There are a lot of questions that come up during the interview process. We get the “Where do you see yourself in five years?” and “Tell me about your biggest weakness.” But one of the questions that many a man itches to ask the panel is, “Can you wear cowboy boots to work?”
You’re here because you most likely missed your chance to throw the poser. I did too. So why don’t we rip off this Band-Aid once and for all? Together?
You can wear cowboy boots to work, whether on a construction site, indoors or in an office. Cowboy boots elevate your outfit. Some are OHS (Occupational Health and Safety) rated and certified as protective footwear.
In a departure from the traditional, cowboy boots are now being worn in boardrooms and on construction sites. And we can thank the popularity of the 70’s soap opera Dallas for that.
If you want to look like a rugged cowboy while kicking ass in the cubicle, cowboy boots are the way to go. Wear them with jeans and a white t-shirt for a classic look that’ll let everyone know you’re not there to mess around. To get more creative ideas about how to wear your boots on other occasions, see below for guidance.
Best Cowboy Boots for Work
Someone once said that if you wear cowboy boots to work, you better be riding a horse to get there. Before pulling off your best cowboy boots at work, you should ask yourself these questions.
- Do you have to wear a suit to work, or can you wear jeans?
- Are you required to sport a tuxedo at work, or will jeans and a T-shirt suffice?
- Are cowboy boots in line with the dress ethics of your profession?
In order to select the best pair of boots for a day at the office, you must take into account your answers to those questions. To help you out, I’m recommending a few cowboy boots in their respective categories.
Cowboy Boots with a Suit
These boots are a statement all their own. Made of genuine caiman leather and crafted with care, Ariat Double Down Western Boots are designed to put you in the spotlight.
They aren’t the cheapest option on the list (they run over $500), but they’re worth every penny. I’ve talked about Ariat many times before, and I can wholeheartedly recommend this brand’s cowboy boots for their outstanding quality and incredible durability (if you take care of them properly, that is).
These boots won’t help you climb a ladder. It’s better to wear them in an office where the floors aren’t covered in sawdust and shavings.
For my second pick, I’m going with the Men’s Genuine Cowhide Leather Rodeo Boots. These classic boots are made with 100 percent genuine cowhide leather and have a western-style design with hand-tooled accents for a rugged finish.
They pair well with jeans, and though delicate, their rubber soles provide enough slip resistance to keep you from toppling when crossing a wet parking lot.
There are few things in life that you can wear to the office and then out to play in, but these Dan Post Men’s Alamosa Western Boots fit that bill.
Made from Ostrich leather, these boots are two-in-one besties — suitable for wearing at your 9-5 grind and a night out with friends.
To get your hands on the best cowboy boots, you’ll have to shop around a bit. I find that each of these retailers offers slightly different but impressive selections and prices:
- Amazon ((Who doesn’t check Amazon for cowboy boots, though? I’ve found their selection isn’t always the best.)
- Ariat (my favorite brand of cowboy boots!
- Rods (Rods offers a vast selection of the best cowboy boots available. You’ll find everything from classic Tony Lama to the hottest new styles from Ariat, all at great prices.
- State LIne Tack ( State Line Tack stocks boots from brands like Dan Post, Durango, and Dingo.)
- Zappos(I always check here before I make my online purchases because they always have the lowest prices and the vastest selection.)
Best Boots for Work
Ariat Men’s Square Toe Barn Boot
The Ariat Men’s Square Toe Barn Boots are a great choice for the rough-and-tumble working man.
Ariat Men’s Sierra Square Steel Toe Boot
Wear this pair of Ariat Men’s Sierra Square Steel Toe Boots for your next work project, and know that you can count on them to keep your feet safe and protected. The steel toe caps protect you on the worksite, while the midsoles help absorb shock.
When it comes to online shopping, I’m a bargain hunter. I always check the following retailers: Amazon, Ariat, State Line Tack. While it may sound strange to look for shoes at all of these sources, I’ve found better deals that way. Besides, who doesn’t like the sound of that?
Irish Setter Marshall Square Steel Toe Boot
The Marshall Square Steel Toe Boots are meant for the stylish professional who always aims high.
These boots provide a safe and comfortable work environment with their waterproof design and rubber sole. The steel toe caps shield your feet from potential dangers prevalent on job sites.
You can find these online at Amazon, Ariat, Rods, or Zappos. I recommend you check all these sites for the best prices and selections.
Wearing Cowboy Boots with a Suit for Work
A fine pair of leather cowboy boots will elevate your ensemble to a more stylish level. They are best paired with your favorite suit. When choosing your boots, you may want to consider exotic options like alligator, snakeskin, ostrich, lizard, and fish skin since they will enhance the look of your outfit.
