Fashion is ever-changing, but fortunately, certain trends stay the same. Whether you’re into Western styles or not, owning a quality pair of Western work boots may come in handy for you. However, like any other fashion trend, it is vital that you know exactly how to choose the right ones when shopping. Not all of these boots are worth buying, but with the information below, you’ll gain a better insight on how to find the best one on the market that will be within your budget.

What to Look for When Buying a Pair of Western Work Boots

Comfort

Before style, comfort should always be a priority when shopping for anything especially when it comes to shoes. A great thing to look for is longer calf lengths, as it helps to support your legs and ankles while walking. Also, don’t be afraid to feel the soles of the boots before making your purchase — the last thing you want is stiff soled boots.

Durability

Durability is also a vital feature to look for when buying any styled cowboy boots, as longevity beats exterior designs any day. Be sure to also look for safety features such as water resistance or steel toe material which will help keep the boots sturdy. Oil resistance on the outsoles or strong rubber materials can also be great signs of quality boots.

Versatility

Unique styles and color schemes should also play a decent role before you make a final purchase. Be sure to check if the boots also offer pull or slip on features to make putting on and taking off them easier. The versatility of boots, in general, is one of the many reasons why they have been popular for ages. Never settle for boots that are just physically attractive, as there are so many other features to look for.

Quality for Price

Lastly, you don’t have to spend so much money to own a quality pair of Western cowboy boots. You’d be surprised at how many clearance sales there are that offer high-quality boots. You have to be aware of when these sales happen, and you will snag a great deal without a doubt. As Badudets also points out, you can find some of the best deals when shopping for boots online.

What Outfits Pair Well with Western Work Boots

To complete an outfit with Western work boots, you must first know what styles fit your overall look. There are four types of toe shapes to choose from, the square toe, traditional, round, and the snip toe. The round and snip toe look usually works well with casual Western events, as they have more of a classic design. Meanwhile, the square and traditional toe shapes can better fit the more upscale formal occasions. The best outfits that work well with these boots are never over the top. Slick and straightforward brings out the best in these shoes because they already are a wonderful fashion statement.

Rocking the Western look is definitely achievable with a good pair of Western work boots. Never be afraid to explore fashion of all styles to discover what really works best for you. There are indeed no real rules to fashion, so that’s what makes it fun to experiment. Don’t hesitate any longer to create unique outfits with some Western boots.

Yes, it is true that cowboy boots are trending, but that does not mean you want to look like you came straight off a ranch. There are times when you want to blend a contemporary look with your love for all things cowboy. The following are a few tips to help you do just that.

Un-Cowboy it Up

There is nothing wrong with wanting to pull off a Western look, but sometimes that could look a little costumey. One way you can wear cowboy boots in a modern way is to simply use them as your accent. Meaning, stay away from flannel shirts and suede vests.

Give it Street Cred

Cowboy boots can be mixed with all sorts of styles, and you have to be bold with your choices. One thing people won’t see coming is a blend between streetwear and cowboy boots. There are all sorts of looks you can pull off, like wearing a t-shirt with street flare and some jeans.

Boho Works Well

Another interesting way to wear your cowboy boots is to make it work with a bohemian look. In essence, you want to channel that poet look with your cowboy boots. What you want to go for is sleek clothes, something a little dark that has an artistic bent to it. This reinvents the way you wear cowboy boots, and it makes you look fashion-forward.

A Little Grunge

There is another style that works with cowboy boots that is quite contemporary: the grunge look. Most of the time, this look is accompanied by sneakers, but that doesn’t have to be the case. A good pair of cowboy boots can make this style shine in a whole new way. Yes, this particular style is a little dated, but bringing it back makes you look cool.

Get Hipster With It

Huge beards, vintage clothing, and cowboy boots can look amazing. All you have to do is try them out together and create something new. Part of what makes the hipster look seem so modern is this group of individuals are not afraid of blending styles, fashion trends, and their own personal touch.

