Best Cowboy Boots For Men

Even if you have never stepped onto a cattle ranch, you can still rock a pair of cowboy boots.

These are quickly becoming on-trend and yet are a testament to American craftsmanship.

To fit the niche, not all Wild Western-style boots can be considered cowboy boots, which you may need to clarify before you land yourself in trouble.

The best pair of cowboy boots do not just look good, they have to do the job. In other words, they need to be saddle-ready for a ride on a horse.

If the cowboy boots fail to have a rounded or pointed toe, or a Cuban heel, you may find yourself wobbling on a horse.

It can be quite embarrassing if your reason for falling off a horse was the incorrect pair of cowboy boots.

Remaining secure in the stirrup is a priority for a pair of cowboy boots, while also looking great.

They should also be comfortable and constructed out of tough leather to offer great protection.

The best cowboy boots also get better with age and should be in your wardrobe for years to come. Ready for whenever you ride a horse, head to a cattle ranch, or simply decide to rock a pair of boots.

OUR TOP PICK

Best For Comfort

For a pair of cowboy boots that you will get great everyday comfort from, consider the Wolverine Rancher Work Boots.

A square toe design with a removable OrthoLite cushioned footbed is ideal for a comfortable fit.

These are easy on and easy off with full-grain leather that truly feels exceptional which we liked in our testing.

These cowboy boots are well suited to daily use. Moisture wicking mesh lining will keep your feet cool and dry even in the hottest of conditions.

You should expect sweat while working on a ranch in the heat of summer, but not with these cowboy boots.

Then there is a rubber lug outsole for the best in traction on a variety of surfaces.

Pros

  • Full-Grain Leather - For the premium feel, go for full-grain leather
  • Moisture Wicking Mesh Lining - Your feet should feel dry at all times thanks to a mesh lining that takes away moisture
  • Removable OrthoLite - Extra support and comfort comes from a cushioned footbed that molds to your feet
  • Rubber Lug Outsole - Ideal traction with an outsole that will grip the surface 
  • Steel Shank - For reliable support, a steel shank will see you wearing these all day and for years to come with little complaint

Cons

  • Loose Heel - There are some reports that the heel can be a little loose

Also available directly from Wolverine Rancher

EDITORS CHOICE

Best For Budget

While cowboy boots should be durable and come from premium leather, few are as affordable as Laredo’s Lodi Western Boots.

For that budget-friendly price, you still get a pair of boots in an authentic, traditional style that looks great.

Though the boots may require a bit of breaking in, the hinged cushion insole is flexible, supportive, and comfortable.

A broad square toe with a rubber outsole are features that you should expect in cowboy boots but we still liked in our testing.

These boots come with a cowboy-approved outsole and it shows when combined with a Stockman heel that offers versatility for that quality reliability.

While these are affordable, once you consider the look, comfort, and support, you may be surprised at the price tag.

Pros

  • Affordable Price Tag - Cowboy boots need not come with a hefty price tag, as these prove
  • Traditional Style - Laredo have been making western boots for over 45 years and have stuck to their authentic styling
  • Hinged Cushion Insole - A dual-density EVA cushioned soft footbed is flexible and has gel pillows at all the right places
  • Stockman Heel - Versatility from a heel that can be suitable for all kinds of activities

Cons

  • Require Breaking In - These boots may require a longer break-in but it is worth it

BEST VALUE

Best For Big Calves

If comfort is your number one priority then grab a pair of Ariat Men's Workhog Wide Square Toe H2O Steel Toe Work Boots.

These come with all the technology to keep your feet dry and stable yet also come with added features that are built for comfort.

Take the leather, for instance, full-grain and waterproof with a premium build to keep performing in wet conditions.

A cushioning EVA midsole also means less foot fatigue which we liked in our testing.

ATS Max Technology not only means great torsional stability but also comfort that lasts and lasts.

This is a renowned pair of cowboy boots to slip on with the U-Turn Entry System insisting on an ideal fit.

There is even comfort from the Duratread outsole which offers flexibility as well as traction on difficult surfaces.

Pros

  • Waterproof Pro - The leather is waterproof and full-grain for a premium build
  • ATS Max - These boots are built for comfort with added stability and moisture prevention technology
  • Duratread Outsole - Outstanding wear resistance and easy cleaning from a flexible outsole
  • Cushioning EVA Midsole - For even more comfort, the midsole is designed to reduce foot fatigue
  • U-Turn Entry System - A truly slip-on boot that should provide a natural and true fit

Cons

  • Ideal For Wide Legs - Though the U-Turn Entry System should mean a great fit, these boots are not especially ideal for those with especially slim legs

Also available directly from Ariat

RUNNER UP

Best For Stylish Design

Cowboy boots should be durable yet they can also be fashionable when you want to make a statement.

