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Nov 18, 2023

13 Best Cowboy Boots for Women of 2023

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Calling all fashion-forward cowgirls: These top-rated picks are comfortable and stylish.

Some may call them a trend, but in truth, cowboy boots have been an iconic symbol of strength and style for well over a hundred years. While traditionally associated with rugged cowboys, these boots have effortlessly crossed gender boundaries, captivating the hearts of daring and fashion-forward women. More recently, they've become a stylish concert staple (we're looking at you Taylor Swift) or just a fashionable addition to add some fun to any outfit.

If you're a modern cowgirl in search of the perfect pair, look no further. We did the research and interviewed experts to bring you a curated selection of the absolute best cowboy boots for women, where craftsmanship, comfort and unmistakable flair unite. From classic designs that honor tradition to bold, contemporary interpretations, these picks will elevate your western-inspired wardrobe.

Saddle up and get ready to explore the best cowboy boots for women.

With over 5,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, these classic-looking cowboy boots are both fashion-forward and blister-free. Made with 100% synthetic fabric that looks like real vintage leather, these stylish kicks have a thermoplastic elastomers insole to provide the utmost comfort without harsh rubbing on your heels, ankles or arches — regardless of whether you have narrow or wide feet.

The shaft measures 12 inches high, making it the perfect boot if you want something that hits right around the middle of your calves. Reviewers with wider calves say the boot isn't the best fit, measuring in at 14 inches around, and some customers note that the different colors don't always match the swatches online, but do enjoy the shoe's style, durability and comfort compared to its competitors. "Y’all… the COMFORT of these boots is unreal," a reviewer wrote. "I’m a line dancer, so I wanted a step up from my usual boots but not break the bank. I LOVE these boots! So cute and comfortable and I wore them all night long with no discomfort."

If you're on a budget but don't want to sacrifice style or comfort to score an affordable boot, then this boot is just what you're looking for. With almost 2,500 five-star reviews, these boots support the feet and ankle area thanks to the thick rubber heel and cushioned insole — and they are under $20.

Reviewers can't stop praising them for their comfort, durability and how easy they are to walk in. One reviewer said, ". . . I wore them right out of the box and didn't have time to break them in. I walked a ton in these and no foot pain nor blisters after a full day and night of walking."

A pair of boots that's both functional and fashionable? Win-win! Made with 4LR technology that provides support and cushioning, these boots are just what you want whether you're riding horses, working outside on the ranch or farm or just need a stylish pair of boots to pair with an outfit. The thick outsole is durable against even the toughest terrain, and the thick, 100% synthetic material protects your feet and shins against wear and tear to stand the test of time.

Among the over 8,000 five-star reviews, customers time and time again praised the super comfortable fit, the quality stitching and material that stayed in top condition, the fact that they fit wide calves and feet and overall, that they're cute. "Sooooo perfect. Super comfy (and) took zero time to break in," a reviewer wrote. "Nice leather, quality stitching and SUPER CUTE!! I always get compliments when I wear these no matter what I wear with them. Sizing is on point!"

These boots simply scream "country music concert." Available in black or white, the boots end right below the knee, making them the perfect to pair with a dress or skirt. Although made with leather, the interior of the shoe is lined with Lyra so feet don't overheat and are able to breathe a bit. Not only do reviewers love how great they fit wide calves, but they say they are comfortable enough to stand in for hours, thanks to the thick chunky heel that provides support, and keep feet dry and chafe-free, even when worn in bad weather.

"My daughter wore these boots for 10 hours two days in a row at Taylor Swift concerts including one in the pouring rain. She walked well over a mile in and out of the stadium and stood the whole time," a review reads. "Her feet were comfortable and felt fine after both nights. She also said despite being in the rain for six hours, her feet were still okay and dry!!! I can honestly say best purchase for the price ever!!!"

Although not the best choice if you have wide feet or like a large toe box, these distressed boots are an affordable option that pairs well with pants, skirts, dresses and any other kind of outfit while also being a comfortable slip-on shoe. Made with 100% synthetic material, the short boots come in a variety of colors, have pull-on tabs to easily slide feet in and have a rounded almond toe area that's a bit more pointed than the traditional shape most cowboy boots have.

Some reviewers wish the material was a little more high-quality, but say for the price, it's a cute shoe that works when you need it to and holds up in all kinds of weather. "I have never worn cowboy or cowgirl boots before. I really like them. I did put in some gel padding for better comfort but I really like them," one reviewer wrote.

Looking for the perfect pair of dark brown boots to pair with a pair of jeans or a white dress? Look no further! These boots, which hit around mid-calf, have a simple embroidered design that's just enough to add a little something extra to any look without overwhelming it completely. The rubber sole prevents slipping and provides a shoe that's fairly durable while still being comfortable. Although the large pull tabs make putting the boots on and taking them off a breeze, the somewhat narrow shaft makes them a better option if you have thinner calves.

