We need to talk about cowboy boots. Celebs, wedding attendees, and even former presidents have been seen in formal wear with Western dress boots – so why can’t you? These might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but you can wear cowboy boots with khaki pants. Who’s going to stop you?
Sadly, not everyone’s blessed with the slick swagger of a cowboy. Cowboys know what’s up when they’re rocking Western boots with everything, from cuffed denim trousers to structured suit sets and Canadian tuxedos.
Cowboy boots are a wardrobe must-have, whether you’re a Southerner or not. Needless to say, cowboy boots are for Southerners what sneakers are for the rest of the world.
We’re living in the Western boot era, with the coolest guys in fashion rocking cowboy boots – everyone from Lil Nas X to A$AP Rocky understand the power of the right footwear.
Cowboy boots are everywhere and there’s no reason you can’t wear them with whatever ‘fit you want. Now, we might not associate khakis with cowboys, but that’s not to say we shouldn’t start. So, can you wear cowboy boots with khaki pants?
Can you wear cowboy boots with khaki pants?
Before we start, we need to address a common concern you might have. You’re allowed to be a fan of the Western style whether or not you’ve ever ridden a horse. Sure, cowboys and cowboy boots belong together, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t rock your favorite Western boots, too.
Contrary to popular belief, cowboy boots aren’t reserved for Southern gatherings. Whether you’re attending a wedding, going on a date, or running errands, they’re all good excuses to wear your Western boots.
Replace anything you wear on the regular with a perfect pair of cowboy kicks and you’re guaranteed to look more polished and put-together than ever before. Suits, khakis, chinos, or denim shorts – throw on a pair of Western boots and you’re going to feel like you’re on top of the world.
So, to answer your question: Yes, you can wear cowboy boots with khakis.
How to wear cowboy boots with khaki pants
When you’re trying to decide whether or not you should wear your cowboy boots to Walmart, you might be taken aback by the fact that you don’t know how to style them the right way. We’ve brushed over the fact that cowboys know what they’re doing, but how do you wear cowboy boots with khaki pants?
Worry not, we’ve got your back. Alexander McQueen once argued, “It’s a new era in fashion – there are no rules. It’s all about the individual and personal style, wearing high-end, low-end, classic labels, and up-and-coming designers all together.” And we couldn’t agree more.
However, there are a few tips and tricks you can follow to ensure you don’t go overboard when shopping for the best cowboy boots to wear with khaki pants. Starting with the shape of the toe, you might want to avoid square-toed cowboy boots because they’re typically considered casual.
Western boots with a tapered or round toe are the way to go. Moving on to materials, we suggest wearing your khakis with cowboy boots made of expensive, exotic leathers – or affordable alternatives that imitate the same materials.
Moreover, avoid cowboy boots with chunky, heavy-lugged, rubber soles, too. Classic boot colors like black and brown are a great way to keep everything simple and subdued, but you can experiment with textures, embroideries, and patterns.
What you can’t experiment with, though, is the length of your khakis. When you’re trying to combine your cowboy boots with khaki pants, ensure they’re tailored to fit the boot, starting with length. Then make sure your boots are clean and you’re good to go.
What are the best cowboy boots to wear with khaki pants?
1. Lucchese Elgin Boot
We need to start by saying that you don’t have to break the bank to get your hands on high-quality, hard-wearing cowboy boots. If you’re thinking of wearing them with everything you own, though, you might want to consider spending a little more to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth.
Lucchese Elgin boots are handmade by Texan artisans which means you’re getting the real deal. Whether you wear them with your khaki pants or Canadian tuxedo, you’re guaranteed to turn heads thanks to the full quill ostrich leather and the coveted Western silhouette.
2. Tecovas Johnny Boot
Tecovas Johnny Boots are everything you need and more. Made from treated, water-resistant suede, these boots might not be your first choice considering they’re not made from expensive, exotic leathers. Rest assured, though, these suede boots are made for khaki pants.