The stylish stitching for the Guide Gear Cowboy Boots really does make an impression which we liked in our testing.

They are also lightweight and easy to slip on, proving that looking good can be comfortable too.

Especially with padded insoles that leave your feet feeling cushioned and supported.

While the design looks wholly intricate, the maintenance is relatively simple.

The rubber outsole requires little checking and you only need to wipe it with some water for a clean.

For a convenient pair of cowboy boots that are also eye-catching, you would do well to find a  better pair.

Pros

  • Stylish Stitching - For boots that are designed to turn heads, the intricate stitching really works
  • Lightweight - These cowboy boots are easy to slip on and not as heavy as you may think
  • Padded Insoles - Great comfort comes when your feet are cushioned with thick padding
  • Simple Maintenance - You only need to wipe the rubber outsole with water for a clean and polish

Cons

  • Narrow Toe Box - The toe box is ideal for those with narrow feet but may not be suitable for those with wide feet

RUNNER UP

Best For Wide Square Toe

You can rely on Durango to produce a cowboy boot that combines traditional Western style with modern technology.

In the Durango Men’s DB594 11 you can expect a slip-resistant outsole that should get to grips with whatever surface you go on.

The wide square toe is also ideal if you have larger feet for a roomier toe box.

The thick Strider heel should also prove long-lasting, as should the rest of the boot.

With a cushion flex insole, you can expect a comfortable fit which we liked in our testing.

The ankle straps are a welcome feature that also helps gain a comforting fit and means adaptability when you need to change the fit.

A leather upper for worthwhile durability while the softness and brown hue of the leather make these a great pair for casual events too.

Pros

  • Slip Resistant Outsole - The rubber outsole is designed to be oil and slip-resistant while offering great traction
  • Wide Square Toe - Plenty of room in the toe box, even if you have wide feet
  • Strider Heel - A full two inches should be long-lasting and provide support
  • Cushion Flex Insole - Easy to slip on and the insole brings some added comfort
  • Ankle Straps - An added feature that help for a great fit and adaptability

Cons

  • Heavy Weight - These boots may be heavier than most yet they are long-lasting

Also available directly from Durango

Best Cowboy Boots For Men

Buyers’ Guide

For such durable, pricey footwear there should be quite a lot to consider when buying cowboy boots.

Like any pair of boots, the material is key so you should make a decision between cow leather, or boots made out of gator or snakeskin.

There is a fashionable aspect to consider with the material as gator or snakeskin can simply look more exotic while cow leather is suitably traditional.

Comfort is a priority and the toe box has two different options depending on the shape of your feet. 

Cowboy boots are designed to last for years so a pair that is comfortable with the right support is also essential.

There is limited adjustability as these are generally slip-on so finding a pair of cowboy boots that look great and feel good can be quite tricky. 

Material

You may think that there is only one material that is suited to a cowboy boot; cow leather, which is tough leather too.

While it may be the most recognized material for a cowboy boot you need to check its validity.

It should be of a premium-build and ideally be full-grain leather. Only 100% leather will do yet it can be made from creatures other than cattle.

For a truly in-vogue cowboy boot, seek out snakeskin. All that style comes at a cost, and that is not purely the price tag either.

These boots will look stunning yet can be considered extremely fragile so require a lot of care. With a delicate brush for getting rid of soil as well as debris and only use conditioners that are specifically designed for snakeskin.

Any other conditioner and you may be harming the snakeskin, instead of conditioning it properly.

You would be hard-pressed to find evidence of an alligator near most ranches, aside from the odd cowboy boot.

Gator skin creates exceedingly reliable cowboy boots which, like snakeskin, also require a significant level of care. Again, that means using a brush to eliminate soil and then a saddle-cleanser to clean them up. 

A reptile-explicit conditioner should also be used to keep your boots looking great. You can also use a non-silicone climate protectant for a bit more protection against the elements.

Boots made out of gator skin may also struggle for durability if left to dry out which is worth keeping in mind.

Toe Box

Like any pair of boots, careful consideration has to go into the toe box. With limited room, you may find your feet aching after a few hours wearing your boots.