Some reviews did notice that if you aren't careful enough, you can scuff the material of the boot, but as long as you take care of the shoes, they are a super cute pick that's more affordable than some other similar options. One reviewer wrote, "Bought these boots for a four night country music festival. (I) ordered my usual shoe size and they fit well. By the end of each night my feet were a little sore, but no blisters. Overall happy with this purchase."

Want the look of real leather but not the price? Then these are the boots for you. Not only do customers love the price point for these boots that look like they are made of real vintage leather (when it's actually vegan leather) but many say they "fit like a glove" while still being comfortable and pain-free. Although some say that feet can easily overheat in hotter climates, they are a great option whether you have narrow or wide feet — plus, they hold up a long time according to Amazon reviews.

"I’ve had these for about four and a half years and I wear them all the time," one reviewer wrote. "They are super comfortable and I’ve hiked, taken the dog on miles-long walks, and actually worked on a ranch in them now and again."

With a pointed toe and retro western design, these black boots will definitely stand out no matter what you pair them with. Thanks to extra help from the sizing guide, you can also find the perfect pair for you — size up two sizes for a looser, sloucher look, a half or one size up for a firmer fit if you have wide feet, or your regular size if you have a narrower or more regularly sized foot.

If you find that you tend to overheat in boots, the s oft synthetic lining of this specific pair keeps sweating at bay by wicking away moisture while providing a super soft "next-to-skin" feel. "I got these boots to wear for a line dance competition my work has," a reviewer wrote. "These boots were absolutely the center piece of my outfit. Survived a lot of stomping, foot scuffing and toe taps."

A white boot makes a statement — and these are the perfect pair to do so in. With a boot shaft that measures 11 inches, this pair cuts right below mid-shin, so it's a great option if you don't want something too tall or too short. Made with vegan leather, this pair is light enough to wear to a summer concert or picnic in the park, but can also keep your feet warm in the fall or winter when temperatures get colder. According to reviews, the boots run true-to-size for the most part and work on wide and narrow feet — although some reviews said they can be a bit snug if you have wider feet. They also don't rub, so no need to worry about painful blisters or bunions should you choose to go without socks (although we'll always advise for your foot's protection to opt for the former).

One customer wrote, "Super cute and like walking on a cloud." Another said, "They fit perfect, look good, feel good, they are great boots for dancing. No sore feet. I feel energetic in them. I will be buying them in another color now."

An over-the-knee boot can seem hard to pull off, but in the right style and fit it's easy. Not only do we love this quirky knee-high for the wide variety of colors it comes in and the added white stitching that creates an edgy design, but the boot actually gets wider at the top, creating a slouchy fit that widens around the top over the knee, which makes it a great option if you have thicker calves and thighs. According to reviews, the fit is true-to-size, and although some customers with thinner thighs and legs complain a bit about the top of the boots falling down, most find it a non-issue.

One reviewer wrote,"These boots fit true to size for me. They were easy to slip on and off. They stayed up really well, no slipping, above the knee, mid-thigh. I didn't need to mess with pulling them up constantly. I made it through a full concert in Nashville and then all night out on Broadway at the bars all by walking, very comfortable."

Red boot, blue boot, metallic boot? This boot has any color you could want. Not only are these knee-highs available in 29 different colors, but they are made with a soft, faux leather-like material that's not harsh, so chafing and rubbing is less likely to occur. With the thick block heel, pain is less likely even when worn for long periods of time. Reviews do mention that the boots, although true-to-size, can run tight in the shaft area so size up if you have thicker or wider calves. Nevertheless, among the over 5,000 five-star reviews, it was clear that these boots are a favorite among music festivals and concertgoers.

One person wrote, "These boots are very comfortable and perfect for any country concert!! They are cute, and affordable! I am going to buy them in another color." Another said, "I bought these for a country concert, and they are unbelievably comfortable. They’re padded with memory foam, unlike regular boots. I also love the detailing on the sides."

Who doesn't love a little bit (or a lot) of sparkle? Available in both hot pink and clear crystal, these blinged boots might not be the most budget-friendly, but they are so much fun! While they clearly aren't made for horseback riding trails, they are made to be paired with a cute skirt, dress or pair of pants.

Although the shoes do have pull-tabs to help putting them on, the easy side zipper makes them a breeze to pop on and go, and the stacked black heel provides enough support that you can wear them for hours. There is a chance that your feet can overheat a bit, but reviewers don't seem to mind it much — although some say they run a bit small and should be sized up when purchasing. "These boots are beautiful and will attract so much attention. They are comfortable enough," one person wrote. "I wore them to a wedding where I chased kids and danced. Just wish I had more places to wear them to."

