Giddy up on over here if you want to get a leg up on the latest trend in fashionable footwear.
Well, maybe not the latest, as cowboy boots have been around for ages, as far back as the 1600s in Spain and the 1800s in America. While back then they were only utilitarian for the rough-and-tough cowboys, they are now in style for the fashionable folk all over the country.
This was made even more clear when cowboy boots took over TikTok as the latest trend to saddle up and try out. The boots now come in countless shades and styles, from classic pointed toe to shorter booties and cowboy-inspired heels and sneakers.
Don’t believe us? Then perhaps turn to celebrities for the Western wardrobe staple, as countless stars have been spotted wearing the boots. Some, like Kendall Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian and Dua Lipa were all spotted in the stompers paired with swimwear — a bold replacement for flip flops, but stylish nonetheless.
Aside from the celebs above, we also consulted a cowboy boot celebrity in his own right Wes Shugart, proprietor and custom cowboy boot maker of Music City Leather in Nashville, TN. He has won numerous awards for his design and construction, and shared a thing or two about how to buy boots with us, free of charge for New York Post readers.
If celebs, fashion-week attendees and Gen Z are all still wearing the classic style, cowboy boots must have staying power for the long haul. Shugart agreed, alluding to their past as the secret to their present and future popularity.
“There are few things in the world of style and fashion that are truly American — the denim jean and the cowboy boot. Both were, and still are, a tool for the working class,” he said. “I feel the cowboy boot represents America: freedom, adventure, work hard, play hard. The cowboy boot makes a person stand taller, gives confidence to its wearer.”
We all could use a leg (and a foot) up in the confidence game, and for that reason is also makes sense that we’ve seen the boots paired with all sorts of outfits from the bikinis above to more work-wear styles from their origin.
“You can wear them with jeans, a suit or a dress,” added Shugart. “They can be worn in the saddle, out on a Saturday night or Sunday worship. Their versatility is second to none in the world of footwear.”
How should cowboy boots fit?
No one likes blisters from breaking in shoes, and cowboy boots are no different. Due to the tough nature of most leather boots, it may take a few wears to get the perfect feel, but to find the perfect fit, listen to the expert.
“A cowboy boot’s fit should be snug to the foot, from heel to ball with a little toe room. It should support the arch, not allow the foot to slide around yet not bind the foot tightly,” said Shugart.
Since sizing is different from manufacturer to manufacture, we do recommend if ordering online to consult the size-chart or order a few sizes to try at home. Should you have the privilege to visit a shop in-person and get custom boots like Shugart’s, those can be made to order, as he takes eight different tracings of the customer’s foot to ensure a perfect fit.
What should cowboy boots be made of?
Typically, we know this answer to be leather, or a vegan leather should you be looking for an animal-free option. However, there are other elements besides the body of the boot that you can look for in order to get the most bang for your buck and a long-lasting shoe.
“A high-quality custom cowboy boot should be made from high quality leather from top to bottom,” said Shugart. “The soles should be leather and wood, pegged in the shank area. Insoles should also be made of leather, not cardboard or synthetic materials. The boot should be welted and tops should be stitched completely through, keeping the top lining and exterior shaft leather together.”
Again, not everyone can get a custom pair of cowboy boots, and so Shugart’s last words of advice are simple, “Buy the best you can afford but don’t buy more than you need.”
Shop our favorite brands of 2023 for cowboy boots to buy online
Go with the classics, shopping from one of the most popular brands out there. Ariat has all kinds of shapes and colors, but we have a soft spot for these brown and white boots, with classic patterns stitched into the premium leather.
This western brand rebooted the cowboy boot, bringing these classic styles into 2023. The Annie is a bestselling style and comes in classic colors like brown and white in addition to this delicious denim blue that would look great paired with matching jeans.
Stick to the classics with Frye. The leather company is known for high-quality boots you can wear everyday and they only get better. The high brown boots are made of washed vintage leather for an already broken in fit and look, now available on their site in sizes ranging from a women’s 5.5 to an 11.
Step away from the classics for a second and get glittery. These bedazzled boots from Betsey Johnson are perfect for those looking to make a statement at the local honky tonk, or even as the bride-to-be if you shop them in silver or white.
This trend is red hot, and so are these boots.
Sold on Amazon, this affordable pair of cowboy boots comes in an array of colors, but the red are our favorite (go figure!). Style them with black jeans for a casual day out or an equally bright outfit to go all out on the town. Other colors include black, tan, brown and gray snake, all ranging in sizes from a women’s 5.5 to an 11.
6. Steve Madden West Pink Metallic, $120, original price: $190
There are cow girl boots if we’ve ever seen em! Listed in the cowgirl section of the site, the pink metallic pair are bestsellers with more than 150 reviews. Plus, they and their silver, blue, white and cow-printed counterparts are all on sale for less than $150.
Pull on your boots and let’s ride! These boots come in black, as well as in brown, white and a fun metallic silver for all the parties and hay rides in your future.
If you want a unique boot with the iconic shape and feel, the Ferrini boots are for you. This style mimics a patchwork, with vivid teal blue squares on a crackled brown leather boot for a real Western vibe.
You’ve heard of jeggings and jorts — introducing the cowboy joots! These jean boots are fashionable and kinda quirky in the best way, complete with rhinestones and a baggy faux pant leg over the heel of the boots.
10. Macie Bean Boots, $230
Turn to Ms. Macie Bean when you’re in need of some new boots. We love this floral pair for spring and summer, adding blooms to your boots.
No matter your sign, these Zodiac boots are for you. The tall boots come in three colors of leather, including the pictured fog gray, sand and black.
These stunning stompers are unique and handcrafted, just as great boots should be. Get them in the bone color pictured with brown detailing, or in black or red for a different and darker vibe.
Everything is indeed coming up roses! We love the optimism and the pattern on these boots, that come in brown, red and black.
Go mini with these shorter boots that still make a big impact. We love the silver version of the boots for a party, but you can also stock up on the brown and black pairs for more practical occasions.
For a wider calf, these boots are a great choice. The Rio Grand style comes in all black, all white and a red-brown color they call “Cherry Cola” in their larger B sized width.
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