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There may be no more iconic garment in Western wear than the famous Western boot. They are more commonly known as cowboy boots. With their distinctive pointed toes, high-top shafts, and elaborate decoration, these boots are as practical as they are stylish. If you’ve ever wondered where they came from and how they came to be such a popular footwear option, take a look at the following guide to dive into their history.

The Origins of the Western Boot

Like many items of Western wear, the exact origins of the Western boot aren’t entirely clear. However, common design elements in their construction strongly suggest that they’re descended from—or were influenced by—the riding boots worn by Mexican vaqueros. They wore pointed boots similar to those that have been long-favored in Spain.

Until the late 1800s, cowboys and others living in what is now the Western United States used a variety of cavalry-style boots, most popularly the Wellington boot. As they ranged up and down the western territories, the advantages of the Mexican boot led them to become increasingly popular among Americans.

Western boots

The tall leather shaft of the boot protects the legs from thorns and brush. The thick sole provides stability on uneven ground, while the high instep is perfectly suited for wearing stirrups. Plus, the ability to rapidly mount a horse and securely fit the foot into a stirrup made them the ideal choice for those who worked with horses and cattle and were frequently on the move.

How Western Boots Became a Fashionable Option

Cowboys were frequently dirty after the end of a long, hard day. As such, working boots were rarely presentable for wearing in town or when relaxing. However, many people who wore Western boots during the day found them comfortable and preferred to continue wearing them in their off-hours.

Cobblers from the 1870s onwards frequently received requests for cowboy boots made from finer leathers and finished with colorful dyes, elaborate stitching, and bright silver and steel toecaps and other decorative elements. Thus, the fashionable Western boot was born.

The cowboy became a dominant figure in popular culture during the 20th century. The distinctive boots grew in popularity, along with other pieces of Western wear, such as the Stetson hat, spurs, broad belts, and chaps. Mass production led to cowboy boots becoming available in an even wider variety of styles for men, women, and children. Today, the basic cut and shape of the classic boot are still as popular as ever. The options for personalization and niche tastes have made them a fashion statement of choice across the world.

 

When you’re ready to pick out a pair of classic Western boots of your own, stop by Hayes Boots Plus in Clarksville, TN. Since 1962, they’ve offered an extensive selection of high-quality footwear from leading manufacturers for customers of all ages. Call (931) 647-4005 to speak with a representative, and visit them online to browse their inventory.

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