Popular Cowboy Boot Brands, Then and Now

From the very first cowboy boot to the modern designs we see today, the tall Western-style boot has been a popular footwear option for ranchers, riders, travelers, and fashionable cowgirls and cowboys for decades. When it comes to getting the perfect pair of cowboy boots, there’s more to consider than style alone. We carry only the best names in Western footwear—learn about a few of them here.

Anderson Bean Boots

Anderson Bean Boots was created in 1989 by the owners of Rios of Mercedes boots. Their goal was to produce mid-price, all-leather cowboy boots to make high-quality Western footwear more accessible to customers. The independent label now offers one-of-a-kind custom boots in addition to stock boots for men, women, kids, and babies.

Anderson Bean Boots are handcrafted in Mercedes, Texas in the Rio Grande Valley. The company carries Texas-sized pride that they’re one of the few boot companies that still builds each boot by hand, right here in the USA. They use old-fashioned bootmaking methods and high-quality materials—100% leather, steel shanks for arch support, wooden pegged soles—with no factory shortcuts because what you can’t see does matter.

It takes many hands to make a pair of boots at Anderson Bean, but it’s about more than just the boots being handmade—it’s about the hands that make them. Anderson Bean is proud of the family vibe they have created within their company.

Ariat

Professional riders require dedication, strength, confidence, and skill to be the best at their sport—they also require heavy-duty boots and apparel for protection. Traditional riding boots were stiff, heavy, and hard on a rider's feet, but in the 1990s, Ariat co-founders Beth Cross and Pam Parker eschewed tradition making high-impact riding boots and apparel for riders. The name Ariat was inspired by the thoroughbred racehorse Secretariat—winner of the coveted Triple Crown in 1973.

Ariat’s first revolutionary design was a boot made specifically for horseback riding, using the same technologies as athletic footwear. Ariat's founders sent their prototype boots to professional riders across the country to test—and the results were positive. Ariat’s Advanced Torque Stability (ATS®) Technology established Ariat as a performance and comfort leader in equestrian footwear.

Over the years, Ariat has introduced cowboy boots, footwear accessories, and apparel that bridge the gap between comfort and technology. Ariat footbeds provide advanced cushioning for shock absorption, whether in the stirrup or on the ground, cowboy boot insoles improve cushioning, support, stability, and flexibility, and durable outsoles are flexible and slip-resistant for superior traction. In addition to footwear, Ariat’s collections also include leather belts, jeans, tops, and outerwear for men, women, and children.

Ariat has shown its support for riders by sponsoring the United States Equestrian Federation, Professional Bull Riders Inc., National High School Rodeo Association, and the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky. Ariat’s denim and boots have been spotted on country music stars like Josh Turner, Blake Shelton, and Lyle Lovette—and the brand continues to produce equestrian and Western footwear, outerwear, work boots, and cowboy accessories for ranch workers, professional athletes, riders, and those inspired by them.

Black Jack Boots

If you’re looking for the crème de la crème of Western boot fashion, look no further than Black Jack Boots. This Texas-grown company was established in 1996 by a third-generation boot maker. After years in the boot-making industry, Jerry Guerra decided to form his own company to prioritize quality and craftsmanship in boots, belts, and other leather accessories. Guerra and his family still run the company and can be found working hard in El Paso, Texas.

Black Jack has a rigorous 100-step boot-making process. The finest domestic and exotic leathers and materials are chosen with comfort, fit, and durability in mind. The lining is made of Shenandoah calf and cream cow leather. Even the side seams and piping are constructed in leather. Lemonwood pegs provide lifetime support—and, when taken care of, your Black Jack boots will last you that long. Plus, Black Jack offers refurbishing services for the insoles, outsoles, heels, and outer leather to extend the life of your boots. This commitment to customers is what makes Black Jack a top-tier boot maker.

Black Jack Boots leather options include Eastern Rattlesnake, Alligator, Elephant, Ostrich, Hippo, Lizard, and Caiman. Beyond leather type, choose from dark brown, black, light brown, or tan boots in styles for everyday and special event wear. For casual wear, formal events, rodeo nights, or even concerts, no matter where you take these boots, they’ll instantly draw attention.

