The Cowboy Boot

Photo via mypinkturtle.com

The development of cowboy boots has always been a wonderful topic for books and documentaries and those who are fond of such shoes relish every bit of detail about it. Its history is interesting –from the time of Genghis Khan to the Spanish caballeros who made their way to America from Mexico to the English riding boots. Although riding boots are an important part of life for the equestrian and their design were already sufficient for riding in terms of protecting the feet and controlling the horse, cattle raisers in America made their own design based on these boots.

There are a lot of different stories pertaining to the origin of cowboy boots. Some say these shoes were of Hessen origin and yep Hessen as in the people from Germany who according to some accounts influenced the development of the riding boots used in Spain. Others historians note however that  cowboy boots date back to the 5^th century during the time of Genghis Khan. So does this mean that that cowboy boots are of oriental in origin? No one is sure really but the fact that no one was able to take note where it really was based on or where it came from meant that it was something people used on a daily basis and that they were not called anything but boots –as generic as that.

This might sound like a strange analysis but this may mean that there is a possibility that the things we find as ordinary in this era might be something that would interest the people in the future. This is the importance of history –people would like to know how things came to be. How did cowboy boots get that kind of design? How did ropers branch out from cowboy boots or riding boots for that matter? We just hope that the things we write about cowboy boots would last long enough that those in the future will know what we know about these boots.

Cowboy boots are riding boots that later on became rather popular among cowboys because of its sturdiness. Cowboy boots have a Cuban heel – a type of heel used by both men and women in olden times. This type of heel, experts believe, goes back to 9^th Century Persia giving it quite a history.

Modern cowboy boots are commonly made from cowhide but sometimes, bootmakers make them from exotic leather i.e. alligator, ostrich, lizard, snake and other skins. Apart from Cuban heels, cowboy boots also feature rounded to pointed toes and a high shaft. Unlike other riding boots, cowboy boots have no lacing. Although cowboy boots feature different toe shapes, the usual design is often narrowed bordering to pointy toed.
– Cowhide Ropers, are some of the most popular boots. –

There are 2 types of cowboy boots, one is the classic version more popularly known as the western cowboy boot, the other is classed as a roper. The western or classic style is characterized by a tall shaft reaching mid-calf. It also usually has an angled heel. The heel height usually reaches over an inch high. Sometimes some cowboy boots feature slightly lower heels called walking heels.

Considered as a newer design, the roper has a shorter shaft compared to the classic cowboy boots. Stopping above the ankle, this type of boots also feature squared-off heels. Ropers are usually used by those who join rodeo shows. The heels are just an inch high or even lower, have rounded toes and have laces. The lace-up style of these boots is to ensure that the ropers do not come off while riding a horse –in a rather wild manner. The safety of the rider is of course one of the main reasons why ropers have a lace-up design.

Both designs –the roper and the classic cowboy boot style are available in cowboy boot shops. They are also sold online.
Boot City has a very nice selection of Ostrich Skin Ropers available in the store and on the internet.

In the 1860s, Wellingtons were quite popular. The first ever mass produced boots were not only sturdy, they were also very affordable making them a favorite among those who lived in the west.

From 1886 to 1884 also known as the cattle drive era, the regular cowboy never wanted to ruin a good pair of cowboy boots while working. Their dress boots were only worn during special occasions or when going into town to meet friends. Some cowboys at the time owned very decorative dress boots and these boots, much like the regular dress boots of other cowboys were only worn when the cowboy went to town.

The basic elements of dress boots were integrated in working boots over the years making the trusty Wellington obsolete. This development also gave birth to different bootmaking companies that are still popular today.

If one refers to fashion magazines during the 1850s to the 1860s, cowboy boots with topstitching were featured. Some of these boots also featured natural elements integrated as a design.

The American-style boot we now know today were later taken up by the best bootmakers in areas where cattle ranching was a way of life. These areas included the states of Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas. According to history, 2 of the most well-known bootmakers of the time were Charles Hyer of the Hyer Brothers Boots –a small company located in Olathe, Kansas and H.J. Justin of the infamous Justin Boots who headquartered in Spanish Fort, Texas.

