Cowboy boots aren't just for the rodeo. Here are 19 comfy pairs, according to stylists and editors

CNN

28-05-2025

Cowboy boots quick picks
Roper cowboy boots: Ariat Men's Heritage Roper Western Boots
Editor-loved cowboy boots: Tecovas The Annie Cowgirl Boots
Flower cowboy boots: Dolce Vita Women's Jessey Floral Pointed Toe Western Boots
Hand-stained leather cowboy boots: Lucchese Men's Easton Boots
Fashion-forward cowboy boots: Stetson Women's Sarah Western Boots If there's one footwear trend I'll never get tired of seeing this season, it's cowboy boots. From Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter tour to rodeo's influence on the runways, Western style is in full force and cowboy boots are becoming more mainstream. Between their comfort and versatility, they're a great addition to any wardrobe and, as it turns out, a wise financial decision too. 'Western-inspired style is having a major fashion moment, but cowboy boots are a smart long-term buy,' stylist Julie Matos said. 'They straddle trend and tradition, and when made well, they last for years.'
To help you find the best cowboy boots to add to your shoe rotation this year, we spoke with several fashion stylists who shared their insights on what to look for, along with their recommendations. Plus, CNN Underscored editors have also been going buck wild for the Western look and have some favorite pairs to share too.
A post shared by CNN Underscored (@cnnunderscored)Ariat Women's Heritage Roper Western Boots
Matos and Jordan Tonniges, a stylist at LookingGlass, both recommend these full grain leather boots designed for barn-to-dinner wear. 'Ariat is known for its comfort tech, and these boots deliver,' Tonniges said. 'With lower heels, cushioned insoles and durable leather, they're a go-to for all-day wear, especially if you're new to cowboy boots and want something timeless and easy on your feet.'
Ariat Men's Heritage Roper Western Boots
These boots come in three widths — narrow, medium and wide — and are available in several colors, including a distressed brown, if you prefer a more rugged look.
Durango Women's Crush Black Beauty Western Boots
'Bold, playful and surprisingly comfortable, these boots feature soft mesh lining, flex insoles and a fashion-forward embroidered design,' Matos said. She recommends these faux-leather cowboy boots, which range from sizes 6 to 11, for those wanting a comfortable but more glamorous pair of shoes.
Dingo Women's Out West Boots
Fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw is a fan of Dingo's boots and considers this pair, which she has in red, to be her boldest. 'I also have the knee-high Movin On style in black with contrast stitching,' she said. 'They both stay true to Western style and are done in suede. I get compliments whenever I wear either pair.'
Ariat Women's Belinda StretchFit Boots
According to Nadia Michel, a Texas-based stylist and the founder of Mind and Matter, the Belinda StretchFit Boots strike the perfect balance between style and comfort. Complete with J-toes and 2.5-inch heels, these leather boots feature Ariat's Advanced Torque Stability (ATS) technology for all-day wear. They also feature hidden stretchy panels to accommodate different calf sizes.
Sam Edelman Women's James Pointed-Toe Western Boots
Weil recommends these cowboy boots from Sam Edelman. 'These are classic in style yet bold in color," she said, adding that silver and red are versatile colors. "The silver will look great with a denim maxi skirt and white tank top, and the red will sass up a black slip dress.'
Dingo Women's High Cotton Leather Boots
As soon as I came across Dingo's High Cotton Leather Boots, I immediately knew I needed to buy myself a pair. Not only are they comfortable enough to wear all day in the office, but they're incredibly easy to style. I have them in red and always get compliments whenever I wear them. I also love that these boots have a slimmer fit around the calves.
Justin Men's Thorn 11-Inch Waterproof Composite-Toe Boots
Tonniges recommends checking out the Stampede Collection from Justin, which she notes has classic Western boots and options for work. 'These boots are designed for durability and come with a comfort system for a broken-in feel right out of the box,' Tonniges said. 'With many color options and toe shapes available, you can choose the look and fit that works best for you.' We love the look of these waterproof work boots, which have slip-resistant outsoles, square toes and removable inserts.
Dolce Vita Women's Jessey Floral Pointed-Toe Western Boots
Looking for something more feminine? Weil recommends these floral boots from Dolce Vita. She notes that their shafts make them an excellent option for those who prefer shorter boots.
Thursday Boots Men's Maverick Cowboy Boots
Thursday Boots' Maverick Cowboy Boots are an excellent option for those wanting a more elevated pair of leather boots. Available in three colors, the hand-finished boots feature a stitched Western pattern, shock-absorbing insoles and leather outsoles.
Dan Post Men's Franklin Leather Boots
If you're on the hunt for a more rugged pair of cowboy boots, look no further than these top-rated leather ones from Dan Post. Crafted with gel-flex insoles for comfort, these leather-lined boots feature 1-inch heels, 11-inch shafts and square toes.
Stetson Men's Carlisle Western Boots
