Cowboy Boots Introduction
Love those cowboy boots? So do I. They can make such a great fashion statement and can be a very practical addition to almost any wardrobe. They can be dressed up or dressed down and although a basic tan or camel color goes with almost any color scheme. now western boots also come in reds, blacks, pinks, greys, whites and almost any color you can dream up. The styles are endless: fringes, rhinestones, knee-high, ankle high and footie, to name a few.
But, have you ever considered how cowboy boots came to be?
After the American Civil War, cowboy cattle herders realized that the traditional boots to which they were accustomed were not sufficient to protect them from the perils they would face on the hazardous terrain and dangerous trails they would inhabit for long periods of time. Cowboys needed boots that would protect their legs and feet from things like thorny cacti and dangerous snakes, insects. and other dangerous elements that were common to their profession.
Cobblers used tough leather for the boots to help protect the cowboys legs not only from the natural elements but it also kept their legs from being rubbed and bruised from the wooden stirrups on their saddles. The stitching on the boots outer side was not for decoration but helped prevent the cowboys legs from being bruised as a result of buckling leather.
To further protect the cowboy, the boots were crafted with an under-slung heel. This helped to keep the boots positioned properly in the stirrup. This feature also allowed the cowboy to maintain his footing on slopes, rocky terrain when necessary. Another important feature of the cowboy boot was the pointy toe which allowed the cowboy easy access into and out of the stirrups.
And Then Came Mail Order!
Before mail order companies entered the equation in the 1880s, cowboy boots were custom crafted by a cobbler to fit the individual cowboy. Within about 10 years, boot makers and designers began experimenting with color, stitching and different designs for cowboy boots. Then once silent movies began to highlight the new boot trends, the boot industry exploded and along with it, western hats and other western accessories.
Latest Information on Cowboy Boots
There are a lot of different cowboy boots available now a days. Mexican cowboy boots are a popular style that is currently available. While they are a stylish choice in modern days, they are an older shoe that has its roots starting in the 1800s.
They were worn by cowboys in the 19th Century in Mexico territories. The kind they wore in the beginning were flat-heeled and short in their length. They were later replaced with one with higher heels, that worked better for cowboys who were constantly on a horse.
Mexican styled cowboy boots are not usually made out of leather material. They normally use exotic animal skins for the material. These skins include alligator, lizard, and armadillo. There is no shortage of animal skins that can be used for these style of boots.
Mexican boots can be designed with either flat-heels or high-heels. They also can be tall or short, according to taste. Mexican boots come in a variety of widths as well. Anyone can take advantage of cowboy boots. Men, women, and children can all enjoy the fun style of Mexican boots. Mexican styled boots are a popular choice for children since they come in so many different varieties, and fun colors and designs.
Mexican cowboy boots that are shorter will normally have flat toe caps. An alternative to flat toe caps are silver pointed toes. Taller Mexican boots usually have pointed toes with high heels. Mexican cowboy boots can be stitched with elaborate designed. Delicate details are handcrafted in the Mexican boots. The boots are often designed with themes in mind, such as horse themes or floral themes.
Mexican styled boots don't need the use of laces. Mexican boots are a little more expensive than the usual leather boots. The reason is because of the unique design and the particular animal skin that was used.