Western Boots

Barry Hooper

There are two basic types of cowboy boots --- western and roper.
The western style is different because it usually has an angled
heel, which is well over an inch high.

Traditionally cowboy boots
had a high 'low-slung' heel in order to help the cowboy keep his
foot in the stirrup. Although western boots may be made with a
large variety of toe shapes, they are traditionally made with a
pointed toe.

Roper style cowboy boot would usually have a more rounded heel,
of only an inch or sometimes even lower. Roper boots are also
usually made with rounded toes, but new styles are being created
all the time, and the two styles will probably ultimately blend.

Hand-made western boots,
made to your exact requirements can be expensive. You are
probably wondering why. The simple fact is that boots are
complicated to make. They can take up to a year or more and the
construction is not simple. There are dozens of individual steps
to the manufacturing process.

High quality hand crafted leather western boots have
approximately 290 individual steps to their production, from the
first cut of the leather, until the boots are quality inspected
and boxed. To create special boots requires a team of
specialists. Thus it is obvious that much of the cost goes
towards paying specialist labor.

Next let us consider materials. Leather --- more specifically
cowhide --- is often the first choice for a durable western
boot. While cowhide has been the traditional leather, western
boots are now made with a wide variety of exotic skins as well.
With the proper care, a pair of leather western boots will last
for many years. Many finishes are available from suede to
distressed leather. Each will give the boot an entirely
different feel and look.

Although traditional western boots would have leather soles, or
outsoles as they are called in the trade, the trend is towards
rubber. Rubber soles tend to outlast leather, and also make the
boot less costly.

You may wonder how the sole is attached to the boot. High
quality boots are usually pegged (with lemonwood pegs), cemented
and sewn. Lower cost boots are nailed in stead of pegged. These
all factor into the cost of your western boots. It may be worth
noting that soles which have been nailed or pegged, can usually
be able to be re-soled.

On western boots, cowboy heels are usually slightly sloped and a
little less than 2" in height. Traditionally, roper style boots
and walking heels would have heels which are larger at the base
and shorter, with a uniform or no slope.

Western boots typically have either a narrow toe, a medium
round, or a wide round toe. Narrow toes give a more traditional
style, but wider toes offer substantially more comfort.

Own a pair of western boots, and you own an enduring symbol of
American history. And with the right care and attention, your
leather western cowboy boots will last you for many years,
becoming part of your own history.