Made with high-quality leather, these Steve Madden shoes have a leather lining to provide the utmost comfort to your feet, and are designed with classic western stitching and an etched metal boot tip to provide a truly chic pair of booties. Amanda Constantine, Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, who owns these cowboy booties in green said, "The shoes run true to size and feature a zipper running down the side, so getting them on and off is a breeze compared to other cowboy boots I’ve tried." The only downside? "My con: the green inner lining bleeds when wet, so it stained my socks green!"

That said, customers enjoy the soft material of the shoe that holds up in dryer weather and the stacked block heel that offers solid support when standing or walking. "Great purchase. Love the color and style," one customer wrote. Another said, "Very comfortable."

As the priciest pair of boots on this list, we can understand if you're a bit skeptical. However, the reviews speak for themselves, with one person writing, "Very worth the price. The most comfortable pair of boots." The eye-catching four-row stitch design is just another bonus.

Made of 100% leather with a thick leather sole, these booties are designed to easily slip on and off thanks to the stylish peek-a-boo slit design around the ankle. The block heel provides strong ankle and heel support to alleviate and prevent pain. Some reviewers mention that you can't really wear the shoes with socks, so if you are prone to blisters it can be tricky trying to break the shoes in. They suggest breaking them in at home by wearing them with a thick pair of wool socks and wearing them around the house for a bit before taking them out. "Beautiful booties! They fit as expected. A little slick on the bottoms fresh out of the box, but that's easily fixed with wearing them," another reviewer wrote. "The back of the ankle at the top rubbed right away, so breaking them in with thick wool socks is a must. They’re solid, comfy and such a beautiful shade of red! Can't wait to wear them this summer!"

Although cowboy boots are sized fairly similar to other shoes (meaning your everyday shoe size can be used as a starting point when picking out cowboy boots) there are a few terms you should know and things to keep in when shopping for cowboy boots.

✔️ Boot/shaft circumference: This measurement refers to how wide the calf area of the boot is, which is why those with larger calves typically look for a bigger boot circumference. The most common circumference is about 14 inches, which means if you have thicker calves and thighs — a common problem — you're going to want to look for something bigger than that. Most wide-calf boots start around 16 inches as a reference point. The best way to make sure you're not ordering a boot that's too small (or too large for those with thinner thighs and legs) is to measure yourself at home before ordering. The best way to do so is to sit on a chair with your knee bent at a 90-degree angle, with your muscles relaxed (not tensed) and then measure around the widest part of your calf with a tape measure.

✔️ Shaft height: The shaft is the area of the boot between the shoe and the top of the boot. The shaft height is the length of that area, which typically starts from the arch of the shoe until mid-shin or wherever the boot cuts off. It's important because it will help you see where the cowboy boots will cut off once you're wearing them.

✔️ Heel height: Although heel height is fairly easy to find or measure, it's something to keep in mind, especially if you're looking for cowboy boots for a certain activity or event. You wouldn't want to purchase a pair of boots with a very high heel if you're going to be standing or walking a lot.

✔️ Material: Cowboy boots are typically made from cowhide leather because of its durability and sturdiness, but not everyone has the money or the need to drop that kind of money for a pair of shoes. More often than not, you can score a quality pair made from other kinds of leathers or even vegan leathers, but just make sure your feet are able to breathe in them and that you don't find yourself getting overheated.

✔️Cost: Our research shows that quality cowboy boots typically cost between $35 and $200. That being said, you can still find some options for less if you’re on a budget, and there are styles over $200 that are worth the splurge.

Typically, cowboy boots run big, but there's a whole host of factors that can affect your sizing. With cowboy boots, you're often not just taking into account the size of your foot, but also the size of your shins, calves and occasionally thighs, depending on how high you like your boots. That's why, although you can use your everyday shoe size as a starting point, it's good to take your own personal measurements so you get a pair of boots that fits exactly how you want.

"In terms of fit, keep in mind that toes should not feel cramped," says Lexie Sachs, executive director of the Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. "Since the front of cowboy boots are pointy, you’ll want to make sure that there's plenty of room for the front of the foot."

In addition, although some breaking in of shoes is always normal, don't pick a pair of boots that would need breaking in to be comfortable. "Make sure they’re comfortable when you first try them on," Lexie says. "In other words, don't expect them to become more comfortable after you break them in; if they feel uncomfortable at the start, they likely will remain uncomfortable."

Annie O'Sullivan is an Assistant Editor for Good Housekeeping. She has worked for the brand for almost three years covering holiday, lifestyle and entertainment content, and helps compile product roundups with the help of Good Housekeeping Institute experts while also using in-depth research and insight from reviews and consumers.

For this story, she consulted Lexie Sachs, executive director of the Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She researches, tests and reports on fabric-based products ranging from sheets, mattresses and towels to bras, fitness apparel and other clothing. She also evaluates luggage, rain gear, disposable paper goods and baby products. Lexie has more than 15 years of experience in the textiles industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University.

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