Fitness
The Cowboy Boots Guide: 11 Pairs to Add Some Twang to Your Wardrobe
Unless you were born and raised on a ranch, cowboy boots can be notoriously difficult for the average guy to pull off without looking like a (rodeo) clown. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try, especially since they’ve become a menswear must-have.
“It’s no longer cattlemen and ranch hands picking up the boots, but fashion-savvy guys wearing them on the streets of New York, Paris, and everywhere in between,” New York City-based fashion stylist Seppe Tirabassi tells Men’s Journal. “At the moment it’s very on-trend, but it will always remain a timeless footwear staple rooted in genuine American craftsmanship.”
Not all Western-style boots fit inside the cowboy category—they’ve got to tick a few boxes that help their wearers be saddle-ready, per their original purpose. True cowboy boots come with a rounded or pointed toe, originally designed to help the foot enter a stirrup. They also must have a Cuban heel (the fancy name for a straight, medium-high heel with a slightly curved back), which keeps the shoe secure once it’s in the stirrup. Cowboy boots have a high shaft that makes them easy to pull on, and you’ll never ever see laces or any other embellishment that could get caught on something while riding a horse. Lastly, they’re always constructed with durable material—mostly tough leather—that can protect the wearer’s feet from brushes with barbed wire, animals, dust, dirt, and all kinds of other obstacles a cowboy might face.
One variation on the classic cowboy boot is the roper. It’s essentially a streamlined modern version of the cowboy boot with a lower heel and shorter shaft. It was created for steer wrestlers at the rodeo who needed to run faster on foot. No matter what style you choose, however, cowboy boots are timeless—and they get better with age.
“Cowboy boots are an iconic piece of the Americana wardrobe that are made to last a lifetime,” Tirabassi says. “And the more beat-up they look, the cooler they are. Second-hand boots can command even higher prices since customers are really going after the worn-in appeal.”
Below, Tirabassi picked 11 pairs of cowboy boots from his favorite bootmakers and recommended foolproof ways to style them. Time to saddle up.
The Best Cowboy Boots for Men
Ariat Sport Herdsman Western Boot Courtesy Image
1. Ariat Sport Hersdman Western Boot
Named after the legendary racehorse Secretariat, Ariat integrates athletic footwear technology into its equestrian boots, which are among the most supremely comfortable and stylish on the market.
“The contrast between the leather and traditional stitching is a great detail on this particular boot,” Tirabassi says. “Go for a black-on-black look with slim black jeans that you can tuck into the boot so the artistic stitching really stands out. Throw on a leather jacket and you’re good to go.”
[$165; ariat.com]
Justin Tobias Courtesy Image
2. Justin Tobias
Justin Boot Company has expertly crafted authentic Western footwear in the United States since 1879.
“These guys are the original makers of the modern-day roper cowboy boot,” says Tirabassi. “The heel here is a little higher than what you’d normally see on a roper, but that just means you’ll stand a little taller and prouder. I like the smooth black leather because it can go with just about anything in your wardrobe, even a wool suit.”
[$245; justinboots.com]
Old Gringo Comane Courtesy Image
3. Old Gringo Comane
Old Gringo’s handcrafted boots are known for featuring beautiful embroidery while also staying true to the roots of Western style. To get more use out of your boot, Tirabassi recommends investing in a simpler style with understated details.
“The distressed leather is a great look and the harness detail gives the boot even more of an edge,” he says. “Pair it with a worn-in light wash or vintage jeans and a white tee. You’ll fit right in whether you’re on a Texas ranch or Sunset Boulevard in L.A.”
[$403; oldgringoboots.com]
Frye Duke Roper Courtesy Image
4. Frye Duke Roper
The Frye Company has been in the boot biz for over 150 years, and it has developed a loyal following for its signature designs that stand the test of time.
“These Fryes are versatile since there’s no flashy stitching, and they’re super comfortable since the round toe won’t cramp your feet,” says Tirabassi. “For this pair, you can pull your dark denim pants over the boot instead of tucking them inside.”
[$398; thefryecompany.com]
Tecovas The Marshall Courtesy Image
5. Tecovas The Marshall
It takes over 200 steps to make a single Tecovas boot, and each one is crafted by hand in León, Mexico. Tecovas boots are known for their incredibly supple exotic leathers—from python to crocodile—as well as for their intricate stitch designs.
