The Western-style boot is an iconic part of men's fashion, occupying a space between pop culture, folk art, and practical apparel. Presidents, actors and pop stars are constantly seen wearing them. However, the majority of men will live their lives never having put on a cowboy boot.

My piece of advice? Don't be that person. Try it out. It's not necessary to be a cowboy to enjoy and wear Western boots. Even if they will be more useful if you learn Western dance and rodeo, a man can occasionally appreciate a little cowboy flair in his attire. It's the most manly style ever - rugged and cool!

That said, if you're up for adding a little fun to your wardrobe, here's a practical guide on buying your first pair of cowboy boots.

Invest in a Premium Brand

When it comes to cowboy boots, quality is paramount. While there may be a plethora of options available on the market, investing in a premium brand such as Ariat can make all the difference.

Premium brands like Ariat pride themselves on their meticulous craftsmanship. Each pair of boots undergoes rigorous quality control measures to ensure that they meet the highest standards of excellence. From the selection of the finest materials to the precision stitching, every aspect of Ariat men western boots reflects their commitment to quality.

Comfort is key, especially when it comes to footwear. Ariat incorporates advanced comfort technologies into their boots, such as cushioned footbeds, supportive arches, and moisture-wicking linings. These features not only enhance the wearing experience but also provide long-lasting comfort, whether you're wearing your boots for a quick stroll or a long day on the ranch.

Cowboy boots are meant to withstand the rigours of daily wear and tear, and premium brands like Ariat excel in this regard. By using top-quality materials and construction techniques, Ariat boots are built to last. Whether you're working in the field, riding horses, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, you can trust that your Ariat boots will stand the test of time.

With decades of experience in the industry, Ariat has earned a reputation for excellence and reliability. When you invest in Ariat boots, you're not just purchasing footwear; you're buying into a legacy of quality and innovation. You can trust that Ariat will continue to uphold its standards of excellence, ensuring that your investment pays off for years to come.

Choose Your Leather

Cowboy boots are generally made of leather. The kind of leather used is a crucial factor to take into account. It's what will affect the boots' toughness, usability, and looks. Unlimited leather options are available nowadays, including bison leather, roughout leather, crocodile leather, lizard leather, python leather, shark leather, stingray leather, cowhide leather, ostrich leather, goat leather, snake leather, elephant leather, lizard and caiman alligator leather, and suede leather.

Pick a Style

• Traditional: These cowboy boots were originally designed with riding in mind. They include a tall shaft that reaches your calf, a narrow, pointed toe that makes putting on stirrups easier, and a higher heel to hold your feet in place.
• Ropers: Originating from the classic Western boots, ropers were designed for roping livestock. Long-distance walking and jogging are made easier and more comfortable by the lower heel and shorter shaft, which stop below your calf.
• Work boots: Standard work boots serve as an inspiration for work cowboys boots. For rough, uneven surfaces, such as a construction site, they are protected and have traction thanks to their thick, gripping rubber sole. The toe is more rounded, broader, and occasionally has steel reinforcement.
• Dress boots: Compared to regular boots, those with a dress style typically have more elaborate stitching and embroidery or are constructed of higher-quality materials. Dress boots can be distressed to give them a worn-in appearance, or they can be stained to create a patina, which is an uneven stain that gives leather an aged appearance.

Consider the Toe

An important feature of cowboy boot style is toe shape. There are several different options to choose from:

• Regular: When most people think of cowboy boots, they picture this. Normal toe shapes are round and thin, with the occasional tiny point to help slide your feet into and out of stirrups.
• Round toe: Round toe shapes allow more space for your toes and are more common in casual fits, ropers, and work cowboy/cowgirl boots.
• Square toe: Like round toe shapes, square toes are more roomy up front and are suitable for riding as well as strolling.
• Wide square toe: Similar to square, but for individuals with large feet, it has a broader toe end.
• Snip toe: Typically seen in formal boots, snip forms are sharp points.
• Cutter toe: These boots are wider than regular but narrower than square-toe boots. If you have broader feet and want the appearance of a conventional toe, this is an excellent alternative.