Considering you are likely to be outside for hours, this is certainly a consideration to keep in mind. With cowboy boots, there are two different types of kinds that affect the toe box and its size.

There are adjusted style boots that are better for those with slender, narrow feet. Square-toe boots should be a better fit for bigger feet.

Comfort/Cushioning

Cowboy boots are no different from any other boots in that they should be comfortable to wear.

If you want to be wearing your boots all day, they should be a pleasure to have on your feet. Thankfully, a lot of manufacturers have considered the cushioning of their cowboy boots so you should expect some features to look after your feet.

An absolute necessity for comfort should be stun engrossing padded soles or cushioning insoles. Both will soften the impact of difficult terrain to make it easier on your feet.

There are several other options that you can also look into. These include materials such as EVA, latex, or adaptive padding.

Support

True cowboy boots include a Cuban heel so support can be difficult to find to accommodate such a pronounced feature.

The boots should be strong and where they do offer support this should be in the heel and curve. However, if you do suffer from certain conditions with your feet, you may want to research additional support.

This is particularly important if you suffer from back or knee pain as cowboy boots usually fail to offer sufficient aid.

Custom orthotics or supplements should also be considered if you have a condition like level feet.

Design

The fashion-conscious should know that a pair of cowboy boots can enhance a carefully chosen outfit. Not every outfit though, but one that conveys your flamboyant, daring sense of style but also your own stature.

For instance, if you are taller than most then you should get a taller pair of cowboy boots. Just as you would with any pair of boots, they have to compliment you.

Durability

For the premium cost of a pair of cowboy boots, you should be looking for durability.

These are supposed to be long-lasting and considered an investment. For a sizable outlay, you should be wearing these boots regularly so try to select a pair that you can rely on, especially in adverse weather conditions. 

Adjustability

If you are considering a pair of cowboy boots, you should be aware that they are typically slip-on. No laces, no Velcro straps, no bands, and typically no zips.

As cowboy boots are generally made out of tough leather, there should be some obligation to match the shape of your feet.

This might mean some breaking in over a couple of days and maybe a tiny extension to the size. These are cowboy boots though, they are supposed to be solid so there may be little wiggle room.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I not wear with cowboy boots?

There are certain trousers and jeans that you definitely should not try to wear with cowboy boots.

If you do decide to wear jeans, these should ideally be close-fitted and dark. Light blue jeans should not be considered as the darker, the better.

In terms of cut, a boot-cut pair of jeans will naturally look good with a pair of cowboy boots whereas any other style would not be as suitable. 

There are ideal ways to wear your cowboy boots too. If you are working on the farm or on a site then that is a reasonable reason to tuck your jeans into your boots.

However, if wearing the cowboy boots casually then the jeans should be out. 

How hard should it be to remove my cowboy boots?

Some cowboy boots may require breaking in to find the ideal fit so wear them around the house before taking them outside.

There may only be a minimal amount of extra wiggle room but that could make a lot of difference.

Cowboy boots can be quite stiff so they should be a snug fit yet may be difficult to get on and even require a bit of effort. 

Once your cowboy boots are broken in, they should be quite easy to put on and then remove.

That should get easier over time, as you wear the boots more regularly the leather should soften making the process of taking them off seem effortless.

Best Cowboy Hats

Cowboy hats are one of the most iconic images that you can find.

Whether you are a fan of Westerns on the silver screen or you actually go out and rustle cows and horses yourself,

you’ll be more than aware of the wide brim and pointed middle that characterizes these accessories.

But what do they actually do? Well, a good cowboy hat will always firstly keep the sun and dust out of your eyes as well as keep the light off your face.

Cowboys will often find themselves out in the daylight for long hours, so having the right level of UV protection is extremely important.

But these hats are not just for cowboys. You can always wear these hats when you are out shopping or hitting the tiles on a wild night out.

Cowboy hats have become popular accessories in recent years, so you won’t look that strange if you choose to wear one with your favorite outfit.

Cowboy hats also come in all different shapes and sizes. You can get basic ones made from wool, fancy ones made from felt or durable ones made from straw.

Durability is very important, especially if you are wearing your cowboy during rodeo competitions.

So where exactly can you find some of the best cowboy hats? What materials should you be looking for?

What features do the best cowboy hats have? How can you be sure that your cowboy hat will stand the test of time?

How much can you be looking to spend on a high-end cowboy hat?

Well, if you want the answers to these questions and a whole lot more, then we would suggest that you keep reading.

We have compiled a list of some of the best cowboy hats that you can find on the market.

