Anatomy of a Cowboy Boot: Shafts, Heels, and Shapes

Nothing symbolizes country living more than a pair of cowboy boots! You'll find them on your favorite country music stars, actors, and even US Presidents! Once a staple item for those living in rural areas, more and more people are embracing western wear and cowboy boots than ever before! Even if you don't know a Hereford from a Holstein (hint: they're cows) Soto Boots can help give you some guidance on finding a pair of cowboy boots for you!

To get you started, let's review the anatomy of a cowboy boot and go over some common terminology.

Cowboy Boot Shafts

Cowboy Boot Shaft

Before they were a fashion staple, cowboy boots serve (and still serve) a functional and practical purpose. First, you will notice that there are no laces on the long shaft of a cowboy boot. The long shaft helps keep the boot in place and the lack of laces helps the boot come off easily. The long shaft of the cowboy boot should rise up to around your mid-calf area. Many cowboy boots have designs along the shaft of the boot. Cowboy boots like our  Men's Castillo cowboy boots or Monterrey Women's Cowgirl Boots feature classic Western-style stitching on the shaft.  Others like our Austin Men's cowboy boots feature a more contemporary pattern. 

Cowboy Boot Heels

Cowboy HeelA traditional cowboy boot will have tall heels anywhere between 1" to 2" in height and have an angled heel. This tall heel helps prevent a rider's foot from sliding forward and going completely through a saddle's stirrup. Our Odessa Men's Cowboy Boots or Rhinestone Diamond Women's Cowgirl Boots feature traditional angled heels.

Many modern style cowboy boots will have a squared-off heel that makes it easier for walking or running. Our Mesa men's cowboy boots are an example of a squared-off heel.

 

Cowboy Boot Toe Shapes

 

Cowboy Toe Shapes

Today there are numerous toe styles that you can have on your cowboy boots. Traditional cowboy boots feature a pointed toe. This allowed a rider to easily slide their foot into a saddle's stirrups. Our Laredo Men's cowboy boots and  Women's Vista cowgirl boots feature traditional pointed toes.

Cowboy boots with round toes have more room for those with wider feet. They are also easier for walking around town. The Round Toe Women's Cowgirl Boots and Phoenix Men's Western Boots both have round toes.

Square toe boots are a more recent development in cowboy boots. They are good for those with wider feet too and also make a bolder fashion statement. The El Dorado Men's Western Work Boots and Daisy Duke Women's Cowgirl Boots are great examples of squared toe cowboy boots.

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