How to Wear Cowboy Boots: 5 Ways to Style Cowboy Boots

Cowboy boots are a boot style with historical roots that have been popularized for mainstream fashion. Originally, cowboy boots were riding boots worn by cowboys or cattle herders on horseback. These Western boots were made out of leather for durability, and cowboys paired them with spurs.

In some parts of the United States, ranchers and other field workers wear cowboy boots as work boots. These tall boots will keep your legs dry and bug-free when working outdoors. Elsewhere, cowboy boots have become a part of street style, with different styles worn for more casual, everyday use.

Cowboy boots may come in a few different styles with varying materials, toe shapes, and shaft and heel heights:

1. 1. Western cowboy boots: Also known as the classic pair of cowboy boots, Westerns have a tall boot shaft that extends to the mid-calf, a one-inch heel, and round or square toes. These boots sometimes feature a pointed toe, which became more popular in the mid-twentieth century.
2. 2. Roper boots: Roper boots, worn by cattle ropers, are similar to ankle boots. The boot shaft goes slightly above the ankle but not as high up as the Western. The heel is shorter, and this newer style of the boot may also have decorative lacing, making them more for streetwear than for riding.
3. 3. Animal skin boots: Cowboy boots are traditionally made out of cow leather, but bootmakers can use other animal skins to make cowboy-style boots. Alligator, lizard, elk, buffalo, and snakeskin are some examples of exotic animal skin boots.

Whether you’re wearing new boots or are thrifting for a pair of worn leather ones, there are different cowboy boots outfits you can experiment with:

1. 1. Start simple with jeans and a T-shirt. A pair of jeans makes for a classic combination with cowboy boots. A white T-shirt, bootcut jeans, a leather belt with a large buckle, and a pair of leather boots make for an easy, casual, and outdoor-friendly outfit.
2. 2. Craft a modern cowboy ensemble. Wear black cowboy boots, dark jeans, and a denim jacket. This combo evokes a bold, Western style.
3. 3. Embrace the Western look. Pair your cowboy boots with a cowboy hat, straight-leg jeans, and a flannel shirt to pay homage to this historical style. This look goes great for barbecues, rodeos, and country music concerts.
4. 4. Make your boots the star of the show. Wear a black dress with your cowboy boots to bring more attention to them, and if you want to give them more of a pop, try a more visually exciting pair, such as snakeskin boots.
5. 5. Create a smart-casual outfit. Tuck tights or skinny jeans into your pair of boots, wear a nicer top or button-down tucked into your pants, and cap off with a blazer worn over your shirt to create a chic and more refined take on this rugged boot style.

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