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The precise origination of cowboy boots isn't clear, with many suggesting that they were first invented in Kansas or Texas; but one thing is clear they were made as a riding boot. Since then cowboy boots have retained their useful qualities as a riding boot but have also become a much sought after fashion item for many, taking on new styles but never fully forgetting those all-important Western roots.
Some say that cowboy boots originated as far back as Genghis Khan who is noted to have worn wooden heeled red boots. However, it could actually have been the invention of the wellington that finally led to the production of the cowboy boot. In 1815 the Duke of Wellington defeated Napoleon and gave his name to the low-heeled knee-high boot that was worn. This particular wellington had a similar construction to those used in cowboy boots, and because of their ability to be made in large quantities, these boots were worn by soldiers during the U.S. Civil War.
It is then thought that in 1865 after the Civil War many cowboys became unsatisfied with this style of boots, feeling as though they needed a different style that suited riding for long hours. Legend has it that in seeking a boot that could protect their legs from riding through bush, one cowboy decided to take his boots to a cobbler to try and re-shape his boot into a more practical style.
He requested a taller shaft within it's design to protect his legs, a pointier toe so his boot would fit into it's stirrup more comfortably and a thicker, higher heel to provide better grip on the stirrup and to also prevent the cowboys foot from slipping entirely through the stirrup, which could cause severe injuries should he fall of his horse and get his foot stuck. Equally, the heel provided that extra grip a cowboy may need if they were holding a horse back or navigating them down a steep rocky terrain.
This ingenious design was added to with a slick sole that would also allow an easier dismount as well as pull-on tabs at either side for easy on/off. The boots were also wide enough at the top so the boot could be easily removed should the boot happen to get stuck in the stirrup. Needless to say only the toughest of leather was used in the cowboy boots designs too to ensure maximum protection and durability.
Thus, the original cowboy boot was very much a practical item of footwear as opposed to being a stylish one and they were initially only custom made for cowboys, made to fit each individual foot size. However, they soon became adopted as a fashion statement with the practical outside stitching soon taking on Western patterns, with brighter colours and designs also becoming a feature of the cowboy boot. Bootmakers began to have a field day with the designs of cowboy boots and the more outrageous a design the cowboy boot could have, the better.
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