THE HOUSTON LIVESTOCK Show and Rodeo officially kicks off today. This past weekend wet the whistle with the World Champion BBQ Contest where over 250 teams compete in categories like best ribs, brisket, and Dutch oven dessert. The three weeks that follow feature nightly concerts which open with bull riding, stagecoach races, and mutton busting—an event where kids, ages four to seven, ride a bolting sheep and see who can stay on the longest. It rocks.
It’s where Selena Quintanilla had her final performance for “Go Tejano Day” in 1995 and where I saw Reba McEntire in February of 1997. More recently, I watched Leon Bridges perform, then ran into him at the bar by my apartment afterward. All this to say—it’s rodeo season and we should all tip a wide brim cap by dressing the part. That means jeans, Western button-up shirts, denim jackets, and, of course, cowboy boots. The Western wear trend is still going strong; rodeo season is just another reason to hop on the covered wagon.
Gateway Roper Boots
For those intrigued but hesitant, I suggest a pair of ropers. Ropers have a rounded toe, low heel, and subtle (if any) adornments. They’re an approachable style you can wear with a pair of Levi’s 501s on weekends or a pair of chinos at the office.
My Roper-of-choice lately has been Red Wing Heritage’s Pecos boots. They’re comfortable, low-key, and versatile. The roughout leather uppers are more durable than suede, and the rubber soles have plenty of traction in this loathsome wet winter. Like most Ropers, they have a wide opening and are easy to pull on and off (even in a hurried TSA line while traveling).
Red Wing Heritage owns its own tannery so there’s a level of QC you don’t get from other brands: from getting first pick of hides to the dyeing and finishing process, Red Wing has a hand on it every step of the way.
Another good starter pair to (literally) dip your toes in is the Dean boot from Tecovas. The 8-inch shaft sits just at ankle height and the rounded toe reads like any other leather dress shoe. They have a stacked leather sole with a rubber heel counter for a bit of traction, but I’m saving them until spring.
For Going All In
For those not afraid to take the leap: exotic lizard or Crocodile boots, intricate stitching, and unique toe bugs are the way to go. These cowboy boots dress up for work and formal occasions, though I wholly suggest wearing them casually with jeans on weekends as well. I guarantee they’ll stand out in the sea of sneakers and boots.
When I lived in Houston, boots were a little much for me. They were ubiquitous and—to me—redundant: I live in Texas, I don’t need the sartorial airhorn of cowboy boots reiterating that. After moving to New York, I gave them a try for a piece of home. They remind me of carnival lights, a Ferris wheel with questionable safety, and Swiftie the pig who would put the Westminster Dog Show to shame. Cowboy boots remind me of my grandpa who wore a full-quill Ostrich pair for parties and dressy occasions where mariachis were decked out in equally intricate footwear.
I now have my own rotation of cowboy boots and love them. They’re comfortable, surprisingly practical, and flash my Texas roots. I can’t overstate how much the Houston Rodeo rocks and how much I miss it, but I’m committed to dressing the part, even if I’m thousands of miles away.
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Danny Perez is a Reviews Editor for Popular Mechanics with a focus on men’s style, gear, and home goods. Recently, he was coordinator of partnership content at another product journalism outlet. Prior to that, he was a buyer for an independent men’s shop in Houston, Texas, where he learned all about what makes great products great. He enjoys thrifting for 90s Broadway tees and vintage pajama sets. His spare time is occupied by watching movies and running to impress strangers on Strava.
As the Style and Commerce Editor for Men’s Health, Joseph covers all-things fashion and grooming. Previously, Cheatham was a commerce editor for Spy, and he has written for Travel + Leisure.
