The Cowboy Boot

Size isn’t a factor when it comes to cowboy boots. No matter how small (or tall) you are, there’s a pair of boots to fit your feet.

Image courtesy of Boot City

Which brings us to the featured boot of the day — Ariat Kids Quickdraw Boot. So hold onto your ponies, pull up a chair and read on.

Ariat’s a fine cowboy boot manufacturer who was sure not to leave the youngsters out. Smart move on Ariat’s part, because the Kids Quickdraw Boot comes in brown oiled, rowdy leather (not just leather, ROWDY leather!). The boot’s wide, square toe ensures your buckaroo’s toes aren’t pinched as he traverses the range, and the welt is double stitched, making it extremely durable. The Quickdraw is a pull-on style boot, so it’s easy for even the smallest cowboys to get their boots on and off, independently.

For even more comfort, Ariat’s thrown in a Booster Bed (another fine Ariat technology) and a molded heel. In addition, the Booster Bed is removable, so not only are your little wrangler’s feet cozy, but these boots will last a long time.

Young men trying the Quickdraw Boot are sure to take fancy. Parents will love the value and tradition behind Ariat’s name.

This one’s for all the gals — Justin’s Ladies Ostrich Print Gypsy Cowgirl Collection Boot. It’s a mouthful but what a fantastic way to dress up your feet!

Carefully crafted from the finest ostrich leather, these boots have 11″ tops and a round, gypsy toe, making it easy to dance the night away. If you’re an equestrian, the black rubber outsole and low heel are fantastic for proper stirrup feel. As with all Justin boots, a pair will last you, well, maybe forever. The boots are durable, comfortable and eye-catching.

Here’s a fun fact about H. J. Justin that you may not know. His wife, Annie, put together a special kit that would lay the foundation for the company. The Justins had set up shop in a Texas outpost that drew quite a few cowboys. With complete entrepreneurial spirit, Annie developed a way to reach those who couldn’t come to town, but needed new boots. The kit, developed in the 1890’s, contained Annie’s hand written letter touting leather pricing, measuring instructions, a 20″ ruler and a diagram of both foot and boot parts. Annie handed out kits to the cowboys as they headed to the range. While ranching, these first Justin Boot fitters would carefully measure the feet of bootless wranglers. Orders and information was sent back to the Justins. With everything in hand, H. J. could make a custom boot.

That’s how Justin Boots kick-started the company into the 21st century.

Ariat’s Crossfire boots are made with ATS technology. (Specific to Ariat branding, ATS means these boots have gel insoles and composite fiber shanks — pure comfort whether riding or playing!) Gorgeous stitching pattern and leather lined for maximum comfort. Square toed and ready for that perfect for that ride into the sunset. So saddle up and head out! Several colors including aged bark/brick, amberglow/acorn, earth/bone and dark cane/blue indigo. For discriminating cowboys and cowgirls.

Ariat Crossfire Boots

Making functional boots of superior quality is Ariat International’s mission — for all riders. Named Manufacturer of the Year by Tack ‘N Togs, Ariat gleaned this coveted award in both English and Western disciplines, and is the only manufacturer to ever do so.

There’s a lot more to be proud of. Ariat is an official supplier to both the United States Equestrian Team (USEF) and the Wrangler Pro Rodeo Tour. A young company by industry standards, Ariat was founded in 1990 by entrepreneurs Pam Parker and Beth Cross. The women were determined to create boots that were flexible, durable and rideable. It took a while to develop the right boot, with Parker and Cross talking to hundreds of riders. In 1993, the first set of boots shipped.

But the company hasn’t stopped there. Ariat’s developed boots for recreation and work, too. And handbags. And chaps. Should it be mentioned about the riding and casual apparel, belts and accessories, too?

Want to boot scoot with ease and be incredibly stylish? Tony Lama’s Buckaroo boots are exactly you’re looking for. Designed for comfort, both the front and back have a deep V, allowing for unrestricted movement. And if you’re waiting in a long line for a cold one, don’t worry because these fashionable boots have leather insole support and U toes. Fine stitching and two tone colors top these boots off. Only 15″ tall, the Buckaroo comes in half and whole sizes, making it a good fit for just about everyone.

Buckaroo from Tony Lama

 Tony Lama has been dressing folks’ feet since 1911 and is proud to offer footwear for men, women and kids. The proprietor began his career as a shoe apprentice in New York. From there, Lama joined the cavalry and ended up in El Paso. While in the West Texas desert, he began crafting boots.  Dress, casual and work boot lines are now offered by Tony Lama.

Constructed of the finest materials, all cowboy boots feature pull straps and a Goodyear welt, as well as fine vamp fitting, wrinkle and outsole stitching.

Did you say rodeo? The company endorses rodeo greats Tyler Magnus, Jake Cooper and Bobby Mote, just to name a few on Tony Lama’s exclusive list.

You’ll be in good company while wearing the boots — Brad Paisley and Aaron Watson love their Tony Lama’s, too.

Picture from Justin Boots

Beside making some great boots, Justin Boot Company does a great job marketing their products. They know their customer and they do with cowboy boots what NIKE does with Athletic Shoes.

George Strait: Justin sponsors George Strait and he wears their boots, but Justin takes it a step further ALA NIKE, George Strait has his own line of boots by Justin. – From the Justin website: We’re big George Strait fans. And we know you are, too. That’s why we teamed up with George to bring you a boot collection for Men and Women designed for every aspect of the western lifestyle. A lifestyle that George Strait embraces and one that just wouldn’t be the same without Justin Boots”

In Addition to George Strait Justin Boots has the always sexy and always in boots Terri Clark unboard- They sponsor her tour and promote her on the web -  Terri’s new single is entitled Gypsy Boots… now let me think, who makes Gypsy  boots? oh yeah, that would be Justin.

ON the music front, Justin also sponsors Tracy Byrd, Jason Aldean, Rand Rodgers Band, Wade Bowen and the Casey Donahew Band. That’s a whole-lot of good music wearing Justin boots.

I will use another day and another post to talk about all the Rodeo Greats that Justin sponsors.

The cowboy boot has been around for a long time, what started as a practical necessity of the cattle drives and working cowboys has turned into a fashion statement as well as a work boot.

The Cowboy Boot Blog is going to focus on the modern day boots and what they are made of, how they fit, who is wearing these boots and which styles are the most popular among different populations.

Currently one of the biggest differences regionally is which style of toe a boot has.

We look forward to exploring cowboy boots with you and we welcome any articles or blogs you would like to submit about boots.

Cowboy Boots