Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Fashion & Style

How to wear cowboy boots: Don’t believe these 6 myths

Curious about the fashion dos and don'ts of cowboy boots? You've come to the right place.

Sarah Joseph
By
Man wearing cowboy boots
Phinehas Adams / Unsplash

Cowboy boots have a rich history that dates back to the American frontier. Originally designed to meet the practical needs of ranchers, these boots have evolved into an iconic fashion statement embraced by people from all walks of life. However, despite their enduring popularity, cowboy boots are often misconstrued as a niche footwear choice. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

Cowboy boots on a wooden porch.
Melanie Mauer/Unsplash

Misconceptions of wearing cowboy boots

There are plenty of misconceptions when it comes to wearing cowboy boots, leading many to believe that they can only be worn a certain way. These notions limit your possibilities and hinder individuals from fully embracing the charm of this ruggedly American shoe. We’re here to dispel these restrictive ideas and offer guidance on how to wear cowboy boots with confidence and finesse.

Recommended Videos

But why bother learning how to wear cowboy boots properly? The answer lies in the transformative power these boots hold. A well-chosen pair of cowboy boots has the ability to elevate any outfit, adding a touch of tough guy panache or a hint of a rebellious spirit. The important thing to remember is to embrace a balance between rugged masculinity and refined elegance. By understanding the nuances of wearing cowboy boots, you can make a positive lasting impression. Here are a few misconceptions about cowboy boots:

Related

Cowboy boots can only be worn with Western-style outfits

One prevalent misconception is that cowboy boots are limited to Western-themed ensembles. While cowboy boots certainly complement Western attire, they have transcended their traditional roots and can be incorporated into various styles. Pair them with jeans and a T-shirt for a casual, laid-back look, or experiment by combining them with dress pants or a jacket to add a touch of unexpected charm to your outfit. The versatility of cowboy boots allows you to express your individuality and create unique fashion statements.

Cowboy boots should always match the color of your outfit

Contrary to popular belief, cowboy boots don’t always need to match the color of your outfit. In fact, embracing contrasting colors can enhance your overall look and help you avoid Halloween costume territory. For example, try pairing a neutral-colored outfit with vibrant red or turquoise boots for a striking pop of color if that’s your style. Alternatively, if you’re wearing a colorful ensemble, opt for classic brown or black boots to anchor your outfit and create a balanced aesthetic. Embrace the art of contrast and experiment with different combinations to showcase your personal style.

Tucking jeans into cowboy boots is the only way to wear them

While tucking jeans into cowboy boots is classic and practical, it’s far from the only way to wear them. Tucking your jeans into your boots is a way to keep them clean if you’re out doing manual labor. It’s also great for when you want to show off your style, but it’s also perfectly acceptable to wear your jeans over the boots. This allows the boots to serve more subtly as a statement piece as they peek from under the hem of your jeans. Remember, fashion is about experimentation, so feel free to explore various ways to wear your cowboy boots and find the style that suits you best.

Cowboy boots are only appropriate for casual occasions

Another misconception is that cowboy boots are exclusively suited for casual events. While they excel in casual settings, cowboy boots can also elevate your formal or business attire. Pair your boots with tailored trousers and a crisp button-down shirt for a sophisticated, Western-inspired look. For the boldest fashion enthusiasts, consider wearing cowboy boots with a suit for a truly standout ensemble that merges classic style with a contemporary edge. To complete the look, trade your traditional tie for a bolo.

You can’t clean cowboy boots

Some people mistakenly believe that cowboy boots are difficult to clean and maintain. However, with proper care and attention, cowboy boots can last for years and maintain their pristine appearance. Regularly brush off dirt and dust with a soft brush or cloth, and wipe away any spills or stains immediately using a damp cloth. For leather boots, apply a leather conditioner periodically to keep them moisturized and prevent cracking. Suede boots require special attention and can be cleaned with a suede brush or eraser. By dedicating a little time to care for your cowboy boots, you’ll ensure they remain in excellent condition for a long time.