We’ll be looking at how resilient they are, how stylish they are and how affordable they are to get you the best for your buck!

Best Cowboy Hats

OUR TOP PICK

First off, we’re going to start with a classic cowboy hat brand, the Mercedes of cowboy hat manufacturers.

This hat is a great starting point for anyone who is new to the cowboy hat-wearing game.

This hat is sleek and stylish, coming with a pinched brim that will make it easy to take on and off - introducing the Stetson Men’s Bozeman Outdoor Hat.

This hat is made from pure wool, and you really can tell that as soon as you touch it.

This is soft but wears well, easily able to withstand plenty of dust, which is handy if you will be wearing this out on the ranch.

This comes in a few different colors, so you can buy one that suits you or a few to complement the range of outfits that you have.

This hat is also one of the most resilient that we have found. When we tested it, it not only fit really well, but the brim gave us plenty of coverage over our face and eyes.

This hat will fit snugly to most heads and will not cause you any chafing, which is often an issue with hats made from coarser material.

Pros

  • With a wide and pinched brim, you can be sure that this hat will give you maximum comfort as well as shield your eyes from the harsh sunlight.
  • This hat is made from wool, which not only means that it will not succumb to wear and tear from dust, but it will also dry easier after the rain.
  • This comes with a leather hatband, which really adds that touch of authenticity and will allow you to keep any odds and ends that you don’t want getting crushed in your pocket.
  • This also comes with a leather sweatband that will help you to absorb a lot of the moisture that accumulates when you are out in the sun after a long day.

Cons

  • This hat might be slightly too large, even for the largest head. If you can, we would recommend trying on this hat before committing to a purchase.

You can also find this product here.

EDITORS CHOICE

Next up, we have another hat from the brilliant Stetson brand, this one is perfect for anyone who is looking for something that fits a little more comfortably on their head.

This is because of the soft wool element, which will not rub or chafe the top of the forehead, a common issue with harder brushed hats - introducing Stetson Men’s Gus Soft Wool Crushable Cowboy Hat.

When it comes to having a foldable hat, then this Stetson is perfect for you.

If you are planning on taking a long trip across your acreage with a lot of gear and you want a hat that you can easily stow away, then look no further than this one.

You can crush this up, unfold it and wear it without deforming the original shape.

This hat is very stylish, giving you everything that you need for complementing a lot of cowboy wear.

In fact, we found that this is one of the best cowboy hats to wear for a competition or just when you are hitting the town.

We would certainly recommend this hat for anyone who wants to look good.

Pros

  • This hat is great for working outdoors, giving you all the protection that you need from UV rays, dust and the occasional downpour of rain.
  • This hat is also extremely stylish, you can wear it in every scenario, perfectly complementing the classic check shirt.
  • This hat is extremely comfortable, it will not chafe you on the head or give you any cause to take it off when you are doing hard labor. It is also great for absorbing sweat and grime.
  • You can crush up this woolen hat without having to worry about losing its shape. This will definitely be of concern to anyone who is wearing the hat for purely cosmetic reasons.

Cons:

  • With such versatility and comfort unfortunately comes a higher price tag. You should really only buy this hat if you are going to be wearing it regularly.

You can also find this product here

BEST VALUE

Next up, we have something that is a little more durable, coming in a moody black color that you can be sure will get all heads turning at the rodeo.

This hat is thick and warm, making it great for keeping your head warm on those frosty winter mornings.

We would certainly recommend this hat for the serious cowboy - introducing Ariat Accessories Wool Cowboy Hat.

This hat is heavy and hearty, giving you everything that you need for a decent level of comfort.

This comes with a three-piece leather strap around the middle, which is very important if you are looking to keep your hands free and carry some things in your hat rather than your pocket.

This hat is black, so you can be sure that it will not show up stains or even any burn marks.

We all know how hazardous it can get in the great outdoors, and to some cowboys, it is important to look presentable the whole time.

This hat comes with a wide brim, so you can be sure that you will receive maximum protection.

Pros

  • This comes with a sweatband with a buckle that you can use to affix items to including playing cards, your mobile phone or a credit card.
  • This hat is very durable and you can even fold it up, which is very useful if you are travelling in a car with a lot of gear.
  • This comes with a pinched brim that will more or less stay in shape no matter how firmly you crush it.
  • This comes made with 100% wool, which makes it very absorbent, even when you are taking it out in the rain.

Cons

  • This is another very expensive hat, so make sure that you are going to be wearing this hat a lot before forking out for it.

