| y boots are an American tradition when it comes | | | | The pointed tip is a more modern convenience |
| to casual wear of a Western nature as well as | | | | added for looks and uniqueness. In fact, the |
| for those working on a ranch or farm. These | | | | traditional styles had a slightly rounded tip with a |
| types of footwear refer to riding footwear | | | | smooth surface on the top and the bottom. |
| associated with western attire. They generally | | | | When needing to mount, getting the slightly |
| have a high heel and a rounded or pointed toe. | | | | rounded tip into the stirrup was considerably |
| Traditionally, these have no laces, but innovative | | | | easier, and the sharp points today can actually be |
| new styles today do indeed have laces. These | | | | uncomfortable in a riding shoe or working |
| were historically made of cowhide leather but | | | | footwear. In fact, the extreme points were not |
| today you can find more exotic and unique | | | | added to this style until the late 1940s. |
| designs made of ostrich, snake, alligator, eel, elk, | | | | The shaft was raised to add protection and |
| buffalo, elephant, or even more exotic type hides. | | | | comfort to the equestrian rider. This will keep a |
| The traditional cowboy boots have an extremely | | | | protective layer between animal and person |
| high heel with the shaft going well up the leg to at | | | | making it less likely to experience chafing or |
| least mid-calf. This style of riding footwear has | | | | rubbing that can cause injury, discomfort, or |
| been an important part of equestrian lifestyle for | | | | worse. When dismounted, the high shaft |
| many centuries. Once upon a time, these popular | | | | protected against brush, snake bites, rocks, and |
| types of footwear were each handmade in a | | | | thorns. In addition, if crossing a creek or |
| variety of styles depending a great deal on the | | | | experiencing heavy run or mud, the high shaft |
| culture involved. The history of these types of | | | | would keep the inside from flooding and weighing |
| footwear can be seen all the way back to the | | | | the person down. |
| 1500s and the Spaniards. Today, Mexico carries | | | | The stitching is always extremely durable, and |
| on this highly traditional look and feel. | | | | today, you will find cowboy boots in a variety of |
| The lack of laces was an important part of the | | | | shafts ranging from 9-inches on down. Of course, |
| entire design. Laces are easily captured or trapped | | | | the traditional model is always available as well. |
| in the riding gear causing danger to the rider and | | | | Usually, the reinforced stitching is double stitched |
| the animal in question. The basic design is built for | | | | for optimal support and maintenance. |
| safety even before safety was considered of an | | | | It is quite common for discoloration of the leather |
| importance within the workplace environment. The | | | | used over time. In fact, this discoloration gives |
| double side tabs make it easier than ever to get | | | | those cowboy boots style and class. When it |
| into in a pinch. In addition, the raised sole offer | | | | comes to getting more, you can expect these |
| added support to the body as well as added | | | | high quality designs to offer you more of a good |
| safety purposes. | | | | thing for longer. |