Western boots perhaps are the single biggest style statement to come out of the 20th Century.
Almost a symbol of America and American popular culture, it has dominated images of footwear on screen, literature high and pop, and music and all other cultural forms.
There is this very interesting anecdote about how the Western boot came into being.
After the Civil War in the mid 19th Century, Southerners moving to the then safer place of Texas took with them their own footwear - the Wellington boot.
It was specially suited for the purpose, as the majority had to cover the distance on foot.
The Wellington, in those days, had flat heels, and rose up to the calf almost.
In Texas, it got modified by local style, and we had the Fabulous, Famous Western Boot.
Today we have western boots available in a variety of styles, meant for different people.
While farm workers can use long legged shoes to protect their feet while working, we also have specially designed Westerns for sports purposes - skiing, skating etc.
There are even special children's shoes, with their own simple needs, like easy to wear, non-stumble variety out on show.
Mostly made of leather, these boots are also modified to take care of different temperature needs, cold winter for example, or stylish spring wears.
As far horse riding is concerned, in order to control the horse better, heels are often specially designed, with the end part slightly upturned.
Another significant change in the design, which still persists today, is the rounder toe design.
Along with lower soles, this change was introduced in 1954, to keep up the competition with "rodeos".
The Western boot acquired massive popularity as an iconic cultural symbol in the 70s, with several cowboy films going on to become cult classics and ensuring their popularity.
While the rounded toe and low heel was the classic, quintessential cowboy look, immortalized by the likes of Clint Eastwood, Charlton Heston, there were other major innovations as well, with spiked, pointed toes, and high heels, reaching up to the mid calf.
Even today, coming up with a single pair of cowboy western boots requires a lot of work on the part of the shoe manufacturer.
That is why they are made according to customized orders.
Each order would take around 45 hours; yes, and they are costly.
Do not therefore, rush into buying these shoes.
Take a walk and make sure they are comfortable first.
Remember that these were primarily made as men's shoes, although women wear them more today.
You can also have special stitches on the toes to add to that wrinkly look, and other designs that you wish.
One special feature is that Western boots have soles which can be distinguished from the heels, which adds to the style.
A number of colors are also available, from the traditional black and gray to trendier, spunkier colors like beige and pink.
So, take your pick and then you can ride away into the sunset.
Almost a symbol of America and American popular culture, it has dominated images of footwear on screen, literature high and pop, and music and all other cultural forms.
There is this very interesting anecdote about how the Western boot came into being.
After the Civil War in the mid 19th Century, Southerners moving to the then safer place of Texas took with them their own footwear - the Wellington boot.
It was specially suited for the purpose, as the majority had to cover the distance on foot.
The Wellington, in those days, had flat heels, and rose up to the calf almost.
In Texas, it got modified by local style, and we had the Fabulous, Famous Western Boot.
Today we have western boots available in a variety of styles, meant for different people.
While farm workers can use long legged shoes to protect their feet while working, we also have specially designed Westerns for sports purposes - skiing, skating etc.
There are even special children's shoes, with their own simple needs, like easy to wear, non-stumble variety out on show.
Mostly made of leather, these boots are also modified to take care of different temperature needs, cold winter for example, or stylish spring wears.
As far horse riding is concerned, in order to control the horse better, heels are often specially designed, with the end part slightly upturned.
Another significant change in the design, which still persists today, is the rounder toe design.
Along with lower soles, this change was introduced in 1954, to keep up the competition with "rodeos".
The Western boot acquired massive popularity as an iconic cultural symbol in the 70s, with several cowboy films going on to become cult classics and ensuring their popularity.
While the rounded toe and low heel was the classic, quintessential cowboy look, immortalized by the likes of Clint Eastwood, Charlton Heston, there were other major innovations as well, with spiked, pointed toes, and high heels, reaching up to the mid calf.
Even today, coming up with a single pair of cowboy western boots requires a lot of work on the part of the shoe manufacturer.
That is why they are made according to customized orders.
Each order would take around 45 hours; yes, and they are costly.
Do not therefore, rush into buying these shoes.
Take a walk and make sure they are comfortable first.
Remember that these were primarily made as men's shoes, although women wear them more today.
You can also have special stitches on the toes to add to that wrinkly look, and other designs that you wish.
One special feature is that Western boots have soles which can be distinguished from the heels, which adds to the style.
A number of colors are also available, from the traditional black and gray to trendier, spunkier colors like beige and pink.
So, take your pick and then you can ride away into the sunset.
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