Don’t Buy Until You Read This: 14 Top Cowboy Boot Brands, Reviewed

Did you know the average American walks over 150,000 miles in a lifetime? It is a journey marked by countless steps, but for those who value heritage, style and a touch of rebellious spirit, a few of those miles are walked in a pair of cowboy boots. But here is the burning question: with a market full of brands promising everything from comfort to craftsmanship, how do you find the boot that is truly built for your path?

In this guide, we will cut through the marketing hype to give you a ruthless, pros-and-cons breakdown of 14 iconic brands, so you can step into the perfect pair with confidence.

Choosing Your Cowboy Boots: A Quick Guide

Fit is Everything: Your boots should be snug around the arch and instep, with about a half-inch of heel slip when new. This slip will disappear as the leather sole breaks in and molds to your foot.

Purpose: Are you hitting the dance floor or the ranch? The answer will dictate whether you need a walking heel and a flexible sole or a traditional riding heel and a durable, hard-wearing build.

Construction: Look for key features like a Goodyear welt, which allows for easy re-soling, and a leather sole, which is breathable and classic.

The Best Cowboy Boot Brands: A Pros & Cons Breakdown

1. Ariat Cowboy Boots

Ariat has become a dominant force by blending traditional aesthetics with modern athletic shoe technology.

What We Love:

What Could Be Better:

2. Double H Cowboy Boots

A brand built for the working cowboy, known for its rugged durability and no-nonsense construction.

What We Love:

• Extreme Durability: Famous for their rugged construction and durable outsoles like the I.C.E.™ outsole, which is highly resistant to abrasion and slips.
• Made in the USA: Many of their boots are handcrafted in the USA, a significant plus for those who value domestic manufacturing.
• Support for Work: Features like composite toes and waterproof liners make them a top choice for demanding jobs.
• Comfort for Long Hours: Despite their toughness, they are designed for all-day comfort, with cushioned insoles that support the feet.
• Classic Look: Their designs are authentically Western and built for function.

Drawbacks:

• Longer Break-In: Their heavy-duty construction can lead to a longer break-in period.
• Work-Focused Aesthetics: They might not be the most stylish option for a night out.

3. Lucchese Cowboy Boots

A Texas-based icon that has been a benchmark for luxury and fit for over a century.

Pros:

• Glove-Like Fit: Famous for a unique construction process that results in a fit that molds to the foot like a glove.
• Luxury Materials: Uses a wide range of premium leathers, from calfskin to rare exotics.
• Handmade in the USA: Their top-tier boots are crafted by master bootmakers in Texas.
• Iconic Status: The Lucchese name is synonymous with quality and is a symbol of Western luxury.
• Wide Selection: Offers several lines to cater to different budgets, from more affordable to top-of-the-line custom boots.

Cons:

• • High Price: True Lucchese quality comes at a high cost.
  • Can Be Overly Formal: Some of their boots are more suited for dress occasions than for everyday wear.

4. Dan Post Cowboy Boots

A brand that has perfected the art of creating a comfortable boot with a classic cowboy look.

• Pros:
  • Instant Comfort: Famous for their cushioned insole systems, which provide comfort right out of the box with little to no break-in.
  • Classic Aesthetics: Offers a wide variety of traditional Western styles and leathers.
  • Affordable Quality: Provides a great balance of comfort, style, and quality for a mid-range price.
  • Versatile: Their boots are suitable for both work and casual wear.
  • Long-Standing Reputation: A trusted brand in the industry for their reliable products.
• Cons:
  • Less Rugged: While comfortable, they may not hold up to the same extreme conditions as a Double H or Rios of Mercedes.
  • Not Made in the USA: Most of their boots are manufactured overseas.

5. Justin Cowboy Boots

One of the most historic and recognizable names in Western footwear, Justin has a legacy of crafting boots that are both authentic and comfortable.

