If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, we may receive an affiliate commission. Learn more about our policies and reviews.
Cowboy boots bring an element of fun to any outfit. You no longer need to be from Texas to wear a pair of cowboy boots, as they are popular around the world and worn by every age and gender. Cowboy boots are traditionally made from leather and were made to survive riding horses and herding cattle, which is why they are justifiably renowned for their durability.
These days cowboy boots made from synthetic materials are popular. They also come in a wide range of colors with various decorative features. With such a large range of styles under the cowboy boot umbrella, we’re certain you will find a product that perfectly suits your style and your comfort standards.
To ensure you purchase a great pair of cowboy boots, check out our advice on how to choose a fantastic pair later in the article. First, though, take a look at our gorgeous selection of the top cowboy boots in 2024 below.
Detailing the Leading Cowboy Boots of 2024
Ariat Boots — Best Overall
Key Features
- Durable and stylish boots
- Made from high-quality leather
- Flexible soles with good grips
- Available in several colors
This classic-style cowboy boot is available in several shades of brown and black and is made from durable leather. These boots possess a gel-cushioned footbed with moisture-wicking capabilities that will keep your feet dry and comfortable during any strenuous physical activity or harsh weather conditions.
These boots also have an excellent grip with a textured and flexible sole, making them excellent to wear for daily use as well as stylish enough to wear on a hot date. You can also buy these boots as a gift, knowing they are true to size.
Roper Boots — Best for Women
Key Features
- Available in several colors
- Smooth sole and textured heel
- Low heel and upturned toes
- Slight flexibility around the calf
These beautiful women’s cowboy boots are made from synthetic materials, so they are suitable for vegetarians and vegans to wear. They are available in several colors including red, black, brown, or tan. We particularly think that the dark red boots will turn heads.
The boots also have a beautiful embroidery detail that makes them stylish enough for both daily wear and date night. The square and low heels are great for those who are not comfortable in high heels, while the sole is slightly upturned at the toe to create an interesting look. Plus, the material around the calf has a scallop/dip to allow for flexible and comfortable wearing.
Wolverine Boots — Best for Men
Key Features
- Made from leather
- Brown and rust color with embroidered pattern
- Steel toe caps
- Rubber lug outsole with excellent grip
These men’s cowboy boots are made from durable leather and are a traditional brown and rust color with an embroidered pattern detail. It boasts Goodyear welt construction, creating a comfortable and highly durable boot.
The strong steel toe will protect your foot from any damage, and the moisture-wicking mesh lining will keep your skin dry all day. The rubber lug outsole is highly textured and tough, creating a strong grip in muddy or wet conditions.
These are great boots to wear for outdoor work if you want to maintain a little cowboy style. Made to last and are comfortable to wear, these are a great option!
Charles Albert Boots — Most Fashionable
Key Features
- Available in several colors
- Made using synthetic materials
- Non-slip rubber sole and padded lining
- Dual pull up tabs
These cowboy boots, available in a wide variety of colors, are made using synthetic materials, so you can wear them if you’re vegan and vegetarian. This boot has a round almond toe that turns slightly up, making it a great option for avid line dancers.
These boots also have a non-slip rubber sole and padded lining, so you can wear them all day and all evening long. They have dual pull-up tabs that allow you to pull your boots on more easily. The boots were designed with the modern cowgirl in mind and will match a variety of looks and outfits.
Coconuts by Matisse Boots — Best Style
Key Features
- Made from synthetic materials
- Beautiful embroidered pattern
- Practical and comfortable heel and sole
- Dual pull up tabs
These beautiful cowboy boots are made from manmade materials but they look just like the real thing thanks to the amazing quality that matches a genuine leather boot. The design is a classic embroidered pattern that looks just like how you would imagine old cowboy boots to look.
These comfortable yet stylish boots capture the company's ideals of beauty, utility, and comfort. The square stacked heel adds a little glamor to your look while being massively more practical than a high heel or another dressy shoe.
The boots also have dual pull-up tabs, making them so much easier to put on and remove the boots.
How to Find High-Quality Cowboy Boots: A Buyer's Guide
Things to Consider Before Purchasing Cowboy Boots
Before you purchase a pair of cowboy boots, consider the following factors and features to ensure you get the best pair for your style and needs.
Pull straps or holes
At the top of a cowboy boot, you may see some straps or holes, which will help you pull up the boots without damaging the boot. Some cowboy boots can feel difficult to pull over your feet without them, so we suggest looking for a pair of boots with either of these features.
