For years, cowboy boots have flooded the fashion industry, becoming more popular each day. Anyone can pick up a pair of western boots and show how fashion-forward they are no matter what they do and where they come from.
These increasingly accessible boots have made their claim to fame far and wide. It’s essential to understand how many styles and types of wear are available to you before you choose a pair! Use this comprehensive guide to men’s cowboy boot styles to discover the right pair for yourself as you search the market.
Traditional Boots
When cowboy boots first started out, these were the original style that riders wore. They fulfill the sole purpose of assisting and protecting cowboys and ranchers while riding horseback. In the design, there is a long shaft that protects the foot, ankle, and calf from rubbing against the horse and outside elements.
The toes taper down to a narrow point to assist with getting your boot through the stirrups when climbing on the horse. The boot also incorporates a high heel to lock the boot in place and prevent the rider from falling off the horse or shifting out of place while riding.
Roper Boots
These boots are a little more simplified in their design and serve an entirely different job scope than traditional boots. Ropers are ideal for roping cattle, so the design of these boots ensures that you keep your feet planted firmly on the ground.
The first thing that you might notice is that the heel is lower than other boot designs, and this change gives ropers better traction. There is also a shorter shaft, which makes the boot more comfortable. However, the trade-off is that there is less grip on the leg—but it’s a fair trade-off for sustained comfort.
Work Cowboy Boots
These boots are exactly as advertised; they’re work boots that suit hard workers. They incorporate an extra thick and hardened rubber sole for gripping through the roughest terrains and added mid and outer sole support for those long and exhausting shifts. Work cowboy boots usually come a little wider around the midsole and toe.
This change is for stability and balance, which are necessary for heavy-duty jobs. If you happen to own a pair of these men’s country boots, then you might also notice that most brands incorporate a steel toe. This comes standard with most work boots as a way to protect your toes from anything you might drop, kick, or wedge your boot into while you’re working.
Short Cowboy Boots
It’s rare that you will see these unique cowboy boots as they are more of a fashion statement than a practical choice. In the sixties, they were known as Chelsea boots, but now they take on a different meaning altogether.
Short cowboy boots are exceptionally easy to put on and take off, unlike their original counterparts, which include a zip-up feature from both sides of the boot. These days, elastic takes the place of zippers to improve the boot’s longevity, and it’s easier to work with when putting boots on and taking them off.
Exotic Cowboy Boots
It’s even more of a rarity to see this boot style out and about as they are merely for luxury and style. To own a pair of exotic cowboy boots means that you’re willing to invest in quality footwear, as these are high-dollar items.
There are multiple reasons behind this elevated cost, too. Exotic cowboy boots rely on the hides of exotic animals, often those creatures that produce some of the most comfortable or eye-catching leathers on the planet. What makes these cowboy boots even more special is that due to the high quality of the leather, you can expect to have a pair of these for a lifetime so long as you care for them properly. Exotic cowboy boots utilize ostrich, alligator, snake, and even fish leather.
Dress Cowboy Boots
For more fashionable events, you might want to slip on a pair of dress cowboy boots. These are sure to make a statement wherever you go, as the features that come with them make them shine. One of their highlights is the intricacy of stitching around the shafts and the front end of the boots.
Dress cowboy boots have high-quality embroidery with all kinds of images, from flowers to geometric designs. This style is certainly not for the everyday wearer as they are much more costly than your standard pair of cowboy boots. While the cost is higher, the craftsmanship and high-quality leather make these boots an investment worth considering.
Some dress cowboy boots come with a prefabricated look to make them seem distressed and well-worn, while others come with a stained look. The dress boot you choose just depends on your personal tastes and the look you’re ultimately going for by wearing cowboy boots.
Toe Shape
You might have your own reasons for wanting a particular style of boot toe, and that’s perfectly acceptable in the world of cowboy boots. This style of footwear comes in an assortment of shapes and sizes. Their toe shapes don’t disappoint when it comes to variety, either. The first and most classic shape you will encounter is the narrow-pointed toe.
The pointed-toe design of standard cowboy boots makes them suitable for fitting into stirrups, but today this iconic look is more of a fashion statement for most. You can also choose the flat toe, which isn’t as common but has recently become more popular among cowboy boot enthusiasts. Other types you can find include rounded toes, which are more indicative of work boots, and steel toes, which protect the toes from impacts and accidents.
While there may be many distinct types to choose from, there is certainly a cowboy boot style for everyone interested in owning a pair for themselves. In today’s world, you can wear cowboy boots with just about anything and remain fashion-forward.
Cowboy boots have truly come a long way from their humble beginnings and remain a staple of American culture and tradition. Use this comprehensive guide to men’s cowboy boot styles as you explore the wide variety of western footwear available to you!
