Calvin Klein Mayson Womens Riding Boots Black Medium Leather 6    US $6.50

Rampage NEW Womens Riding Boots Brown Medium BHFO 75    US $8.26

Tahari NEW Cindy Womens Riding Boots Black Medium Leather 55    US $75.24

Steven by Steve Madden Womens Riding Boots Black Medium Leather 8    US $10.50

Sporto NEW Womens Riding Boots Black Medium Leather 7    US $26.22

Madden Girl NEW Womens Riding Boots Brown Medium BHFO 8    US $12.50

Lucky Brand Womens Riding Boots Brown Medium Leather 85    US $14.26

FAMOUS CATALOG C Stuart NEW Womens Riding Boots Brown BHFO 75    US $37.62

Circa by Joan David NEW Womens Riding Boots Black Medium Leather 85    US $29.99

Several issues are of concern when designing boots for horseback riding. The first is safety. Riding boots are designed in such a way that they cannot slip through or catch on the stirrup, and they must also be sturdy enough to support the riders leg while preventing it from being pinched in the stirrup leathers or injured in a collision with a fence, tree, or other obstacle. Vintage riding boots also provide support to the riders ankle, ensuring that he or she can hold a firm seat, and the toes are typically reinforced.

Most vintage riding boots look very similar to conventional boots, until one examines the heel and sole more closely. The sole tends to be smooth, so that it slides easily in the stirrup iron, and the heel is tall and broad to provide support and create a wedge so that the foot cannot slide through the stirrup iron. The top of the boot may also be cut to allow greater flexibility around the knee, especially in the case of boots designed for jumping, where the rider adopts a half-crouched stance.

Field and dress boots are both high, typically reaching almost to the knee. Field boots lace or zip, allowing more flexibility around the ankle so that the rider can easily change position in the saddle, to move into a jump or hunt seat. Dress boots are stiffer, and designed for riding on the flat only. Paddock boots, also called Jodphur boots, are more casual riding boots which reach only to the ankle, and they are less common in competition. Western boots are very similar to dress boots, except with a more pronounced heel, and slightly different aesthetics.

When selecting vintage riding boots, it is critical to try them on, and ideally to bring in your potential outfit (like a vintage mini skirt) to make sure that the boots are a good match. Equestrians should try bending through a series of moves in riding boots, to ensure that they have enough flexibility, and they should take note of any discomfort. If riding boots pinch or feel awkward in the store, they may become painful during a riding session. Vintage riding boots should also feel snug and supportive, rather than loose, as loose boots can interfere with commands to the horse or with security in the saddle.

No element of English riding attire more fully embodies that combination of style and substance than tall boots. Whether lace-fronted field boots for hunter-jumper events and some three-day events, or plain-front dress boots for dressage, tall boots present a continuous, elegant line of leather from stirrup to saddle. Beyond look alone, however, their fit—how snugly they follow the body’s contours—directly affects the rider’s control and how clearly commands are conveyed from human to animal.

VINTAGE ROCKABILLY BLACK RED LEATHER COWBOY BOOTS 9 SIZE    US $34.99

Old Nocona Vintage Western Cowboy Boots Sz 7 1 2 75 D Buckaroo Decor    US $9.99

Old Tony Lama Vintage Western Cowboy Boots Sz 9 D Buckaroo Decor    US $11.50

Old Tony Lama Vintage Western Cowboy Boots Sz 7 1 2 75 D Buckaroo Decor    US $9.99

Vintage Capezio White Cowboy boots SZ 85M Made In the USA    US $10.49

VTG Durango Black Leather Western Cowboy Boots Mens Sz 9 1 2 EE Excellent    US $36.84

Vintage FRYE Urban Cowboy 80s Stacked Heel Leather Boots 6    US $50.00

WW Fringe Creme Leather DINGO Vintage Gold Tipped Ankle Western Boots Sz 8    US $24.99

Vtg 80s Cowboy Boots    US $19.99

MISS CAPEZIO VINTAGE COWBOY BOOTS    US $85.00

Black Snakeskin Cowboy Boots FUNKY With Plenty of Class Made in USA 95 D    US $45.00

Vintage Tony Lama leather men’s cowboy boots 85 B Style 6367 black label brown    US $44.95

Because most of these boots did have a rough life in the early days of the west however, they can be hard to get hold of. So if youre interested in collecting vintage cowboy boots, be prepared to spend time searching for them, and be ready to pay for them too. Many good pairs sell for over $1000, with some costing substantially more. One of the first places you should look is western apparel shops. Many of these now have a vintage cowboy gear section, so its worth having a look if you have one of these stores nearby.

Many collectors have also started up websites that specialize in western wear, like vintage cowboy shirts and boots, so spend some time searching around online to see what you can come up with. Although the initial interest in collecting these rare and historical boots was in the USA, nowadays that enthusiasm has spread worldwide. You can find enthusiasts as far away as Europe and Australia. The old boots have a certain aura about them, which is one of the reasons theyve become so popular as collectible items. Many collectible stores have added a cowboy boots section to their stores.

One of the most interesting things about starting your own collection is that they were mostly custom made, which means nearly every pair is different. You can find boots in all sorts of colors, with some being monogrammed, decorated or stamped. Although most vintage cowboy boots have obviously been well worn by their original owners, occasionally its possible to find a pair that is almost brand new. Its not easy though!

Most vintage cowboy boots range in height from 13 to 18 inches. It was quite common for them to have 1 to 2 inch heels, and quite often there were intricate designs on the heel. Some of the rarest examples still have the original spur straps, and if you're really lucky, the original brass jingle bobs and chains. Boots in such pristine condition are rare, however, so you can expect to pay top dollar for them.

If you're just looking for an authentic pair of cowboy boots to go with your western gear, the vintage variety may be far too expensive. There are lots of good modern cowboy boots, including Lucchese western boots and Justin cowboy boots. These and other companies are well known for their vintage inspired designs to give their boots the old school feel. If you have a vintage style in mind, you can shop around various boot stores and you're sure to find something similar made in modern times.

Perhaps you'd like the uniqueness of vintage cowboy boots without the price tag, but don't want to buy something off the shelf, either. In that case, why not consider purchasing a custom made retro pair? There are quality firms offering this service, and you can customize your boots to any design you choose. You can match them with some nice vintage mini dresses and be good for an entire day. The boots are then made to your specifications and delivered to you. Allow some time, though, as it can take a couple of months for your custom foot wear to arrive.

But if you're keen to own a pair that have some history behind them, vintage cowboy boots may still be the best option.