Cowboy boots are the work boots of the farms and ranch lands.
They’re the all-around versatile boots that you’ll need for a hard day of riding, roping, and herding.
Sadly, a lot of them are just so darned expensive.
Don’t get me wrong: high prices are all but expected for premium-quality leather, heritage designs, top-notch construction, and next-level comfort and support.
But while they’re the “norm”, they don’t have to be the “rule”.
In fact, there are quite a few really well-built boots that offer you everything the top-tier, top-priced cowboy boots can, but at a price tag under $300 that will bring a smile to your face.
Work harder and pay less? Yes, please.
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How Did I Come Up With My List?
As a father of four kids, I’ve spent a great deal of time worrying over the cost of boots.
After all, I want what’s best for my kids, but boy, buying boots for all four of them can get pricey in a hurry. Especially during those teenage and young adult years when my kids were shooting up like weeds and outgrowing their boots seemingly every other month.
After too many years of my wallet complaining, I set myself the Herculean task of finding boots that wouldn’t hurt my paycheck too much but still delivered on the quality we needed for our daily life in central British Columbia where pretty much everyone owns, works on, or spends time on rural farmlands and ranches.
For the past five years, I’ve been obsessed with finding affordable cowboy boots. I’ve talked to countless cowboys and farmhands, combed through thousands of reviews, and tested every pair I could get my hands on.
My research has led me to the five cowboy boots on the list below. All are under $300 (some substantially so), and I believe all will serve a specific need.
Read on to find my top pick, the pair I believe is the “best overall”, followed by the other affordable cowboy boots I think are worth considering.
5 of the Best Affordable Cowboy Boots Under $300
Best Under $300: Tecovas Cartwright
I’ll say this upfront: I’m a Tecovas guy, and I have been for nearly a decade now.
There’s something about the classic Texan designs and the Mexican leather that just works for me. I’ve found few pairs of cowboy boots that can match them for durability, comfort, and reliability.
And, of course, the price tag is a BIG win in my book.
The Cartwrights are one of Tecovas’ best-built and best-priced offerings: a round-toe boot with a 12” shaft, signature toe stitching that looks great poking out from my jeans, a 1½ angled heel that sits nicely in stirrups but is still comfortable for walking, and a stacked leather heel that offers just the right amount of support for a long day on horseback or on my feet.
I’m partial to the bovine leather, but my oldest son loves the soft feel and suede-like look of the goat leather. In both materials, the boots are just a stylish, hard-wearing, ultra-comfortable pair of cowboy boots that get the job done day in and day out. All for under $300.
What I Like
Premium-quality construction using top-grade leather sourced from Leon, the leather capital of Mexico.
Classic design and stylish look great for everyday and dressy events.
Comfortable for both a long day spent on my feet and in a saddle.
Short break-in period; they’re pretty comfortable right out of the box.
What I Don’t Like
Sizing runs a bit small; you may have to buy a size up if you have wide feet/long toes.
What Other Reviewers Say
The positive reviews (over 11,000 of them) and high star rating (4.84 out of 5) is what drew my attention to these boots in the first place when I first started researching top-quality budget-friendly boots.
Users love the short break-in time, the stylish look, the comfort and decent support, the versatility, and, of course the quality construction. Interestingly enough, Tecovas’ customer support also scores highly in reviews. Customers love how easy it is to contact them to exchange or return boots, as well as send their worn boots in for repairs and re-soling.
On the downside, a few users found that the sizes are a bit on the smaller/tighter side, so they either had to size up or go with an extra-wide boot. Also, some guys with thicker calves and ankles said the shaft was a bit too tight until properly broken in.
The Verdict
For an all-around great cowboy boot that you can use for work and play, I have yet to find better than the Tecovas Cartwright. Their quality is unmatched by any of the other budget-friendly models I’ve found, and they’re comfortable, reliable, and versatile enough for everyday use. There’s no doubt in my mind that I’ll keep wearing these until they fall apart, then go ahead and buy another pair to replace them.
