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We’ve reviewed dozens of sustainable cowgirl boots for women — these are our top sustainable and ethical selections for comfort and style with a range of price points and size options.
While cowgirl boots may be the fall trend of 2024, these sustainable boots are always trending in our book because of their durability and craftsmanship. Whether you’re wearing them for style or function, they are a perfect staple to keep wear throughout the seasons and pass down to future generations. The main question is: How do you ensure your boots are ethical and sustainable?
What makes a cowgirl boot sustainable?
Sustainable cowgirl boots are made with quality craftsmanship and the most ethical materials, including deadstock fabrics, ethical and Leather Working Group-certified leather, and sustainable vegan alternatives. We’re always looking out for handmade boots made by artisans and with fair trade and ethical labor certifications. Additionally, we look for brands that give back, employ recycling initiatives, and have B Corp status.
Our criteria:
- ETHICAL PRACTICES | These boots are made by sustainable brands that adhere to ethical and responsible labor practices, ensuring their employees receive fair wages and have safe working environments.
- ECO-FRIENDLY/SUSTAINABLE | Each pair of cowgirl boots is made by a brand that practices sustainability throughout its manufacturing process, including using all-natural and organic materials, low-impact processes, and recycled/upcycled materials where possible.
- DESIGN | From classic workboots to stylish embroidery, we’ve compiled a roundup of cowgirl boots for every occasion and need.
- COMFORT | Comfort is key when it comes to boots! We’ve read thousands of reviewers from real customers and tested these brands ourselves to ensure optimal comfort.
These cowgirl boots from women pair perfectly with sustainable jeans and these cozy sweaters! For a summer look, pair with one of our favorite sustainable dresses.
1. Alohas
Best For | Made to order, slow fashion cowgirl boots
Sustainable Materials | Sustainable leather
Size Range | 5-14.5
Price Range | $320
Alohas‘ Liberty cowgirl boots are iconic with the Cuban heel, snip toe, and pull tabs on the sides. It’s no secret we’re huge fans of this Spanish brand (read our Alohas review here), which is why they get the number one spot on this list for sustainability and design. Alohas shoes are made to order and then crafted in Portugal. We’re partial to the red because it’s just so fun! They’re shaped to a mid-calf height and stitched with a subtle ornate motif for a look that’s authentic yet chic.
2. Reformation
Best For | Fashion forward cowgirl boots
Sustainable Materials | Bovine vegetable-tanned or chromium-free leather
Size Range | 5-11
Price Range | $398
For our city cowgirls, we love these western-inspired ankle boots from Reformation. They are made with vegetable-tanned and chromium-free leather and sustainably crafted in Brazil. Perfect for pairing with jeans or a skirt, they have authentic Western piping details and a padded upper. We’ll be wearing ours for decades to come!
3. Good Guys Go Vegan
Best For | Vegan cowgirl boots
Sustainable Materials | Eco-friendly apple waste
Size Range | 36 EU-41 EU
Price Range | $211
For a vegan cowgirl boot, we love The Lucky from Good Guys Go Vegan. The high-top western boots are made of APPLESKIN, an eco-friendly material made of apple waste in Italy. The lining is corn and recycled microfiber, which is breathable and antibacterial (love that!). The silver is so gorgeous and striking, while the white “leather” offers a more classic cowgirl look.
4. Chalo
Best For | Small batch cowgirl boots made for comfort
Sustainable Materials | Regenerative leather, clean tanneries, vegan leather boots
Size Range | 6-11
Price Range | $271
We love the origin story behind Chalo, the brand that started making cowgirl boots in the ‘90s in a family-owned tannery factory in North India. Today, these boots are made in small batches to avoid excess inventory and overproduction, using leather that is Chrome VI- and heavy metal-free. The brand even utilizes solar energy for production when possible, and air/sun dries all leathers to minimize the use of chemicals and machinery.
5. Everlane
Best For | Western-inspired boots
Sustainable Materials | LGW-certified leather
Size Range | 5-11
Price Range | $298
Less cowgirl and more western-inspired, Everlane’s The Outlaw Boot is perfect for the fall and winter months. The style is unique, featuring a tapered, pointed toe, block heel, mid-shaft, pull-on tabs, and Western details. We’re especially keen on the leather being sourced from a tannery rated Gold by the Leather Working Group (LWG) — the highest rating a tannery can receive for demonstrating best practices in environmental compliance and performance capabilities.
6. Matisse
Best For | Western boots with a heel
Sustainable Materials | Regenerative leather, clean tanneries, vegan leather boots
Size Range | 5.5-11
Price Range | $110+
These cowgirl boots from Matisse are swoonworthy; we love the variety of styles and colors, from ankle cowgirl boots to western boots with a heel. The brand works exclusively with family-owned and -operated factories, which are socially audited to ensure workers are compensated accordingly. Matisse also strives to source sustainable materials and use minimally processed leathers (and regenerated leather when possible).
7. MOMO Boots
Best For | Embroidered cowgirl boots
Sustainable Materials | Embroidered patchwork from vintage saris, vintage hand-embroidered hill tribe fabrics, handcrafted by artisans
Size Range | US 6–12
Price Range | $278
For cowgirl boots that are sure to turn heads, we love the one-of-a-kind embroidered boots from MOMO New York. These boots are made in collaboration with brands like Free People and Anthropologie and include unique materials like embroidered patchwork from vintage saris. Many of the boots are handcrafted by artisans, and there are colors and styles that meet every preference. They even have a sequin cowgirl boot for extra sparkle!
Featured image is from Alohas
Kayti Christian is Senior Content Strategist at The Good Trade. She has an MFA in Nonfiction Creative Writing and has been featured in TODAY, Shondaland, and The New York Times. She is the creator of Feelings Not Aside, a newsletter for sensitive people, and cohost of the FriedEggs Podcast, a podcast about IVF and infertility.
