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Good Cowboy Boots: How Much Should They Cost?

Last updated: November 21, 2023

By: Miles HenryFact Checked

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When looking for a good pair of cowboy boots, expect to pay between $200 and $1000+. The price varies based on style, material, brand, stitching quality, and whether they’re custom-made. While “good” can be subjective, all high-quality cowboy boots share common traits: comfort and durability.

But what really makes a pair of cowboy boots good? It’s not just about lasting a long time and being comfortable. Cowboy boots are more than just shoes; they’re a fashion statement that can go with jeans or even dresses. Read on to learn what makes these boots unique and how to pick the best pair.

Picture of my Chisos cowboy boots.
Chisos “Number 2” cowboy boots

The price of a good pair of cowboy boots.

A good pair of cowboy boots can cost you a pretty penny because you’re paying for footwear made from high-quality materials designed to last. But this does not mean that they are too expensive for most people.

These days, owning a pair of cowboy boots is almost mandatory whether or not you are a cowboy or a cowgirl! Of course, this statement may not apply to everyone, especially if they balk at the cost of cowboy boots. But the fact remains: you must have a pair of cowboy boots in your closet.

Cowboy boots are comfortable and stylish. But everyone knows a pair of customized leather cowboy boots can be expensive. There are many reasons behind this high price, which is the topic of this guide!

How much can good cowboy boots cost?

Thankfully, there are high-quality cowboy boots from several top brands at affordable prices. You can easily find a pair of custom-made cowboys in the range of $200 to $500, depending on the materials, craftsmanship, etc.

So, the answer to the question: How much is a good pair of cowboy boots? It varies from pair to pair. You can find a pair at $50, but they will probably be machine-made with faux leather, synthetic materials, and plastic.

If you have the budget, you could go in for the custom, handmade pair of cowboy boots made with genuine leather, costing about $1000. In short, select the boots based on your budget, but consider the style, looks, and durability.

Did you know that a pair of Jack Armstrong Cosmic Cowboy Boots cost a whopping $6 million? That is probably one of the most expensive pairs of boots ever sold. There are other expensive cowboy boots, too:

  • Howard Knight’s Phantom cowboy boots – $106K
  • Tres Outlaw cowboy boots – $75K
  • Wheeler Boot Company football-themed boots – $17K

You get the drift. Cowboy boots can be pretty expensive.

Picture of my Tecovas cowboy boots
Tecovas “The Doc”

You see – when it comes to the price of a pair of cowboy boots, you get what you pay for. You want to be comfortable and also look smart. You also want the pair to last for a long time. I’m a big fan of Tecovas boots. They’re made from quality material, and the craftsmanship is top-notch. You’ll have a hard time finding a better pair of boots for the price.

10002230 3 4 front

What are the Best Cowboy Boots for the Money?

Some of the best pocket-friendly cowboy boots include ARIAT, Chisos, Tecovas, Wolverine, ROPER, Soto Boots, Irish Setter, and Laredo.

Then, some manufacturers have been making high-quality cowboy boots for more than 100 years: Justin (since 1879), Lucchese (since 1883), and the Olathe Boot Company (since 1875).

Many of these manufacturers have cowboy boots from $45 to $500. These affordable and budget-friendly boots are made with leather, sturdy rubber soles, and supportive cushioning. They are strong, durable, and styled with a classic Western flair.

After shopping for a new pair of cowboy boots, I found my perfect fit in the Ariat Amos. They cost me just under $200, and these are worth every penny.

They’re stylish and comfortable- don’t let their price fool you into thinking otherwise–and will probably get even more so with time as the leather breaks in. I bought these to wear to town, not riding or working, but I’ll probably end up riding in them once they get some age.

My favorite pair of high-quality cowboy boots can be found at Chisos Boot Company in Austin, Texas. They’re a small boot company, and their products speak for themselves – most styles cost over $500, but if comfort is key, you need to pay the extra money because mine was worth every penny.

Here are my other top picks of the best cowboy boots for the money:

Picture of Ariat work boots
Ariat Groundbreaker

Best Cowboy-style work boots

ARIAT Groundbreaker – Best cowboy style workboots

I own a pair of steel-toe groundbreakers, which held up well for me over the years. I’ve worn them in all conditions, and my son worked in them when pouring concrete, and they withstood the beating he gave them.

But you do have to take care of your boots after a hard day’s work if you expect them to last. I typically rinse them off, wash them with a conditioner, and put mink oil on the leather to keep it soft and durable.

However, these boots are not only durable but are also comfortable as well. Ariat boots are known as the most technologically advanced riding boots for the top equestrians or workers, and they are as functional as they are stylish.

Steel-toe work boots come in handy when working around horses, but they’re not suitable for riding, even though many people use them. But I find that the soles are too thick for stirrups.

You can wear them for a night in town or work around the farm, ranch, or construction. From jumping to team penning, ARIAT cowboy boots are needed to provide you with the foundation of world-class athleticism.

Specs

  • Material – Leather with rubber soles
  • Oil and slip-resistant dura-tread outsole
  • Metatarsal protection – may or may not be present depending on the style

Price range

$129 to $292.