Made with beautiful full grain leather, this boot is a stunner. And it's built with classic boot-making techniques so it'll last you many, many years.
Best Under $200: Ariat Heritage Roper
My youngest son is flat-footed, so when boot-shopping for him, I had to find a pair that offers good arch support without an overly high heel. That made roper boots the perfect choice, and I have yet to find a roper boot under $200 that beats the Ariat Heritage Roper for performance, quality, and comfort.
Like all roper boots, these have a lower-than-average heel (1.375”), but they also incorporate a full grain leather insole that provides just the right amount of cushioning and support for my son’s flat feet. The ATS forked shank also improves stability and reduces pressure on his arches, great for all-day comfort when walking and riding.
The barnyard acid-resistant Duratread™ sole also offers him solid footing whether he’s trudging through manure, wet grass, or muddy fields.
And, what we both agree is probably the boots’ “best” feature, they’re stylish enough that they can be worn both for a day’s hard work and a night out on the town. Their low profile, round toe, and slim construction just make them a good-looking pair of cowboy boots that’ll pair nicely with his Sunday best or date night attire.
What I Like
Very comfortable construction, great for those with flat feet or in need of extra support.
Low profile, sleek look, dressy while still being hard-wearing.
Quality materials at a very affordable price.
Duratread™ sole offers amazing traction on wet or slippery surfaces.
Roper style is very versatile, great for walking and riding.
What I Don’t Like
My son has worn these boots for nearly six years, but the new pair he bought seems to have been designed different, with a tighter fit that he says pinches his wide feet.
What Other Reviewers Say
Reviews on these boots are overwhelmingly positive. Users can’t stop raving about their very affordable price (which is what caught my eye initially), but also their versatility, comfort (one user compared them to Skechers), quality construction, and the way they can be styled with work, casual, and dress outfits.
A couple of downsides have been emphasized in a number of reviews, though. One was the way the heel tends to wear out after 2-3 years, meaning the boots will need to be re-soled more often. The other was the fit around the ankle and midfoot, which many users found uncomfortably tight.
The Verdict
If you’re looking to spend less than $200 on a pair of cowboy boots that you can use for anything and everything, the Ariat Heritage Ropers are my recommendation. Don’t let the low price tag fool you; they’re beautifully comfortable, versatile, and tough, built to last you for years of daily use with the proper care and maintenance.
A low-profile cowboy boot that's tough enough to stand up to hard work but good looking enough to do the nice-dinner thing too. Built on our durable rubber sole, it'll last you for years and gets even better with age.
Best Square Toe: Capitan Cheyenne
When I was first searching for boots for my flat-footed son, I found that square toe boots were a good option to accommodate his wide, flat feet. There’s more space for his foot to fit, making them less likely to pinch, constrict, or cause discomfort.
And of all the square toe cowboy boots I researched, none stood out to me quite as much as the Capitan Cheyenne.
First of all, the boots are amazingly stylish. They’ve got bright, eye-catching decorative stitching all along the shaft, and the cowhide leather has a “distressed” look quite unlike any other pair I’ve found. They’ve got a real exotic feel right out of the box, and just get more unique the more you use them.
The 13” shaft is great for a hard-day’s riding, protecting your calves from rubbing against your horse’s ribs. The 1½” heel fits snugly into your stirrups, but it’s not so high your feet get tired if you’ve got to walk a few miles. And that square toe shape gives you plenty of room for your feet to move around. They’re especially good for guys with wide feet (like my son).
Of course, there’s no way you can complain about that sub-$300 price tag.
Quality + reliability + comfort + affordable cost? Heck yeah.
What I Like
Square toe offers very roomy fit for wide feet and long toes.
Comfortable for work and riding.
Stylish and exotic look; distressed leather grows more unique and beautiful as it ages.
Every pair of boots is entirely unique.
What I Don’t Like
When I tried on these boots, I had to struggle a bit to slide my feet in and out of the tight-fitting shaft.
