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Functional Aspects of Western Apparel
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By Kacy Suther | Author Bio | Publish This Article
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Let's talk about cowboy boots for just a moment. Yes, I know, western wear is already touted as "the true essence of functional apparel" and I hear that, and recognize that it's an argument that may be getting old for some. For others, however, it is simply something that seems reasonable. After all, jeans and boots are great outfits to do just about anything in- you can go dancing, ride a horse, walk long distances (in boots that are worn in really well), etc. Do you really know what it is about these boots that makes them so great, though, or is it just the same old story? Pretty much everything that came out of the "wild west" was romanticized, if not by regular folks, than certainly by Hollywood.
The functional use of the cowboy boot really is the epitome of the western apparel ideal. They are boots meant to last, boots that protect you from the elements, and boots appropriate for a wide variety of situations. The style that we tend to think of as American cowboy boots developed predominantly as a result of the needs of riders during the cattle drive era, which began around 1866. Riding boots were not at all new to the scene; prior to this cowboys tended to wear cavalry-style boots known as Wellington style boots. The changes that came about in shifting the cowboy boot involved a slightly angled heel, a rounded toe that narrows slightly (the pointed-toe boot did not come about until much later and wouldn't have been comfortable as a working boot) and a high shaft.
The rounded toe was designed to help the boot slide into and out of the stirrups more easily (using a western saddle, of course). The shaft, however, is where the real magic lies. Tall and wide, there are no lacings on the shaft of a cowboy boot. Should a rider's boot get tangled in the stirrup during a fall or dismount, the weight of the rider's body would be enough to pull his foot from the boot, preventing him from being dragged behind the horse. They also prevent simple irritation, such as the rubbing of the ankle against the leather of the stirrup. When stepping down from a horse, it wasn't always predictable terrain beneath a cowboy's feet. The high shaft and thick leather of the boot protected them from hazards such as thorns, brush, rocks and worst of all, rattlesnakes. When dealing with wet terrain, the height of the boot prevented it from filling with mud and water.
The evolution of the boot did not stop there, however; there have been some modern changes made that are, of course, based on functionality. Take the roper boot, for example. This boot, which has a lower heel and shorter shaft, was designed for the modern rodeo cowboy. In events such as calf-roping, you have to be able to ride and run. That caused some changes in the style of boot that was appropriate for wear during such events. Of course, with functionality comes something else that is important on a more personal level- style. From fancy stitching to cut-outs, you can stylize your boots anyway you like. From leather to snake skin, beige to purple, it's all out there somewhere.
About the author:
Written by Kacy Suther. Brand name cowboy boots and western wear at The Boot Store online store for western apparel. Ariat boots, Justin boots more at western-wear-store.com .
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