- Cowboy boots were first invented around 1870, when cowboys were driving their cattle west, across the United States. A cowboy in Texas took his boots to a shoemaker, requesting a few changes that he felt would make them better suited for his work. These changes included giving the boots a pointy toe, a taller shaft and a thicker heel. Until 1940, when cowboy boots first started being mass produced, cowboys had to take their boots to a custom shoemaker to request these changes.
- The functional design of cowboy boots is meant to help cowboys complete their daily chores. The pointed toe helps the wearer to more easily thread their foot into the stirrup of a saddle. The taller shaft helps to protect the cowboy's legs and ankles from thorns, snakes and rubbing against the leather stirrups. The thicker heel helps secure the cowboy's foot in the stirrup during rides through rough terrain. Finally, the straps added to the top are made loose enough that the boots can be quickly removed if the cowboy needs to get out of the stirrup in an emergency.
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There are two main types of cowboy boots: western and roper. Western-style cowboy boots have the traditional tall shaft that usually reaches the mid-calf The heel on this boot is typically about 1-inch high. This boot also boasts a narrow, pointed toe.
Roper boots are a newer style of cowboy boot designed to be used by cowboys who spend less of their time riding and more of their time running after calves and steers. The shaft on these boots is shorter than on the western style, extending past the ankle, but stopping short of the mid-calf. The heels are much lower than those on western boots and the toes are rounded. This style often laces-up, allowing it to fit tightly around the ankle. - It is important to buy cowboy boots that fit properly. Since boots are very stiff until they are broken in, they often have slight slippage in the heel. This does not mean that the individual needs a smaller size, since the slippage will stop once the boot is broken in. It is also important to note that the narrow toe on western-style cowboy boots means that an individual will usually require a half to a full size larger than he would normally wear.
- In order to extend the life of cowboy boots, it is important to clean and maintain them properly. Dust should be wiped off after every use. Every so often, a damp cloth should be used to remove dirt and mud that has dried onto the material. While the cowboy boot is still moist, use a leather conditioner. Once the conditioner has dried, use a soft cloth to carefully buff the boots. Finally, apply a boot cream that is two shades darker than the color of the boot and buff using a soft cloth.