What Other Reviewers Say
Combing over the reviews into these boots, it’s clear Capitan did a great deal right in their design and construction. Users praise the quality, the worn look, the fit, the comfort, and the durability. Capitan’s customer support also received high marks for being efficient and prompt at handling returns and addressing any concerns or issues with the boots.
However, there were a few users who raved about the roominess of the square toe but found the same problem I had with the shaft being a bit too tight and hard to fit thicker feet, ankles, and calves into.
The Verdict
If you need a wider, roomier square toe cowboy boot that costs less than $300, I’ll recommend the Capitan Cheyenne every time. The boots add style and flair to your outfit, be it workwear or dress attire, but they’re also just a well-built, hard-wearing pair you can trust to last for years of daily use.
Cheyenne features a distressed cowhide leather upper, and while I'm not crazy about the look, some people absolutely love it, and I don't hold it against them.
Best Under $100: Canyon Trails Rodeo
When I first saw the price tag on the Canyon Trails Rodeos, I was absolutely blown away. There was simply no way genuine leather could be sold at such a rock-bottom cost.
And I was right. These boots are made from faux leather, which makes them great for dressing up cowboy-style but not the ideal work boots. Details like the round toe, toe and shaft stitching, and 1½” heel make them certainly look the part, but they might not quite deliver on durability of real leather cowboy boots.
The rubber outsole does a great job of keeping your feet planted on solid ground even if you’re walking through the mud or down slippery sidewalks. Plus, the cushioned footbed adds decent support and comfort to keep away foot fatigue after long nights of square dancing.
What I Like
Extremely affordable.
Very comfortable thanks to the cushioned footbed.
Rubber outsole offers amazing traction.
They look and feel just like genuine leather cowboy boots.
What I Don’t Like
The faux leather lacks the durability of genuine leather, so they won’t last anywhere near as long if you use them for work.
What Other Reviewers Say
With over 2,000 reviews and a 4.3 out of 5-star rating, it’s safe to say these boots are a popular choice for anyone who wants to dress the part without spending big. Positive reviews highlight their stylish look, comfortable feel, short break-in time, and quality construction. As one reviewer summed up nicely, “For the price, they do the job.”
Negative reviews about the boots did mention that they lack the durability of genuine leather, and that they aren’t ideal for wearing in wet or muddy conditions due to their suede-like look and feel.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for a good pair of cowboy boots at rock-bottom prices, I recommend the Canyon Trails Rodeo boots. Sure, they’re made using faux leather, so they’re not going to last you quite as long as a proper pair of cowboy boots. But you’ll find that while they last, they’ll be comfortable and good-looking enough that you’ll want to wear them for any casual or dress event. Keep them as a backup to your real work boots, and they’ll last you long enough to be well worth the price.
If you’re looking for a good pair of cowboy boots at rock-bottom prices, I recommend the Canyon Trails Rodeo boots. Sure, they’re made using faux leather, so they’re not going to last you quite as long as a proper pair of cowboy boots. But you’ll find that while they last, they’ll be comfortable and good-looking enough that you’ll want to wear them for any casual or dress event. Keep them as a backup to your real work boots, and they’ll last you long enough to be well worth the price.
Best Wedge Sole: Wolverine Wellington
I love a good wedge sole boot!
As a big, heavy guy (6’6” and 250 lbs.), wedge sole boots offer the support and cushioning that keeps me comfortable on my feet all day long. I spent a lot of time testing every pair I could get my feet into, and the pair I loved best was the Wolverine Wellingtons.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t the classic cowboy boot. It’s got the rounded toe and genuine full-grain leather shaft (10”), but it switches out the stacked leather, high-heeled sole for a thick, comfy, and chunky-looking wedge sole.
Worth it, 100% in my opinion. In sacrificing a bit of the cowboy style, I get a full-cushioned footbed and integrated arch support that does an amazing job of combating fatigue. I can walk around for hours in these bad boys and barely feel the strain on my feet. I’ve taken them hiking, trekking, hunting, and camping, and they’ve been among the most comfortable pair I’ve ever owned.
