Western Boots

A guide to buying western boots

Modern western boots are rooted in the boots worn by Arthur Wellesley, the first duke of Wellington. Because Wellesley defeated the mighty French army strategist Napoleon at Waterloo, his fame popularized his style of boots. The design was then borrowed by S.C. Shive in America and was used to produce the Wellington boot. This boot was widely used until the 1880's by the military and went through many revisions to make them more suitable for all weather conditions as well as terrain. These boots quickly caught on and eventually became a piece of American iconology.

When purchasing western boots, there are a few things to look for. First off, you want to make sure that the leather is of the highest quality and durable. The leather shouldn't have any gouges or pit marks and there should also be no visible signs of glue on the boot. The stitching being even and straight is also an indicator of great craftsmanship in western boots.

Because western boots come in a wide variety of styles, sizes, and cuts, it is essential that you find a boot that is right for your own feet. Having boots that aren't designed for your feet is like just asking for pain and discomfort. When purchasing western boots, try on all of the different styles until you find one that feels snug and comfortable on your feet.

When purchasing western boots, the single most important thing to remember is comfort. Before you look at designs and patterns, look for comfort. The boot will be useless if you can't walk in them for more than an hour before your feet start hurting. Below is a list of resources compiled to help you choose the right western boots.

So be sure to check out our pages about Western Stores, Western Belts, Western Belt Buckles, and Western Hats elsewhere on this site.