All cowboy boots are the same

Lastly, it’s important to dispel the notion that all cowboy boots are identical. Cowboy boots come in various styles, toe shapes, heel heights, and materials, allowing you to find the perfect pair that suits your taste and lifestyle. Whether you prefer a classic pointed toe or a trendy square toe, a stacked heel or a sleek Cuban heel, or even exotic materials like snakeskin or ostrich leather, there is a multitude of options to choose from. If you haven’t found ones that you like, don’t give up and turn back to your regular dress shoes — keep looking.

Cowboy Boots in a row.
Timokefoto/Pixabay

Cowboy boots are a timeless and versatile footwear choice that can effortlessly enhance your style and make a bold fashion statement. By debunking common misconceptions and understanding how to wear cowboy boots properly, you can confidently incorporate cowboy boots into your wardrobe for various occasions, whether casual or formal. Remember, fashion is about self-expression and experimentation, so don’t be afraid to dress with cowboy boots and hit the dusty trails.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Sarah Joseph
Sarah Joseph
Contributor
Sarah is a lover of all things outdoors. With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, she is always…
4 things you need to know about conditioning leather boots
Keep your leather boots looking great with these tips
leather boots conditioning sitting on a tree root

Men are hard workers. We're explorers. We like to run off the beaten path to find the most challenging corners of the Earth and conquer them. Of course, we can only do that if we have the right gear. Whether we're talking about the right pocket knife or the best pants for the trail, what we take with us on the trail is vital to our success. And maybe the most vital thing we take with us just may be the thing that takes us. Our leather boots. The right pair of boots can make or break any adventure to the furthest reaches of the known wilderness. Or they can make or break your delicate little toes on the job site. And if you want them to take care of you, it is important you take care of them by learning how to condition leather boots.

Choosing the right leather boots
Before we get into conditioning leather boots, we need to discuss what boots you need to pick. It doesn't matter if you treat your boots like your most prized possession; if they are the wrong boots for the task at hand, then you will be in dire straights anyway. If you are headed out into the great unknown, then the right hiking boot is going to be the pick for you. If you are defending freedom or our streets from the more nefarious elements of the city, then grabbing the best tactical boot is going to be the right move for you.

Read more
How to wear 1970s fashion if you aren’t Harry Styles
Thanks to Gucci and Harry, 1970s style is back — this is how to add it to your wardrobe
Harry Styles at the 2022 Venice Film Festival

Harry Styles may only model as a hobby when he isn't busy being one of the biggest pop stars on the planet, but he still managed to take over the 2022 Venice Film Festival with just two looks. The two Gucci ensembles, personally curated by Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele, went so viral over Labor Day Weekend that they overshadowed everything else at the legendary film festival. Styles has been collaborating with Gucci for years, replacing Jared Leto as the unofficial face of the brand. While everything Gucci creates is heavily inspired by the 1970s, they have leaned into that decade especially hard recently when outfitting Styles for brand campaigns and public appearances.

'70s outfits for men are still a thing, and here's how to do it
While Gucci and Styles had the menswear community salivating, the looks they put together are admittedly too eccentric for even the most fashion-forward common man. However, that doesn't mean the rest of us mere mortals can't embrace the 1970s aesthetic. The decade provides some fun inspiration for anyone's wardrobe with big lapels, bigger pants, and the biggest swagger. So we put together this guide on how to wear 1970s fashion if you aren't Harry Styles.
The jacket
Jackets from the 1970s were all about wide lapels and bold shoulders while maintaining a form-fitting but not tight silhouette. The style offers a fresh alternative to the slim cut, soft-shouldered, narrow lapel look that dominated suiting in the 2010s. It is also a more refined look than the 1990s-inspired big, baggy suiting that has trended recently.

Read more
The best American-made boot brands to shop right now
Look great, work great, and keep the boots made in-house
Men's boots walking

Sometimes you just need to feel like a man. Tough, capable, and rugged. One of the best ways to do that is to invest in a solid pair of outdoor boots. They are what you wear when you build a skyscraper. They are what you wear when you keep the streets safe. You wear them to defend the country. They are good for exploring the wilderness. And you wear them when you go toe to toe with the roughest that life has to offer.

While you can definitely go looking for the best men's boots you can find, if you really want to get the most out of your footwear in quality and ethical payoff, you can opt for American-made boots.

Read more