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