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I’ll be upfront with you: CITY Boots makes boots for women, so I haven’t worn a pair myself. But I’ve been around boots my whole life, and every so often a brand comes along with a story and a product that I think deserve a closer look. CITY Boots is one of them.
It’s a Texas company that took the cowboy boot out of the barn and into the boardroom, and the story of how it got started is a good one.
Who Is Behind CITY Boots?
CITY Boots was started by Lizzy Chestnut Bentley, an Amarillo girl who grew up in cowboy boots. Her grandfather gave her a pink pair when she was 4 years old, and by the time she was 24 she had around 50 pairs, a lot of them vintage finds. Now that’s my kind of person.
After college, Lizzy went to work as an analyst in the oil and gas business in Houston. She noticed that her male coworkers wore cowboy boots to the office all the time, but she couldn’t find a women’s pair that looked professional enough for work. So she designed her own: a black buffalo leather boot with a single row of white piping, worn with slim black pants, a blouse and a blazer.
How CITY Boots Got Started
People kept asking about those boots, so Lizzy started saving money and learning the boot business on the side. She sold her first pair in 2015. Her first real order of 50 pairs, made in Mexico, showed up in December 2015, and wouldn’t you know it, she got laid off from her oil job a week later when the market went south.
Instead of panicking, she went all in. She launched CITY Boots in 2016, working trunk shows and markets, and built it up into a showroom in Fort Worth and a busy online store. I’ve got a lot of respect for somebody who turns a setback like that into a business.
What Makes CITY Boots Different?
CITY Boots aren’t your everyday ranch boot, and they’re not trying to be. They have a slim, tall shape that makes your legs look longer, clean lines and a toe that isn’t too pointy and isn’t too round. They’re handmade with premium leathers, and the company talks about them as heirloom boots you can pass down.
They’re also a lot of fun. Their lineup includes their everyday 24/7 boot, croc-embossed styles, the Heart Boot that brides love to wear under their wedding dresses, and bold collections with lightning bolts and evil eye designs. They make a few kids’ boots too.
How to Wear CITY Boots
The whole point of CITY Boots is that you can wear them just about anywhere. Here are a few easy ways to style them:
- With slim or skinny jeans: tuck the jeans into the boots for a tall, sleek look. Add a collared shirt and a blazer and you can go from the office to dinner.
- With a fit-and-flare dress: most people reach for sandals, but a pair of boots gives you a fun soft-and-tough contrast.
- With a shirtdress: a simple, casual outfit that a slim, tall boot really dresses up.
- With a coat: boots aren’t just for summer. A tall boot with a knee-length coat looks great and keeps your legs warm.
Are CITY Boots Worth It?
Here’s my honest take: yes, for the right person. CITY Boots are a fashion boot first, with bold colors, metallics, croc prints and statement designs that look amazing at a concert, a wedding or a night out. They’re not the boot I’d pick for mucking stalls, and they’re not meant to be.
They also aren’t cheap. Most of their boots run from around $1,000 to $2,000, so think of them as a special-occasion investment. If you want a tough, traditional everyday boot for less money, check out my list of the top 10 cowboy boot brands or where to get great cowboy boots for women.
- Best for: women who want a head-turning, handmade boot they can wear to work and out on the town
- Not ideal for: ranch work or anyone on a tight budget
- Where to buy: CITY Boots’ website, or start with their best sellers
CITY Boots FAQ
Are CITY Boots handmade?
Yes. CITY Boots are handmade with premium leathers, and the company designs them to be heirloom-quality boots.
Does CITY Boots make men’s boots?
CITY Boots focuses on women’s boots, plus a small line of kids’ boots. Guys, check out my favorite cowboy boot brands instead.
How should CITY Boots fit?
Like any good cowboy boot, they should feel snug across the top of your foot, with a little heel slip at first that goes away as the leather breaks in. Check the size guide on each product page, and if you’re new to cowboy boots, my guide to how cowboy boots should fit will walk you through it.
Where is CITY Boots based?
CITY Boots is a Texas company founded by Lizzy Chestnut Bentley, with a showroom in Fort Worth.
My Final Thoughts on CITY Boots
What I like most about CITY Boots is that they’re built on a real love of boots. Lizzy took something she grew up with, fixed a problem she had herself, and turned it into a brand. As CITY Boots puts it, a good pair of boots is like an old friend, and I couldn’t agree more.
If you’re a woman who wants a cowboy boot that feels as at home at the office as it does on the dance floor, CITY Boots is worth a look. Start with their 24/7 boot; it’s the everyday style they’re known for.
