The blog post is about footwear, specifically cowboy boots. A cowboy boot has a heel that can be made out of different materials and colours. The article contains a brief description and explanatory images for each type of heel:
Table of Contents
Types Of Heels In Cowboy Boots
Cowboy heel style #1: Fowler
This type of heel has a hole to allow leather lace to lace up through the hole. Some have a mid or front row of hooks. There are different styles for different types of boots. The alternative is a traditional straight-cut heel. This is the most comfortable and stable heel design for walking.
Fowler heels are available in two styles: slanted and straight. Both have distinct advantages for men and women who work the land or simply want to rock the western cowboy look.
Slanted or “pitched” heels point backward, creating a more formal, high-end look. These heels are frequently found on formal or “going-out” boots. They are, however, ideal for walking in general and for attaching to stirrups.
Cowboy heel style #2: Roper
Ropers were designed as a step-in boot. They have a “clog” or “platform” for foot support, but they also have a normal cutout shape at the heel. The design was intended to make it easier to put the boot on and take it off, but they are still more complicated than a simple lace-up shoe.
Straight-cut roper boots have a long history dating back to former British Prime Minister Arthur Wellesley, a war hero and the first Duke of Wellington.
The Duke of Wellington wore hessian boots with a short heel, pointed toes, and tassel-decorated tops – a boot style popular with British soldiers during the war effort. The Duke enlisted the assistance of a local bootmaker to design a new pair of hessian boots with soft calf leather, a one-inch heel, and a mid-calf shaft – the world’s first roper boot.
The heel of the roper is flat and stable. When men and women jump from a horse to rope a steer and immobilise it before branding it, they wear roper heels. The roper boot is designed for maximum ground stability to avoid falling or twisting an ankle while grappling with a steer.
Cowboy heel style #3: Walking
Walking heels are the most stable, secure, and comfortable for everyday wear. As opposed to the Fowler heel, the walking heel does not have a way to lace through holes. Instead, it has hooks on the sides or front of it for lacing. The advantage of this is that you can lace them up tightly before wearing them.
They are made in many different colours and even materials such as leathers, suedes, and nubucks. They look great with jeans or other informal attire. In addition, they are easy to clean because they have no buckles or stitching that would get dirty easily. Because there are no buckles or stitching, it means fewer places to worry about breaking when putting your foot in the boot.
The traditional walking heel is undoubtedly the most comfortable option for men and women who enjoy wearing western boots from sunrise to sunset. While walking heels have a slight slant, they are generally quite even and stable, providing additional comfort and balance.
Cowboy heel style #4: Cowboy
The Cowboy heel is a combination of a normal heel and a platform. The shoe feels more stable than a walking heel but not quite as stable as a roper. It has a mid-calf shaft and 1″ heels but no holes for lacing.
The design is an extremely comfortable style that looks great with jeans or casual wear for ranch work or other outdoor activities. They are one of the most common cowboy boot styles worn by men and women who enjoy horseback riding or other agricultural work.
For men and women who work with unpredictable horses, the distinctive, slanted cowboy heel is required. The high, angular heel prevents the foot from sliding forward in the stirrup and provides superior control in the saddle.
The traditional heel is frequently incorporated into fashion boot designs – the western boot is a current trend when paired with jeans and a loose-fitting sweater or leather jacket.
Cowboy heel style #5: Riding Heel
Riding heels are for horseback riders. They are the same as cowboy heels, except they have an extra row of hooks to hold the spur when riding bareback. The spur rests before the rider’s foot to kick or spur a horse during a race or other event.
Riding heels are made in many different styles. Some cowboys prefer silver conchos; others like to keep it simple with plain leather designs, and still, others prefer incredibly ornate designs.
Two-inch tall standard riding heels with a noticeable slant. The heel shape is entirely practical for men and women who work the land – the nook of the heel (i.e., the wider section attached to the sole) is designed to hook into the stirrups of a saddle, stabilising the rider.
Additionally, because there is no 90-degree angle at the back of the heel, it is kinder to the horse. As a result, there is less friction for the horse, and it is generally more comfortable.
Cowboy heel style #6: Fashion Heel
Fashion heels are cowboy boots designed for show and fashion. They are much taller than any other kind of cowboy heel, and, as a result, they do not provide as much comfort or stability as other styles. However, fashion heels do look great with jeans, workwear, and attire to go out on the town – that’s why they’re called fashion heels.
Because fashion heels do not provide as much stability as the traditional roper heel, they are generally preferred by women who have more experience riding horses or performing agricultural work.
Fashion heels are ideal for evenings out or for adding a western flair to an otherwise ordinary outfit. The heels are frequently quite high – two inches or more – and made of rubber to muffle the sound of walking.
The rubber sole also provides a bouncier, softer footfall, so they’re more comfortable to walk around in than your average cowboy boot.
Fashion boots have a noticeable slant, similar to a traditional cowboy heel, but this is all for show – fashion heels are a spoof of the traditional boot, ideal for fashion enthusiasts looking to add a fun, western twist to their ensemble.
What Are The Heels Of Cowboy Boots Made Of?
Cowboy heels are made of leather, rubber, or a combination of the two.
