Cowboy boots
Cowboy boots were once men's shoes for working on the ranch and riding, but today they are a beautiful accent in bright and stylish looks. What is this original, unlike any other shoes? Yes, the model has undergone minor changes since its inception, adapting to modern fashion. At the same time, she retained traditional elements for herself.
So, classic cowboy boots. What is meant by this title?
- rounded or slightly pointed nose
- small slanted heel
- high shaft
- real leather
- recognizable hem style and obligatory "lugs", for which it is convenient to pull the boot on the leg.
The first American cowboy boots, then still with spurs, supposedly appeared in the 19th century. Their whole appearance is formed on practicality and functionality, according to the requirements for work shoes of that time. Hence they got their name. A high top made of thick leather protected the leg from injuries when falling from a horse, as well as from the bites of small animals and snakes. The tapered toe was incredibly comfortable while riding, allowing the rider to quickly insert their foot into the stirrup. The first models were made to order and made with the highest quality in order to serve as long as possible. They began to be made in production from 1863.
An interesting feature - the first cowboy boots were made of buffalo leather!
Features and Benefits
Made from genuine leather, modern cowboy boots are great for everyday wear. Feet feel comfortable in them, do not sweat or freeze. A small, stable heel creates a comfortable rise of the foot, protecting it from discomfort and flat feet. Such shoes can be called orthopedic. In addition, a comfortable leather sole and a solid heel help the boots last as long as possible, while maintaining a fresh look.
In addition to practicality, cowboy boots have other advantages, they are versatile, beautiful and original. Today you can find a wide variety of options for decorating boots and choose the one that suits you. Embroidered patterns, suede fringe, belts and studs, buckles and metal elements on the boot shaft look interesting finishes. If you move a little away from the classics, you can experiment with the material and height of cowboy shoes. The standard is considered to be a high shaft, but you can find options with a height just above the ankle. Boots can be made not only from leather, but also from suede or nubuck, and also contain textile inserts. Due to this, the model can be easier to feel on your feet, and just look completely different.
Cowboy boots are usually divided into two types: westerns and ropers. Westerns are one hundred percent classics with a high top, it was in them that cowboys went in the distant years of their first appearance. Ropers arose a little later, with the advent of rodeo competitions. They are shorter than westerns, have a lower heel and a wide round boot toe. The first ones look more original. The advantage of the latter is functionality and practicality, which is especially important for long walks.
Children's boots can be a beautiful gift. They are most often made of artificial leather and painted in bright colors. Red and yellow are perfect for a girl, blue and blue for a boy. Do not hesitate, kids will appreciate these bright and comfortable boots!
There is an opinion that the so-called "Cossacks" are also a kind of cowboy shoes, however, this is only a distant variation of it.
How to choose
Having decided on the style, you need to choose a model that will be not only beautiful, but also comfortable. Cowboy boots are not the kind of thing that you can safely take "blindly".
Even purchased in size, but without trying on, shoes may not suit you. Here it is necessary to highlight the following points:
- cowboy boots, especially those with a narrow toe, are also quite narrow in themselves. Therefore, they may not be comfortable for people with wide feet.
- leather is not a material that wears out over time if you are half a size wrong. These shoes initially need to be selected so that they perfectly match your size, do not press, but are not too large.
- cowboy boots have a slightly non-standard instep. This is also very individual, for someone it may not be a problem, but for someone it may seriously interfere with putting on a boot!
Regarding seasonality - cowboy boots can be both summer and winter shoes. Winter options can be insulated with fur, while summer ones can be thin and breathable due to materials.
What to wear?
Cowboy boots are quite versatile, easy to match with casual wear and suit those who wear casual clothes, helping them to breathe a little romance, ethnicity and Old West color into the look. That is why they are so appreciated by American fashionistas.Being bright and catchy, cowboy boots do not need to be accompanied by overly frilly wardrobe items. Massive eye-catching jewelry is not combined with these shoes.
Like any other shoe, cowboy boots have their own "contraindications":
- Do not combine them with other things in this style. Pairing cowboy boots with a fringed-shouldered shirt and a hat with turned-up sides will give you a ridiculous and eccentric look - more like an old western hero than a stylish modern man.
