As far back as the 12th century, boots have been a basic part of an equestrian’s riding gear.
Equestrians need reliable shoes that help them in riding and controlling their horses. So what are cowboy boots and what brands do professional cowboys prefer?
What kind of boots are genuine cowboy boots?
Cowboy boots are designed to protect the feet and legs of cowboys. They usually have longer shafts to protect the legs from saddle scrapes and brushes.
The heel is angled and accentuated to prevent the foot from slipping out of the stirrups, and some have embroidered designs on the leather shaft.
An American icon, the cowboy boot is very famous. Produced in genuine, high-quality leather, it is worn not only by professionals in the field, but also as a fashion statement, especially in rural, western, and southern regions.
Authentic cowboy boots are made from cow, bison, and other animal skins. They feature tall boot shafts and heels that fit comfortably in the stirrups.
Most often it is decorated with embroidery, rivets or some other type of decoration. Many are made directly in Texas or Mexico. Made from genuine supple leather for a snug, comfortable fit.
Full-grain cowhide leather is the preferred material for making cowboy boots because it ages less and is easier to maintain and repair. In consideration of the environment, the leather can be recycled.
Are real cowboy boots expensive?
That may be true. Top brands such as Lucchese, Phillip Plein and Stallion Black can cost him as much as $5,000 for a pair.
history of cowboy boots
As boot historian and author Tyler Beard writes in his book: “cowboy boots” There is no defining moment in history for the first pair of cowboy boots.
During the period leading up to and after the Civil War, ranchers and cowboys wore whatever was available and affordable. rice field.th century.
Considered one of the earliest cowboy boots, the boot style resembles a Coffeyville style boot made circa 1850.
These boots were not modeled for a specific foot and could be worn on either. There was none. The color was usually black, and the toe box was square but slightly rounded.
With the advent of the 1880s, European boot production crossed the Atlantic and influenced style.
European cobblers adopted better quality leather and taller heels.Toe boxes also tended to be slightly wider. By the end of the decade, stovepipe designs appeared that gave both the front and rear of the boot the same height.
At the beginning of the new millennium, the American cowboy became a national symbol. American boot makers began producing cowboy boots like Justin Boots and Charles Hier These new American his boot styles were clearly inspired by British and German boot styles.
Ten years later, the cowboy’s professional needs began to influence the style of the boot, especially regarding outer sole thickness and toe width. More leather colors.
Hiers invented the wrinkled toe style by sewing a line to the top of the boot.The toe decoration of the cowboy boot was named in a variety of ways, including bugs, irises, and flowers.
During the 1920s and 30s, cowboy boots became popular, Hollywood stars wore cowboy boots, and boot makers developed a western style.
From World War II to 1965, Hyer Brothers, Acme, Tony LamaJustin Boots, and Nocona began manufacturing millions of pairs of cowboy boots to meet demand.
Today cowboy boots come in many different colors, skins and designs. It can be customized to feature dates and photos, and embellished with rhinestones, rivets, specific stains, hand-painted or ornate stitched designs.
Are Roper Boots Cowboy Boots?
These are western style boots, not cowboy boots. These are designed specifically for ranchers roping their calves on the ground, but they can also be used when riding.
Roper has a rounded toe box, whereas cowboy boots are generally pointed and sometimes square. Cowboy boots have a higher heel than Roper, which has a lower boot shaft. increase.
Ropers are generally preferred by ranchers as they spend more time on the ground than saddles and provide more stability when moving quickly across the ground.
What brand of boots do real cowboys wear?
Cowboys and ranchers look for quality when buying boots for work, but not all boots are created equal.
Here are some of the top brands that pros rely on when shopping for new boots.
1. Abilene Boot Company
A company that has been producing boots in the United States since the 1980s. The company believes in producing quality leather his boots at affordable prices. They continue to manufacture western style boots in the USA. They are not handmade and we do not offer custom sizes.
2. Ariat
Affordable and durable, the Ariats are great looking boots. Made from high-quality, water-resistant leather that is tanned to the shape of your foot.
The Ariat also integrates new technology that reduces foot stress with shock absorption, especially the durable Duratread outsole. they need to break in.
3. Justin Boots
We’ve been making cowboy boots since 1879 and Justin boots take about six weeks to complete. Every pair of these boots lasted on the hands requiring 200 different steps. Full-grain he cowhide lining with striking embroidery.
4. Lucchese
Founded in 1883 as Lucchese Boot Company in San Antonio. Known for dressing up celebrities, his Lucchese boots have been worn by Teddy Roosevelt, John Wayne, Will Rogers and more.
Lucchese employs modern manufacturing methods, but is famous for its handmade boots with hand-stitched embroidery and pegs to attach the boot to the outsole.
5. Rocket Buster
Rocketbuster boots are custom made boots in El Paso, Texas. On average, it takes him 3-6 months for these hand-stitched boots to arrive. Made from genuine top quality leather and available in a wide range of one-of-a-kind and original designs.
6. Tony Lama
Founded in El Paso, Texas in 1911 and now part of the Justin Boots conglomerate, it has maintained its identity.
Protection and rugged durability are the main features. Many adhere to ASTM standards in the workplace and offer great boot construction at an affordable price.
Which Brand of Cowboy Boots Lasts the Longest?
Both Lucchese and Justin boots have an excellent reputation for lasting decades. Ariat are also known for their boots, often referred to as long-lasting “workhorse” boots.
