The Best Country Boots for the Country and the City

Country boots were traditionally worn by cowboys as a specific style of riding boots. Although they still serve this purpose, they’ve evolved into more comfortable and supportive shoes without forgoing their functional features.

Choosing a pair of cowboy boots requires some intentional considerations according to what you’re wearing them for. Here’s everything you need to consider to ensure you get the perfect fit for your feet and your personality.

What Makes a Cowboy Boot

Cowboy boots come in two varieties: the western (or classic) boot and the roper. They are ‌made from cowhide leather but can also be made from exotic animal skin types such as alligators or snakes. The classic boot style has a tall boot shaft rising to the mid-calf, with an angled heel traditionally made of stacked leather. They have a narrow pointed-toe design and usually no lacing.

The newer roper boot style has a short boot shaft with a lower squared-off heel, shaped to the sole of the shoe. Roper boots usually have rounded toes, but some fashion brands also make them with a squared-toe design. They feature decorative stitching and may or may not have a lace-up design. Although the lace-up design ‌allows for a better fit around the ankle with less likelihood of slipping off, it is a safety concern for riders.

Key Considerations When Choosing Your Cowboy Boots

Sizing

As with many clothing items, brand sizes sometimes run slightly differently in country boots. In addition, the boots may also fit a little differently compared to your regular shoes. The best way to ensure you get the right fit, especially when ordering online, is to consult the brand sizing chart with actual foot measurements from heel to toe instead of just ordering your regular size. (Check below for more information on taking your own measurements.)

The boot should be snug at the ball of the foot and instep. Many boots require a short break-in period, so start by wearing them for short periods initially to form your foot shape inside. Soon they will become more comfortable for longer or all-day wear.

Rubber vs leather sole

The type of sole you choose will depend on your activities. A rubber sole is most suitable for people who are on their feet constantly and on rougher terrains like construction sites. These are highly durable which means they’ll last longer, but they can’t be resolved.

Leather soles are ideal for dancing since they can glide on the floor. They can however take time to get used to and be slippery.

Toe shape

It is incredibly important that you get a pair of boots where the toe box fits well and is not cramped. This is one part of the shoe you can’t break in to improve wearing comfort. The toe shape can be pointed, round, or square. Whichever type you choose, they should all fit comfortably around the toes.

Some shoe brands offer extra-width shoes which actually fit better than the regular width, even for people who never require extra-width shoes otherwise. Read other buyer reviews to determine whether this might be a good option when considering your sizing.

Heel slippage

Allow for just under half an inch (3/8 of an inch) of slippage in your boots. It is natural for your heels to slip into a new pair of boots, but don’t worry, they will conform to your feet as they are broken in. This means slippage will decrease over time.

Type of leather

Country boots are ‌made from genuine leather but more cost-effective versions are now also available in faux leather. While they cost significantly more, genuine leather boots are also more durable and last a long time. Although cowhide is the main leather type used, you will also find other types such as ostrich, crocodile, alligator, rattlesnake, and stingray.

Rough-out vs smooth

Rough-out leather refers to the flesh side of the hide facing outwards on the boot whereas smooth means the flesh side faces inward. Rough-out leather cowboy boots are ideal for abrasive environments like working or riding.

Interior lining

Check if there is an interior lining that will prevent seams from rubbing against your legs. Boots with lining are ‌more comfortable.

How to Take Your Measurements for the Right Fit

When ordering online, many brands will provide a sizing chart with correlating measurements to help you get the right fit with your first delivery. To measure your foot size you’ll need a piece of paper, a pencil, and a measuring tape or ruler.

Place the piece of paper on a hard flat floor. Avoid taking your measurement on a carpeted floor.

Wear a sock—ideally the socks you usually wear with boots if you wear boot socks.

Stand on the paper and make a mark at the end of your heel as well as at the top of your longest toe. Hold the pencil upright at 90 degrees so that you do not angle it. Now, use the measuring tape or ruler to measure the distance between the two markings. We recommend measuring both feet since it is not uncommon for one foot to be just slightly bigger than the other.

Compare your measurement to the boot sizing chart. If your measurement falls between two sizes, order the larger size. If there was a small difference between your right and left foot measurements, work with the bigger size.

Boot Width

Some brands offer extra-width sizing. Cowgirl boot labeling also sometimes uses symbols to refer to the boot design width. Boots that are marked with a ‘B’ or ‘M’ carry a standard width sizing. If your feet are slightly wider, opt for a boot marked with a ‘C’ or ‘W’ as this indicates a wider design.