For the guys in search of boots that can easily be dressed up or down, these leather cowboy boots are a solid option. Handmade in Leon, Mexico, they come in three colors (Burnished Brown, Distressed Brown and Black Cherry) and have removable insoles and breathable leather linings.
Tecovas Women's The Annie Cowgirl Boots
These bestsellers are a favorite of several CNN Underscored editors, including Shaw, updates writer Ellen McAlpine and senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus, who love how comfortable and easy to style they are. Shaw recently wore her pair to a music festival and was impressed with how they kept her feet ache-free after eight hours of standing. Amanda Weil, a fashion stylist and the founder of Style Awakenings, also recommends checking out the Annie boots, which feature tonal stitching, if you're looking for a more traditional pair of shoes.
Stetson Women's Sarah Western Boots
These stylish, handcrafted boots get Michel's stamp of approval, thanks to their cushioned insoles, premium leather linings and walkable stacked leather heels. 'The 18-inch shafts ensure you won't get the dreaded calf rub, and they are crafted to last a lifetime,' she said.
Jeffrey Campbell Women's Finn Tall Western Boots
If you're looking for a chic pair of cowboy boots that hit above the calves, Michel recommends these pull-on ones that have cushioned insoles and pointed toes. We love that they come in nine colors, including a rich Camel Suede that would also work perfectly for the fall.
Tecovas Men's The Cartwright Cowboy Boots
For men looking for a solid pair of cowboy boots to wear daily, these bestsellers are a great option. Featuring rounded toes, 12-inch shafts and stacked angled heels, these boots come in several colors to fit a number of different styles.
Tecovas Women's The Abby Cowgirl Boots in Paisley
Matos singles out these striking, mid-calf boots in Paisley because of their cushy interior and fashion-forward look. 'They're the perfect mix of bold style and all-day wearability ideal with dresses or wide-leg denim for spring and summer,' she said. We love that these leather boots feature comfortable 2-inch heels and durable leather outsoles. This style also comes in solid colors for $375.
Lucchese Men's Easton Boots
If you're looking for a sleek option that's anything but boring, we love the look of Lucchese's Easton Boots. They're crafted from hand-stained Ring Lizard leather, have overlayed pull straps and walkable stacked heels. Even though the boots come in two colors, we're partial to Antique Chocolate.
Lucchese Women's Priscilla Boots
The Priscilla Boots may be the most expensive option on this list, but Matos and Michel agree they're well worth the price tag. 'These are an investment, but the materials and craftsmanship are top quality, and the design is the ultimate mix of classic Western style and chic, with a low heel but very high style,' Michel said. Handcrafted in Texas from goat leather, these bestsellers come in 11 colors and feature vintage-inspired stitching. According to Tonniges, comfort is one of the most important factors, aside from style, to consider when shopping for cowboy boots. She recommends looking for boots with breathable or moisture-wicking linings, flexible rubber outsoles and cushioned insoles. 'Brands with gel-infused or padded footbeds offer arch support and shock absorption your feet will thank you for,' she said.
Unsurprisingly, ensuring the boots are the right fit should be top of mind too. 'Your boots should hug your feet like your favorite pair of jeans, snug around the insteps and heels to prevent slipping but roomy enough for your toes to wiggle,' Tonniges said. To avoid pressure points and ensure there's space for cushioned socks, which is important if there's a break-in period, Matos recommends sizing up slightly.
Other factors to consider include heel and shaft height. 'If you plan to wear your boots all day, stick with minimal (almost flat) or 1- to 2-inch block heels,' Weil said. 'This helps even out the pressure on your feet.' As for shaft height, Michel recommends avoiding boots with shafts that hit the widest part of your calves since they'll likely cause blisters. 'Look for a cut that clears that area comfortably, especially if you're planning to wear them all day,' she added.
Are Tecovas or Ariat cowboy boots better?
Are Tecovas or Ariat cowboy boots better?
Both Tecovas and Ariat make quality cowboy boots, recommended by editors and stylists, but Ariat offers a larger selection of cowboy boots.
Are Stetson boots good quality?
Are Stetson boots good quality?
Yes, reviewers often praise the quality of Stetson's handcrafted boots. Not to mention, one of our experts recommended the Women's Sarah Western Boots from the brand.
For this article, we consulted the following fashion stylists to gain their professional insights.
Julie Matos, stylist and creative, fashion and art director
Nadia Michel, Texas-based stylist and founder of Mind and Matter
Jordan Tonniges, stylist at LookingGlass
Amanda Weil, fashion stylist and founder of Style Awakenings
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item.
For this story, associate editor Rachel Dennis interviewed professional stylists who shared their tips on shopping for cowboy boots, along with their recommendations. She also tapped CNN Underscored's team of editors for their favorite cowboy boots.