Tecovas Boot Roundup: These Boots Are Made For Walkin’

When you think of early career Taylor Swift or Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA” music video, this emblematic style of boot comes to mind. The Annie features a snip toe, which is a slightly blunted tip not quite as pointy as a needle toe or as flat as a square toe. This model is Tecovas’ tallest boot with a 14-inch shaft and 2-inch heel that looks great with everything from mini skirts to slouchy jeans (to an Annie Oakley costume). While the white boot trend is still going strong, if you’re looking for a hue that doesn’t feel quite so au courant, choose from black, teal, sequoia, caramel, or sienna.

In Midnight-colored bovine leather, the Jolene immediately reminded me of Kesha’s well-worn boots in the TiK ToK music video. While Tecovas won’t need to be held together with duct tape, this mid-calf pair has a similar look with a 9-inch shaft. The retro threading pattern lends a classic western look while the low profile makes it more akin to a bootie in terms of versatility. The 0-toe features Tecovas’ signature toe bug (the stitching on the top of the vamp), which looks great, but actually has an important function. The toe bug is the bootmaker’s “signature” and sometimes surrounds the vamp’s cording to provide more support.  

The eponymous boots in Jessica Simpson’s “These Boots Were Made for Walkin’” video were as much a talking point as her Daisy Dukes, but the Daisy boot deserves all the headlines. Like the Annie, it has a snip toe but this shoe also has a convenient zipper so there won't be any struggling into or out of it. The heel is 2.5 inches and the compact, 6-inch shaft is ready to be shown off with cuffed jeans or cropped pants. To make the Daisy extra special, shop in-store and receive free monogramming with purchase.

For a sky-blue, beautifully feminine boot that evokes petticoats and Sundance Kid train robberies, you can't do better than the Josie. The pastel hue juxtaposed with the strong silhouette is the perfect melding of western toughness and glam that will make you want to carry a lacy parasol. With a round toe and a 1.75-inch heel, this completely suede boot has a look all its own. The unique threading pattern makes it perfect for special occasions — maybe a Nashville bachelorette party?

For a "look at me" boot in a luxe material, try the Jessie and revel in its down-under magic. Exotics are a surefire way to step up your boot game, and this authentic supple, full quill ostrich leather will become your go-to look. The natural bumps vary from boot to boot so no two pairs are exactly the same. If you’re feeling daring, go for a full ostrich outfit with this matching belt.

For a shoe that gestures in the western direction without fully committing, consider the Sophie mule. It’s the perfect silhouette for a hint of cowgirl with an open back that makes it amenable to virtually any style. The convenient slip-on design has a classic mule shape with a round toe and a 1.75-inch angled heel. If tall boots feel too sweaty, these are the perfect summer companion and the padded bovine insole will feel cushiony on bare feet. Bonus: they’re great for showing off anklets.

For men who don’t feel fully capable of pulling off a capital “C” cowboy boot, this Chelsea boot is a great set of training wheels on your way to John Wayne confidence. You can ease into the aesthetic with this lower profile boot (featuring a 1.25-inch heel) that looks great with slimmer jeans and pants. Though it doesn’t have the quintessential toe bug, the Chance’s platform incorporates undeniable western flair — as does its rich (water-resistant) suede or calf leather material. Finally, the elastic gores provide easy-on and easy-off access as you’re building your way up to an ostrich roper boot worthy of an Eastwood squint.

Even though you’re supposed to alternate boot wearing days to let the leather dry out, you’ll want to wear these square toe boots daily. Available in bovine, bison, and goat leather, these dress boots embody tradition in the best way. They have a 1.5-inch straight heel with a 6mm spur ledge, a distinct threading pattern along a 12-inch shaft, and a double-stitched welt. When they start to get worn out, you can send them to Tecovas for a restoration ($150) that includes a full resole (with all original Tecovas parts) and detailed cleaning, conditioning, and polishing. While your boots are getting some R&R, you might decide it’s the perfect excuse to get a second pair.