Justin however moved to Nocona and other bootmakers went to the place to take advantage of the number of people going there, a new brand came out. The Nocona brand was started by the eldest daughter of Joe Justin, Enid Justin Stelzer who chose to live in Nocona with her husband.

The couple went through a divorce though that’s why Stelzer started the Olsen-Stelzer brand.

If you are on a budget but still want to get the best cowboy boots available, worry not because we have a solution. Although this website does not sell boots, we are going to give you a few details on the boots we found that are below $250.

For Men

This vamp leather Caiman patchwork cowboy boots for men from Corral is sold at $220 at Corral’s official website. Tube height is 13 inches and heel height is 1 and ¾.

If you fancy some boots from Ferrini, these lizard cowboy boots will definitely not disappoint. If you buy these from Boot City you will save more money because like the other boots on this article, they are priced differently if you buy them in other shops. These are sold at $239.99 a pair.

For some classic western cowboy boots from Corral, you can get this goat leather boot in chocolate black. The tube height is 13 inches with heel height of 1 ¾. It is at $188 a pair.

This Sierra Pullup men’s cowboy boots from Corral is sold at Corral’s official website for $188 a pair.

If you want something more colorful than your usual black and browns, you can buy this Tony Lama sunset renegade boot with saddle vamp for $159.99.

For Women

For $89.99, you can get this chestnut pig leather from Dingo. It features buckle straps and fashionable heels.

Another product from Dingo is this ladies cowhide cowboy boots sold at $89.99.

Laredo Boots sells this black cowhide cowboy boots for ladies at only $84.99.

Can’t get enough of Laredo Boots? Sold at the same price as the one listed above, this ladies cowhide boots are a good buy. The top measures 11 inches and it has a U toe.

Sold at about $77, this ladies’ boots from Justin is definitely a good buy. It has a black deer cow foot complete with a perfed saddle vamp.  The top is suede.

In the South having a pair of cowboy boots are a necessity and can be seen everywhere. Popping up across college campuses everywhere are cowboy boots. One of the hottest trends spreading like wildfire across the nation, students from Texas to Syracuse is sporting a pair of cowboy boots. No longer will cowboy boots only make an appearance at Halloween, students are wearing them to home football games, going out at night, and country concerts. It is seen as a fashion staple and statement.

Popularly worn by women putting a pair of cowboy boots with any outfit will make a statement. The trick is to properly pull it off without making your outfit look like a costume. When going out and purchasing your first pair of cowboy boots, there are a few things to think about: style, material, and color. If you are looking for a more traditional look stick with the pointed toe leather calf-length boots. By getting the leather style boot, it gives you the option to choose any color. The most popular colors are black, brown, white and red. If you want the more untraditional look stick with suede rounded or square tip, and ankle length. This can give you a more fashionista look, but suede requires more up kept.

The most important thing to remember about accessorizing with cowboy boots is to keep it simple. If you want to be more conservative, stay with jeans that are either boot cut or flared. If you are more daring and want to make a statement, pair it with a dress or some tights. Not only has it been seen on college campuses, Hollywood has taken a bite at the western bubble. Celebrities like Cameron Diaz and Jessica Simpson are rocking a pair of cowboy boots.

For diehard cowboy boots and college fans, you can even sport your favorite school on a pair of boots. The brand Nocona® Boots has a line of college inspired boots. If you are a fan of Texas Tech, TCU, or OSU you will love these boots. Boot City has a wide selection of this line for you to wear at the next home football game.

Check them out!

People have a different idea of what a great work boot consist of. Me, I like a boot that is comfortable and takes a beating. In fact I like the boot if it looks better after the beating then it did when it was new. Justin and Georgia boots are my favorite work boots for that very reason.
For a lace up steel toe boot I like this boot from Georgia Boots

This boot has a lot going for it. The steel toe is just one of the great features. This boot also has High Abrasion and Moisture Wicking Mesh Lining w/ Internal Padded Collar. This makes the boot extra comfortable and it keeps your feet dry as you sweat. (you do sweat while your work, right?)

Another great feature of the boot is the Repairable Goodyear Welt Construction and Oil Resistant Bumper Guard. Slosh around in all the mock you want to, this boot is built to take it.  I aslo like the quick lace system, the color of the leather and yes I even like the green laces that come statndard with this awesome Georgia Steel Toe Boot.

