All the way back to medieval times, boots were a part of daily footwear. In the Roman Empire, boots were decorated with the addition of an iron or maybe a gold-colored bronze spur. The boots they wore were more of a riding style boot.
As for the actual cowboy boot as we picture it in our minds today… The credit goes to a cowboy from Colorado back in 1875. His name is Charles Hyer. He was on his way back home to Colorado from the stockyards in Kansas City and had a custom boot made. He asked the Kansas cobbler to create a boot different that the civil war style boots everyone else was wearing. And there you have it – the cowboy boot was born.
Trendy Fashion Choices
For many years cowboy boots were only worn with jeans and a cotton or flannel t-shirt. The simple, rugged attire with the boots is no longer the case in the fashion world. The iconic cowboy boot has taken many walks down the most prestigious fashion runways in the world.
So how can you stay up with the fashion trend? Here are some ideas on how to incorporate women’s cowboy boots into your outfits.
- Any boot paired with a dress that hits above the knee
- Printed midi style dress and jacket with a pair of boots
- Cotton shirt and metallic midi skirt with cowboy boots
- A leopard print jacket with a pair of leggings and boots
- A long trench coat, slim pants, and a loose fitting blouse paired with boots.
Many Styles to Choose From
Over 140 years later, the cowboy boot has made some amazing transformations. Nowadays, there are five basic styles of cowboy boots.
- Classic
- Roper
- Stockman
- Western Work
- Buckaroo
The classic western style boot makes it easy for you to walk in. The boot is designed with a little higher heel, which is angled, so you have less pain in your feet as you walk in them. When you put on the classic style boot, it hits your leg about the middle of your calf. These boots are typically 12 inches tall. The classic is the more American iconic style boot.
Ropers have some of the traits of the classic style cowboy boot, but an English riding boot flare is added to the style. The roper style hits lower on the leg because the purpose of the roper was to make the rodeo cowboys job easier. The roper also has a flexible sole. The flexibility of the sole helps your feet not tire out so quickly.
The stockman style boot has a wide heel to help with balance and support. This style of boot is designed with a deeper scallop at the top of the boot which extends close to your knee. The scallop is more profound than any other style of boot. This style of boot usually showcases brilliant, detailed stitching in its trademark style.
Western work boots are just what their title says, a work boot. Usually, the style is that of the roper, with a more work-friendly tread and sole attached to the bottom. Most of the cowboy work boots come with added comfort in their cushioned soles.
Buckaroo style of boots is more trendy like its name. The buckaroo boot is cobbled to take center stage of your attire. The boot shaft is usually around 14 inches in height, so it goes all the way up to your knee. This boot has all the bells and whistles of the other boots and more.
Fashionable Design Choices
Any of the styles of cowboy boots can be made from many different types of animal skins. Some boots are made from traditional cowhide leather while others are created from a more exotic snake, lizard, elk, buffalo, alligator or crocodile skins. The more unique touches add fashionability to the boot for both men and women.
Enhanced fashion in cowboy boot design does not stop at the materials used to construct the boot. The actual construction is another factor in its fashionability. Cowboy boots are crafted with round, square or pointed toes. Heels of various heights and widths are added to the boot. Additionally, a wide array of stitching is added to many boots for a unique and beautiful boot.
So these are just a few of the many popular ways you can wear your boots just about any time of the day or night. Cowboy boots are no longer for the cowboy. They are for men and, even more, women wanting to make a statement of style. So get your cowboy boots on and join the fashion world with your stylish statement. Do not miss out on being stylish!
I write like I think—fast, curious, and a little feral. I chase the weird, the witty, and the why-is-this-happening-now. From AI meltdowns to fashion glow-ups, if it makes you raise an eyebrow or rethink your algorithm, I’m probably writing about it. Expect sharp takes, occasional sarcasm, and zero tolerance for boring content.