With the arrival of festival season and Beyoncé‘s “Cowboy Carter” tour, fashion’s ongoing Western trend seems to be reaching new heights. Cow-print accessories and cowboy hats are among this summer’s hottest garb, alongside a longstanding footwear staple: cowboy boots — an investment piece that warrants a bit of thoughtful research ahead of purchasing.
When it comes to Western gear, authenticity is key. It’s crucial that brands prioritize traditional craftsmanship, high-quality materials and a strong sense of heritage. For those reasons, “authentic” cowboy boot brands tend to skew more expensive; the brand’s reputation, legacy and popularity also factor into the price point.
That said, there are some accessibly priced options as well. Tecovas and Dingo1969 deliver that authentic feel between $100-$700, while brands like Miron Crosby offer bespoke customization at a steeper price for something one-of-a-kind. That means that amid the cowboy boot renaissance, there’s something for every price-point and aesthetic preference.
For these brands, Western gear is not a trend, it’s tradition. And investing in a good pair means you’ll enjoy them for many years to come. So shop with confidence knowing these nine brands are cowboy-approved.
Stetson
Stetson is a legendary name in Western wear, synonymous with its best-selling American cowboy hat. Credited as the “first true cowboy hat” brand, the label was founded in 1865 by John B. Stetson, dubbed “the man of many hats“. Stetson’s hats quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple among pioneers and cowboys alike, and soon, so did its boots.
Expanding beyond headwear, Stetson has brought its commitment to craftsmanship to a line of Western shoes. Each pair of boots is handcrafted in León, Mexico — a city renowned for its bootmaking heritage — requiring more than 200 individual steps and approximately 40 hours to complete. They feature high-quality leathers, intricate stitching and durable construction, embodying the rugged grit for which the brand is known. By blending historical authenticity with meticulous craftsmanship, Stetson continues to define what it means to be an “authentic” cowboy brand.
Stetson Tucson Boots, $310, available here
Lucchese
Founded in 1883 by Salvatore Lucchese, an Italian immigrant who set up shop in San Antonio, Texas, Lucchese is regarded as the gold standard in American cowboy boots. Originally created to serve cavalry soldiers at Fort Sam Houston, the brand built its reputation on exceptional craftsmanship, high-quality leathers and a commitment to comfort. Now headquartered in El Paso, Lucchese has maintained its handcrafting process for more than 140 years, blending the founder’s Italian shoemaking traditions with true Western form.
Today, Lucchese’s boots are made in Texas and can involve more than 200 steps per pair, including stitching by hand and ‘lemonwood pegging‘ — techniques rarely used in mass production. They’ve graced the feet of John Wayne, Johnny Cash, Lyndon B. Johnson, Kacey Musgraves and Kim Kardashian, to name a few celeb fans.
Lucchese Priscilla Suede, $1,095, available here
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Tecovas
Founded in 2015 by Paul Hedrick, Tecovas‘ mission is simple: Deliver premium cowboy boots without the traditional retail markup. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, the brand blends modern accessibility with old-school craftsmanship: Each pair of boots is handmade in the aforementioned Mexican city of León, and the women’s boots run between $200-$700.
The brand prides itself on three pillars: premium materials, complete comfort and an ode to Southern hospitality, making ‘cowboy culture’ feel more wearable — and welcoming — than ever. It’s earned a plethora of fans from first-time boot owners to seasoned cowboys alike.
Since its 2015 launch, Tecovas has expanded rapidly both online and through a growing footprint of brick-and-mortar stores across the U.S., with its first New York location set to open in the fall. You can also score the brand’s boots, bags and apparel online.
Tecovas The Annie Cactus Boot, $745, available here
Miron Crosby
Founded in 2017 by sisters Lizzie Means Duplantis and Sarah Means, Miron Crosby is a luxury cowboy boot brand that merges authentic Western heritage with high-fashion sensibility. Raised on their family’s cattle ranch in West Texas, the sister duo later pursued careers in finance and fashion (respectively) in New York City, where they were inspired to create a brand that honors their Southern roots while catering to the needs of modern shoppers that want unique, fashion-forward designs. The brand’s name pays homage to their great-grandfather, Marion Otis Means, and “Crosby,” a popular street in SoHo, reflects their blend of Texan and New York influences.
Miron Crosby boots are handcrafted by skilled artisans in Mercedes, Texas, as well as León, utilizing traditional techniques passed down through generations. The brand has gained popularity for its bespoke services (which has become a popular custom bridal gift), allowing clients to customize boots with unique designs, materials and personal touches like monogramming or handwritten messages. Its boots run upward of $2,000, and have attracted celebrity fans like Lana Del Rey, Kacey Musgraves, Gigi Hadid and Gwyneth Paltrow. The brand already has boutiques in Dallas, Aspen and Houston where shoppers can peruse IRL.
