Western-inspired cowboy (and cowgirl) boots have proven to be a cyclical—but impressively enduring—trend. I first tried out the cowboy boot trend back in the mid-aughts in high school, pairing tall boots with mini skirts and maxi dresses inspired by looks that the “off-duty” models of the time were all wearing on repeat. I eventually retired my cowboy boots in favor of ankle booties in the later 2000s, but I’m happy to report that the cowboy boot trend is officially back—and it’s looking like it’s here to stay for the foreseeable future.
While cowboy boots come and go every few years or so—never declining to the point of hitting an editor’s dreaded “out” list—they’re officially back yet again for 2022. Like clockwork, western footwear re-entered our zeitgeist in the fall and winter of this year, making what might’ve been its biggest resurgence to date.
One of the best things about the resurrected cowboy boot trend is that you can customize the look according to your comfort level (we know there’s an inherent reluctance to try cowboy-inspired footwear out of fear of looking like you’re in costume). For instance, you can try an entry-level ankle boot pair that subtly nod to the Texas shoe staple, or go full speed with knee-high cowboy boots. Want to take the trend to the next level? There are plenty of cowboy boots embellished with country-chic details like rhinestones and cowgirl-approved embroidery to try out too.
Whatever level of wild west dressing you decide to go with, the most foolproof way to rock the western boot trend without looking like you’re rodeo-bound (or worse, costume party bound) is to invest in a quality pair constructed with premium leather and thoughtful stitching. Because the trend has made such a viral comeback in recent months, there are plenty of low-brow iterations of the classic look that ultimately fall short in terms of design, which can result in your entire get-up looking cheap or garish. Scroll through below to check out the best cowboy boot brands to shop online.
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