How to Wear Cowboy Boots in the Summer

Cowboy boots never go out of style. Unlike bell-bottom trousers or man buns, you can trust that your boots will remain in vogue for years to come. No matter the season, cowboy boots are an “in” look, because the versatility of leather boots means they’re the rare item that’s as fashionable as they are functional.

But can you wear cowboy boots in the summer? Of course! Leather is comfortable and stylish during any season, for both men and women. Cowboy boots stay cool by design, but some Ariat cowboy and cowgirl boots also feature our VentTEK™ technology, designed to keep your feet at optimal temperatures throughout the season, regardless of whatever you’re working on. VentTEK™ technology is also available in Ariat clothing lines - discover our VentTEK™ Collection here.

Overall, deciding how to wear cowboy boots in the summer is a matter of preference and personal style. But creating stunning outfits for summer cowboy boots is about more than just having the right pieces.

How to Balance Your Summer Cowboy Boot Outfit

Summer is a season for outdoor exploring, barbecues, and weddings, and your footwear should reflect the energy and variety of the season. There are countless cowboy boot styles, from stunning short boots to classic tall boots and more. If you don’t already have a favourite boot style, shop Ariat’s collection of men's cowboy boots and women’s cowboy boots to find the perfect pair.

For fashionable summer cowboy boots outfits, it’s all about finding balance between your boot and the rest of your attire. If you love a loud, colourful boot, opt for a simple tee and denim combination so your boots do all the talking. Alternatively, if you enjoy wearing patterns within your outfits, keep your cowboy boots classic in brown or black to avoid drawing attention away from the staple piece. When in doubt, keep it simple by colour or design, and add accent pieces like jewellery or a hat to make the look stand out. Find a style or colour that you love and focus on that to complement your cowboy boots.

Summer Cowgirl Boots: Looks for Women

Cowgirl Boots with Shorts

Shorts and cowgirl (or cowboy) boots are a time-honoured, iconic summer combination. Shorts keep you cool and allow you to move freely without worrying about exposure, but the key is making sure you select the right shorts for the right occasion during the sunshine season.

If you’re going to a country concert, your jeans shorts (with pockets!) might be a good choice, but if you’re heading to a family get-together, lightweight cotton shorts will keep you looking and feeling cool and stylish. If your plans require a lot of activity or being outdoors, shorts and cowgirl boots are the perfect combination. A boot with a taller shaft works especially well when paired with shorts. We like to style our shorts with a slightly tucked blouse or graphic t-shirt for a summery look.

Summer Dresses with Cowboy Boots

One of the best ways of wearing cowboy boots in summer is to match them with a dress.  In warmer weather, a light dress is an easy go-to option, that’s comfortable, breathable and easy to style. Whether short or long, there are endless options for pairing summer dresses with cowboy boots.

Pair a short western dress with tall western boots for a balanced and comfortable summer outfit that transitions from day-to-night with ease, or choose a longer style with ankle boots for more coverage. Alternatively, pick from our range of cowgirl boots designed with VentTEK™ technology, perfect for keeping your feet cool for all day wear. 

Summer Cowboy Boots: Looks for Men

Classic Cowboy Boots with Denim

Men’s cowboy boots are a staple of the summer wardrobe, and denim jeans and cowboy boots go together like a cowboy and his horse. For a classic style, try wearing your cowboy boots with bootcut jeans or an athletic-style long trouser that’s breathable to help keep you cool. Keep your collared shirt untucked for max airflow and add a leather belt in a complementary colour to your boots.

A shirt that’s designed for hot weather can keep you fresh and dry all day long. Our range of western VentTEK shirts or t-shirts are designed with technology that allows for all day wear without the worry of sweating through. Some of these styles also incorporate Sun Protection Fabric™ to aid in blocking harmful UV rays, and FreshTEK™ to keep you smelling fresh for longer.

Cowboy Boots with Shorts

You might be tempted to try wearing cowboy boots in summer with shorts. While wearing cowboy boots with athletic shorts is convenient for chores or working outdoors, fashion-forward men are better off pairing their cowboy boots with jeans for a polished look. But fashion aside, if it speaks to you and feels right, go for it! Even in the summertime, be sure to always wear socks with your cowboy boots to keep your feet comfortable and dry.

Whether you’re styling an outfit to wear with your work boots, riding boots, or your everyday boots, there’s no limit to options for summer cowboy boots outfits. With a wide collection of smart apparel and boots designed to beat the summer heat, you can browse our Western collection to find more favourites for the season.