The fact that they’re leather (rather than the rubber used for standard Wellies) means they’re not quite as all-weather as I might like.
However, they’re as tough as any other cowboy boot I’ve worn in the rain, mud, and muck. I’ve used them for 3+ years now and they’re showing no signs of quitting.
What I Like
Despite the wedge heel, the boots are surprisingly lightweight.
Comfortable and supportive even for a heavy guy like me.
Solid construction and quality materials mean they’ll last me for easily 10+ years.
Sub $200 price tag is an instant win in my books.
What I Don’t Like
Not the classic cowboy look; more practical, less stylish than the other boots on this list.
What Other Reviewers Say
I only bought these boots after reading the hundreds of reviews I found online and hearing users rave about the comfort of the thick sole, the durability, all-day support, and, of course, the low price tag. In fact, a lot of reviewers actually ended up buying two pairs: one to use for work, the other for daily wear.
There were a few downsides mentioned, however. A few users found quality control issues with the soles, leading to the soles coming unglued. Fortunately, Wolverine exchanged or repaired the boots at no cost. Some also complained of the toe being too tight and the heel too lose, so their feet slid around inside and their socks got pulled down.
The Verdict
Anyone who needs that extra support and cushioning that only a wedge sole can provide will likely love these Wolverine Wellington Work Boots as much as I do. They’re tough enough to wear all day, every day. Though they’re not the “classic” cowboy boot, they’re close enough to the real deal that they’ll match your standard cowboy style. Plus, they’re some of the most affordable boots on our list.
Wolverine's new Ultraspring insole technology makes these rugged work boots one of the most comfortable options on the market. If you're regularly standing on your feet for eight to ten hours a day, you'll want to look into these.
Budget-Friendly Reliability Really is Possible
A good pair of cowboy boots doesn’t have to empty your wallet or shatter your bank account. There are quite a few brands that produce top-quality offerings at a price tag you’ll not only easily afford, but be happy to pay.
For my money, I’ll keep going back to the Tecovas Cartwright for the classic, stylish cowboy boot I want to wear every day. They’re not just good-looking, but also reliable, built to last, and some of the longest-lasting cowboy boots around.
Made with beautiful full grain leather, this boot is a stunner. And it's built with classic boot-making techniques so it'll last you many, many years.
The Ariat Heritage Rodeo boots definitely offer all the comfort and support you could want in a well-priced pair of work boots, while the Capitan Cheyenne is the ideal choice for guys who need more toe space to fit their extra wide feet.
To go absolutely rock-bottom on the budget prices, you can’t beat the Canyon Trails Rodeo (so long as you don’t mind faux leather). Or, if you’re a bigger, heavier guy in need a pair of work boots that’ll offer more support and cushioning, the wedge sole on the Wolverine Wellington Work Boot is a game-changer all the way.
If you’re looking for a good pair of cowboy boots at rock-bottom prices, I recommend the Canyon Trails Rodeo boots. Sure, they’re made using faux leather, so they’re not going to last you quite as long as a proper pair of cowboy boots. But you’ll find that while they last, they’ll be comfortable and good-looking enough that you’ll want to wear them for any casual or dress event. Keep them as a backup to your real work boots, and they’ll last you long enough to be well worth the price.
FAQs
What is the most famous brand of cowboy boots?
Tecovas, Ariat, Justin, and Rios of Mercedes boots are some of the best-known and best-loved brands of cowboy boots in the country.
However, in terms of “claim to fame”, no other brand is as well known as Lucchese. After all, it’s the brand officially worn by the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and have been worn by countless celebrities and U.S. presidents.
What boots do American cowboys wear?
Most modern American cowboys typically wear the “Western cowboy boot”, “roper boot”, or “Western work boot” style. They offer the maximum versatility while still remaining true to the cowboy style we know and love.
What boots do ranchers actually wear?
Most ranchers wear roper boots because their lower-than-average heel and shorter-than-average shaft allows for more versatility. Roper boots are easier to mount and dismount in, and are more comfortable for walking while still being suitable for riding.
