Cowboy boots are no longer just for ranchers, folks in the American Southwest, or actual cowboys (if they still exist?). While it once veered costume-y in other parts of the U.S., Western wear is officially having a mainstream cultural renaissance. That means cowboy boots aren’t just a smart wardrobe investment; they’re menswear must-haves. But what are the best cowboy boot brands? We’ve rounded up (or roped, if you will) the finest purveyors of cowboy boots for men right now.
Why Cowboy Boots? Why Now?
“It’s no longer cattlemen and ranch hands picking up the boots, but fashion-savvy guys wearing them on the streets of New York, Paris, and everywhere in between,” New York City-based fashion stylist Seppe Tirabassi tells Men’s Journal. “It’s on trend, but it will always remain a timeless footwear staple rooted in genuine American craftsmanship.”
Not all Western-style boots fit the cowboy category—they have to tick a few boxes that help their wearers be saddle-ready, per the original purpose. True cowboy boots come with a rounded or pointed toe, originally designed to help the foot enter a stirrup. They also have a Cuban heel (the fancy name for a straight, medium-high heel with a slightly curved back), which keeps the shoe secure once it’s in the stirrup. Cowboy boots have a high shaft that makes them easy to pull on, and you’ll never ever see laces or any other embellishment that could get caught on something while riding a horse. Lastly, they’re always constructed with durable material—mostly tough leather—to protect the wearer’s feet from brushes with barbed wire, animals, dust, and dirt.
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Now, we’re assuming you won’t be riding a horse into all manner of obstacles (though you’ll find suitable picks for that too!). The best cowboy boots for men can get away with a little deviation. One variation on the classic cowboy boot is the roper, essentially a streamlined modern version of the cowboy boot with a lower heel and shorter shaft. It was created for steer wrestlers at the rodeo who needed to run faster on foot. No matter what style you choose, however, cowboy boots only get better with age.
“They’re made to last a lifetime,” Tirabassi says. “And the more beat-up they look, the cooler they are. Second-hand boots can command even higher prices since customers are really going after the worn-in appeal.”
Below we’ve selected the 13 best cowboy boots brands, from the luxe to the delightfully affordable.
Best Cowboy Boot Brands of 2025 at a Glance
The Best Cowboy Boot Brands for Men
Wolverine
Wolverine’s brand-spankin’-new Rancher Pro boots (they launched on February 11) meet a delightful middle ground between looking cool and feeling amazing. The shoe is aided by a removable proprietary HyperRest memory foam footbed that is as supportive as it is pillowy. Practicality runs throughout these boots, including a waterproof membrane with moisture-wicking mesh lining. The brand also says that the full-grain leather upper is waterproof, though we advise only trudging through drizzles. It is leather, after all, and handsome at that (in three colorways: Cashew, Rust, and Titanium).
After a week of testing these out in L.A., including through some minor showers, I can confidently say they’re the cushiest boots I’ve ever worn. You can find more luxe pairs at higher prices, but based on their all-day utilitarianism matched by understated charm, I don’t think I’ll be quitting these guys soon.
Stetson
You know Stetson’s unmistakable cowboy hats, but do you know their boots? Now is the time to get acquainted. The Western boot options from the brand are copious, and while some are more subdued, it’s hard to ignore the flashy elegance of these teal-splotched Stetson Weston Roper Boots, rustic and modern in equal measure. While they’re not cheap, for this kind of heritage craftsmanship, the price is a deal.
Thursday Boot Company
We’ve sung the praises of Thursday Boot Company’s workwear durability and smartly streamlined designs before. The brand is not primarily known for its cowboy boots, but its options here are worth highlighting, including the glossy Maverick, which can travel from the rodeo to the boardroom to just about anywhere else. (Somehow we think even Maverick himself, Tom Cruise, would be a fan.)
Ariat
Named after the legendary racehorse Secretariat, Ariat integrates athletic footwear technology into its equestrian boots, which are among the most supremely comfortable and stylish on the market.
“The contrast between the leather and traditional stitching is a great detail on this particular boot,” Tirabassi says. “Go for a black-on-black look with slim black jeans that you can tuck into the boot so the artistic stitching really stands out. Throw on a leather jacket and you’re good to go.”
Justin
Justin Boot Company has expertly crafted authentic Western footwear in the United States since 1879.
“These guys are the original makers of the modern-day roper cowboy boot,” says Tirabassi. “The heel here is a little higher than what you’d normally see on a roper, but that just means you’ll stand a little taller and prouder.”
Old Gringo
Old Gringo’s handcrafted boots are known for featuring beautiful embroidery while also staying true to the roots of Western style. To get more use out of your boot, Tirabassi recommends investing in a simpler style with understated details.
“The distressed leather is a great look,” he says. “Pair it with a worn-in light wash or vintage jeans and a white tee. You’ll fit right in whether you’re on a Texas ranch or Sunset Boulevard in L.A.”
Frye
The Frye Company has been in the boot biz for over 150 years, and it has developed a loyal following for its signature designs that stand the test of time.
“Frye [cowboy boots] are versatile since there’s no flashy stitching, and they’re super comfortable since the round toe won’t cramp your feet,” says Tirabassi.
Tecovas
It takes over 200 steps to make a single Tecovas boot, and each one is crafted by hand in León, Mexico. Tecovas boots are known for their incredibly supple exotic leathers—from python to crocodile—as well as for their intricate stitch designs.
“If there’s one high-end pair to splurge on, it’s these Tecovas made from Nile crocodile,” Tirabassi says. “Don’t go stomping around the rodeo in this pair—show off your Marshalls when you’re dressing to impress at an upscale restaurant or fancy wedding.”
Lucchese
The Lucchese brothers came to America from Italy in 1882, and they opened their first boot shop in San Antonio, TX, the following year. Lucchese boots have a long-established reputation for superior quality and are often gifted to dignitaries worldwide.
Rios of Mercedes
Mexican-born and Texas-bred, Rios of Mercedes has been making some of the world’s finest handmade cowboy boots with artist-like devotion since 1853. The brand continues to earn endorsements from famed musicians and performance-horse greats alike.
Planet Cowboy
“Planet Cowboy in Nashville should be your go-to for anything cowboy-related,” says Tirabassi. Planet Cowboy also has its own in-house brand of Western boots—easily recognized by a signature wing pattern on the upper—that’s definitely worth checking out. The supple leather lining on this boot will wick moisture to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Rhodes
Rhodes’ selection of made-by-hand shoes ranges from chukkas to boat shoes and more—and all are made in a family-run factory in León, Mexico (the world’s emerging shoemaking capital). This Roper is at once rugged and refined.
Dan Post
With a focus on exotic skins and fancier leathers, Dan Post’s Cowboy Certified line of boots is a step above the brand’s beloved original collection. There’s no need to carve out time for breaking this pair in since they’re designed with signature Soft Strike technology to reduce blister-causing hotspots. They also come with a removable orthotic insole.
“These are made from caiman skin, which is in the same family as crocodile or alligator,” Tirabassi says. “Generally, caiman is a lot more affordable.”
Why You Should Trust Us
I’ve been writing and editing coverage of men’s style and grooming for over a decade, whether rhapsodizing about how I learned to love my bushy eyebrows (and why you should, too) or chasing down the best collectible Air Jordan sneakers. Over the years, I’ve learned from men’s fashion aficionados and tried out a few cowboy boots myself. For this list, we talked to stylists who know their cowboy boot brands, including Seppe Tirabassi, and extensively researched and tested options to determine the very best cowboy boots for men out there.
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About the author
Paul Jebara
Style & Travel Writer, Men's Journal