Fueled by the cultural shift from Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour, a rise in destination ranch travel, and the hit TV series Yellowstone, a new kind of desert-glam dressing is taking hold, from California to Texas. Our editors have been watching the cowboy-core trend unfold everywhere: on runways, on planes, at rodeos-turned-fashion-events, and tucked into suitcases headed out west and far beyond. Trusted cowboy boot brands, like Ariat and Tecovas, have quietly led the charge—crafting some of the best cowboy boots of our generation. (And lucky for you urban cowboys and girls in NYC, Tecovas plans to open its flagship store in SoHo this fall.)
The best cowboy boots are made to last, with durable outsoles and insoles, exotic leathers, proper support, and just the right amount of structure. I, for one, bought my first real pair of cowboy boots in the outback of Australia—an endearing pair of Ariats that felt more like a discovery than a purchase. Waiting in a small-town shop, tucked between worn saddles and dust-covered racks, the pair fit like they’d already lived a few lives. The difference in well-made boots is immediate: They pull-on and mold to your feet, support you mile after mile, and only get better with time. Once you’ve worn the real thing, there’s no going back.
Whether you’re into suede, cowhide, or a square toe, our favorite cowboy boots ground a look without trying too hard. They are our work boots, adventure boots, and go with nearly anything: oversized blazers, sundresses, and of course denim. While it’s true that they’re not the most convenient thing to pack in your suitcase (more on the best ways to do so, below), they’re often the first thing we reach for once we land. Here, we rounded up our editors’ favorite styles of cowboy boots: well-made, travel-tested, and versatile enough to carry you from horseback to rooftop, canyon trail to late-night show.
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FAQ:
Are cowboy boots good for travel?
Cowboy boots can be great for travel if you choose a well-made, broken-in pair with a comfortable insole. They’re versatile enough to dress up or down, and work well across a range of climates and settings. While they’re bulkier to pack, wearing them in transit saves space and adds instant polish to your travel wardrobe.
What boots do ranchers actually wear?
Ranchers typically wear durable, well-constructed boots from brands like Ariat, Lucchese, Tecovas, Tony Lama, and more. These boots are designed for long hours on foot, offering support, grip, and protection from the elements. Many prefer classic Western or roper styles with square or round toes for comfort and practicality. And some, of course, by local designers and craft makers born and bread for the job.
Our favorite cowboy boots
How to pack your cowboy boots
Compared to sneakers or comfortable sandals, cowboy boots aren’t the ideal travel shoe—they tend to be heavy, bulky, and difficult to fit in a checked bag, let alone a carry-on suitcase. But if you’re committed to the Western wear trend, you’re more than likely plotting how to pack a pair of cowboy boots for upcoming travels. As someone who regularly spends time in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where cowboy culture prevails, my luggage typically contains at least one pair of boots. Countless flights later, I’ve honed my own boot-packing techniques. To help corroborate the best ways to travel with cowboy boots, I also spoke with Lizzie Means Duplantis and Sarah Means, founders of Dallas-based luxury boot brand Miron Crosby, who shared their tips and tricks for keeping boots safe and sound while in transit.
“Having traveled from city to city with cowboy boots almost my entire life, I have tried many different methods for packing boots in all shapes and sizes of suitcases,” Means says. Her tried-and-true process, however, is one that was also recommended to me by the Lucchese team in Fort Worth: “Laying the boots flat, stacked one on top of each other, with the soles facing opposite directions, is the best way to ensure the boots take up the least amount of space,” she says. This way, they’ll be relatively compact, but they’ll also have “space to hold their shape as best as possible.”
The height of your boots will also affect how much suitcase real estate is taken up. If you’re limited in space (or packing in a smaller suitcase), opt for a pair of ankle boots. You’ll still get the pointed toe and angled heel, but the shaft of the boot has significantly less volume. Looking to save even more room? Wear your boots to your destination. Just be sure you’ve had a bit of time to break them in beforehand.
How to protect the shape
Any time you pack something malleable in a full suitcase—whether it’s a straw hat or pair of shoes—you run the risk of altering its original shape. This is particularly a concern when packing taller cowboy boots. To combat any potential damage, you’ll need to support the shaft and the vamp of the boots. Means recommends boot inserts to keep them supported.
Instead of boot inserts, I like to stuff mine with clothes—tightly rolled leggings, T-shirts, workout shorts, or socks. Not only is this effective for holding the boot’s shape, but it also allows me to pack a few more items in my suitcase. “Stuff them with clothes, paper, or anything else—whatever will help the boots keep their shape will do just the trick,” Means says. You can also choose to then pack the boots inside a boot dust bag, which she says will “not only protect the boots, but also the other items in your suitcase.”
Once your travel day commences, it’s important to immediately unpack your boots. Leaving them inside the suitcase for an extended period of time will increase the chances of long-lasting distortion. “When I get home from any trip where I travel with my boots, I always take them out of my bag first thing and stand them upright with the inserts inside of them,” Duplantis says; this will allow them to “conform back to their original shape after being packed in a suitcase.”
How to protect the material
Like any shoes or clothing items, cowboy boots can experience a bit of wear while on the road—scratches, stains, etc. To keep them as fresh as possible, always follow the boot brand’s recommended care instructions. For most styles, though, Duplantis says leather cream is great for “any and all on-the-go boot care.” A little dab should do, and you just need a clean cloth to apply and buff it into the material.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