Here’s an overview of each type of leather boot, just for you.
Caiman Leather Cowboy Boots with Suit
If you’re looking for a pair of boots to go with your suit, I can’t recommend Ariat Double Down Western Boots enough. They’re made from premium Caiman alligator belly leather.
These boots are the missing-but-now-found accessory for your western-inspired ensemble. They are available in two colors: antique pecan or caramel caiman belly.
You can wear either color with a navy blue suit for a sophisticated look. These boots also go well with a black, grey suit to create an impression of effortless perfection.
Cowhide Leather Boots with Suit
Seek out the Men’s Genuine Cowhide Leather Rodeo Boots. These boots are designed with decorative shafts and high-quality rubber soles. Not only do they look incredible, but they are also durable and fit comfortably with a suit.
When pairing cowhide leather boots with a suit, choose a pair polished to a high gloss or one made from authentic leather—not synthetic. For black leather boots, match them with black and burgundy suits. The contrast between the dark color of the boots and the vibrant hues of your suit will draw attention to your feet.
Ostrich Leather Boots with Suit
The Dan Post Alamosa Wester Boot is a handsome, ostrich-leather cowboy boot that should be on everyone’s feet.
These boots are for making a statement, as well as for pairing with jeans or suits. They can’t stand up to hard labor on construction sites, though: there are other options for that (I’d choose an Ariat cowboy safety boot in that case).
Snakeskin Leather Cowboy Boots with a Suit
Choose wisely.
Fish Skin Leather Cowboy Boots
Exotic leather boots are the pinnacle of luxury footwear, and these Men’s Snip Toe Fish Skin Leather Cowboy Boots belong to a class of their own. If you’re going to be making a statement with your footwear, these boots are the way to do it.
Lizard Leather Cowboy Boots
The Cuadra Lizard Leather Cowboy Boots (see the image below) are handmade in northern Mexico from rare Cuadra Lizard leather.
When buying exotic leather boots, make sure the description specifies whether or not the leather is genuine lizard skin. Leather marked “lizard print” is usually made from cowhide.
Wearing Cowboy Boots Based On Your Job…
Whether you’re a real cowboy, an aspiring one, or someone who just wants to be stylish and comfortable while working, cowboy boots are for you. If you’re wondering what type of cowboy boots suits your profession, here’s a list to get you started.
Cowboys
Cowboy boots were originally manufactured for cowboys, but other professionals can also wear them. Cowboy boots come in a variety of styles for specific purposes. If you’re riding a horse, you’ll want boots with long shafts that protect your legs from the brush. On the other hand, if your job involves walking on grounds littered with debris, like a construction site, steel-toe cowboy boots will provide extra support and safety.
If you want to go horseback riding, I recommend Ariat Men’s Square Toe Barn Boots. The vented shafts will keep your feet cool, and the lightweight boots are perfect for blazing the trails.
If you wish to have a perfect boot for groundwork, you can choose the Ariat Men’s Sierra Square Steel Toe Boots. These boots have steel toe caps that protect your feet while giving them all-day comfort when worn.
Farmer
Farmers also wear cowboy boots. However, the most preferred boots have lower heels, but it depends on the kind of farm. Stockman heels or one-and-three-eighths to one-inch heels are generally best for walking around farmland. High-heeled cowboy boots don’t work well on dirt and grass.
If you’re a farmer, you might like to have a pair of Irish Setter Men’s Marshall Square Steel Toe Boots. The boots have only 1.5-inch heels, but they boast steel toe caps.
Trade & Construction
A trade job (like electrical engineering, plumbing, HVAC specializing) is like a two-for-one deal—you get to experience the active labor of working with your hands and the safety precautions of wearing appropriate cowboy boots.
If you work in the construction industry or are a tradesman, you need a good pair of boots—not just any boots, but a great pair that will protect your feet while providing all-day comfort.
For you, the great outdoorsman, these Rocky Composite Toe Men’s Cowboy Boots are the ticket. Lightweight and supportive, these boots are just what your feet need to keep them comfortable at work. They are even electrical-hazard-proof, so you can stay safe while working on your latest project.
Wearing Cowboy Boots with Jeans for Work
Cowboy boots shine when worn with jeans to work. There are different types of jeans available, but straight-cut and bootcut jeans look best with cowboy boots.
However, you will want to ensure that the shade of your denim and the color of your boots are complementary. The following suggestions for mixing and matching jeans with boots will help you achieve a look that works well for you.
Jeans & Cowboy Boots
Want jeans to match your cowboy boots? The Amazon Essentials Men’s Bootcut Wranglers are the answer! Jeans feature a relaxed, roomy cut that works well with cowboy boots.