• Pros:
  • Legacy of Quality: Since 1879, Justin has been a trusted brand, a testament to its consistent quality and commitment to bootmaking tradition.
  • Excellent Comfort Systems: Justin’s boots often feature proprietary comfort technologies like the J-Flex Flexible Comfort System® and Jel® cushioned insoles, which provide great support and require minimal break-in.
  • Versatile Styles: They offer a wide range of boots, from rugged work boots with steel toes and safety features to classic dress boots for a night out.
  • Accessible Pricing: Justin provides a great balance of quality and a relatively affordable price point, making them a solid choice for all buyers.
  • Reliable Fit: Many customers report that Justin boots run true to size and are a dependable choice.
• Cons:
  • Varying Manufacturing: While some of their boots are made in the USA, many are made overseas, which can impact the perception of craftsmanship for some purists.
  • Less Exotic Variety: While they offer some exotic leathers, their selection is not as broad as a high-end brand like Lucchese or Black Jack.

6. Tony Lama Cowboy Boots

A premium brand with a rich history, Tony Lama is celebrated for its intricate designs and use of exotic leathers.

• Pros:
  • Artisanal Craftsmanship: Known for their meticulous construction and attention to detail, especially in their hand-stitched and hand-corded designs.
  • Premium Leathers: Tony Lama is famous for its luxurious use of exotic skins, including ostrich, caiman, and elephant hide.
  • Made in the USA: A significant portion of their collection is handcrafted in the USA, a selling point for many buyers who value domestic production.
  • Comfort Features: Many boots feature the Cushion Comfort® system, providing a soft and comfortable footbed.
  • Stylish and Unique: Their boots often feature bold designs and are a favorite for collectors and those who want a standout pair.
• Cons:
  • High Price Point: The premium materials and craftsmanship come at a higher cost.
  • Can Be Specific: Some of their more ornate or exotic boots may be less versatile for everyday wear.

7. Stetson Cowboy Boots

As legendary for its boots as it is for its hats, Stetson offers high-quality, handcrafted boots that blend heritage with a touch of modern style.

• Pros:
  • Heritage Brand Recognition: The Stetson name carries a certain prestige and is a symbol of authentic Western heritage.
  • Handcrafted Quality: Each boot is built by hand, with techniques like lemonwood peg construction and hand-stacked leather heels, ensuring long-term durability.
  • Superior Leathers: They use high-quality leathers that are designed to conform to the wearer’s foot and develop a beautiful patina over time.
  • Riding-Ready Design: Many of their boots are built with function in mind, featuring a reinforced toe and heel that are great for riding.
  • Timeless Style: The designs are classic and elegant, suitable for both formal events and rugged wear.
• Cons:
  • Can Run Narrow: Some reviews suggest their boots may run narrow in width, which could be an issue for people with wider feet.
  • Higher Cost: Quality and the Stetson name brand come at a premium price.

8. Thursday Boot Company

Primarily known for their high-quality, direct-to-consumer lace-up boots, Thursday has successfully applied its formula to the Western boot world.

• Pros:
  • Exceptional Value: Thursday is known for packing high-end features like a Goodyear welt and quality leathers into a very affordable boot.
  • Versatile Style: Their designs strike a balance between rugged and refined, making them suitable for a variety of casual and semi-formal settings.
  • Great Comfort: Their boots feature a Poron® antimicrobial insole and a cork midsole that conforms to your foot, providing excellent comfort.
  • Durable Construction: The boots are made with full-grain leather, steel shanks, and studded rubber outsoles for traction.
  • User-Friendly: The brand has excellent customer service, free returns, and a reputation for a minimal break-in time.
• Cons:
  • More Fashion-Focused: While they are well-made, they are not intended for heavy-duty work like a dedicated work boot brand.
  • Limited Wide Sizes: They do not offer wide widths in all of their models, which can be an issue for some buyers.

9. Dingo Cowboy Boots

Dingo is a fashion-forward brand with roots in the ’70s, known for making stylish and accessible boots.

• Pros:
  • Affordable Price: Dingo boots are a great option for a buyer on a budget who wants to experiment with Western style.
  • Fashion-Centric Designs: The brand is known for its fun, trendy designs, including distressed leathers and unique colors.
  • Comfortable: Many customers report that Dingo boots are comfortable and require little to no break-in.
  • Easy to Wear: They are designed as a lifestyle boot, perfect for concerts, festivals, or casual wear.
  • Wide Variety of Styles: Dingo offers a wide range of silhouettes, from classic Western to modern booties.
• Cons:
  • Lower Durability: They are not built with the same rugged construction as a work boot and are not intended for heavy use.
  • Not a Heritage Brand: Dingo’s focus on fashion means they lack the deep heritage and traditional construction of a brand like Justin or Tony Lama.

