Take ... One Pair of Yee Ha's!

Darn it  - who doesn't love a pair of cowboy boots? Hell yeah!

Hold on tight - let’s take a quick canter through the history of these legends in leather.   During the 19^th century the Anglo-Americans arrived in the south west of America, bringing their European military riding boot with them. There they found they’d been beaten to it by the Spanish Vaqueros, who had travelled from Spain via Mexico since the 16^th century and were working the cattle from horseback. The cowboy boot is basically an amalgamation, and development, of the original cavalry boot and the Spanish traditional boot.

The classic cowboy boot was built purely for roughty toughty work in the saddle. Narrow toe to make getting in and out of the stirrups easy: check. A Cuban heel to stop the foot dangerously falling through the front of the stirrup: check. The length of the boot stops the stirrup leathers chaffing: check.  The stiff sole makes riding standing up in the stirrups a doddle: check. Ingenious. However they were nighe on impossible to walk in and you could forget running.

The more modern roper boot was developed out of the rancher’s need to be able to work on the ground … and walk. They are lower in the heel, have a squarer toe and are shorter, coming up to the mid calf.

The 20^th century’s love of cowboy culture on the big screen and on the printed page made the cowboy boot a popular fashion item.

Ok, so having been around for yonks they’ve proved they have staying power and like much work wear, including beloved denim, they have been adapted and adopted by legions of leisure wearers and fashion lovers.

It’s no wonder - coming in all colours, heights, styles, materials and a range of patterns and embellishments they are a staple in the wardrobe. With a little Cuban heel they can give a fetching tone to the calves ... yet they can get thrown on with so much and are comfy all day long. Oozing swagger and with an edge of the outlaw they can signify the spirit of independence, adventure and individuality and some good ol’ fashion yee-ha fun! On trend or so last season – who cares? We say eternally stylish, versatile, flattering and easy to wear – we like!

With one pair of little ol’ cowboy boots we’ve put together our take on three hot diggity looks. Enjoy.



Footloose: "Dancing is not a crime."



High Kicks at the Hoedown



Prairie Girl



 Okey doke it’s nearly time for us to saddle up and move on out; but before we ride off into the sunset (until the next time anyway) – what’s your personal take and twist on western boot styling? Comments or photos of you or your friends working the look are most welcome; share here on the blog or on Frock&Roll’s facebook page: Frock&Roll Vintage Clothing

Love Frock&Roll