Within the last year or so, cowboy boots have entered a new realm — luxury fashion and streetwear. Take it from a Houstonian; cowboy boots are always in style in Texas. This is why I have always considered a classic pair of boots a wardrobe staple, especially during rodeo season. In her article with the Wall Street Journal, Lizzie Chestnut Bentley, a native Texan and founder of City Boots, is described as having once had “a reputation for helping students from out of state find their first pair of Texas cowboy boots” during her years in college. I must admit, my family and I are guilty of committing the same crime when our out-of-state friends and family come to town for a rodeo. Not to mention the versatility of these lovely boots is unbeatable as they can be worn with jeans and a white tee to the Saturday farmers market or with a cocktail dress for any formal event, as Ms. Bentley is known for doing, according to the WSJ. Perhaps this is the reason why they have traveled past the Texas borders and onto the runways.
The origin of the cowboy boot is a little blurry. Some believe it to be invented around the 1870s, following the Civil War, while others credit the Spanish Vaqueros for the original design. Either way, every detail and aspect of this footwear was originally designed for functionality. For example, the tall, thick leather shaft provided a barrier between the horse and the cowboy, making long cattle drives a lot more comfortable. The pointed toe box made it easier for cowboys to slide their foot into the stirrups, while the heel was slightly curved and raised to keep their foot in place within the stirrup. Although they are still used for ranching purposes, cowboy boots are also simply a part of the traditional Texas attire and now have taken on a new life in the world of fashion.
For the most part, the cowboy boots we have recently seen strutting down the runways are a bit more polished and stylish than the Lucchese’s and Tecova’s worn at the rodeo. In fact, since these designer boots aren’t being worn to ride horseback, designers can experiment further with non-traditional material, style, and embellishments. Designers like Isabel Marant, Saint Laurent, Chloe, Golden Goose, and Jefferey Campbel have played with making this traditional footwear their own. In fact, Ms. Bentley’s City Boots is not only known for their classic cowboy boot but also their Heart Boot, a chic spin on the traditional design.
As a Texan, I am proud to see our coveted footwear making its way down the catwalks and streets of New York, Paris, and Milan. Although it is always appropriate to wear your boots when riding horseback, they are perfect for an urban hike as well. How will you wear your boots?
Words by Winnie Gordon
Photography by Kayleigh Moreland
Talent is Julia King