10. Frye Cowboy Boots

An American heritage brand known for its iconic style and high-quality leather goods.

• Pros:
  • Timeless Style: Their designs are classic and have a fashion-forward appeal that never goes out of style.
  • Beautiful Leather: Frye is known for using high-quality leathers that develop a rich, unique patina over time.
  • Durable for Casual Wear: The boots are well-made and can last for many years of casual use.
  • Versatile: They can be dressed up or down, making them a wardrobe staple.
  • Brand Recognition: The Frye name is synonymous with American heritage and quality.
• Cons:
  • Fashion Over Function: They are not built for demanding work or riding.
  • High Price: The price point can be steep for a fashion boot.

11. Anderson Bean Cowboy Boots

Known for combining the robust build of a work boot with a distinct, flashy style.

• Pros:
  • Durability and Style: Blends a rugged, functional build with eye-catching designs, making them popular in the rodeo circuit.
  • High-Quality Leathers: Uses high-grade hides and offers a wide array of options, including colorful tops and exotic vamps.
  • Customizable: Known for their ability to be customized, allowing riders and cowboys to express their personality.
  • Made in the USA: A sister brand to Rios of Mercedes, their boots are also handcrafted in Texas.
  • Can Be Re-soled: Like Rios of Mercedes, they are built to be worn hard and repaired over and over again.
• Cons:
  • Long Break-In Period: The sturdy construction can require a more significant break-in.
  • Not for the Minimalist: The designs can be too loud for those who prefer a more subdued look.

12. Olathe Cowboy Boots

A brand with a deep history in bootmaking, revered for its authentic fit and construction, particularly for riding.

• Pros:
  • Superior Fit for Riding: Their boots are built on a traditional riding last, which provides a secure and comfortable fit in the stirrup.
  • Authentic Western Style: Known for their no-frills, classic cowboy boot aesthetic that prioritizes function.
  • Rugged Construction: Built to last with all-leather soles and durable craftsmanship.
  • Made in the USA: Handcrafted in Texas, preserving the tradition of bootmaking.
  • Trusted by Cowboys: A brand with a loyal following among working cowboys who value substance over style.
• Cons:
  • Requires Break-In: The traditional fit can feel tight at first.
  • Not a Fashion Brand: Their boots are more focused on function than on trendy styles.

13. Tecovas Cowboy Boots

A modern brand that has revolutionized the market with a direct-to-consumer model and clean, minimalist designs.

• The Highs:
  • Excellent Value: By cutting out the middleman, Tecovas offers high-quality, handcrafted boots for a very competitive price.
  • Comfortable Fit: Known for their comfortable footbeds and minimal break-in time.
  • Timeless Style: The designs are clean and classic, making them versatile for both casual wear and dressier occasions.
  • Great Customer Experience: Their direct-to-consumer model often includes free shipping and returns, simplifying the buying process.
  • Quality Materials: Uses high-grade leather, including calfskin and exotic skins, for a luxurious feel.

The Lows

• Limited Styles: Their selection is more curated and less expansive than heritage brands.
• Fashion-Forward: Some of their boots lean more towards fashion than heavy-duty work.

14. Rios of Mercedes Cowboy Boots

A legendary bootmaker with a reputation for creating boots that are both functional and built to last for generations.

• What We Love
  • Ultimate Durability: Known for their robust, all-leather construction and the ability to be re-soled many times over.
  • Heritage Fit: Built on a traditional last, they provide a tight, custom fit that molds to your foot over time.
  • Authentic Craftsmanship: Worn by generations of working cowboys and respected for their no-nonsense, high-quality build.
  • Made in the USA: Proudly handmade in Texas, preserving the tradition of American bootmaking.
  • High-Quality Materials: Uses only the finest leathers, ensuring a beautiful look and feel that improves with age.
• The Lows:
  • Significant Break-In: The initial fit can be very tight and requires a committed break-in period.
  • Higher Price: Their premium craftsmanship comes at a premium price.