| There are few things more symbolic of the | | | | most vintage cowboy boots have obviously been |
| Wild West than the cowboy boot. And yet | | | | well worn by their original owners, |
| despite the rough treatment most cowboy boots | | | | occasionally it's possible to find a pair |
| suffered in the early days of the west being | | | | that is almost brand new. It's not easy |
| settled, many have survived through to modern | | | | though! |
| times. Nowadays vintage cowboy boots have | | | | |
| become a popular collectible item. Some of | | | | Most vintage cowboy boots range in height |
| the rarest vintage cowboy boots originated in | | | | from 13 to 18 inches. It was quite common |
| the 1800s, and some prize specimen have been | | | | for them to have 1 to 2 inch heels, and quite |
| handed down from generation to generation | | | | often there were intricate designs on the |
| with their life story intact. | | | | heel. Some of the rarest examples still have |
| | | | the original spur straps, and if you're |
| Because most of these boots did have a rough | | | | really lucky, the original brass conchose, |
| life in the early days of the west however, | | | | jingle bobs and chains. Boots in such |
| they can be hard to get hold of. So if | | | | pristine condition are rare, however, so you |
| you're interested in collecting vintage | | | | can expect to pay top dollar for them. |
| cowboy boots, be prepared to spend time | | | | |
| searching for them, and be ready to pay for | | | | If you're just looking for an authentic pair |
| them too. Many good pairs sell for over | | | | of cowboy boots to go with your western gear, |
| $1000, with some costing substantially more. | | | | the vintage variety may be far too expensive. |
| One of the first places you should look is | | | | There are lots of good modern cowboy boots, |
| western apparel shops. Many of these now | | | | including Lucchese western boots and Justin |
| have a vintage cowboy gear section, so it's | | | | cowboy boots. These and other companies are |
| worth having a look if you have one of these | | | | well known for their vintage inspired designs |
| stores nearby. | | | | to give their boots the 'old school' feel. |
| | | | If you have a vintage style in mind, you can |
| Many collectors have also started up websites | | | | shop around various boot stores and you're |
| that specialize in vintage cowboy boots, so | | | | sure to find something similar made in modern |
| spend some time searching around online to | | | | times. |
| see what you can come up with. Although the | | | | |
| initial interest in collectiing these rare | | | | Perhaps you'd like the uniqueness of vintage |
| and historical boots was in the USA, nowadays | | | | cowboy boots without the price tag, but don't |
| that enthusiasm has spread worldwide. You can | | | | want to buy something off the shelf, either. |
| find enthusiasts as far away as Europe and | | | | In that case, why not consider purchasing a |
| Australia. The old boots have a certain aura | | | | custom made retro pair? There are quality |
| about them, which is one of the reasons | | | | firms offering this service, and you can |
| they've become so popular as collectible | | | | customize your boots to any design you |
| items. Many collectible stores have added a | | | | choose. The boots are then made to your |
| cowboy boots section to their stores. | | | | specifications and delivered to you. Allow |
| | | | some time, though, as it can take a couple of |
| One of the most interesting things about | | | | months for your custom foot wear to arrive. |
| starting your own collection is that they | | | | |
| were mostly custom made, which means nearly | | | | But if you're keen to own a pair that have |
| every pair is different. You can find boots | | | | some history behind them, vintage cowboy |
| in all sorts of colors, with some being | | | | boots may still be the best option, despite |
| monogrammed, decorated or stamped. Although | | | | the price. |