Bring it All Forward

There are times when you want to honor your cowboy love completely, but you also do not want to look too country. This seems like a problem, but the reality is you can solve it by thinking outside the box a bit. Why not draw inspiration from cowboy styles and adapt them into new things. Instead of wearing a cowboy hat why not trade it for a fedora. Do the same with other items you love, and see what you come up with.

High Fashion

Those who love high fashion may want to consider blending both styles together. You are going to look like a million bucks, and you’ll be strutting your cowboy boots along with you. The great thing about high fashion is that it is meant to assimilate to your overall look, so all you have to do is give it a shot.

Hopefully, some of these tips help you look your best and not so country even though you are wearing your favorite cowboy boots. You can talk to a stylist to help you figure out what other looks you can pull off.

Western-style footwear is a classic staple in many people’s closets that will never go out of style. Whether one is wearing them for work purposes or as a fashion statement, the style and functionality options are endless. Although the variations in western footwear may just seem like a bunch of design options for you to choose from, every cut, layer, and feature serves a purpose.

WESTERN RIDING BOOTS

Western riding boots are the most classic and arguably one of the most popular styles of footwear; they are also designed specifically for horseback riding, as well as optimal ease while riding or sitting in a saddle. The heels are slightly higher than average and cut on an angle to prevent the boots from slipping out of the stirrups. The soles are smooth to prevent the rider’s foot from getting caught in the saddle in case of a fall. The shaft is also taller in style to protect the rider’s legs from getting pinched or snagged in the saddle, as well as to protect the rider from elements such as branches, thorns and things of that nature.

WESTERN WORK BOOTS

Western work boots are probably considered the most protective of styles, as they are designed for high traffic. They are manufactured with functionality rather than aesthetics in mind in order to protect the wearer from elements such as mud, ice, or any other conditions that nature or a work environment has to offer. Some of the features of western work boots include the following:

• Focuses on protection and durability
• Shorter heels for ease and comfort
• Treaded or rubber soles for traction
• Usually made of cowhide or other inexpensive material
• Shock absorbency

WESTERN FASHION BOOTS

There are no inhibitions when it comes to designing a western fashion boot. The heels can be high or low, designs can be extravagant or subtle, and the shaft can be just beyond the ankle or knee-high. Usually, the flashier designs are reserved for western fashion boots. The toes seem to be pointier and the shaft, taller than average. These boots are not recommended for everyday wear, and they are especially not designed for working or horseback riding. However, if you plan to go out for a night on the town or dancing, these are the boots for you!

• Flashy
• Heavy on the hardware
• More frills such as fringe or embroidery

ROPERS

Having the lowest heel of all western style boots, these boots are a fairly new concept. Ropers are designed for rodeo cowboys. The low heel provides ease for jumping on and off of saddles during competition and following the taut rope leading to calves once they are roped. Hence the name, ropers. Also, for comfortability, most ropers have a rounded toe, lower heel, and a shorter shaft than most other styles of western boots. One downside to ropers is that many of them are lace-up boots.

Although lace-up boots provide more comfort as the rider can adjust the tightness to their liking, the laces can pose a danger by getting caught on the saddle, increasing the chances of the rider being dragged on the ground and injured if they were to be thrown off of the horse.

COWBOY BOOTS

Cowboy boots are the most common of all western style boots. The average boot height for a cowboy boot is twelve inches. The heel is a reasonable height for both walking as well as riding, averaging around an inch and a half. These boots are for all-around wear whether riding, walking, dancing, or relaxing. The everyday wear of cowboy boots provides the most versatility of all of the boots as it can suit several different occasions and purposes. The style ranges from a classic and subtle design, to something with more of a flare. I would say that if you are unsure about what style boots to add to your collection, start with the cowboy boots.

Whatever form of western style footwear that you decide on, you will not be disappointed. With the endless options to choose from, they can be very addictive. Once you purchase one pair, you’ll almost be sure to follow up with another one. Whether you are purchasing your boots for work purposes, to spruce up an outfit, or a night on the town, there is a pair for every occasion.