How to Properly Wear Cowboy Boots: From Heel to Toe

Hello, friends! If you’re as enamored with cowboy boots as I am, you’ll understand that wearing them isn’t just about stepping into footwear—it’s about embracing a whole darn lifestyle! So, let’s mosey on down to the basics about how to properly wear cowboy boots. Now, I’ll be the first to admit, my initial attempt at rocking these bad boys left me feeling more awkward than a tumbleweed in a storm. But fear not, because through a bit of trial and error, I’ve figured out the secrets to strutting in style. Join me as we explore the ins and outs of flaunting your cowboy boots with flair:

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A Boot For Every Occasion

The days of cowboy boots being relegated to the rodeo arena are over. Now they easily pair with a variety of modern outfits from business casual to date night attire. Their versatility lands them squarely in the category of fashion mainstay versus short-lived trend.

“I see men incorporating cowboy boots into dressier looks more than ever before,” says celebrity stylist Victoria Harness. “They offer a unique touch that other shoes simply cannot match.”

Harness frequently styles her clients in cowboy boots for red carpet events, editorial shoots, and more.

“They work beautifully with a properly tailored suit,” she explains. “The secret is to ensure that your pants fit and are the proper length, with a moderately uneven bottom hem..”

So before you toss your Chelsea boots or brogues, consider the range of outfits you can create when you add cowboy boots to the mix:

Table: Common Cowboy Boot Materials

Material	Pros	Cons
Leather	Durable & long-lasting – Develops a nice patina over time – Variety of textures and finishes	Expensive – Require more break-in time – Care intensive
Suede	Soft & flexible – Casual vibe	Not as durable as leather – Marks/stains easily – High maintenance
Ostrich skin	Very soft & comfortable – Unique appearance with “quill” marks	Very expensive – Limited supply
Alligator skin	Luxurious & exotic look – Extremely durable	Expensive – Require more break-in time – Care Intensive

Dark wash jeans, white tee or button-down, and a casual blazer
Black jeans and a bomber jacket for a night out
Pleated trousers and knit vest for a business casual vibe
Full suit and bolo tie if you really want to commit to the cowboy cause!

Nailing the Perfect Fit

You invested good money into a quality pair of cowboy boots. So it’s essential to get the sizing right for maximum comfort and wearability.

Cowboy boot expert and owner of Heritage Handmade Boots, Walt Cross, explains what to look for when finding your ideal size:

“You want your toes to hit right at the front of the boot without jamming into it. A good half-inch behind the front is ideal. Consider sizing down a half size from your regular shoe size to account for the structured leather not giving much.”

Cross also stresses allowing enough room to comfortably wear boot socks. Trying boots on barefoot can throw off your perception of true fit.

“Since the leather stretches, a little tightness is normal when the boots are brand-new, according to Cross. But they shouldn’t ever come out of the package excruciatingly tight.. The widest part of your foot should feel secure without your foot sliding forward as you walk.”

Getting the height of the shaft right is also key for comfort and style. Sit down when trying boots on to make sure the shaft height is not cutting off circulation behind your knee. Walk around the store to test flexibility as well. The boot should allow fluid strides without stiffness.

Table: Average Cowboy Boot Price Ranges

Type	Price Range*
Entry-level	$100 – $250
Mid-range	$250 – $500
High-end	$500 – $1,500
Exotic (ostrich, alligator, etc.)	$1,500+

Selecting Your Boots

Quality craftsmanship makes all the difference when selecting cowboy boots. Be wary of cheap versions without a proper structure that will fall apart quickly. When taken care of properly, a good leather pair should last years.

Here’s what to look for when choosing your boot investment:

Leather Type

Calfskin or cowhide leather offers durability at an affordable price point for most budgets. Goatskin leather boots have a slightly lower price tag but don’t hold up quite as well over time. For a premium luxury option, exotic materials like ostrich or alligator skin provide superior comfort and flair.

Toe Shape

The shape of the toe changes the entire look and feel of cowboy boots. Traditional Western styles feature a wider, rounded toe while snip, narrow square, and pointed toes have an edge for modern urban wear. Consider your personal style and typical outfit pairings when selecting toe shape.

