The Best Cowboy Boots to Add to Your Summer Wardrobe
After over a year of spending copious amounts of time dressed in sweats and slippers, the imminent return to normalcy has come hand in hand with the revival of the most outlandish, possibly a bit odd, but overall fun fashion trends, and cowboy boots embody the height of such optimistic exhibitionism.
The popularity of the cowboy boot, a fashion item originally associated with the horse-riding ranch hand for which it is named, has been socially reconceptualized as a symbol of the Americana, whether out in Wild West or on the runway.
Western-inspired styles have been circulating in fashion since 2017, with collections from Anna Sui, Rodarte, and later Calvin Klein. Then, alongside the cultural phenomenon of “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X and Mitski’s 2018 album Be the Cowboy, the new American Cowboy became associated with an inclusive Western aesthetic. This is apparent in the universal embrace of cowboy boots by everyone from A$AP Rocky to Gigi Hadid. The fun, funky adaptations of the traditional boot, which now comes in a range of colors, prints, and materials, reflect this more liberated view of the cowboy.
As for how to style them, wear them over sweats like Princess Diana or with a summer dress like Kendall Jenner. After finding your dream pair here, the cowboy boot will be the only shoe you’ll wear this summer.
For a fun spin on the traditional boot, turn to Isabel Marant’s ‘80s inspired crystal-embellished cowboy boots from the brand’s Spring/Summer 2021 collection.
Isabel Marant Crystal-Embellished Cowboy Boots, $1,490, Farfetch
Cowboy boots can easily be dressed up, just wear them with a dress or your favorite new mini skirt. The Stevie 42 by cult-favorite By Far will be a staple in your wardrobe for years to come.
By Far Stevie 42 Black Creased Leather Boots, $725, By Far
High-quality, authentic cowboy boots, Lucchese is every Instagram girl's favorite boot. Opt for a more authentic Western look with these soft ranch hand leather boots handmade in Texas.
Lucchese Summer Boot, $895, Lucchese
Acquazzurra's animal print Western-inspired boot will steal your heart as the glamorous design gives you the cowboy look you’ve been searching for, Italian craftsmanship, and a fun print you’ll want to wear everywhere.
Aquazzura Animal Print Western-Inspired Boots, $1,023, Farfetch
Saint Laurent’s Bonnie 25 boot is an undisputed classic shoe that, much like its inspiration, Bonnie from Bonnie and Clyde, wants to run free.
Saint Laurent Bonnie 25 Boots, $1,195, Farfetch
this bold boot with striking accent stitching and contrasting black lizard wingtip toes brings together the best of traditional craftsmanship with a fun twist.
Tony Lama Emilia Lizard Wing Tip Boots, $290, Tony Lama
Embracing Western influences, Danish brand Ganni has been ahead of the urban cowgirl trend, first debuting its spin on the boot in 2019. The brand’s croc-effect white leather boots are a favorite.
Ganni Western Leather Ankle Boots, $346, MyTheresa
Apptly named the “For Walking Cowboy Boots” these boots were made for you to strut your stuff in.
Off-White For Walking Cowboy Boots, $1,705, Farfetch
Hunter green and black leather, the Dallas ankle boot by Khaite is funky yet luxe option to add some Western flair to your look.
Khaite Dallas 50mm Ankle Boots, $686, Farfetch