Where do you get the best deal on Cowboy Boots?

We have been in working in and for the Western Wear industry for a long time. We built our first Cowboy Boot Website way back in 2003 for the good folks at Boot City – Boot City is located in Lubbock Texas and

they have won teh Best of  The west Award from NBC for the best Cowboy Boot Store multiple times.

They did this with fantastic customer service and great deals on boots.

Black cowgirl boots with black skirt

Their website is super easy to navigate and you can quickly shop for boots by Size, brand or color -

For instance if you are looking for Black Cowboy Boots you simply click the link to see all black boots, then you can quickly filter your results down to your favorite brands and styles.

If you are look for king size boots and like Size 15 EE boots for instance, you just chose the large boots link from the left nav and then you can see all the boots that will fit you. So not only will you find the best deals on cowboy boots at Boot City you will also find those deals quicker.

Photo Courtesy of Boot City

Everyone wants to be trendy.  In one way or another, you would notice people wanting to see whether the latest trend is suitable for them or not.  There are times wherein individuals would go to thrift shops and try to remake a particular look coming from their favorite designers.  However, aside from the bags and clothes, there is one thing very important that completes the look, it is the shoes.

Take for example the cowboy boots in the United States.  Almost everyone has his or her own style when it comes to wearing this footwear.  You may notice that there are those wearing the cowboy boots in their dress.  There are those that wear it together with their blue denim pants or whatever pants they feel like wearing.  Some would even wear it with a skirt or shorts.  Almost every type of clothing for that matter can be combined with boots.  One thing nice about the cowboy boots is that it never goes out of style.  Makers try to reinvent it so that the people’s love for it does not wear off.

It does not matter whether you are a celebrity or a regular folk.  The important thing here is that you have a great time wearing your cowboy boots and make the most out of it.  It is okay to copy the look of your favorite stars but make sure to give it a little twist and create a style of your own.  In addition, try to have a variety of cowboy boots so that you can interchange using them depending on what type or kind of clothing you are wearing.

When it comes to knowledge of cowboy boots, no one does it better than Boot City.  This particular store started from a feed store way back in 1985.  It became a place for people looking for the best deals and finds when it comes to Western gear and apparel.  You can find almost everything here to complete your look, from clothes, boots, hats and even saddles -you name it and they would be able to provide you a wide range of brands to choose.  Because of this, it is impossible for you not to find something that will suit your taste and budget.  Boot City even expanded their products with thousands of pairs of blue jeans, jewelry and even gun holsters.

If you are that type of person who wants a somewhat authentic cowboy outfit as well as cowboy boots, go to Boot City and the personnel there will be happy to assist you.  All you have to do is to have an idea on what kind of outfit you want and the boots that best fits it.  The only thing you need to bring is your money and yourself.  While trying on some clothes, have fun.  You never know what you will be able to find in this treasure trove.

Love cowboy boots? Whether you are a cowboy, a cowgirl or just want to be trendy, you should know which type of cowboy boots match your feet. Before making a purchase you should make sure that the cowboy boots you are going to buy are made from leather. There are cowboy boots out there that are made out of synthetic leather and this is something you should be wary about.

Since cowboy boots are known to be solid and tough you should get a pair that does not only project that toughness but should actually be heavy duty. The next thing you should check are the stitches on the boots, they should be well made and are buried. When done with all the checking you should ask for your size. There are certain types of Western boots that are fit for certain types of feet. By getting the one you are most comfortable in, you will prevent getting injuries because of your boots. Walk your boots before making a purchase, if it doesn’t feel right do not buy it but if it feels good then make that purchase.

People like me who have unusually large feet often have trouble finding boots and shoes that fit their over-sized appendages.  Lucky for me I can find all the size 14 EEE boots I can wear at my favorite online boot retailer, Boot City. Bootcity.com has big and tall boots up to size 17.  

Before you order your over-sized boots I suggest you get your feet measured to make sure you know your size. (and width) Big and Tall boots from Boot City can be returned as long as you don’t wear them outside. (and they look new with no scuffs)

They also have large and wide work boots