Outsole Look for quality stitching where the upper leather meets the sole of the boot. A leather stacked heel offers classic cowboy styling. For maximum slip resistance, a rubber sole works best.

Boot Height

Cowboy boot shaft height ranges from short ankle-style to riding heights over 13 inches. The variety allows you to choose based on comfort as well as desired look. Just be cognizant of proportional balance with your body type and typical pant lengths.

Once you narrow choices down to a few pairs, walk around the store in each option for at least 10 minutes. Note any pinching, looseness, or discomfort. Breaking boots in takes patience, but they should feel wearable out of the box.

How to Properly Wear Cowboy Boots

Okay, so you picked up a killer pair of cowboy boots. Excellent choice! But the fun is just getting started. Now it’s time to explore how to wear your boots properly so you look like a fashionable cowboy instead of someone who got lost on their way to a hoedown.

Follow these simple guidelines for creating stylish looks with your boots:

Cuff or Trim Jeans

Tucking slim jeans into cowboy boots often looks sloppy fast. For a cleaner finish, cuff the hem instead. The slight reveal of the shaft and sole looks purposeful rather than haphazardly stuffed.

Keep it Clean With Trousers

Pleated trousers that stop right at the top of the shaft keep emphasizing lines tidy. A slight break is okay. But too much puddling loses the visual impact of the pronounced heel.

Roll Up Sleeves

Rolled sleeves balance the visual weight of cowboy boots in warmer weather outfits. Roll shirt sleeves one or two turns for a range of looks from casual to smart.

Incorporate Texture Layers

Leather jackets, knit vests, patterned shirts, or light flannels contrast nicely with cowboy boots when temperatures drop. Don’t overlayer or you lose the sleek cowboy effect.

Resist Over styling

Drowning cowboy boots with too many embellishments diminishes their versatile spirit. Stick to one or two accent pieces in an outfit with boots as the foundational statement piece.

How to Care For Your Boots

Taking proper care of quality leather ensures cowboy boots stand the test of time. Follow this routine regularly and your boots should last for years:

Remove Salt Stains

In winter climates, salt and chemical residue from streets and sidewalks can damage and dry leather. In a spray bottle, combine equal amounts of white vinegar and water. Lightly spritz boots after wear and gently wipe away salt or stains.

Use Leather Conditioner Every two to three months, apply leather conditioner following manufacturer instructions. Wipe away excess conditioner after application so the finish absorbs properly into the leather.

Stuff With Paper

Ensure boots hold their structure between wears by stuffing them with paper. Newspaper or wrapping tissue works well to wick away moisture and maintain shape.

Employ Boot Trees

Boot trees offer adjustable support to preserve form from the inside. They resemble shoe trees but have a higher shaft and curved design. Cedarwood trees help control odor as well.

Store Properly

Let boots fully air out after use before storing. Store them away from bright light in a cool, dry location.. Excessive heat from radiators or harsh window light can accelerate leather breakdown.

Embrace the Cowboy Within

Cowboy boots invite adventure, self-expression, and bold individualism tempered with a dash of rebellion. They’re boots made for creating memories as you cultivate your personal style journey.

“I recently asked a client why he loves wearing cowboy boots so much,” recalls Harness. “He replied, ‘Every time I put them on, I’m walking into my dream life.’ And you can’t ask for more than that from a pair of shoes.”

So pull your cowboy boots on, snap some shirt buttons, and step into the story you wish to live. Wherever you’re heading next, arrive there in Western spirit.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this comprehensive guide provided everything you need to start properly wearing your cowboy boots with confidence and flair. Just remember—respect the boots by keeping them clean and structured. Select your outfit pieces carefully to complement the iconic Western style. And most importantly, embrace your inner maverick spirit each time you slide those babies on! Knowing how to properly wear cowboy boots opens up a world of personality and adventure. So grab your hat and mosey on out there looking every bit the cool cowboy you now are. Happy trails!