1
Best Overall
Lucchese Boots
Credit: Lucchese
If cowboy boots had a king, Lucchese would wear the crown—made of hand-tooled leather, of course. And Ree Drummond would agree! It's her favorite boot brand, after all. Since 1883, Lucchese has been turning cowhide into luxury with boots that are handcrafted in Texas, using time-honored techniques and the finest leathers, resulting in a famously comfortable, almost glove-like fit that molds to your foot over time. Think: buttery leathers, elegant stitching, and silhouettes that elevate even the most casual looks. You'll find everything from sleek, minimalist pairs to exotic skins that are well worth the price tag.
2
Best Performance
Ariat Boots
Credit: Ariat
Ariat may have started with equestrian athletes in mind, but its reach now spans much wider! It's the go-to brand for cowboys and cowgirls who want performance and comfort without selling their horse. These boots are built for working hard and riding harder—with cushy footbeds and durable soles that are made to last thanks to innovative comfort technologies like ATS footbeds and Duratread outsoles. While they’re a favorite among ranchers, their clean lines and versatile styles also make them perfect for urban fashionistas and festival-goers alike.
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Tecovas is the young gun in town—but don’t let that fool you. The Austin-based brand has made a big name for themselves with direct-to-consumer pricing and handcrafted boots made in León, Mexico that look like they cost double. The styles are clean, the fit is cozy, and the vibes are modern cowboy cool. Expect elegant materials like calfskin and suede, and no-nonsense styling. Basically, you'll get both form and function from this brand that's built around making cowboy boot purchases easy and accessible to all!
4
Best Traditional Style
Justin Boots
Credit: Justin Boots
If you’re going for that laid-back, lived-in look, Justin is the name to know. These boots have been part of American wardrobes for over a century, starting in 1879. So, they're certainly one of the oldest and most beloved brands. With solid construction and reliable comfort, these are boots for real ranch work—or just really looking the part. Their styles lean more traditional with square toes, classic leather finishes, and functional heel heights, but that timeless style still feels relevant today, especially when paired with slouchy denim and oversized layers.
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5
Best Details
Tony Lama Boots
Credit: Tony Lama
Tony Lama boots have been kickin’ around since 1911, and they haven’t missed a step since. Since they're known for their classic Western styling and heritage craftsmanship, you'll get a rich slice of cowboy heritage with every stitch. These boots often feature ornate stitching, vibrant leathers, bold designs, and detailed inlays that nod to their early 20th-century roots. So, you can be sure that they'll bring the old-school Western look to modern wardrobes— especially their more colorful or exotic-skin offerings.
6
Best Collector Boots
Rios of Mercedes Boots
Credit: Pinto Ranch
Handcrafted in Texas since 1853, Rios of Mercedes boots aren’t as mainstream as some, but they’re beloved by boot connoisseurs who want custom-like quality and timeless Western elegance. Using high-end materials and traditional techniques, they're eye-catching, heirloom quality, and have a certain "quiet luxury" to them. Plus, they're comfortable without compromising style. Rios boots aren’t always easy to find, which makes them even more appealing for those who love owning something unique. Expect a higher price tag, but outstanding quality.
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7
Best Variety
Stetson Boots
Credit: Stetson
Yes, Stetson is iconic for its cowboy hats, but its boots deserve a spotlight, too. Handcrafted in León, Mexico using high-quality leathers and time-honored techniques, this brand blends traditional Western elements with fashion-forward flair, often featuring sleek profiles, soft leathers, and elevated details like flame stitching or stacked heels. They’re great for someone who wants a clean, chic, and authentically Western look without going over the top. Whether you’re drawn to rugged classics or more polished, urban-friendly pairs, you'll find the perfect pick.
8
Most Fashion-Forward
Frye Boots
Credit: The Frye Company
Not a traditional Western brand per se, but Frye has long brought a fashion-forward lens to leather boots, including Western-inspired styles. With a reputation for rugged elegance, Frye’s cowboy boots often feature distressed finishes, subtle Western silhouettes, and a downtown-cool energy that works just as well in NYC as in Nashville. They’re less "rodeo" and more "runway," making them perfect for styling with vintage denim, oversized blazers, or floaty dresses. No matter the style, you'll enjoy effortless versatility and that coveted worn-in feel straight out of the box.
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9
Most Affordable
Thursday Boots
Credit: Thursday Boots
Thursday Boot Co. has expanded into cowboy boots—and done so with style. Bringing a fresh, urban spin to the game, their Western collection features slim, city-friendly silhouettes made with buttery leather and durable soles, all at impressively approachable price points. Bonus: they're built for all-day comfort and easy wearability, too. These boots are great entry-level picks for first-time buyers or anyone looking to add a touch of frontier flair without going full Western.
10
Best Luxury
Unmarked Boots
Credit: Unmarked
A rising star in the world of artisanal cowboy boots, this boutique Mexican brand blends traditional cowboy boot construction with minimalist, modern design. Every pair is made by hand in small batches using vegetable-tanned leathers and Goodyear welt construction, giving them a luxe, handcrafted feel that appeals to slow-fashion purists. The aesthetic leans toward the understated with clean lines, rich neutral tones, and a silhouette that sits somewhere between cattleman and street style. Though pricey, you'll be wearing boots with thoughtful design, elevated for contemporary taste.

Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.
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