| Cowboy boots tend to be very decorative and | | | | boots, with cutout patterns, embroidery, and |
| festive and come in all colors of the rainbow plus | | | | more. They were able to as their pay rose |
| some these days. They look great, although | | | | dramatically during these period. It is from this |
| many people who wear them have probably | | | | legacy that fancy and fashionable as well as |
| never seen a horse never mind ride one daily or | | | | functional boots arose. |
| ever! Are these boots actually functional and did | | | | If you're looking for a pair for pleasure, you |
| real cowboys wear such decorative boots? | | | | probably want to choose a pair that goes well |
| First let us distinguish between boots for pleasure | | | | with several outfits. For men this may mean a |
| and work boots. Many people wear cowboy | | | | basic brown or black pair with some decoration, |
| boots because they like them, because they look | | | | although of course lots of options are available for |
| very good, and yes, because they can be very | | | | men and women. I know several women who |
| comfortable. Others wear them because, well, | | | | own multiple pairs in different styles and colors |
| they are great for riding. These two uses are not | | | | and use them all too. |
| mutually exclusive and many working boots are | | | | If you are looking for a pair for work, then |
| also very fashionable. | | | | durability and waterproof are probably at the top |
| It was during the cattle drive era of 1866-1884 | | | | of your list. |
| that cowboys started buying and wearing fancy | | | | |