As it turns out, boots are not just for the winter. In fact, they're not even just for walking (sorry Nancy Sinatra) – they're made for dancing too.
The humble cowboy boot has fast become the footwear of choice for concert and festival goers – particularly for a certain mega-watt country singer's world tour. But even if you're not attending a concert, the cowboy boot has a place in just about every wardrobe – and seems to have staying power that other boot styles, like the utilitarian lace-up Dr Marten or the perennial biker boot, have also managed to procure.
While we're sadly not all blessed with the charism and swagger of a real cowboy, slipping on a pair with your outfit can definitely see your street style cred increase. Paired with a miniskirt, your favourite pair of blue jeans, or with your favourite dress, the cowboy boot is always a suitable accessory.
If you're looking for a new pair of cowboy boots this year to boot-scoot your way into a Taylor Swift stadium concert, or you're heading out for some line dancing to Troye Sivan songs, then we've got a selection of the finest for you to peruse, below.
1. GANNI Black and Yellow Mid Shaft Western Boots
Price: $1,195 AUD
You might not think it, but the Danes really know how to do a great cowboy boot. Ganni's super popular 'Mid Shaft Western Boot' style comes in a range of styles and colours, all with a chunky, comfortable heel (who doesn't love a bit of added extra height in a crowd), pull tabs and embroidered detailing. This black style is versatile, but we love the yellow embroidery for something a little bit more fun.
2. JEFFREY CAMPBELL Dagget Boots
Price: $453.44 AUD
Another cowboy boot with plenty of options to choose from, Jeffrey Campbell's 'Dagget Boot' is available in seven different colours – from a classic black to lime greens and metallic silvers. Seeing as we're still riding the wave of the Year of the Girl in 2023, we're personally feeling this Barbie-pink pair.
3. GOLDEN GOOSE Wish Star Embroidered Leather Cowboy Boots
Price: $890 AUD
Golden Goose brings their classic worn-in sneaker energy to the cowboy boot style – giving them those "perfect imperfections" as the brand calls them. Crafted in Italy fro smooth leather, and complete with embroidery detail – they're available via Net-A-Porter internationally in both black and brown.
4. ARIAT Women's Heritage Western R Toe
Price: $329.95 AUD
For something a little grittier, and more authentic, try Ariat – the American footwear company who were the first to integrate athletic footwear technology into boots for equestrian athletes. Their 'Western Heritage' range features a classic R toe, ergonomic support, removable all-day cushioning insole, durable sole, a dress heel and full-grain leather foot and upper. It's about as premium and supportive as you can get, plus it come in three colourways and ships for free on their website.
5. RINGERS WESTERN Olivia Women's Cuban Heel Western Boot
Price: $449.95 AUD
These white boots with white embroidery make a statement – perfect for bringing some contrast to a simple outfit or a denim look. They're made with a snip toe, premium nubuck leather, and a stacked leather heel with reinforced rubber heel for grip. They're made in Mexico, but ship free to Australia and New Zealand.
6. SCHUTZ Zachy Up Leather Boot
Price: $325 AUD
These chocolate brown leather boots are a more sophisticated take on the cowboy trend, offering a contemporary western style with a tall shaft, low block heel and pointed toe. Crafted from genuine leather, it's also available in a classic black leather.
7. RAYE Appaloosa Boot
Price: $350.99 AUD
RAYE's tall silver sparkly cowboy boots are the perfect concert-going attire. The metallic leather upper with leather sole is a pull-on style, with a pointed toe and wooden block heel. There are plenty of sizes left in the silver colourway, but if you're lucky, Revolve also have a few of the 'Multi' purple colourway in select sizes left too.
8. MIDAS Westin Silver Jewel Fabric Knee High Boots
Price: $349.95 AUD
If you're looking to really take things up a notch, then the Midas 'Westin Silver Jewel Fabric' boots might be more your speed. Enter full Rhinestone Cowboy mode with these glittering diamante-encrusted, heeled cowboy boots, also available in hot pink and tan.
9. PHILIPP PLEIN Cowboy Rhinestone-Embellished Boots
Price: $7,574 AUD
The epitome of luxury and fun – these rhinestone Philipp Plein knee-high cowboy boots are just about as wild as the west gets. Made in Italy with 100% calf leather, the design features off-white, light pink and dark red rhinestone embellishments, a pointed toe, side-zip fastening, a branded insole, double pull-tabs at the opening, and high tapered heel.
10. COPERNI Denim Bridge Cowboy Boots
Price: $947 AUD (on sale via SSENSE)
Coperni never fails to elevate a classic silhouette into something utterly contemporary and cool. These denim cowboy boots are made in Spain and feature a leather sole and denim upper. They also feature Coperni's iconci 'bridge-inspired' arches, so while we might not want to take them into the paddock, they're certainly on the accessory list for a party.
11. DIOR Wind Heeled Boot
Price: $2,250 AUD
Dior's cowboy-gumboot hybrid in this gorgeous khaki colour are the perfect way to assert your fashionable side while remaining prepared for Australia's temperamental weather. We've all been privvy to the mudslides at major music festivals like Splendour In The Grass (even if it was just through an iPhone screen), so these are the functional, yet fashionable go-to.
12. MAJE Western Leather Boots
Price: $1,215 AUD
The ultimate in contemporary Western dressing are these black leather cowboy boots from MAJE. Fitted with a heel and pointed toe, they are an easy bridge between the every-day black leather boot, and one that offers a western spin.
