that needs no real introduction. It’s a bit of a hybrid cowboy-meets-combat boot. It stands out thanks to its low-profile two-inch heel, distinctive nickel hardware, and smooth leather material. It’s the type of finish that will improve with time, lending the boots time-honored appeal you can trust.
Lucchese Cliff
Mad with ostrich leather, the Lucchese Cliff is among the most eye-catching cowboy boot styles out there. The full-quill horseman boot features sophisticated tonal stitch work, and is hand-stained to lend it its unique appearance. Contributing to its beauty is the sheer resilience of the design: there are brass nails and a three-quarter welt, lending it strength and durability.
Lucchese White Sands
Just a glance at Lucchese White Sands and you’ll be transported. It’s no wonder, since the design was inspired by the wild west. Intricate detailing sets them apart, from the delicate stitch work to the medley of earth-toned inlays that mirror the beauty of a desert landscape. These handmade beauties are sheer works of art.
Ranch Road Boots Maverick
When you think of cowboy boots, you typically envision the authentic, rough-and-tumble style of these Ranch Road Boots Maverick. With their retro-inspired flair and sleek design, they evoke the appeal of a pair of classic western books. The intricate work on the shaft catches the eye right away, while the Goodyear-welt construction lends them endurance and stability.
Tecovas The Earl
Leave it to Tecovas The Earl to transform your shoe wardrobe in an instant. This classic roper boot is the type of style you might wear with your rugged denim or your favorite work pants. It’s a practical pair, no doubt, but there’s an underlying element that’s downright fashionable — making them just as suitable to wear with a pair of chinos or khakis if you feel like it.
Ranch Road Boots Gunner
Those clean lines are everything! If you’re in search of a cowboy boot that boasts a decidedly contemporary vibe, look to Ranch Road Boots Gunner. The legendary Wellington style is enough to turn heads, but given the cowboy treatment it takes on a fresher quality. A fully rubberized sole offers support with every step, while the full-grain Spanish leather and stacked heel lend serious style.
Alives The Manchaca
Timeless roper boots long ago earned their reputation as inarguably tough, legendary boots. To make them modern means bringing them up to speed and appealing to more than the average cowboy. Enter Alvies The Manchaca, a completely stylish option that’s designed with universal appeal. You can wear it anywhere and everywhere, whether you’re out with your crew or actually roping.
Ranch Road Boots Apache
Fashionable cowboy boots can take any outfit in an entirely different direction. That’s undoubtedly the case with Ranch Road Boots Apache, which is made with a combination of full-grain Spanish leather and smooth suede. The supple addition alone is enough to set this boot apart from the rest, but there’s much to be set about the intriguing Apache arrow motif adding some gilded glamour to the design. You’ll appreciate its nod to Native American style.
No matter what you select, you can count on one thing: cowboy boots are true investment pieces in every sense. When you commit to one pair, expect it to be your loyal companion for years to come.