Men’s Western boots from Black Jack are available in your favorite toe shapes—including square, round, V, or snip—for the ideal boot fit and appearance. Or choose a pair of slimmer, feminine cowgirl boots: Black Jack’s women’s boots show off sleek toes, cowgirl heels, and decorative pull tabs, and they’re ideal for any outfit or season—from dresses or shorts to leggings or jeans.

Corral Boots

Corral Boots was established in 1999 in Texas as a “niche-cult Western company.” Othell Welch started the company, which became a major player in the Western fashion world. Corral takes pride in their high-quality designs: They’re handcrafted one at a time by seasoned artisans in Mexico, using the finest leathers available. On average, it takes roughly six months for the Corral Boots design team to work through the process of designing, developing, and manufacturing a particular style.

Corral women’s boots are perfect for workdays or weekends. Find tall or ankle boots with studs, fringe, harnesses, or overlay details to complement your work attire, or wear them with jeans, dresses, or shorts. For men, explore darker brown and black leather designs to suit your cowboy tastes. They’re ideal for occasions from weddings and special events to casual evenings out with friends.

Dan Post Boots

Dan Post is an iconic Western brand known for challenging the status quo, believing that Western boots should be comfortable from the first step—no boot break-in period necessary. This company has stayed true to their roots: Each boot crafted by Dan Post starts with the finest exotic skins or premium leathers and is handcrafted with both artistry and comfort in mind, with careful attention to detail throughout the 160-step bootmaking process. Because of this meticulousness, Dan Post Boots provide superior fit and comfort.

Double-H Boots

Double-H Boots got its start in 1955—then under the name H.H. Brown Shoe Company. The original factory was in Richland, Pennsylvania, where they produced cowboy boots and work footwear. While small at first, the company found success with the “Snoot Boot,” similar to the “harness boot” being produced by a competitor. H.H. Brown Shoe Company won the market by producing the style at a lower price.

The company shifted toward the production of Western-style boots, and the Richland plant became the first in the US to manufacture Western boots with a safety toe. The company grew, adding production facilities and warehouses, and expanding to also produce fashion lines. The name was changed to Double-H Boots in 1993, a nod to the company’s original name.

Double-H Boots takes pride in giving back: They support Horses for Heroes, an organization dedicated to helping veterans and active military suffering from an injury or combat-related stress to heal and reacclimate to everyday life, working and gaining hands-on ranch experience in the company of other veterans.

The Frye Company

In 1863, John A. Frye founded The Frye Company in Marlboro, Massachusetts. The very first Frye boot was constructed in 1888 and a legend was born. Frye became well-known for its leather boots and shoes thanks to the precision stitching, high-quality materials, and handcrafted work. In the 1940s, Frye developed its first pair of cowboy boots: The Rancher. This began a Western trend for The Frye Company that continues today. Frye boots were worn by military men in WWII and gained a reputation for superior strength, durability, and style.

Over the years, Frye has crafted special boots for famous figures like Carole King, Bing Crosby, Jackie Kennedy, Bette Midler, and Candice Bergen. Even President Richard H. Nixon owned a pair of Frye boots. Frye maintains a focus on quality craftsmanship and authenticity. With a little leather maintenance, Frye boots and accessories look great for years.

Justin Boots

Justin Boot Company was established in 1879, where H.J. Justin’s handcrafted boots solidified the company as an industry-leading Western footwear brand. Justin Boots are crafted by skilled bootmakers using only the finest leathers and quality materials and are made with comfort in mind. This bootmaker uses industry-leading technology to produce roper boots and work boots that are built to perform.

Lane Boots

Lane Boots was founded in 2007 and now proudly handcrafts boots in Leon, Mexico using 100% leather and top-quality accents such as metal studs, zippers, and fabrics. This company strives to create designer footwear with Western-inspired details for boots that are unique and make a beautiful statement. Their goal is to produce durable, stylish, and comfortable Western-style boots for everyone—cowboy, cowgirl, or fans of Western fashion in general. Lane Boots uses classic bootmaking techniques to produce their handcrafted designs. The effort has been well worth it: Lane Boots are favored for their style, quality construction, and incredible comfort.

While this list represents only a fraction of the brands Stages West carries, there’s a theme that connects all of these bootmakers: A deep appreciation for tradition and Western-inspired style. Explore our blog for more Western fashion information and tips.