I guess I just don’t get them. They look cool, but each time I look at them I just can’t convince myself to pull the trigger. I understand they need to fit properly, so I’ve gone to a few western boot shops that specialize in those types of boots and have been fitted properly. But in the end I always back out and stick with my favorite style of boots (moc toe, wedge sole). These Keens are all day comfy, and then some. Maybe I’m an old fart who favors comfort over style? Anyone here into western boots? What am I not getting about them?
You're making the correct decision, those are comfy. You can get horse shit on those just as easy as cowboy boots.
The right boot with right socks make a big difference. Brands like Ariat, Nocona and Tony Lama have a big presence but always felt too "wooden" for me. I stepped up to a pair each of Lucchese and Tecovas and they are both all day comfortable. Your results may vary.
I bought my first pair this year. Tecovas. They are killer looking. I wear em if the ol lady asks for a date night at the local mexican restaurant every once in a while. I imagine I'm Llewelyn Moss from No Country for Old Men while I wear em. But on the daily I rock Danner boots moc toe lace ups. "I ain't got no aqua"
I have moved on to slip on boots. Steel toe. Can wear all day. Easy to put on take off. Love these and wear the shit out of em. https://www.amazon.com/Wolverine-Tr...+mens+boots+slip+on,aps,184&sr=8-1&th=1&psc=1
It depends on what you are using them for. You can have work boots and you can have dress boots. Guessing from the boots that you have shown, you want a solid pair of work boots. If such is the case , then your off the shelf Ariats etc.. aren’t going to get you there. As Mentioned, Tecova, Double H, Ariat Special Work, are what you need. You can pick the toe style (round, cutter, wide square, etc..) Overall, you’re either a lace up guy, or a pull up guy. Eventually, most end up with the lace up boots at some point unless your in the slop on the daily. Quite simply you’ll get tired of the laces rotting off. Go to a true western store and get fitted for a pair of daily wear boots. Nothing fancy, regular leather with a rubber sole. After you’ve broke those in, you can decide if it’s just fashion thing for you.
I tried some slip ons for the past 11 months as daily work footwear... not a fan of unsupported ankles. I just got a new pair of 8" lace up thorogoods for 2026. With the varied amount of surfaces & terrain I encounter Im never going with a slip on again. I had an eyelet rip out on a new boot lacing them up and they made the return process easy.
I’ve worn slip ons for a very short time a while ago, but I have a somewhat narrow foot (C) and they always felt a little sloppy. The lace ups I’m wearing now are perfect. For casual wear, maybe I’ll try western boots again, but it’s tough to beat the “custom” fit of lace ups.
I like red wings, #2440 "traction tread lite" - moc toe, steel(safety toe) insulated and waterproof. The perfect boot for me year round. I do add some good insoles, but other than that they are stock. Very happy with them and I generally get 3-4 years out of them before I "could" replace the soles but I like new boots so I just treat myself after that long.
I have 7 pairs of Thorogoods. They are the only boots I wear. I have some that I thrash about in (yard work, semi truck work etc) and a second pair for nights out. You can style them with some good ol 501’s or 541’s (Levi’s) I also have two pairs of Ariat Western boots. I usually wear those to family parties/our Mexican weddings. as I tell everyone, find the style that fits you best. Fuck the brand.
What the shit would I know about cowboy boot? Never owned a pair. Know less about Black Sabbath. I did have spurs and wore ‘em but that’s a whole other conversation.
I tried a pair of Reebok tactical boots, that were on our list of issued choices a couple years ago. I get a pair every year now, including a pair I bought myself for hunting/woods activities. Unbelievably comfortable all day, and extremely quiet in the woods. I can’t even fathom cowboy boots with my already worn feet. Hurts just thinking about it
I’ve got Tony Lama, Ariat, Dan Post, Black Jack and 3 pair of Lucchese. Some of them are all-day comfortable and some are fine for a night out. The more you wear them in, the better they feel.
Depends what youre doing muddy Hunt camp....slip ons are bad ass For actual cowboy shit.....need laces For dropping panties after date...cowboy boots