Cowboy boots were, as the name implies, originally created for cowboys. They got their start during the Civil War drawing from the design of the cavalry boots that were worn by soldiers. Later the cattlemen in the big ranching states like Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma went to boot makers and requested alterations to their boots in order to better accommodate the conditions they worked in. The two most popular creators of cowboy boots during the 1870s and 80s were Justin of  Justin Boots  in Spanish, Fort Texas (also known as ‘Big Daddy Joe’) and Mr. Charles Hyer of Hyer Brothers Boots in Olathe, Kansas.

Cowboy boots have a distinctive style and shape. They are constructed with a high shaft, a high heel, a rounded or pointed toe and no lacing or zippers at all. The first cowboy boots were constructed of plain leather but over the course of time the have evolved into more of a fashion statement with decorative stitching, punched designs and even cutouts in the high tops (Texas stars were once the hottest trend). Today many people enjoy the feel as and look of wearing cowboy boots and they can be purchased in almost any color or design you can imagine. Most cowboy boots are still made from leather but some are fashioned from more exotic animals such as alligators, snakes, and even eel.

When looking for a great fitting pair of cowboy boots it is important to understand that cowboy boots do not fit the way other shoes do. Be sure to do your cowboy boot shopping (and any kind of shoe shopping) after lunch since feet expand throughout the day. It is also important to have your feet measured by the shoe salesperson. Cowboy boots purchased in the morning will end up being too tight by the end of the day. If you purchase them after a long day of work, the opposite is true; they will be much too loose in the morning. Everyone has one foot that is slightly larger than the other, so it is strongly advised that you have both of your feet measured for cowboy boots to ensure a proper fit.

For optimum comfort you should choose the toe shape that is most compatible with your foot shape. Rounded or slightly boxy toes provide the most room and comfort and should be chosen by anyone with foot trouble. A pointier toe may be more fashionable in some cases, but do not choose this style if it causes you foot pain.

If you have a high instep you may have problems finding a pair of cowboy boots that fit comfortably and do not bind. One option for women with this problem is to purchase a pair of cowboy boots in either the boy’s or men’s department. The same advice applies for those with wide feet. Usually, women’s shoes and boots are made with a B width and men’s with a D width.

The next thing to take into consideration is the heel height. Cowboy boots come in a wide range of heel heights from almost flat to several inches tall. If you have flat feet or back pain you will do best with a low heel, too flat or too tall will increase your pain. A lower heel is also a consideration for a more casual look and a higher heel is dressier.

Once you have considered all the information above it is time to try the boot on. Begin by rolling up your pant leg to just below the knee and then grab the tabs at the top of the boot with one hand on each tab and then pull the boot on. The boot should slide on easily and the shaft should not rub against the leg when you walk (this could cause blistering). You should be able to wiggle your toes slightly and the heel should not slide up and down when you walk, but also should not be too restraining.

There you have it. You now have all the information you need to make an educated cowboy boot purchase. You should easily be able to find a boot to fit your fashion sense and your foot in comfort and style.

Author: Gregg Hall

Gregg Hall is an author living with his beautiful wife and family in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about boots as well as western boots at http://www.westernandworkboots.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gregg_Hall

Man In The Crowd’s Vintage Cowboy Boots

James Davis: I collect vintage and custom-made Cowboy and Cowgirl boots. I am a student of history and culture. The American West. Painting. Photography. Music. My interests are …

The Vintage Cowboy Boots 

But if you’re keen to own boots that have some history behind them, vintage cowboy boots may still be the best option, despite the price. .

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Vintage Cowboy Boots

There are few things more symbolic of the Wild West than the cowboy boot. And yet despite the rough treatment most cowboy boots suffered in the early days of the west being settled, many have survived through to modern times. Nowadays vintage cowboy boots have become a popular collectible item. Some of the rarest vintage cowboy boots originated in the 1800s, and some prize specimen have been handed down from generation to generation with their life story intact.

How to Find Vintage Cowboy Boots

Because most vintage cowboy boots did have a rough life, however, they can be hard to get hold of. So if you’re interested in collecting vintage cowboy boots, be prepared to spend time searching for them, and be ready to pay for them too. Many boots sell for over $1000, with some costing substantially more. One of the first places you should look is western apparel shops. Many of these now have a vintage cowboy gear section, so it’s worth having a look if you have one of these stores nearby.

Many collectors have also started up websites that specialize in vintage cowboy boots, so spend some time searching around online to see what you can come up with. Although the initial interest in collectible vintage cowboy boots was in the USA, nowadays that enthusiasm has spread worldwide, with enthusiasts as far away as Europe and Australia. The old boots have a certain aura about them, which is one of the reasons they’ve become so popular as collectible items. Many collectible stores have added a cowboy boots section to their stores.

Types of Vintage Cowboy Boots

One of the most interesting things about collecting vintage cowboy boots is that they were mostly custom made, which means nearly every pair is different. You can find boots in all sorts of colors, with some being monogrammed, decorated or stamped. Although most vintage cowboy boots have obviously been well worn by their original owners, occasionally it’s possible to find a pair that is almost brand new. It’s not easy though!

Most vintage cowboy boots range in height from 13 to 18 inches. It was quite common for them to have 1 to 2 inch heels, and quite often there were intricate designs on the heel. Some of the rarest vintage cowboy boots still have the original spur straps, and if you’re really lucky, the original brass conchose, jingle bobs and chains. Boots in such pristine condition are rare, however, so you can expect to pay top dollar for them.

Them Boots Are Made fer Wearin’

If you’re just looking for an authentic pair of cowboy boots to go with your western gear, vintage cowboy boots may be far too expensive. There are lots of good modern cowboy boots, including Lucchese western boots and Justin cowboy boots. These and other companies are well known for their vintage inspired boot designs. If you have a vintage style in mind, you can shop around various boot stores and you’re sure to find something similar made in modern times.

Perhaps you’d like the uniqueness of vintage cowboy boots without the price tag, but don’t want to buy something off the shelf, either. In that case, why not consider purchasing custom made retro cowboy boots? There are quality firms offering this service, and you can customize the boots to any design you choose. The boots are then made to your specifications and delivered to you. Allow some time, though, as it can take a couple of months for the boots to arrive.

But if you’re keen to own boots that have some history behind them, vintage cowboy boots may still be the best option, despite the price.

Author: Steve Dolan

Steve Dolan collects vintage cowboy boots. Click Vintage Cowboy Boots to find out more and for western wear go to Western Wear

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Dolan

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