Best riding boots

Men’s

A couple of pairs of cowboy boots are exceptional riding boots and are affordably priced Justin Ropers and ARIAT Men’s Rambler Western Boot.

I like the Justin Ropers for riding because of their slick leather sole, but many of my friends prefer the Ariat Ramblers because of their versatility, and they like the grip of the dura-tread sole.

You can’t go wrong with either; they are both comfortable riding boots; it really comes down to your personal preference.

Women’s

ROPER Women’s Riley Western Boot – Best cowboy boots for women

An excellent choice for style and comfort, ROPER women’s Riley Western boots come with an embroidered shank. These boots are perfect for pairing with dresses, skirts, or jeans.

The pointed toe is stylish, and you can work all day in them, thanks to the padded insole.

Specs

  • Lightweight, flexible
  • Synthetic material
  • Padding for comfort

Price range

$50 to $100.

Click here to buy.

Good all-round cowboy boots at a fair price

Guide Gear cowboy boots:

The proper boots for the job: Guide Gear cowboy boots for men are known for their western-style and ultra cushioning comfort.

Cushion your feet with every step with thickly padded insoles and 2-inch heels that sport a rubber pad for extra support and stability. Roam around with more leverage and a higher sense of confidence in these Guide Gear cowboy boots.

Quality materials: These boots are leather, and the shafts have intricate stitching to add Western flair.

Picture of Ariat Fatbaby cowboy boots.
Ariat Fatbaby Western boots

ARIAT Women’s Fatbaby Western Boot

These boots are 100% leather, sturdy and comfortable. The Fatbaby Western Boot is uniquely styled and versatile enough to wear while riding, working around the barn, or running errands.

With the 4LR technology for support and cushioning, these western boots ensure you have the most comfortable boot possible.

Picture of me wearing cowboy boots with jeans.
Ariat Amos Boots

How Much Do Custom Cowboy Boots Cost?

Custom cowboy boots can be expensive and will vary based on the materials used and the manufacturer. However, with some research, you can easily find a pair within your budget. The best thing about custom-made cowboy boots is that they are unique, unlike those off-the-rack, mass-produced boots that lack distinction.

Also, the artists who make custom cowboy boots don’t necessarily work for big companies. Many of these are word-of-mouth boot makers who take a handful of clients each year. Top bootmakers cater to stars and celebrities; many do not take new customers. Even if they accept you as a client, you must be prepared to wait several months to get your customized pair.

For example, Tex Robin Custom Handmade Boots,  one of the top 25 custom bootmakers, has a turnaround time of one year at a minimum! To answer the question, how much do custom cowboy boots cost: custom cowboy boots can range from $300 to $1000, and most top boot makers have a starting price of upward of $600.

Picture of cowboy boots made from exotic skin.
Ostrich skin boots

Why are Cowboy Boots so Expensive?

There are a lot of things that can make cowboy boots expensive. The materials they’re made from, the craftsmanship, and how long it takes to create them all contribute to their price tag.

The material used to make cowboy boots affects their price.

As any boot-wearer knows, cowboy boots come in various materials, and the type and quality used to make them play a significant role in the boots’ price. Synthetic and bonded leathers are cheap options–though not necessarily bad ones; expensive boots are made from high-quality materials like full-grain leather and exotic skins.

Picture of a pair of Ariat ropers, these are good cowboy boots,
Ariat Round-Toe Ropers

Craftsmanship influences the prices of cowboy boots.

So, what is the buzz about custom cowboy boots? Yes, it is a style that is hundreds of years old, but so many boot styles are as old, if not older. The buzz around cowboy boots will never die down. This style is here to stay. Sure, they might undergo a facelift several times, but their classic essence and worldwide popularity will always see an upward curve.

Cowboy boots conjure curiosity, compliments, and conversation. Their silhouette remains the most recognized in the world- it won’t be wrong to say that these boots have a life of their own. They mesmerize, stun, and attract. They are the classic American icon, the world’s greatest fashion enigma.

Custom cowboy boots can be as unique and personal as a tattoo. They are made with high-quality leather and embellished lovingly by experienced hands, and some are made using genuine alligator or snake skins.

All these factors increase their cost, especially when comparing them to the cost of machine-produced boots. Top cowboy boot manufacturers also take special precautions to prevent them from getting damaged during manufacturing. And that adds to the price, too.

Below is a YouTube video that explains the differences between cowboy boots.

Conclusion

Cowboy boots are a fashion statement – a symbol of the Wild West, an American icon. Walk in a pair of cowboy boots, and you will feel the pride, courage, and confidence symbolically of America’s heritage.

High-quality custom-made cowboy boots can be expensive (upward of $600), but you can easily get a pair off the shelves at affordable prices starting from $50.

FAQs

How long do cowboy boots last?

A good pair of cowboy boots can last 5 to 20 years with proper care and maintenance. Factors such as wear frequency, materials quality, and harsh conditions can impact their lifespan. Regular cleaning, conditioning, and repairs can help extend the life of your boots.

How often should you oil cowboy boots? How does oiling help?

If you wear your boots daily, oil them at least once or twice in a few months. Oiling helps keep the leather soft and supple and enhances your boot’s shine and appearance.