Miron Crosby Elaine Red Boot, $2,295, available here
Dingo1969
Established in — you guessed it! — 1969, Dingo1969 has been a staple in Western footwear for more than five decades. The brand was created to cater to a socially aware, fashion-conscious generation, blending authentic Western heritage with contemporary fashion trends. Dingo1969 prides itself on its commitment to quality, style and the classic spirit of the American West.
Dingo1969’s boots are known for affordability (women’s boots are priced less than $250) as well as craftsmanship, honoring traditional techniques while incorporating modern innovations that ensure durability and comfort. The brand offers a wide range of styles, from a classic worn-in leather look to more fun and flashy designs (like sequined, bejeweled or fringed), each reflecting its dedication to quality and uniqueness.
Dingo 1969 Ride A Way Leather Boot, $150, available here
Kemo Sabe
Founded in 1990 by Tom and Nancy Yoder in Aspen, Colorado, Kemo Sabe (a reference to the Old West film “The Lone Ranger,” meaning “faithful friend”) has become a luxury Western fashion house known for its high-end custom cowboy hats and boots. The brand has expanded its footprint beyond Colorado with locations in Vail, Round Top, Jackson Hole and Park City, gaining popularity among celebrities including Rihanna, Beyoncé and Bella Hadid.
Kemo Sabe’s products are handcrafted in Texas, with a hat and buckle factory in Gainesville, Florida and a boot factory in El Paso. The brand emphasizes customization, allowing customers to personalize their items with unique designs and materials. Women’s boots retail between $500 and $3,000; their blend of traditional Western craftsmanship with modern luxury offers a unique shopping experience.
Kemo Sabe Old Gringo Tall Cowgirl Boot, $575, available here
Brother Vellies
Founded by Aurora James in 2013, Brother Vellies is coveted for its sought-after pieces and commitment to preserving traditional African craftsmanship within the realm of luxury fashion. The brand works with artisans across several African countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia and Morocco, to create its distinctive footwear, including traditional South African, “vellies,” or “veldskoene,” which are handcrafted leather shoes originating from the Khoisan people. While the label is known for far more than just cowboy boots, its Western-wear offering is a highlight.
The label utilizes materials native to Africa (like spring bok leather, kudu leather and other locally sourced hides) and embraces age-old tanning and dyeing techniques passed down through generations, ensuring each piece reflects authentic heritage. The label also uses natural and recycled materials, such as vegetable-tanned leathers and repurposed tires for soles, in its boots. It’s this ethical commitment to sustainability and philanthropy (don’t miss the My Body, My Choice boots) that continues to grow the brand’s fanbase.
Brother Vellies My Body My Choice Doodle Cowboy Boot, $1,295, available here
MCD Boots
Founded by Genia “CherriDoll” Lee, MCD Boots is an independent Black woman-owned Western boot company based in Raymond, Mississippi. Inspired by her father’s love for cowboy boots, Lee transformed a personal passion into a thriving business with national attention that shows no signs of slowing. Starting from her mother’s porch, Lee has grown the brand to include a storefront in the label’s hometown on Highway 18 and has served customers across almost every U.S. state.
MCD Boots offers a diverse range of handcrafted boots for men, women and children, including sturdy work boots and one-of-a-kind designs. The brand prides itself on quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. Lee’s commitment to authenticity and community engagement has set MCD Boots apart in the Western fashion industry and boot-making space.
MCD Boots Pink Lush Boots, $500 $300, available here
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Montserrat Messeguer
Mexican designer Montserrat Messeguer founded her eponymous label in 2017, drawing inspiration from her homeland of Northern Mexico, where her boots are still produced today. Having grown up surrounded by textiles and art — her mother, Lydia Lavín, is a renowned Mexican designer — Messeguer studied textile design at Universidad Iberoamericana, as well as the Fashion Institute of Technology and the Paris American Academy.
The brand’s boots are handcrafted in León, and made from 100% bovine leather. Each pair undergoes a meticulous process involving up to 250 steps, from tanning the leather to the final finishing touches. The designer blends her edgy aesthetic with her country’s cultural and artistic heritage, creating high-quality cowboy boots unlike any you’ve seen before — see the stiletto-heeled cowboy boot, for instance — collecting celebrity fans including Dua Lipa, Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski.
While Messeguer’s designs are fashion-forward, they maintain authenticity through traditional craftsmanship and cultural storytelling, embodying a blend of contemporary style and Mexican cowboy heritage. Boots run between $400-$500 (with its bestselling Western ballet flats running closer to $200) and the brand also offers ready-to-wear including denim and leather pieces.
Montserrat Messeguer Botas Jornada Stiletto Boot, $429, available here
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Source: Fashionista.com