Western Wear and Cowboy Boots
Cowboys represent the Old West and western clothing is recognized for it’s uniqueness. Western wear is recognized around the world. (My dad lived in Spain for a while and was known as the “big cowboy”. He never goes anywhere without his hat or boots.)
Cobblers in Coffeyville, Kansas are credited with producing the first “cowboy boot.” They featured pointed toes, reinforced arches and higher heels. These features all had a purpose that were useful to the cowboy. By 1880 western wear had been refined to the point that they haven’t changed appreciably since. Below is a photo, circa 1920, of cowgirls who performed in Wild West rodeos and shows. Are they the cutest things ever?
I believe there is a big difference between western wear and cowboy wear. I agree with Trainingheels and her issue about wearing cowboy boots. There are, however, ways to wear cowboy boots and not look like a complete goober.
If you are going to wear cowboy boots, don’t look like the girls above. I think the best way to pull off the Cowgirl boot is to wear what real cowboys and girls wear now, not in 1920. I would be reluctant to buy cowboy boots that are sold in a department store. They never look right. I have yet to meet a true cowboy who would wear Old Gringo boots in public. So, what do today’s cowboys wear?
My favorite. Justin Roper $95 at Zappos. Never, never, never tuck your pants into these. Never, never, never wear these with a skirt. You will look like a goober.
If I were to buy a pair of cowboy boots today, I would probably pick the boots below. Why? The lizard skin is gorgeous, the toe isn’t extreme, I could wear them to New York with bootcut jeans and not look like a complete goober. Trainingheels wouldn’t make TOO much fun of me. I hope.
Dan Post Teju Lizard boots $310 at Shoebuy.com
Sam Lucchese, Tony Llama, and Joe Justin dominated the boot industry by 1880. They still have a presence. A boot from any of these makers will last forever. In order to compete in the fashion industry Lucchese introduced a line called Charlie 1 Horse by Lucchese. They have done some fun stuff by introducing slides with the same craftsmanship as their boots. They are a well made slide.
Wingtip slide $175 at Zappos Other colors are available at Shoebuy for about $180.
One last Charlie 1 Horse.
Stiletto Bomber $294 at Zappos
This is a boot I have to think about. I can’t decide if they are good or not good.
3 Comments
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September 10, 2009 at 3:05 am, Rai said:
Those boots are good….REALLY GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 10, 2009 at 2:01 am, galligator said:
Justin is one of my husband's favorite brands – more understated/less flashy than the stereotypical cowboy boot. Ropers are a conservative classic if you like a pull on cowboy boot without a lot of stitching and glitz.
September 09, 2009 at 7:49 am, Bronwyn said:
The way you and trainingheels feel about cowboy boots is how I feel about motorcycle jackets. Funnily enough, I don't feel like it about flying jackets – I have both, and will happily wear the flying jacket (a well-worn hand-me-down from my daredevil pilot son, who grew out of it) walking around the street, but my motorcycle jacket is strictly for wearing on a motorcycle. I'd feel a right prat wearing it any other time, no matter how fashionable it might be.