Celebrating the form and function of the cowboy boot.
Boots make us right; they make us whole. They’re a reminder that we’ve done enough work to break them in and make them feel like home. They get us through any type of muddy situation and tend to look stylish whether brand spankin’ new or dirty as hell.
If you’ve ever longed for or purchased a pair of premium cowboy or cowgirl boots and proceeded to wear them every day for years, you know what we’re talking about. They’re more than footwear. So much more.
Cowboy boots are an ultimate symbol for the American West, in fact. When they’re referenced in a song, things are likely about to get twangy. When you see a dusty pair on an even dustier dude in a western, you can tell what he’s been through to get here. They lend an air of Western credibility to the folks who don them — well, at least the ones who aren’t trying too hard to fool anyone.
Western boots were initially intended for hard work and durability, but now they’re also a statement of personal style. One could go as far to say that many of the boots out there are too beautiful and valuable to go near a horse or a pasture. But that’s what dancehalls are for ... and there’s always a pair of much more stripped-down work kicks waiting for the early-morning ranch warriors.
Next time you walk in a Western store, smell the glorious leather, and feast your eyes on rows of boots, think of the history and the meaning and the legacies sewn into the stitching on each pair. Next time you slip on your grandad’s old pair or help a loved one pull theirs off after a long day, show a little gratitude toward these wearable icons of the West. They’ll always be there for you.
Read on for a look at the wide world of Western boots, a tour of toe styles, a guide to boot-shopping, and peeks at some of the latest and greatest pairs from Western makers.
Mike Cavender, the Vice President of Operations at Cavender's (who is known to own more than 300 pairs of boots), poses with Kami Sisson in their Rocketbuster Boots (PHOTOGRAPHY: Zuza Isham).
Toe To Toe
Which style best fits your personality (and your feet)?
Toe shapes on cowboy boots ain’t exactly arbitrary — there’s a function or benefit to each of the styles you see while shopping your local Western retailer. Still, a lot of the time, toe choice comes down to the eye of the boot holder. Among other sources, we consulted the fine folks at Ariat for some insight into the options via their online guide to Western toe styles. Which one do you require to put your best foot forward?
Heirloom Crafter And Modern-Day Makers
Many of the popular boot companies of today are as storied as the American West itself, the most iconic having launched in the 1800s. HYER, Rios of Mercedes, and Stallion were among the earliest pioneers to develop kicks in the U.S., carrying inspiration and influence from the functional, long-lasting boots worn by vaqueros. Last year, Texas’ Lucchese celebrated the 140th anniversary of its 1883 launch. “Lucchese has survived pandemics, world wars, depressions, and more,” director of product development Trey Gilmore says, but is quick to point out that the company has stayed relevant by retaining high standards of quality and by meeting the demands of any given era.
In the last several decades, cowboy boots have exploded in popularity far beyond the American West, making the way for varied approaches to the business. Rocketbuster and others built their name on bespoke pairs. Tecovas helped bring the world of Western boots and lifestyle products to a robust online audience (before launching its own stores). The pioneer HYER Boots made its triumphant return to shelves just last year. Wherever the world of Western boots goes from here, there will be heirloom crafters and modern-day makers sharing the legacy.
Check out some of our favorite Western boots from our favorite bootmakers.
This article appears in our February/March 2024 issue.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy of vendors
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