“If there’s one high-end pair to splurge on, it’s these Tecovas made from Nile crocodile,” Tirabassi says. “Don’t go stomping around the rodeo in this pair—show off your Marshalls when you’re dressing to impress at an upscale restaurant or fancy wedding.”
[$1,495; tecovas.com]
Lucchese Jessie Suede Courtesy Image
6. Lucchese Jessie Suede
The Lucchese brothers came to America from Italy in 1882, and opened their first bootmaking shop in San Antonio, TX the following year. Lucchese boots have a reputation for superior quality and are often gifted to dignitaries around the world. Tirabassi appreciates the heel height on these boots and their unique material.
“I love how suede wears in over the years, and there’s a softness to how they look and feel,” he says. “The suede, combined with the sleeker silhouette, also gives the shoes a more modern appearance.”
He also recommends pairing them with some accessories from Peyote Bird, one of his favorite artisan jewelry brands.
[$545; lucchese.com]
Ferrini Colt Full Quill Ostrich Courtesy Image
7. Ferrini Colt Full Quill Ostrich
Another boot company with Italian origins, Ferrini is known for making surprisingly affordable boots with exotic leathers like ostrich.
“Full quill ostrich is the most coveted type of ostrich leather, instantly recognizable with a bumpy look and feel,” Tirabassi says. “Half ostrich or smooth ostrich shows less of a quill pattern, and leather from the ostrich’s leg looks more scaly, almost reptilian.”
[$420; ferriniusa.com]
Durango Rebel Western Frontier Cinnamon Western Boot Courtesy Image
8. Durango Rebel Western Frontier Cinnamon Western Boot
Durango boots combine traditional styles with modern tech like waterproofing and tough-as-nails rubber soles to prevent slippage and keep your feet comfortable.
“This pair of Durangos is the best bang for your buck,” Tirabassi says. “It’s a classic square-toe cowboy boot that won’t break the bank, with added features for comfort like a non-slip rubber outsole instead of typical leather bottoms, plus memory foam in the footbed.”
[$182; durangoboots.com]
Laredo Atlanta Cowboy Boots Courtesy Image
9. Laredo Atlanta Cowboy Boots
The affordable price points of Laredo boots make them among the most popular choices for Western-style boots.
“The metal details at the toe and heel add a nice flair to your typical black leather cowboy boots,” says Tirabassi. “Go for James Dean vibes when you complete the look with a white tee, black jeans, and a black leather jacket with metal hardware.”
[$155; thewesterncompany.com]
Tony Lama Tascosa Courtesy Image
10. Tony Lama Tascosa
Tony Lama, the son of Italian immigrants, started learning the boot trade from his uncle at the tender age of 11. He eventually became a cobbler for the U.S. Cavalry at Fort Bliss, and in 1911, founded his eponymous boot shop in El Paso, TX. Tony Lama remained family-owned until 1990, when it was purchased by Justin Brands, but it still makes great boots.
“These are your classic chocolate leather boots that will age super well—in five years, they’ll look like gold and everyone will be asking where you got them,” says Tirabassi.
[$235; tonylama.com]
Rios of Mercedes Tobacco Waxed A Toe Courtesy Image
11. Rios of Mercedes Tobacco Waxed A Toe
Mexican-born and Texas-bred, Rios of Mercedes has been making some of the world’s finest cowboy boots with artist-like devotion since 1853. The brand continues to earn endorsements from famed musicians and performance-horse greats alike.
“Planet Cowboy in Nashville should be your go-to for anything cowboy-related, including this pair of boots from Rios of Mercedes,” says Tirabassi. “I love the pointy toe and warm burgundy color because it’s different from the rest of the pack, but still not too loud or in-your-face. The waxed leather gives it a vintage look that completes any fall or winter outfit.”
[$695; planetcowboy.com]
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.
“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.
If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.
Directions
Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Circuit 1
A. Barbell Back Squat
Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps
B. Renegade Row
Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side
Circuit 2
A. Dumbbell Bentover Row
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps
B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised
Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 3
A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Circuit 4
A. Pullup
Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top.
Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 5
A. Dumbbell Pushup
Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop
once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
B. Biceps Curl
Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
