Choosing the right cowboy boots: Tips on buying cowboy boots

A quality cowboy boot will be tough and designed to wear, not merely adorn. When purchasing a pair, you should always ensure they are of a high quality.

The following are some things to look for in the ideal boots:

• Leather heels (not thin leather laminate)
• A piece of hard leather stitched in the area behind the heel. This helps stiffen the area which provides additional support and strength
• The leather should have no gouges or deep pit marks
• The boot should be clean of visible glue
• The stitching is straight and even, with no loose ends
• The toe end should be hard, without any bulges

Many boots of modern construction rely heavily on artificial layers for padding, but the best are still all leather (apart from the shank). The sole is invariably of smooth leather (in boots of decent quality). Good quality stitching prevents the top of the boot from buckling and therefore ensures your legs do not get chaffed. A good quality boot leather will be comfortable and durable, and will allow your feet to 'breathe'.

Cowboy boots vary not only in style but also in the range of different leathers they come in. These include:

• Cowhide cowboy boots (smooth, oiled)
• Roughout or suede cowboy boots
• Alligator skin cowboy boots (back cut vs. belly cut)
• Snakeskin cowboy boots (rattlesnake, python, back cut vs. belly cut)
• Ostrich cowboy boots (explain difference between full quill and smooth)
• Other "exotic" leather cowboy boots (elephant, lizard)

Different occasions or/and activities suit these different leather types; it is important to inform oneself before a purchase. Cowhide, for instance, makes a good everyday work or riding boot, however might not suit a formal occasion such as a wedding. Suede moulds well to the feet and thus is a boot designed to maintain a good level of comfort while walking. It is better suited to dryer land however, as moister conditions may affect the material. Other leathers such as alligator and ostrich are strong and durable thus should wear well even in rough turfs. Exotic leathers such as lizard and snake skins are designed more as ornamental and aesthetically pleasing footwear, therefore should be avoided if riding, for example, were the main objective.

Cowboy Boots are an American icon but have there roots in Britain and Germany. Read more about the history of cowboy boots here.

What's a roper, packer or a lacer? Learn all about the different styles of cowboy boots here.

What are your cowboy boots made of? Is it leather, alligator or even exotic ostrich? Regardless of the type of material, read more about how to care for your cowboy boots

Not sure what you are looking for in a cowboy boot? Click here for tips on buying cowboy boots.

Read about Rex Beerbot here!