Cowboy Boots
Trendwatch: Old Westerns
You've probably also noticed the pointed, often vintage, cowboy boots kicking about on the most fashionable of feet this season.
Photographed by Mario Testino, Vogue, October 2007
From Dua Lipa to Gigi Hadid, the fashion elites have locked this trend in. The cowboy boot is retro but also timeless, extremely practical but also really stylish (especially if you buy a pair with a higher heel), cute with a sundress in the summer but also perfect to layer up in the winter. It's easy to see why this staple is continuing to hang around. So, here's everything you need to know about the Cowboy boot, and how to style it as the seasons change.
Origin Stories
As the name suggests, cowboy boots were originally made for cowboys or ranchers in the mid-1800s and were designed to be practical and durable, hence the thick leather. The small heel would sit comfortably on the stirrups without slipping forward while riding a horse, and the slick, treadless sole meant you could slip your foot in and out of the stirrup easily when mounting and dismounting. Cowboys fell from horses a lot, either because they were young and untrained or just due to the nature of their challenging work, so shoes that prevented you from getting your foot stuck in the stirrup were really important.
This is also the reason they don't have lacing: the foot can slip in and out if needed - but the height of the boot means it's not going to slip out unless you give it a purposeful yank. So, it’s really all designed for safety and practicality. While we may not be leaping on and off horses in our day-to-day lives, it’s easy to see why a durable, practical shoe that can slip on and off in a few seconds has so much appeal in our busy modern lives. The taller style of boot is the western, or classic, boot. There is also a style called the Roper - this has a lower heel and a shorter shaft and was developed for wearing in the modern rodeo. Looking for just where this boot style came from, the closest ancestor to cowboy boots was the Vaquero - as worn in Spain, but they also took some inspiration from the riding boot and the Wellington boot. Cowboy boots spread through America as a symbol of the American dream, rugged American cowboys, and the spirit of the American frontier. They’ve evolved in style over time and different areas actually have their own boot characteristics. For example, there are pointed-toe boots in Texas, and round-toe boots in California. If you want to buy a pair, why not find out what characteristics (or places) you want to represent to help you with your choice?
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
How to Wear Them:
Honestly, vintage is always a top recommendation for a piece like this. For one, it’s likely they’ll be superior quality to cheaper new versions, and are likely also made of real leather. Secondly, vintage is a way more eco-friendly way to shop if you have the option. Plus, they’ll probably be a totally unique pair and already come with the slightly scuffed, worn-in look that makes them seem so effortlessly cool. Just remember to do a few laps of the shop in them to make sure they’re actually comfortable. But if you aren’t near any good vintage stores or can’t find your size, almost every shop and every price point is selling them at this point. Just make sure you check for a few things:
Is the heel a comfortable enough height?
Is the toe too pointed so that it’ll end up hurting your toes?
If you know how you want to wear them, is the leg tall enough (or short enough) to match?
Are they good quality? With a thick, well-attached sole and decent leather or faux leather? You’re going to be stomping about in these in all weather conditions, and hopefully for as long as possible, so make sure they’ll keep your feet comfortable and dry!
Play Barbie
Paul Ashby/Getty Images
Time to live that fantasy. Style your boots with your girliest stuff; a bodycon dress and long, loose hair, a floaty white dress and long braids. Embrace your feminine side whilst wearing the boots that will let you frolic wherever you please.
Embrace Southern Charm
Take it back to basics and lean into the rustic style that cowboy boots have. Try a dark pair of bootcut jeans and a thick, cozy tartan shirt, or a simple white shirt for a look that is really effortless and timeless.
Keep it Weird
If there’s one thing Gen Z is known for, it's unexpected pairings. Pretend your boots are a pair of trainers and pop on a pair of trendy wide-leg jeans, legs hanging over your boots. Add a cute crop top or slinky knit, and you’re ready - if Miley Cyrus is wearing