You can also find this product here

RUNNER UP

Justin Men’s Rodeo 3X Wool Felt Cowboy Hat

This next hat is one for someone who likes their cowboy hats to be dripping with luxury.

You can be sure that you’ll have everything that you need to turn some heads when you are at your next rodeo.

This comes with a wide brim that you can be sure will give you everything that you need to screen your eyes and face from UV light - introducing Justin Men’s Rodeo 3X Wool Felt Cowboy Hat.

This cowboy hat will be difficult to bend or break, giving you a guarantee that it will maintain its shape even if you have it wrapped up with the rest of your belongings in the back of your pickup for a long-haul journey.

This hat is pure felt, so it will be able to resist the elements such as rain and wind just as well as their wool counterparts.

This hat is a stylish black color and will fit in with most types of outfit, from check shirts to plain black jeans and shirts.

This also has a very smooth feel and will not result in any chafing on the forehead or the back of the neck. This hat is also very accommodating and can fit most head sizes.

Pros

  • This hat is one of the most durable on this list. If you are spending long hours outdoors, then this is the perfect hat to be wearing.
  • This hat can be crushed and placed in the back of your wagon or truck. However, we would recommend keeping its shape to make it last as long as possible.
  • This felt hat comes with a wide brim, which is perfect for helping you to keep the sun out of your face. This hat will also keep you very warm, as it has a thick body.
  • This is one of the most thermally versatile hats currently on the market. You can be sure that you’ll retain as much heat as possible.

Cons

  • This hat might be a little bit too luxurious for your average cowboy that is looking to hit the trail multiple times in a day.

RUNNER UP

Finally, we have the cheapest hat that is currently available on the market. For under $30, you can get a very decent cowboy hat that will be very reliable in sun, rain or even snow.

This comes in a very stylish shape that will keep the sun from your eyes and out of your face - introducing UwantC Mens Faux Felt Western Cowboy Hat.

This hat is made from a blend of polyester, leather and felt, although that really doesn’t make it any less durable than the more expensive wool models.

This hat is great for all weathers, so you really need not worry about getting caught in the rain or the frost.

If you have a wide brim, then you can be sure that no sun will get in your eyes, which is useful when doing complex manual work.

Pros

  • This hat comes in a wide range of stylish colors, there really is something for everybody with this range.
  • If you are looking for a decent hat with a wide brim, then you won’t need to look that much further. This will keep your eyes screened from intense sunlight.
  • The price - when it comes to getting a reasonably-priced hat, then this is the model for you. This is great for someone who might only want a cowboy hat as an accessory or to wear at tournaments.

Cons

  • This hat is much cheaper than a wool version, which means that the material that it is made from is much cheaper overall.

Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to having the right cowboy hat, you’ll need to think about exactly what you’ll be using it for.

If you are just wanting one for cosmetic purposes, then you should have a hat that is cheaper and made from less expensive material.

Best Cowboy Hats

However, if you are going to be wearing it on the ranch, then you should spend extra dollars.

Here are a few things that you’ll be looking for when shopping for another hat:

How Well Does It Fit?

Comfort is just as important as style when it comes to cowboy hats and you won’t want a hat that is constantly slipping down over your eyes or riding up at the back of your neck.

What Material Is It Made From?

Material is a very important factor when you are considering how long your hat is going to last. If you have a hat that is made from felt, then you can expect it to last you for at least a year.

You can get cheaper hats that are made from polyester or a mixture of leather and felt. However, if you are going to pay for a cheaper hat, then it won’t last you as long.

These hats are designed to be used in the harshest weather conditions, so it is important that you should have a hat either made of felt or robust polyester.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does The X On A Cowboy Hat Mean?

The X will usually tell you how much fur is contained in your hat. If your hat comes with a high fur content, then you can be sure that it will be more durable and resistant to the elements.

If your hat comes with the 100X rating, then you can be sure that it will incorporate elements of rabbit and beaver, as well as wool blends. A hat that contains 100X fur will be a lot smoother and more comfortable than a 2X wool hat.

When Should You Remove Your Cowboy Hat?

A good time to remove your hat is when the national anthem is sung. This is practiced in most rodeos and cowboy conventions.

Make sure that your hat is firmly on your head, as it is considered bad etiquette to show the lining of your hat.

If you are taking off your hat for any extended period, then we would recommend that you place it on the floor or upturned on a rack.

This will give the hat a chance to air out as well as helping you to maintain its shape.