Like apple pie and the stars and stripes, nothing quite says America like the cowboy – and by extension, the cowboy boot. This beloved symbol of the American cowboy is known worldwide, spread throughout history and Hollywood as a beacon of independence and rugged determination in the Wild West.
At their heart, cowboy boots represent freedom and liberty, and all the hard work, qualities, and values that go into being your own boss and pushing the boundaries of the frontier. When you pull on a pair of cowboy boots, you are becoming a part of the tapestry of the great American culture. But where did the cowboy boot first get its start? Here’s a look at the history of this iconic yet functional piece of fashion and how it has evolved over the years.
Roots in History
All signs point to the cowboy boot dating back to the post-Civil War trail drive era in Kansas and Texas. As such, it was initially modeled after the military boot. But an important element of the cowboy boot design that emerged stemmed from the tendency of cowboys to ride on the instep of their feet rather than on the balls of their feet like cavalrymen.
Thus, a steel shank was inserted in the instep, sewn between layers of leather for more support in that area as cowboys placed their feet in the stirrups. This sturdier and more comfortable design elongated the amount of time cowboys could ride interrupted.
Other design elements changed over the years. Whereas cowboy boots originally had a rounded toe, a more pointed toe later came into favor so that cowboys could more easily slide their feet into the stirrups. At the same time, designers of cowboy boots started to make a higher heel so that riders’ feet wouldn’t slide all the way through the stirrups and get caught. This way, in the event they fell off their horse, they wouldn’t get caught and dragged over long distances – usually resulting in a fatal accident.
Work Safety
In the interest of work place safety, taller uppers or shafts were incorporate into the design. The tall shafts used to be known as stovepipes for their resemblance to their namesake, and these tall uppers offered more leg protection in the event cowboys rode through thorny bushes during cattle drives. Higher tops also meant protection from snakes and other perils of the Western trail.
Shoe makers also started scalloping the boots in the front and back so they could be pulled on easily. The tops were also made a bit looser so cowboys could pull their feet out if they got hung up and needed to jump ship in a hurry.
A Fashion Statement
As their outer designs got more and more intricate, people started wearing cowboy boots for applications other than work – namely to look fashionable while dancing. This fashion statement became popular by the musicians who wore them. These so-called “hillbilly musicians” wanted to take their genre into the mainstream and thus started wearing cowboy boots to facilitate that. The genre then morphed into what is now known as “country and western.”
The appeal of cowboy boots inevitably shifted from being solely a work and music accessory into the realm of popular culture. The boots were soon considered iconic footwear for not only cowboys but anyone else who wanted to mimic the fashion of that lifestyle.
Hollywood’s Role
Somewhere in between, cowboy boots changed from their use as practical footwear to a fashion statement – all thanks to Hollywood. In the 1930s, movies glamorized the cowboy lifestyle with a variety of Western films that hit the big screen. It didn’t take long for the general public to start emulating the classic, rugged look of cowboy boots.
As this Western style emerged into the mainstream, cowboy boots became more elaborate, featuring decorative inlays, stitching, and exotic leathers such as snakeskin, alligator, and ostrich. Fast forward to today and there’s little doubt that cowboy and cowgirl boots are a staple of modern Western fashion. From country music stars to rodeo cowboys to city slickers, it seems everyone is sporting a pair of these iconic cultural classics.
The first cowboy boots were low on style yet high on function; today, they fit both purposes equally well thanks to hand crafting.
Contact Little’s Boot Company
Now that you know all about the history of cowboy boots and how they have evolved over the years, it’s time to order your custom pair today at (210) 923-2221. Little’s Boot Company, located at 110 Division Ave in San Antonio, is your trusted source for custom boots, belts, and accessories in Texas.