Apparel Gear Riding

12 Best Cowboy Boots Brands You Won’t Regret

cowboy boots
mm
Written by Cathy H.

Quality, value, comfort, and fashion to boot

The right pair of cowboy boots can do it all. They’re comfortable for long days, safe to ride in, and fashionable enough for a night out. There’s nothing a truly great pair of cowboy boots can’t do.

Selecting one of the best cowboy boot brands ensures your kicks will meet (and exceed) expectations for years to come. Discover some of the most popular cowboy boot brands for all price ranges. 

Ariat

Named after the infamous Secretariat, Ariat revolutionized cowboy boots by melding athletic footwear technology into the classic cowboy boot silhouette. Although the brand has expanded to include durable footwear for non-equestrians, they continue to produce comfortable and stylish boots that meet the demands of this sport.

ariat round up boot

Click to see Ariat boots at Amazon

Why We Love Them:

  • 12-month warranty
  • Affordable price points
  • Lightweight
  • Made to last
  • Available internationally

Ideally Suited To:

  • Ranch work
  • Show ring
  • Fashionable comfort

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Old Gringo

Founded in 2000, Old Gringo Boots focuses heavily on artistic designs with a strong Latinx inspiration. Although some of the brightly embroidered boots clearly aren’t ideal to wear in a dusty arena, Old Gringo does offer plenty of traditional styles too.

old gringo sora boot

Click to see Old Gringo boots at Amazon

Why We Love Them:

  • Handmade
  • Fun designs
  • Variety of leathers to choose from
  • Knee-high and bootie styles available

Ideally Suited To:

  • Fashionable comfort
  • Show ring

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Justin

The first Justin boots were made in 1879, and they continue to be handcrafted in the U.S. today.

justin boots

Click to see Justin boots at Amazon

Why We Love Them:

Ideally Suited To:

  • Ranch work
  • Show ring
  • Fashionable comfort

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Roper

A brand owned by Karman Inc., Roper boots first hit the scene in 1986. Since then, they’ve become a popular option for people interested in anything from fashion to farm work.

roper boot

Click to see Roper boots at Amazon

Why We Love Them:

  • Affordable price points
  • Exotic leather options
  •  Removable REST insoles

Ideally Suited To:

  • Ranch work
  • Fashionable comfort

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Ferrini

Think you can’t afford exotic leather boots? Think again! Ferrini makes it possible, and they offer fun, bright, and intricate designs that will turn heads anywhere you go. A family-owned business founded in Italy more than 100 years ago, Ferrini is also known for comfort and durability.

ferrini boots

Click to see Ferrini boots at Amazon

Why We Love Them:

  • Handcrafted
  • Comfort features like a steel shank and rubber outsole
  • Affordable price points
  • Exotic leathers
  • Unique designs

Ideally Suited To:

  • Ranch work
  • Show ring
  • Fashionable comfort

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Tecovas

Handmade in León, Mexico, Tecovas cowboy boots feature soft leather that looks beautiful on its own. Featuring stitch designs without flashy colors or accessories, Tecovas boots are the perfect choice for a sophisticated, timeless look.

tecovas boot

Click to see Tecovas boots

Why We Love Them:

  • Handmade
  • Multiple leather options
  • Classic colors
  • “No questions asked” returns and exchanges

Ideally Suited To:

  • Ranch work
  • Fashionable comfort

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Lucchese

The Lucchese brothers immigrated to the United States from Italy in 1882 and opened their first bootmaking shop one year later in San Antonio. A high-end cowboy boot brand, Lucchese boots have been given as gifts to presidents and dignitaries around the world.

Lucchese boot

Click to see Lucchese boots at Amazon

Why We Love Them:

  • Incredible attention to detail
  • Exotic leathers available
  • Hand-stained options
  • Construction allows boots to be re-soled and repaired

Ideally Suited To:

  • Show ring
  • Fashionable comfort

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Tin Haul

Like Roper, Tin Haul is part of Karman, Inc. This high-end cowboy boot brand includes fun designs on the soles as well as the boots themselves, allowing you to really show off your personality.

tin haul boot

Click to see Tin Haul boots at Amazon

Why We Love Them:

  • Fun designs
  • Comfort cushion support system
  • Kids sizes
  • Handmade

Ideally Suited To:

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Smoky Mountain

A wholesale brand, Smoky Mountain combines comfort, fashion, and affordability in quality boots.

smoky mountain boot

Click to see Smoky Mountain boots at Amazon

Why We Love Them:

  • Affordable price points
  • Rubber and neoprene options
  • Leather and imitation leather options
  • Children’s sizes