Type of leather
There are several types of leather cowboy boots. Consider which type of leather you would prefer out of the following:
- Ostrich: Full quill ostrich leather has an interesting texture, as it has lumps where the ostrich feathers were plucked. Ostrich leather made from ostrich legs looks similar to snakeskin. This type of leather is extremely durable and allows your skin to breathe.
- Goat: Goat leather is smooth and durable. It is commonly used to make cowboy boots because it is durable and breaks in quickly.
- Snakeskin: Snakeskin boots are extremely striking and make a statement. Unfortunately, this skin is not as naturally durable as the others, so it needs more frequent upkeep and regular treatments to prevent cracking.
- Lizard: Lizard leather also has a distinct look and is often finished with a high gloss. However, just like snakeskin, it needs extra care compared to many other types of leather.
- Caiman: Caiman alligator leather has distinctive tile-like patterns. It is tough and durable but will become a little softer once you’ve broken them in.
- Synthetic: You can get vegan and vegetarian alternatives that look like the different types of leather listed. These are usually made from synthetic materials.
Stitching
The ornamental stitching you see on cowboy boots was originally to prevent the leather from sagging. You can look for particularly ornate stitching or subtle stitching, but it ultimately comes down to preference.
Shaft size
The shaft of the boot is the upper part of the boot. When choosing a pair of cowboy boots, you need to make sure the shaft is wide enough to fit around your calf, with a little excess space for movement.
Heel
Heels come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some heel types include:
- Cowboy heel: The cowboy heel slants inwards towards the ground from the back of the heel. The shape of this heel allows for better control of a horse when in the saddle by preventing the foot from slipping towards the stirrup.
- Riding heel: Riding heels are a little higher than a cowboy heel and are specifically made for riding horses. The heel fits perfectly onto a stirrup.
- Fowler: The fowler heel comes straight or slanted. Slanted heels are also known as hitched heels and are usually worn for more formal occasions. Straight fowler heels are a little more practical and comfortable, although the difference in feel is negligible.
- Roper: Roper heels belong on roper boots that are a little shorter than regular cowboy boots but still have the same style. The roper heel is wide and stable. They are made with jumping from a horse to a roping steer in mind. However, there is no reason you cannot simply wear this stylish boot for comfort and aesthetic purposes.
- Walking: The walking heel is normally made from rubber instead of traditional wood and is comfortable enough to wear from sunup to sundown.
- Fashion heel: Many cowboy boots you see on the market have fashionable heels. These are comfortable compared to many other fashion heels found on women’s shoes, as they have the slanted heel like a cowboy boot but a thinner less practical base. You’ll generally see this heel on women’s boots but not on men.
Heel size
The heel size of a cowboy boot can generally measure between one and two inches in height. A fashion heel, however, is often higher than this.
Cowboy boot style
There are several types of cowboy boots, and you might want to start your search based on the types you’re interested in. Some of these styles include:
- Classic western boot: A classic western boot is a good boot for those who want a minimalist design without too much flair. The shaft of the boot is usually about 12 inches tall.
- Shorty: A shorty cowboy boot, as the name suggests, has a much shorter shaft of about six inches and sometimes a little taller.
- Western work boot: A western work boot looks like a regular western boot with a major difference. The outsole of the boot is highly textured with great grip. You will also find many designs like this with a steel toe cap. These boots are designed for those who undertake long hours of physical labor.
- The roper: As mentioned earlier, the roper is the name of a type of heel and the boot it belongs to.
- Buckaroo: A buckaroo boot has a higher shaft than the other cowboy boots. It is worn less for practical purposes and more for aesthetic purposes. The shaft is often well decorated and stands out from the crowd.
- Stockman: A stockman is also worn more for decoration than practicality. It looks like a classic western boot but isn’t as solid and durable.
Vamp
The vamp of the boot is on the upper side of the toe box. This part of the boot needs to be particularly strong because it is constantly upturned. Look for strong stitching on this part of the boot to support its shape.
Toe box
When trying on your cowboy boots your toe should be about a thumbs width away from the end of the boot. The toe box should feel a little spacious and non-constrictive.
Toe shape
There are several types of toe shapes you may want to look into. These include:
- Traditional
- Square
- Snip
- Rounded
How We Chose Our Selection of Cowboy Boots
To choose the top cowboy boots we considered the following factors and features:
- Style
- Durability
- Value-for-money
- Practicality
- Materials used
Cowboy Boots Price Range
Synthetic cowboy boots are the cheapest type of cowboy boot, while leather is the most expensive. Cowboy boots start from $12 and can cost up to $800 or more.
