Cheap Cowboy Boots: Where to Find Good Boots for Less
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Let’s be honest: good cowboy boots can get expensive. But you don’t have to spend $800 to get a pair you’ll be happy with. I’ve been wearing boots for more than five decades, and I’ve owned my share of cheaper boots along the way, so here’s what I’ve learned about getting a good pair without emptying your wallet.
“Cheap” Boots vs. Discounted Name-Brand Boots
There are really two ways to save money on cowboy boots, and they’re not the same thing:
- Budget boots are simply made to sell at a lower price. They can be perfectly comfortable and fun to wear, but they usually use less expensive materials and won’t last as long as a handmade pair.
- Discounted name-brand boots are quality boots from brands like Black Jack, Stallion or Old Gringo that are on sale. You get the same craftsmanship for less; you just have to catch the sale.
Both are good options. It really depends on how often you’ll wear them and what you want them for.
My Picks for Affordable Cowboy Boots
Durango: The Best Boots Under $200
If I had to pick one brand for affordable boots, it would be Durango. They’re part of Rocky Brands (the same family as Rocky and Georgia Boot), and they make comfortable Western boots for men, women and kids. Most of their Western boots run around $170, and you can find some for under $100. They also have fun styles like American flag boots.
Tecovas: Handmade Boots at a Friendlier Price
Tecovas sells handmade boots directly, which keeps prices down compared to a lot of handmade brands. At Pinto Ranch, Tecovas boots start around $185 and top out under $800. If you want your first pair of handmade boots without spending a fortune, they’re a great place to start. I compared them to the big names in my Tecovas vs Lucchese post.
R. Watson and Black Jack: Handmade Quality That Won’t Break the Bank
If you can stretch your budget a little, R. Watson boots start around $250 and Black Jack starts around $370 at Pinto Ranch. That’s a lot of boot for the money, and both are made to last for years.
Pinto Ranch’s Sale Section: Where I Look First
Here’s my favorite trick: check the sale section before you buy anything. Pinto Ranch regularly marks down boots from quality brands, and it’s how you end up with a handmade pair for close to the price of a cheap one. Sale items change all the time, so it’s worth checking back.
Affordable Cowboy Boots for Women
Ladies, you’ve got some good options too. Durango makes plenty of women’s boots under $200, Tecovas has a big women’s lineup, and Old Gringo boots at Pinto Ranch start around $315, which is a steal for boots with that much artistry when they’re on sale.
How to Get the Most Boot for Your Money
- Buy for how you’ll use them. If you’re wearing them a couple of times a year, a budget boot is fine. If you’ll wear them every day, spend more. It pays off.
- Shop the sales. Name-brand boots on sale are usually a better deal than budget boots at full price.
- Get the fit right. A cheap boot that fits is better than an expensive one that doesn’t. My cowboy boot fit guide will help.
- Take care of them. Clean them and condition the leather now and then, and even inexpensive boots will last a lot longer.
Is It Worth Spending More?
Sometimes. When I compare boots I’ve worn regularly for years with cheaper boots I’ve owned, the difference usually shows up after a year or two: the leather, the stitching and the shape just hold up better on a well-made boot. That’s why I’d rather catch a good boot on sale than buy a cheap one twice.
But if you just want a comfortable, good-looking pair for weekends and concerts, there’s nothing wrong with a budget boot. Start with Durango for the lowest prices, or check the Pinto Ranch sale for quality boots at a discount. And if you want to see which brands I think are worth paying full price for, here’s my list of the top 10 cowboy boot brands.
