Before it was possible to put together a popular cowboy boots brand list, the cowboy boot had to be invented, first. These boots have been a part of America for over 150 years, since the first one was invented. After the Civil War, the only boots cowboys had to rely on were their army boots. It did not take long to find out that these boots were ill-suited to a life in the saddle. It is believed to have been in Kansas, five years after the war’s end, when a frustrated cowboy took his boots into a shoemaker’s shop, and  told the owner that he wanted his boots adjusted. He wanted the heel to be longer, so that it did not slip from the stirrups, and so that he would not slip when digging in while pulling in a stubborn mule. Also, he needed the sides to be higher to protect him from cactus and snakes, and he wanted the toes to be pointed so he could slip them into the stirrups quicker. A boot was born, and as well as a booming industry. 150 years later, here are the leaders in the cowboy boot industry.

Black Jack Cowboy Boots

You are going to be paying top dollar for these boots, but you are not going to care about that, once you  get your hands on these custom hand-made to order boots. Black Jack probably has the largest selection of exotic skin boots, from sixteen styles of Ostrich, to twenty-eight kinds of Alligator, and the superb quality of those skins matches the excellent quality of the craftsmanship. You can order striking cream and blue Python boots for around 597.00 dollars, or full quill Ostrich cowboy boots with a hand-tooled top, for about 1,160 dollars, and these beautiful boots are worth every penny that you spend.

Black Jack uses only the finest exotic and smooth leathers, and their soles are legendary for their durability. They use a 5-inch/16 Gage double-ribbed steel shank and cover it with the highest quality side-bend leather available. All of that is secured with sixty lemon wood pegs, and the heels are solid leather stacked. All of this adds up to a lifetime of support for these stunning, hand-crafted boots.

Los Altos Cowboy Boots

This outfit, located in Paramont, California, have a large selection of exotic skins, and specialize in extra-large sizes that the average consumer can afford. They offer anything from Elk, to Stingray, to a natural Python square toe, which can be had for only around 185.00 dollars. If you plan on getting out of the pickup truck for the day, and into the Cadillac at night, you may even want to switch over to the drop-dead stunning Eel side zipper dress boots that Los Altos makes. Not only is their quality excellent, but they take immense pride in their customer service, which is reflected in their BBB rating.

Tony Lama Cowboy Boots

Tony Lama, who was the son of Italian immigrants, began work as a cobbler for the soldiers at Fort Bliss, Texas. He quickly gained a reputation for making comfortable boots that wore well, so he moved to El Paso to begin his own boot making shop in 1911. By the 1930′s his boots were in full distribution, and when the rodeo circuit began to take off, Tony Lama was the riders’ boot of choice.  After Tony’s death in 1974, his family continued the business, making comfort and performance for riders their top priority. Be sure to check out their new Bourbon Bomber wingtip, with the stylish snip toe. It will seem as though the only thing that has changed since Tony began by hand is the variety of styles, and the date on the calendar.

Ariat Cowboy Boots

These boots were made for riders, and any rider on the circuit will want to look into the Quantum Brander Crepe by Ariat. It has the crepe sole many riders prefer, plus it features Ariat’s own cobalt quantum technology, which gives a rider that secure and comfortable feel they need for their ride. The sole is low profile, and thirty-percent thinner, plus, it has duratread at the heel, and the forefront for a longer wear. In addition to all of that, once you brush off all of the dust, you are looking at a very attractive boot, which goes for about 259.00 dollars.

Dan Post Cowboy Boots

These cowboy certified boots are preferred by the University of Tennessee-Martin Rodeo Team, and among their preferred styles are the Falcon, the San Michelle, and the alluring Roka. This boot comes with a broad square toe with a Goat leather foot and twelve inch Roka goat shaft. It is lined in total leather, with the ultimate GEL-FLEX insole, and can be found in a dark chocolate-turquoise color. Do yourself a favor and look into their retro line of boots, which features a stunning Camel Buck Stitch Western Boot with a pointed toe.

Durango Cowboy Boots

This company started in 1966, and quickly established itself as one of the premium boot makers for comfort, attractiveness, and durability. These boots are put together nicely, and always fit great. One of the most popular boots they make is their Distressed Brown Oiled Leather boot. You will find it so comfortable and stylish, that it will always be the first thing you grab to put on last. You will wear it for work, or play, and will be surprised at how long it lasts, in both looks, and, wear and tear.

It did not take the cowboy boot long to become a vital part of a cowboy’s equipment, like his hat, horse, revolver, and neckerchief. Today, these boots are as much a part of American style, as they are a necessity of the  rodeo circuit, the ranch, and the stage at The Grand Ol’e Opry. You can make your own fashion statement with these boots, and this popular cowboy boots brand list is the only one you will need to find what amazes you.