What could be better than another Levi’s Men Bootcut Jean. pair of Wranglers?
Mix and Match 101: Clothes Make the Boot
Sure, your cowboy boots should fit like a glove, but if the clothes they’ll be matching are the opposite of comfortable, you won’t get far. To pull together a comfortable yet stylish work outfit, follow these tips.
Charcoal Jeans
Charcoal Jeans + White Shirt
Match your brown leather cowboy boots with charcoal jeans and a white t-shirt to master the art of breezy dignity. If you can’t wear a t-shirt due to official dress code restrictions, choose a white collared shirt instead. Always wear white when you can, but make sure that the color of the jeans matches that of your boots.
For a classic western look, consider Wrangler Men’s Cowboy Cut Jeans. These jeans are made from 100% cotton and come in various colors, including charcoal. They are ideal for the workplace or any occasion where you want to look your best while feeling comfortable.
Charcoal Jeans + Navy Crew Neck
When paired with a navy crew neck and charcoal jeans, brown suede cowboy boots are a chic and comfortable way to update your wardrobe.
Charcoal Jeans + Black Corduroy Shirt Jacket
For a modern spin on your casual look, pair a black corduroy jacket with your charcoal jeans. Accentuate this with black leather boots for an outlook that is cozy, and work-ready.
Light Washed Blue Jeans
Light Washed Blue Jeans + White Shirt
For a rugged, outdoorsy look, pair your cowboy boots with blue denim pants. A light-washed pair of jeans works best with a white shirt. Depending on your job, you may favor a t-shirt or a collared shirt.
Wearing a t-shirt to work is okay if your employer allows it. However, if you’re looking for something more professional, you can choose the collared shirt—pair either with your brown suede boots to reflect the cavalier in you.
Look no further than Amazon Essentials Men’s Bootcut Jeans for your light-washed blue jeans needs. These jeans come in many colors—from dark gray to medium brown—but the light wash is the way to go. Not only will they give your outfit a cool, contemporary accent, but their 98% cotton and 2% spandex blend also provide a comfortable fit while you’re working hard.
Light Washed Blue Jeans + Black Denim Jacket
Pair a black denim jacket with light-washed jeans and brown suede boots for a versatile, casual touch.
Navy Jeans
Navy Jeans + White Shirt
Tan suede cowboy boots paired with navy jeans and a white shirt will give you a stylish, confident look. The navy jeans will add a hint of sophistication to the outfit, while the tan suede boots provide an earth-like feel. Choose a crew neck t-shirt or a collared one if your workplace has a dress code.
If you wish to bring a touch of the West into your wardrobe, you will find no better way to do so than by purchasing Wrangler Cowboy Regular Bootcut Jeans. Luxuriously soft and durable, these jeans will go with your favorite western shirts and tees—and even under your favorite vest or jacket.
Navy Jeans + Dark Brown Crew Neck T-shirt
You can also pair your navy jeans with a dark brown crew neck t-shirt. Marrying these with tan suede cowboy boots highlights the polychromatic color scheme of your outfit, giving it a slightly more formal feel.
Navy Jeans + Multi-Colored Plaid
Feel like taking things up a notch? Pair your multi-colored plaid jacket with navy jeans for a look that’s as comfortable as it is stylish. Brown leather cowboy boots will add extra flair, making this ensemble both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional.
Black Jeans
Black Jeans + White Shirts
Sometimes you need to take a tip from the stylish crowd, not stand out from it. Pair your black jeans with a white T-shirt for a comfortably ultra-modern work outfit. Fill in the gap with Levi’s Men’s Bootcut Jeans.
Black Jeans+ Orange Plaid
For a fun twist on your wardrobe, consider adding a plaid shirt jacket to your black jeans. Combine this with an orange plaid jacket and brown leather cowboy boots.
Black Jeans + Light Blue Long Sleeves
Blending the boldness of black pants and the softness of light blue long sleeves creates one of the chicest color combos you can wear.
Black Jeans+ Tan Jacket
If you are after a low-keyed but refined look, you can never go wrong with layering your tan brown jacket over black cowboy pants. This match is perfect for formal occasions.
Black Jeans + White Silk Long Sleeves
Black and white make for a striking color combination. Wear a pair of tailored black jeans with a long sleeve white shirt and finish it off with brown suede boots.
Summary
Boots are like snowflakes: no two are exactly alike. Boots can work with suits, jeans, or anything in between. Pair them with a suit, and you’ll look like the boss; pair them with jeans, and you’ll be ready to conquer the world.
To sum up, the best boot for you depends on multiple factors: your occupation, how long you need to wear them, and your personal preferences. However, I can assure you that cowboy boots are a perfect match for jeans and suits, so enjoy them while fall lasts.