Unless you were born and raised on a ranch, it can be hard for the average guy to pull off without looking like a clown (a rodeo). But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try, especially since they’ve become Must buy men’s clothing.
“It’s no longer the ranchers and ranchers who pick up the shoes, but the fashionistas on the streets of New York, Paris and everywhere in between,” said the New York City fashion designer. Sep Terabasi Tells men’s magazine. “It’s currently on-trend, but will always be a timeless footwear staple rooted in authentic American craftsmanship.”
Not all western-style boots fit into the cowboy category – they have to tick a few boxes that help the wearer be saddle-ready, according to their original purpose. Real cowboy boots come with a rounded or pointed toe and were originally designed to help the foot enter the stirrup. They should also have a Cuban heel (the cool name for a straight, mid-height heel with a slightly curved back), which keeps the shoe secure once in the stirrup. Cowboy boots have a high shaft that is easy to put on, and you’ll never see laces or any other decoration getting stuck on something while riding. Finally, they are always made with durable materials – mostly hard leather – that can protect the wearer’s feet from barbed wire brush, animals, dust, dirt and all kinds of other obstacles a cowboy might encounter.
One variation on the classic cowboy boot is the ruber. It’s basically a modern, streamlined version of the cowboy boot with a lower heel and shorter shaft. Created for rodeo steering wrestlers who need to run faster on foot. No matter which style you choose, cowboy boots are timeless – and get better with age.
“Cowboy boots are an iconic piece of Americana’s wardrobe that’s made to last a lifetime,” says Terapasi. “The more they look at swipes, the cooler they get. Used shoes can command higher prices because customers are really after the worn-out allure.”
Below, Terabasi picked 16 pairs of cowboy boots from his favorite shoemakers and recommended foolproof ways to style them. It’s saddle time.
Best Men’s Cowboy Boots 2022
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