Full-grain leather
Full-grain is the highest grade of leather. It is used for all cowhide products, such as cowboy boots and saddles, and reupholstering furniture and stamping out belts. Since there is no sanding involved in the process, the hide retains its natural texture and markings. It has a slightly rougher feel than sanded or buffed leathers and can be dyed just about any color without losing its natural appearance.
The best full-grain leather is de-haired and then converted into full-grain leather.
Leathers come in many different varieties. Some leathers are more elastic and will form to the shape of your foot as you wear them, some leathers are easier to clean, some become softer as they age, and some have a natural wax coating that makes them more resilient. For example, cowboy boots from Bridgeworks use Italian full-grain leather from the finest tanneries in the world. This leather is supple and stretchy yet retains a natural feel and patina after years of wear.
Rubber
Rubber is commonly used in cowboy boots to provide added stability when walking or riding. The advantage of putting rubber into the heel is that it provides more support than just a flat piece of leather when attached to the bottom of your boot. In addition, rubber tends to add bounce and allows the wearer to walk with more ease. It also helps keep your foot from slipping forward in the stirrup while wearing a cowboy boot
Rubber is a great material for making cowboy boots because it’s extremely flexible and malleable, which helps them conform to the contours of a person’s foot. Rubber is available in a variety of colors, materials, and thicknesses. For example, cowboy boots from Bridgeworks use thick rubber from Germany, which provides solid support without being too heavy or too soft.
Why Are Cowboy Boots So Slippery?
Cowboy boots are made from natural materials. As a result, the natural oils from your feet and those from the foods you eat can seep into the leather over time and saturate it with oil. This oil can make some cowboy boots slippery as you walk on them.
To prevent this from happening, we recommend regularly cleaning your cowgirl cowboy boots to remove all of the excess oils and dirt built up over time. You can clean your cowboy boots with a vacuum cleaner or a small wet cloth. Simply use a damp cotton cloth to wipe down the outside of your boot and a small vacuum attachment to suck up any dust particles or dirt leftover.
Proper maintenance is essential for a pair of cowboy boots to maintain their performance. If your boots are not properly cared for, they will not be able to fully protect your feet from the elements, and they will become worn or damaged much more quickly.
Conclusion
Each heel type will vary in height and material composition.
In general, finding the ideal heel requires determining which heel type of cowboy boots will best suit your needs. Boot heels can be made of rubber, leather, or a combination of both materials.
Consider the amount of traction you will need, as well as the amount of support and comfort your feet need. Some cowboy boots lack stability for riders, and others provide extra stability for those who work on horse ranches or farms. Regardless of whether you intend to ride horses or not, it is important always to consider the type and height of cowboy boot heel you prefer. Finding the best boot heels requires finding a balance between comfort and support.
FAQs
How do I clean cowboy boots?
Because your cowboy boots are made of natural materials, proper maintenance is essential to maintain their performance.
To keep your favorite pair of cowboy boots in tip-top shape, use a damp cotton cloth to wipe down the outside of your boot. And, for extra-special protection, use a small wet cloth with a dash of detergent to remove any dirt or debris that may have built up on the bottom of your boot. You can also use a lint roller or brush to clean any dirt that has become embedded into the leather over time. Just be sure not to leave any fibers stuck in place without washing.
As mentioned above, you should use a vacuum to suck up any extra dirt trapped inside the boot. It is also a good idea to wash your cowboy boots with a damp cloth and some detergent from time to time. Then, allow the boots to dry naturally before wearing them again. You should also be sure not to wear or use your cowboy boots if they have been soaked in water.
How do I wear cowboy boots?
Wearing cowboy boots can be a challenge if you have never worn them before. They are different from other types of shoes in that you will tend to roll onto the outside of your foot when standing or walking because of the height of the heel.
To avoid this, you can follow these steps:
1. Place your cowboy boots on a carpet or other soft surface where the floor is flat. You do not want to try wearing cowboy boots on hard, slippery floors that could cause you to lose your balance.
2. Stand with your feet about two feet apart and facing straight ahead. Slowly shift the weight of your body forward until your feet are firmly planted on the floor. Then, shift all of your weight onto one leg without losing balance, and slowly shift the weight toward the other leg until all of it is resting firmly upon that one foot as well.
Should your heels slip in cowboy boots?
Elasticity is one of the most important features in selecting a cowboy boot, but it can also be slippery. According to some “experts,” the natural oils from your feet, as well as those from the foods you eat, can seep into the leather over time and saturate it with oil. As a result, when you are walking with your boots on, this oil may cause slippage.
However, if you have just purchased your boots or have not yet worn them for prolonged periods, then this may not be an issue. You can try wearing different-sized socks to see if that makes any difference.
Why is there a heel on cowboy boots?
Cowboy boots have a distinctive heel; after all, men rarely wear heels. However, in this instance, it is necessary. Cowboys frequently ride young, unpredictable horses, and the tall heel prevents the foot from sliding forward in the stirrup, enhancing control and stability.
What is a cowboy heel?
The heel of a cowboy boot is the point from which the shaft of the boot extends upward. The height of the heel can range from several inches to several inches, and much depends upon how much support you prefer in a pair of cowboy boots. More support means less bending in the knee, and more flexibility means more comfort when riding a horse.