With a rounded toe and a tastefully angled heel, they’re bound to elevate anything you wear – including your trusty khakis. Wear them to work or take them out for a drink or two, but don’t forget to take them off at the end of the day.
3. Justin Boots Stampede Work Boot
What do you do when you don’t want to spend too much money on Western boots that you might or might not wear? When you’re thinking of dipping your toes in the wild world of cowboy boots, don’t shy away from checking out Justin Boots Stampede Work Boots.
Justin boots aren’t handmade by a team of Texan or Mexican artisans, but they’re a great way to ensure you’re ready to spend your yearly savings on Rios of Mercedes or Lucchese cowboy boots.
4. Tony Lama Monterey Round Toe Western Boot
Tony Lama boots belong with other Western boot stalwarts, but they’re a lot more affordable than you might think. Tony Lama Monterey Round Toe Western Boots are simple, sleek, and perfect for everyday wear.
Whether you’re hitting the office or meeting with colleagues, you can count on them to spice up your outfit. When you wear them with khakis, though, you might notice that they’re a great way to make the entire ensemble more subdued – we wouldn’t suggest wearing them to a wedding.
5. Ariat Hybrid Rancher Boot
We’ve all heard of Ariat cowboy boots, right?
Ariat offers everything from riding boots and ropers to square-toe boots and work boots. But Ariat’s cowboy boots are sought after around the world for a reason. With high-quality modern materials, leather uppers, and intricate stitching, you can’t go wrong with Ariat Hybrid Rancher Boots.
Not to mention that the brand happens to be the official sponsor of Professional Bull Riders. We’re pretty sure it doesn’t get much more cowboy than that, folks.
6. Tecovas Dean Zipper Cowboy Boots
We’ve already talked about Tecovas cowboy boots, but we couldn’t pass on the opportunity to praise Tecovas Dean Zipper Cowboy Boots. Where do we even start?
They’re the type of Western boots you wear when you’re attending a wedding or an event that requires you to look your best. They’re the most versatile cowboy boots ever and they’re super simple to combine with khakis, chinos, and tailored trousers because they’re on the shorter side.
They’re made with calfskin, bovine, and goat leather, depending on the style you decide to go with.
7. Frye Austin Inside Zip Boots
Frye is better known for work boots, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t give them a chance. Frye Austin Inside Zip Boots are a great way to make your khakis much more appealing.
When you’re grabbing a bite with friends, getting drinks after work, or going on a date, these cowboy boots are your best bet to look like a million bucks. We’d say they’re slightly over the budget for most folk, but totally worth the splurge.
8. Rios Of Mercedes Smooth Ostrich Boots
On the hunt for something much more extravagant and excessive? You might want to check out Rios Of Mercedes Smooth Ostrich Boots – or, any Rios of Mercedes cowboy boots, for that matter.
Handmade in Mercedes, Texas, by master bootmakers who pay attention to every detail, these cowboy boots are a true work of art. We’d go as far as to argue that they’re too extravagant for a pair of khaki pants, but you do you.
9. Unmarked Durango Boots
Unmarked boots are everything but “unmarked.” Complicated embroidery stitching, lemonwood pegs at the soles, and super clean welt stitching suggest that you’re about to spend your money on something worth your attention.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to opt for basic, boring cowboy boots to make them work with khakis. When you keep the rest of your ‘fit simple and subdued, you can focus on your footwear. Unmarked Durango Boots are perfect for that.
10. Ralph Lauren Plainview Suede Cowboy Boots
Now, these are the type of cowboy boots you can wear with a structured suit – there’s no question about that. We know you might be surprised to see Ralph Lauren on the list, but seasoned cowboy boot wearers know that Ralph Lauren makes some of the choicest cowboy boots you’ve ever seen.
Whatever Western style you decide to go with, we’re keeping our fingers crossed that you do end up wearing cowboy boots with khaki pants – no matter what anyone says.
