Last Updated September 2020.
Like many wardrobe staples of Americana, cowboy boots have an iconic style and are rooted in function. Pull them on, wear them hard, use them for years. They look equally at home on the ranch and in the city and they’re built to take a beating. From Lucchese and Tony Lama to Tecovas and Heritage Boot Co., cowboy boots span heritage makers and fresh competition. So stop obsessing over Chelsea boots and embrace a domestic classic: the pull-on Western boot.
Tecovas Johnny Boots
Just Get This
Direct-to-consumer brand Tecovas has been on the radar of many a cowboy boot fan thanks to its balance of quality details and affordable prices. Its Johnny boot comes with a water-resistant suede, a leather stacked heel, and 3/4 goodyear welt construction.
Tony Lama Bingham Boots
Suede just feels better and if you're not convinced, Tony Lama's Bingham boots will persuade you. They're made in the USA and feature a 13-inch shaft, a sleek but square toe and double-stitchdown construction.
Ariat Sedona Boots
There aren't many boots better at a lower pricepoint than Ariat's Sedona Boots. They come with top-notch, full-grain leather uppers and long-lasting Duratread outsoles that'll see them go the extra mile and then some.
Justin Shawnee Boots
Often the first introduction to western boots, Justin's boots are hugely popular thanks to its combo of quality and price. The Shawnee's beautifully patinated leather upper and J-flex Comfort System mean they'll look and feel like they've been broken in for you.
Nocona Legacy Boots
Made in the USA boots are hard to come by at this price point, especially with as many quality details that the Nocona Legacy Boots have, Goodyear welted construction and lemonwood pegs among them.
Red Wing Pecos Boots
The Pecos boot from Red Wing has been around since the 1930s and offers a toned-down version of the traditional cowboy boot by forgoing the decorative stitching and exaggerated heel. The silhouette leans more into the work boot world and the durable Hawthorne Muleskinner leather will gain more satisfying texture with wear.
Rios of Mercedes Sand Elk Bottom Cowboy Boots
Rios of Mercedes has been crafting cowboy boots for over 160 years and its Sand Elk Bottom is a favorite. It features elegant french binding, western stitching at the shaft, a leather-rubber combination sole and a riding heel.
White's Plainsman Boots
Though White's is better known for its service boots, the Pacific Northwestern heritage brand unsurprisingly makes a great western boot. The full-grain leather uppers are accompanied by lowkey but no-doubt western stitching. And Goodyear-welted construction with leather shanks and midsoles along with a Vibram sole come together for a seriously solid boot.
Lucchese Tanner Boots
Lucchese multi-generational boot tradition is revered the world over and its roper-style Tanner Boot is a standout. Featuring a premium goat leather upper that’s full of patina and character off the bat, the Tanner is a shorter cowboy boot that’s built in Texas using a resolable welted construction
Heritage Boot Co. Ranch Hand Boots
Heritage Boot Co. has a vast array of cowboy offerings from the basic entry-level styles to boots with the exotic leather and hand-tooled designs. The Ranch Hand features a luscious brown suede for the upper which is then decorated with western stitching. The combination of the riding heel and the chiseled toe make it one of the most covetable boots on this list.
