Western Cowboy Boots Guide
Cowboy boots are a finely tuned western tool. The various parts of the boot
were developed for the reasons outlined below:
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Narrow
Toes - These mean that mean the horse acts up or spooks, it is
possible to quickly locate the stirrup and get your foot in the correct
place to stop the horse. A wide toe area would mean the foot wouldn't
slip into the stirrup as easily, meaning potentially dangerous delays
while trying to locate it with your foot.
Heel
- The underslung heel prevents your foot slipping forward through the stirrup.
Additionally, they have the added advantage of gripping into the dirt while you
are wrestling steers
Top
- The tall top helps shield your legs from trail hazards while preventing the
stirrup leathers from rubbing against your skin
Stitching
- Good quality stitching prevents the top of the boot from buckling and therefor
ensures your legs do not get chaffed
Leather
- A good quality boot leather will be comfortable and durable, and will allow
your feet to 'breathe'.
Craftsmanship
When purchasing
cowboy boots, you should always ensure they are of a high quality. The following
are some things to look for in the ideal boots:
- Leather heels (not thin
leather laminate)
- A piece of hard leather stitched in the area behind the
heel. This helps stiffen the area which provides additional support and strength
- The leather should have no gouges or deep pit marks
- The boot should be
clean of visible glue
- The stitching is straight and even, with no loose
ends
- The toe end should be hard without any bulges
Cowboy
Boot Care
The way you should care for your boots depends on the type of
leather the boots are manufactured from. The following is recommended suggestions
for each type:
Cowhide
- Brush off loose dirt or dust, then clean using an approved leather conditioner.
Naked Finish - Brush off loose dirt or dust with a rag, then clean with
a soft brush
Oil Impregnated Leathers - Brush off loose dirt or dust,
then use an all purpose conditioner to replenish the oils
Suedes / Snuffed
Leathers - You should ensure your boots are kept away from mud. Clean with
a nylon brush
Exotic - Brush off loose dirt or dust, then clean with
a leather conditioner. Then apply a thin coating of matching wax polish then buff
with a soft cloth
Snakeskin - Wipe against the scales to remove dirt
and dust. Apply a coating of matching cream polish - ensuring that you polish
with the grain of the scales.
City
Life and Cowboy Boots
Many boots purchased nowadays will never be used
out on the ranch and won't ever see a horse. If you fit into this category, it
is likely you are an urban cowboy. However cowboy boots can also be very valuable
in the city, for example the tall tops will prevent your legs getting wet the
next time a car drives through a puddle just as you are walking past. Cowboy boots
are also easy to accessorize with the rest of your wardrobe.
How
to properly select boots
Since cowboy boots come in a vast range of different
designs and cuts, it is necessary to choose a boot according to your own feet.
For example, if your toes are boxy, then it would be a good idea to purchase a
pair of cowboy boots which have well-rounded toes, rather than attempting to squeeze
your feet into a pair which have pointy toes.
To
put your cowboy boots on, roll up your pant leg to just below the knee, and pull
on the boot with the tabs at the top. Your foot will slide in easily, and the
leg should be loose and comfortable.
History
of cowboy boots
Previous
to having cowboy boots, cowboys had used whatever type footwear which was available.
These included shoes, moccasins and farmer boots. None of these footwear types
however were quite right or durable enough for the punishment many boots take.
In
Texas during 1878 a revolutionary cowboy boot design was created. It featured
a slender toe, which would not hang in the stirrup, along with a steel-shank arch
created for comfortable riding. Finally a uniquely designed heel ensured the foot
would hold in the stirrup, and would not go forward once mounted. These boots
proved very popular with cowboys, as it was ideally suited to the varied tasks
of work on the range.
Cowboy
Boots Size Conversion Chart
Mens
| US | Europe | UK | Japan |
| 6 | 38 | 5 | 24 |
| 7 | 39
1/2 | 6 | 25 |
| 8 | 41 | 7 | 26 |
| 9 | 42 | 8 | 26
1/2 |
| 10 | 43 | 9 | 27
1/2 |
| 11 | 44
1/2 | 10 | 28 |
| 12 | 46 | 11 | 29 |
| 13 | 47 | 12 | 30 |
Womens
| US | Europe | UK | Japan |
| 5 | 36 | 3
1/2 | 22
1/2 |
| 6 | 37 | 4
1/2 | 23 |
| 7 | 38 | 5
1/2 | 24 |
| 8 | 39 | 6
1/2 | 25 |
| 9 | 40 | 7
1/2 | 25
1/2 |
| 10 | 41 | 8
1/2 | 26
1/2 |
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Boots at BootWearhouse!
The sites below
all contain good information styles of western wear!
western
wear | western
belt buckles | western
bolos | western
cowboy boots | western
cowboy hats