Ideally Suited To:

  • Ranch work
  • Show ring
  • Fashionable comfort

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Durango

Founded over 50 years ago, the Durango brand was created for comfort and safety.

durango boot

Click to see Durango boots at Amazon

Why We Love Them:

  • Comfort features like steel shank and cushion flex insole
  • Full-grain and faux leather
  • Thick rubber outsole with plenty of grip

Ideally Suited To:

  • Ranch work
  • Fashionable comfort
  • Show ring

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Laredo

Part of the Dan Post family of brands, Laredo boots have been around for over 45 years. A variety of styles are available, from classic cowboy boots to head-turning fashionable boots.

laredo boot

Click to see Laredo boots at Amazon

Why We Love Them:

  • Exotic-looking styles without the exotic price
  • Rubber soles
  • Children’s sizes

Ideally Suited To:

  • Ranch work
  • Show ring
  • Fashionable comfort

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Tony Lama

The son of Italian immigrants, Tony Lama first started making boots for an apprentice around the age of 11 and later became a cobbler for the U.S. Cavalry at Fort Bliss. He founded his boot company in El Paso in 1911, and it remained a family-owned business until 1990, when Justin boots bought the Tony Lama brand.

tony lama boot

Click to see Tony Lama boots at Amazon

Why We Love Them:

  • Classic design appeal
  • Handmade and hand-tooled
  • Made to last
  • Variety of exotic leathers available

Ideally Suited To:

  • Ranch work
  • Show ring
  • Fashionable comfort

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Justin a good boot brand?

Yes! Justin boots consistently earn praise for being comfortable, long-lasting, good-looking, and affordable.

What kinds of boots do real cowboys wear?

Real cowboys have their own personal preferences. There’s no single brand that dominates the scene. If it’s comfortable and provides protection in the saddle, it can be a real cowboy boot.

Are there fake Lucchese boots?

Given Lucchese boots’ price tag, there are bound to be fakes circulating somewhere. Use caution when buying them anywhere besides directly from Lucchese or another reputable dealer.

What is the most expensive pair of cowboy boots?

The most expensive pair of cowboy boots started out as a 1978 edition of Tony Lama boots and were transformed into a piece of art by Jack Armstrong. They sold for $6 million and are known as the Cosmic Cowboy Boots.

Who owns Ariat boot?

The Fisher family – who also own Gap, Inc. – now owns Ariat.

What are the best exotic boot brands?

Cowboy boots are most often made from cowhide, which is easy to find, durable, and affordable.

However, companies are continuing to experiment with and expand their materials to include ostrich leather or lizard. Know that these different materials may require different care (some are more prone to cracking or drying out).

Here are some must-have boot brands, if exotic is your thing:

  • Tecovas (ostrich leather, lizard leather, caiman belly)
  • Lucchese (alligator)
  • Dan Post (ostrich leather, lizard leather)
  • Laredo (python leather)
  • Los Altos (crocodile leather)
  • Cuadra (stingray leather)

What are the most expensive cowboy boot brands?

Second only to horses and saddles, horse enthusiasts tend to have an eye for expensive boots.

Cowboy boots in particular can get pricey, given the custom, handmade nature of their leather designs. You can opt for anything from Swarovski crystals to custom designs and materials.

Here are a few companies whose price tags top the charts:

  • Ferrini (Stallion American Alligator Boot, $1,400-$1,500)
  • Lucchese (options ranging from $2,000 to $15,000)
  • Philipp Plein (options from $2,000 to $6,000)
  • Tres Outlaws Boot Company ($1,700-$5,000)
  • Tony Lama (Kango Nile Crocodile, $1,100-$1,200)

What boots does John Dutton wear?

John Dutton wears Justin boots in the show Yellowstone.

yellowstone

Click to watch Yellowstone on Amazon Prime

Parting Thoughts

Cowboy boot brand preferences can be very personal. Fortunately, there are so many high-quality brands to choose from, you’re sure to find one that matches your style, budget, and sizing needs.

P.S. Enjoy this article? Trot on over to:

Sources

https: //www.justinboots.com/en-US/landing/yellowstone

https: //www.sfgate.com/business/article/Ariat-Western-wear-bought-by-Gap-s-Fisher-family-3621722.php

https: //moneyinc.com/most-expensive-cowboy-boots-in-the-world/

 
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About the author

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Cathy H.

The only thing I love more than blogging about horses is hanging out with my Appoloosa gelding Chacos. (I also have a soft spot in my heart for OTTBs, thanks to my first childhood horse!) Chacos and I enjoy training across multiple English and Western disciplines. #varietyisthespiceoflife