Cowboy Boot Style Guide

There is a cowboy boot style to suit every activity—from riding and walking to dressing up for special occasions. A style that was once prized for its durability and comfort in the saddle has gone beyond the ranch to become a favorite everyday footwear style, as well.

With so many different styles available, choosing cowboy boots can feel overwhelming—but this guide to cowboy boots explains the purpose of each boot type so you know how to choose. First, consider where you’ll wear them most. Then, explore the different Western boot styles—from rugged work boots and classic cowboy boots that offer traditional details to cowgirl boots that put a modern spin on the well-known Western footwear design.

The History of Cowboy Boots

The fashion world is falling in love all over again with cowboy boots, but these practical boots have a deep-rooted history in the Wild West. While driving cattle across the countryside, horsemen needed rugged boots that could protect their feet from the sharp cactus needles and rocky terrain of the plains or wherever they roamed.

Cowhands began wearing a variation of the Wellington boot, which was popularized by the first Duke of Wellington. Wellington boots were modeled after Hessian military riding boots, with a tall silhouette, leather design, low but underslung heel, and semi-pointed toe. Today, there are many cowboy boot styles to choose from for all kinds of occasions, from daily wear to footwear for a Western-themed wedding or event.

Cowboy Boot Styles

Whether you’re living or longing for the Western way of life, explore this guide to learn the differences between each cowboy boot style. The most popular options include the traditional Western or cowboy boot, Western work boots, roper boots, and embellished styles meant to be noticed.

Western Boots

Whenever you think of the classic cowboy boot, Western boots likely come to mind. These boots caught on in the early days of cattle ranching because they were durable and practical. Unlike the Calvary boots worn by Union soldiers at the time, ranchers and cowhands needed boots with narrow toes, a low heel, and a tall boot shaft to protect their legs from the harsh conditions on the range. Western boots typically feature a heel that’s 1 to 1 ½ inches tall and a shaft that’s about 12 inches high.

Cowhide leather is the most common cowboy boot material, preferred because it’s easy to clean and maintain. Others may prefer cowboy boots made from exotic skins, such as alligator, buffalo, eel, lizard, ostrich, and snake. Toe shapes vary, but Western boot toe shapes are typically rounded, squared, snipped, or slightly tapered.

Western Riding Boots

If you couldn’t tell by the name, Western riding boots are specifically designed for horseback riding. Every part of a riding boot is designed to keep you safe and comfortable while riding in the saddle, making them the ideal choice for rodeos, horse shows, and rides across the ranch.

With a high-angled heel that’s between 1 to 1 ½ inches tall, a riding boot can hook into the stirrups and prevent your feet from wiggling around when riding. A smooth leather sole and a tapered toe let riding boots slide in and out of the stirrup with ease. This is especially important for safety during reining, cutting, roping, team penning, and other events: The rider’s foot won’t hang up in the stirrup if they fall.

Roper Boots

Though they look a lot like classic Western boots, roper boots differ in several distinct and subtle ways. Ropers first appeared in rodeos and quickly grew in popularity. Unlike traditional Western boots or riding boots, ropers feature a round toe and short, square heel that make it easier for drovers to chase after wily cattle. This simplified design reduces the risk of breaking a heel when abruptly or quickly dismounting. Ropers also have a shorter shaft and tighter fit around the ankle, so they’re well-suited to fast-paced movement and events or chores that demand maximum support.

Western-Style Work Boots

Cowboy boots come in all shapes and sizes, but some styles are better suited to working on the range than ornamental boot styles. Like Western boots, work boots are usually made of cowhide leather. Unlike Western boots, work boots are generally more cost-efficient and practical for the hard work involved with herding livestock from pasture to pasture.

Work boots have a shorter heel than their Western counterparts, usually around 1 ½ inches or less, making them ideal for working on your feet from daybreak to sundown. Modern work boots feature a rubber sole that has considerable traction and a cushioned midsole for effective shock absorption. Western work boots come with less artistry than you might find with traditional Western boots. The shaft of a work boot is about 9 to 12 inches high and toe shapes are typically rounded or slightly tapered for more comfortable wear, however, square toes have risen in popularity over the last few years.

Walking Boots

In the famous words of Nancy Sinatra, these boots were made for walking, and that’s just what they’ll do. Although they are not as heavy-duty as the Western work boot or as high-heeled as the riding boot, walking boots are comfortable and feature a fair amount of traction on the sole. Walking boots generally have a wider toe and square heel, making them ideal for standing, rather than sitting in the saddle. Whether walking down the trail with your trusty steed or walking about town on the weekend, you can never go wrong with the classic walking boot.

Stockman Boots

The stockman-style boot could be called a tricked-out roper. Its looks and functionality are very much the same as a roper style but they usually have a bit more flair with a contrasting shaft or saddle vamp across the instep or even fancy stitching and leatherwork detailing.

Buckaroo Boots

When it comes to drawing attention to your feet, the buckaroo cowboy boot simply can’t be beat. Usually worn for rodeo and entertainment purposes, buckaroo cowboy boots are much more flamboyant than the typical Western or riding boot. Buckaroo boots have a tall shaft—about 14 inches—and a high heel of two inches or more. These features mean they’re impractical for working or walking, but they’re excellent for riding.

Wedding Cowgirl Boots

If you’re planning a Western-inspired wedding, there’s plenty of footwear to fit the theme: Cowgirl boots in white leather, rich suede, and exotic leather bring the spirit of the Old West to your dressy attire. These boots are made for comfort and style. You can’t spend a night on the dance floor if your boots pinch—which is why these elegant options focus less on in-the-saddle comfort and more on the fit and features that keep you on your feet while you’re celebrating. Aisle-ready wedding styles often feature embroidery, rhinestones, lace, and metallic accents.

These Western boot styles pair with your favorite jeans and long-sleeved cowboy shirt, but look just as stylish with dresses, leggings, or skirts. Find the style that suits you and your wardrobe in our collection of Western boots for men and women. We even carry cowboy boot styles for kids, from the tiniest baby booties to youth styles in toddler, tween, and teen sizes.