Who says cowboy boot styles can only be worn by cowboys?
There are a number of men who have never ridden a horse, yet own and look GREAT in a pair of Western boots.
Admittedly, Western boots can be a bit “tricky” to pull off.
This is the very reason so many men hesitate to wear them.
The goal of this western boot article is to help that man – the man who has been wanting to wear cowboy boots but hasn't figured out how.
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Cowboy Boot Styles: Why Wear Western Boots?
Every man across America played cowboy dress-up at some point in his childhood.
Inspired by the bad-ass gunslingers of the classic movies, it's no wonder that we wanted to be just like them when we grew up.
The reality hit, and we realized we couldn't live the life of an outlaw – we had to work for a living instead!
But that doesn't mean the dream should be forgotten completely! After all, a man can wear western style boots in his adult years and look stylish doing it – you just need to know what you're doing and WHY every man should try cowboy boots at some point in his life.
Western Boots Require Confidence
Western boots are not subtle.
They come in a variety of materials, colors, and finishes.
To put it bluntly – Cowboy boots are an attention-grabbing accessory that are sure to get people looking.
So how to wear western boots?
The key to successfully pulling cowboy boots is to wear them with confidence.
Wear them like you mean it.
If a man is self-conscious about his boots it instantly shows in his posture and body language, and that does not make for a very attractive picture.
Wearing western boots with confidence will have people talking. They'll either give you compliments…..or comment about them 🙂
Not a bad thing.
As Nudie Cohen once said, “Better to be looked over than overlooked!”
Western Boots Give You Instant Style
The beauty of Western boots is that it doesn’t take much to create a stylish outfit with them.
A man can pair his boots with a simple button down shirt and jeans and let his boots carry the day.
This is due to fact most cowboy boots’ have a strong bit of flair to them.
Their height, toe shape, heel height, and overall style make them the focus of your outfit.
Western Boots Have An Awesome History
Western boots have a rich and interesting history. Certain parts of the boots were created because of what they were mainly used for before
Take the heel of the Cowboy boots. The heel is not purely decorative. It is shaped in a particular way so that it fits in perfectly in a stirrup and helps secure the Cowboy on his horse.
Western boots have no laces because in the event that the Cowboy fell off his horse, there would be no chance that the laces could get caught in the stirrup and drag the Cowboy. This particular design aspect of the boot was created for safety reasons.
We’ve tackled the reasons why you should consider the Western Boot. Let’s dive on to the shoe’s different parts.
Cowboy Boot Styles: What Are The Key Features Of A Western Boot?
Here's the deal – western boots are pretty unique when it comes to their construction.
They have an incredibly distinctive look that sets the wearer apart from the other military boot wearing guys out there.
For that reason, it's important to know what you're getting yourself into when sporting the John Wayne look. As with any garment, it's essential that you know the structural fundamentals of the western boot before making your first big purchase.
Boot Pull straps
On the upper portion of some Western boots pull straps may be present. There are other boots that may be devoid of pull straps but will have holes in the areas where the straps should be.
In any case the holes and the pull straps function to help the wearer pull the boot on.
Boot Stitching
The stitching found all over a pair of Western boots is not purely decorative. The makers of the boots did not want the boots to sag or fall over.
Stitching was applied to boots in order to support them and assist in holding them up.
Boot Shaft
The shaft is the upper part of the Western boot and is what protects the ankle and lower leg.
Depending on the style the length of the shaft will vary.
Heel and Toe Box
There are two main boxes found on the lower part of Western boots. They are the heel and the toe box respectively.
Both the heel and the toe box are meant to give the boot its characteristic shape.
Vamp
On the front part of the boot, at the area that lies at the top part of the foot is the vamp.
The vamp is always created to be the toughest part of the boot because it is the area that is prone to a lot of bending.
The vamp will usually have stitching on it to help strengthen it.
When conditioning one’s boots it is important to pay extra attention to the vamp as it is the area of the boot that gets a lot of stress from bending and can crack.
Boot Heel
Heels of Cowboy boots come in all shapes and sizes. The heel will be dependent on the function of the boot. Most Western boots will have a heel height that ranges from 1 to 2 inches.
Boot Outer Sole
The outer sole is the part of the boot that comes into contact with the ground.
Outer soles are made to be replaced. As soon as the soles of your Cowboy boots wear down or develop holes in them it is best to take them to a cobbler that specializes in boots and have them replaced.
What Are The Main Cowboy Boot Styles Available?
Not all western boots look the same.
With their long history and heritage, it's no wonder that there are so many different styles of the classic cowboy boot. Over the years, different designs have been perfected and different fits constructed.
That means, in the 21st Century, we've got a heck of a lot of option when it comes to finding the right western boot for us.
The Classic Western Boot
In a pair of Classic Westerns the shaft will usually be 12 inches long. The overall design of the boot is simple and straightforward.
The Classic Western is the all around pair of Western Boots.
The Shortie Boot
True to its name, the Shortie is a shorter boot compared to the Classic Western.
Its shaft will average around 6 to 10 inches in height. An older variation of the western boot, it was practical as it was lighter and less expensive!
The Western Workboot
The main distinguishing factor of the Western work boot are the heels that are found at the bottom of the boots.
Ariat is a company that specializes in Western work boots. They have modified the heel to make them extremely comfortable.
The Western Workboot is most suited for men who are up on their feet 12 to 14 hours a day. These boots are functional, durable and comfortable.
Roper Boots
The Roper is an early version of the Western work boot.
Ropers are more practical than cowboy boots, and are a favorite of working men in the rodeo system. They are practical because of their lighter weight, wider sole, occasionally more comfortable rubber sole, and the ability to still jump in the saddle and get the job done.
Buckaroo Boots
The Buckaroo is the boot for show.
The shaft length is much higher that the Classic Western (more than 14 inches). The design and stitching are often more pronounced, drawing attention to the rider thus why this style is a favorite of artists and showmen.
Riding Boots
Not exactly western boots in many people's minds, riding boots are seen in both English and Western riding circles. Made without the ornamentation of their cowboy brethren, riding boots share the same lineage and the length of the heel along with the height of the shaft make these boots easy to identify.
Stockman Boot
The Stockman is a hybrid boot designed for the man who may not necessarily be getting into the saddle.
It has similarities with the work boot in function – rubber sole, shorter heel, and wider toe box. However style wise can often be as detailed with colored stitching as the Classic Western. A key differentiator is the deeper throat – aka Scallop.
That’s the rundown that we have on Western boots.
Hopefully, you’ll be more inclined to give this type of footwear a try!
If not, then there are plenty of other options! Click here to check out my guide to the best boot styles for men.
