Cowboy boot making is an ancient art. (Read More Below)
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Genghis Khan wore a pair of red boots with wooden heels when he put the Mongol tribes together to conquer most of Asia, Europe and the Middle East. In 1815, the first Duke of Wellington took apart Napoleon’s army at Waterloo in a pair of calf length boots with a low heel. Men still wear boots today, and not just to conquer an army. They wear them for work, for play, for travel and for walking. If you have never been able to find a pair of boots that are comfortable, read on to learn why cowboy boot toe shapes matter.
What About the Wellington?
The Wellington boot has withstood the test of time thanks to its four-piece construction, which is still the construction method that boot manufacturers use to make modern cowboy boots. Wellington boots were popular during the Civil War. After the war, most soldiers to took their Wellington boots home with them. Those Civil War boots are the forefathers of modern-day cowboy boots.
Cowboy Boot Toe Shapes: What is a Last?
Just like any other type of footwear, cowboy boots need a form to shape their toe and heel height. The “last” is a form that creates the toe spring, tread, throat opening, flare and girth measurements so a person’s foot will fit into the boot. Lasts incorporate more than 30 different measurements, so each boot will adhere to size specifications and the other vital parts of a well-constructed cowboy boot. Cowboy boot toe shapes come from the last, and so does the heel height.
Anatomy of a Boot
- Skeleton: The last is the invisible skeleton of a cowboy boot.
- Skin: Leather is the skin of the boot, and the lining is the membrane.
- Stabilizer: The heel is the stabilizer that helps the boot maintain traction when walking.
- Personality: The toe is the boot’s personality, and there are several boot personalities or toe shapes available.
What About Heel Heights?
There are several heel heights to consider. They include, but are not limited to the following:
- The “Y” or “J” toe is the name boot manufacturers give to pointed toe cowboy boots.
- The round, Roper, square, broad, and broad square toe are also available in cowboy boots.
- There is a “J” snip toe, a snip toe, and an “S” and “R” toe.
The broad selection of the cowboy boot toe shapes requires choosing heel heights and heel shapes, too. That’s why it is important to do a little research on them. For example, the “Y” or “J” toe shape usually comes with a cowboy or western heel. Those heels usually have a 1 3/8 inch heel height, but the heel can be as high as 1 7/8 inches. There is a 2 3/8 inch heel height, and it is usually on the “J” toe construction.
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Roper, high fashion, Stockman and undershot heels are also heel choices. You should pick a heel to enhance the personality and fit of your cowboy boot. No matter what type of boot you choose, be sure to check the various mens cowboy boots toe shapes, as well as heels. You will be able to find a boot you can wear all day in comfort.
