Dress Boots
Old Gringo
Eye candy for Western fashionistas, these Southwest-inspired Old Gringo Lakota boots are hand-embroidered with a 4-inch toe and a 1-inch heel. Ernie Tarut (the “old gringo”) founded the company in 2000, after 30 yearsof leather manufacturing experience, and partnered with Yan Ferry and his 30 years of European design and boot-making experience. These handmade boots are not your average cowboy kicks.Best for: Cattle Baron’s Ball; $570, oldgringoboots.com
Lucchese
Sam Lucchese, the founder of Lucchese Boot Company, began in San Antonio, Texas, in 1883, first making boots for the U.S. Cavalry, and all the company’s boots are still made in the U.S.A. Brass studs like the ones on these Lucchese Style M5705 dress boots have popped up everywhere from runways to cowgirls’ tack. The hand-tooled overlay on the camel tumbled aspen vamp and quarter shows subtle Western flair, and the classic comfort of Lucchese is upheld with a soft
leather lining. Best for: PRCA Ladies’Luncheon and Fashion Show; $440, lucchese.com
Justin
It doesn’t get much more exotic than elephant hide. Justin’s AQHA Remuda Series (Style #8555) uses cognac safari elephant hide with 13-inch brown Jurassic goat tops for a boot that would hold up to cowboying from the African savannah to the American plains. The broad square toe is an all-business look that’s currently “in.” Justin’s J-Flex Comfort System features a leather-covered cushioned insole and triple-density insole board, giving them an already broken-in feel. Best for: The high roller suite; $410, justinboots.com
Corral
Can you tell our editors are into the wingtip style right now? Corral nails it with the black and bronze lizard hide in a square-toe in Style A1418. The black and brown leather makes this the perfect boot to go with any color suit (or black or brown felt hats), and the 1-inch heel is comfortable for walking to and from business meetings. Corral is known for well-crafted soles that fit like gloves from day one. These boots don’t disappoint. Best for: The boardroom; $322, corralboots.com
