My socks go above the boot tops, regardless of what type of boot I’m wearing. Right now, my only “cowboy” type boots are Ariat lace-up, with a walking heel (that has a spur ledge for some reason). I like them better than any more riding type boot that I have tried. But I bought them after I got out of the Army, so I was used to wearing combat boots, and just didn’t feel confident in slip-on boots.
Might need to go try some boots on.