- A word of caution for girls - be careful with long skirts. Cowboy boots and a long light romantic dress are beautiful. But by adding boots with a heavy skirt to the floor and a shirt with laces on the chest, you will get an image "from a grandmother's chest."
- This type of footwear is categorically not combined with sportswear, business suits and evening dresses.
But what to wear with cowboy boots to make your whole look stylish and memorable?
• Pants. Tight jeans, leggings, cigarette pants, bell-bottoms. Complementing any of these options with a simple T-shirt, shirt, ethnic blouse, knitted cardigan and even a tailored jacket, you will get stylish looks for every day. Combine your cowboy boots with simple clothes in soothing colors, because shoes should be the main decoration and accent of the image!
• Skirts and dresses. Romantic short tunics, denim minis, sun skirts, stylish loose knee-length skirts, summer sundresses, simple long dresses - all this is combined with cowboy boots. The images look incredibly attractive. Your outfit will be feminine and original, comfortable and relevant.
• Shorts. Cowboy boots love everything short, and shorts are no exception.The material can be any to your taste, as well as the length - just above the knee, mid-thigh or mini. Feel free to wear a simple white T-shirt with shorts and boots, throw an elongated cardigan over your shoulders, and hang a suede or leather bag on your shoulder to match the shoes - and voila! Your comfortable, but at the same time fresh and fashionable look is ready!
- Pants. Tight jeans, leggings, cigarette pants, bell-bottoms. Complementing any of these options with a simple T-shirt, shirt, ethnic blouse, knitted cardigan and even a tailored jacket, you will get stylish looks for every day. Combine your cowboy boots with simple clothes in soothing colors, because shoes should be the main decoration and accent of the image!
- Skirts and dresses. Romantic short tunics, denim minis, sun skirts, stylish loose knee-length skirts, summer sundresses, simple long dresses - all this is combined with cowboy boots. The images look incredibly attractive. Your outfit will be feminine and original, comfortable and relevant.
- Shorts. Cowboy boots love everything short, and shorts are no exception. The material can be any to your taste, as well as the length - just above the knee, mid-thigh or mini. Feel free to wear a simple white T-shirt with shorts and boots, throw an elongated cardigan over your shoulders, and hang a suede or leather bag on your shoulder to match the shoes - and voila! Your comfortable, but at the same time fresh and fashionable look is ready!
There are some rules regarding men's cowboy boots. Despite the fact that cowboys wore boots over their pants, it is absolutely not recommended for modern young fashionists to do so. It is better to choose a slightly looser model of straight-cut trousers, putting them on over boots, than to tuck skinny trousers inside the shoes.Today, this option of wearing shoes is considered exclusively for women.
Best of all, men's cowboy boots will be combined again with a casual style. Knitted sweaters, denim and leather jackets over a T-shirt or sweatshirt, plain shirts, straight-cut raincoats and stylish jumpers are ideal neighbors for men's boots.
How to care for boots
Since real cowboy boots made of leather are not cheap, then, of course, proper care is required in order to extend their service life. For this:
- Before the first wear, wipe the shoes with a cream or wax. So the skin will become softer, it will be easier to put on the boots, and the protective layer will protect them from moisture and chemicals.
- When you get home and take off your boots, wipe them with a damp cloth to remove a layer of city dust and dirt. This will protect your skin from harmful substances.
- Do not dry cowboy boots on heaters. The skin runs the risk of deforming and discoloration.
- It is advisable to store shoes by inserting special shape holders into them, so cracks and creases will not remain on the skin.
- Alternate between wearing cowboy shoes with another, no matter how you like this pair. With continuous wear, shoes wear out much faster.
Similar care rules for cowboy boots made of suede or nubuck, however, it must be remembered that suede is even more susceptible to the damaging effects of moisture and heat.
- Treat new shoes with a special suede spray, you need to do this at least 3 times so that the material absorbs the composition well. Between each treatment, you need to wait until the shoes dry.
- Delicate materials suede and nubuck love proper care. Get a special hard sponge and brush, as well as an eraser to remove stains from these shoes.It is necessary to remove any dirt from boots made of these materials only when the shoes are dry. Wet suede will deform faster from the brush, and the stain will be absorbed deeper into the surface of the boot.
- In the off-season, put the boots in a box with shape holders inside. Spray the inside of your boots with shoe deodorant.