The origin of cowboy boots goes back as far as the 1200s. And, the cowboy boots you see today are the results of hundreds of years of design.

Nowadays, cowboy boots have become a popular fashion of country life. And many people regard owning a pair of high-quality and stylish cowboy boots as a status symbol.

You can put on a pair of cowboy boots with any dress, and the boots come in many styles, from traditional to fancy.

So, why not look at the various types of cowboy boots? Here they are:

Western Boots

Western cowboy boots have been around since the early days. These boots last long and are useful. Western boots’ distinctiveness is pointed-toes, two-inch heels, and a tall boot-shaft to protect your skin from harsh conditions.

Work Boots

These boots are meant for people to wear during work. Such boots come with short heels (usually 1 ¾ inch or lower) and are cost-efficient, besides being useful. Work boots are ideal for you to remain working on your feet throughout the day.

Soles of these boots are usually made of rubber to keep your feet comfortable all day long. Many manufacturers provide midsoles for absorbing shock. With a heavy-duty build and stylish design, work boots are the best working man’s choice.

Riding Boots

You can understand from the name. Riding boots are for horseback riding. With such a pair of boots, a cowboy can remain safe and comfortable on horseback. It is also why the boots are the preferred choice for horse shows.

The high angled heel keeps the boots hooked onto the stirrups and prevents them from shaking when the cowboy rides the horse. With smooth leather soles and tapered toe, you can slide in and out of the stirrup with ease. If you happen to fall from the horseback, your feet will not snag.

Waking Boots

You can quickly figure out that walking boots are meant for walking. Unlike work boots, walking boots are not heavy-duty or high-angled. These boots are also not with tall heels as with riding boots.

You will find walking boots comfortable with good traction on the sole. It is comfortable for standing rather than sitting on a saddle with wider toes and square heels. Walking boots are functional, comfortable, and perfect for walking around.

Roper Boots

Roper boots emerged much later. These boots resulted from the efforts to make it easier for cowboys to chase after cows. Roper boots come with round toes and short, square heels, which lower the risk of breaking a heel when sprinting. These boots also have a shorter shaft and tighter fit around the ankle, enabling fast movement.

Exotic Boots

With cowboy boots becoming popular in the fashion world, manufacturers have used various materials to make fashionable boots. Now, there are exotic boots made of anything—alligator, eel, snake, lizard, deer, ostrich, stingray, and many other animal skins—with various styles. But, such boots come with a high price tag.

When you set out to purchase a pair of cowboy boots for yourself, there will be a challenge—getting the right size. Refer to the infographic in this post to know the tips to select a pair of cowboy boots of the correct size.