Last Updated on August 1, 2024 by Sarah Jaffe
Cowboy boots are a popular style of footwear and people have been wearing these boots for centuries, but no one really knows why they have heels.
It’s a common misconception that the heels on cowboy boots are simply for making them stylish but they actually serve an important purpose!
So let’s take a look at what makes cowboy boots so special and why they need heels.
The history of the cowboy boot and its rise to popularity
The history of the cowboy boot is a long and interesting one. They were first invented in the 1800s by a man named Samuel Clemens, who was better known by his pen name, Mark Twain.
At the time, Twain was living in California and he needed a new type of footwear that could withstand the harsh conditions of the West. He teamed up with a local cobbler named Charles Hyer and together, they created the first cowboy boots.
These boots were made from heavy leather and featured thick heels that helped to keep the wearer’s feet from slipping in the mud or snow. They quickly became popular among cowboys and settlers in the West and soon began to spread across America.
By the early 1900s, cowboy boots had become a staple item in every western cowboy’s wardrobe and they continue to be popular to this day. Thanks to their unique design and practicality, cowboy boots are perfect for anyone who wants a stylish and functional pair of shoes.
Reasons why Cowboy Boots have Heels
Heels are a part of cowboy boots for several reasons which are mentioned below:
To keep your feet in the stirrups
This is probably the most practical reason for cowboy boots having heels. When you’re riding a horse, It is essential that you can maintain your footing in the stirrups at all times, and having heels on your boots helps with this. If your feet are slipping out of the stirrups, it can be very dangerous so heels help to keep your feet from slipping out.
To make it easier to walk
Cowboy boots are designed for walking long distances, and the heel makes it easier to walk by providing a slight elevation. They are also quite comfortable to walk in because the heel helps to balance your weight more evenly.
Make you look taller
The heels of a cowboy boot are especially important for cowboys who are often on horseback and want to appear taller and more intimidating.
Help you keep your balance
Cowboy boots have heels for another practical reason is that they provide traction and stability when walking on uneven or slippery surfaces. When you’re walking or riding in cowboy boots, the heels help you to keep your balance.
Prevent slipping and falling
The heels make it easier to walk in mud and other slippery conditions. If you live in an area with a lot of mud or snow, Your cowboy boots’ heels will prevent you from slipping.
To protect your feet
The heels of cowboy boots protect your feet from injury if you step on something sharp or kick something hard.
For comfort
The heel is a great addition to any pair of cowboy boots as it provides better fit for your feet. It gives you a bit of extra height and helps to distribute your weight more evenly.
To add style
The heels add a bit of extra style and personality to your outfit. Of course, one of the main reasons people wear cowboy boots is because they look great!
Cowboy Boots Heels – How Tall are they?
Cowboy boots have different types of heels. Some are round and some are square. They’re made of leather or plastic and they’re designed to fit snugly on your feet.
The heels on cowboy boots can range in height but they are typically between 1.5 and 2 inches tall.
The taller the heel, the more stable you will be when riding a horse.
A shorter heel is not as stable and can cause you to slip out of the stirrup while riding.
Should your heel come up in cowboy boots?
It’s generally considered appropriate for the heel of a cowboy boot to come up slightly at the back, also called “the cowboy heel” which is typically around 1.5 inches high. This design helps the boot to fit more securely on the foot and provides additional support for the ankle. It also gives an aesthetic look and adds a little bit more of a western look to the boot. Additionally, this heel design allows for a better grip when riding a horse as it keeps the foot in a more secure and stable position.
However, it’s important to note that personal preference plays a role in whether or not you prefer a heel on your cowboy boots. Some people may prefer a lower heel, or no heel at all, for the sake of comfort or for other reasons. If you’re going to be doing a lot of walking or standing in your cowboy boots, it may be a good idea to choose a pair with a lower heel or a boot that’s designed specifically for comfort. Ultimately, it’s important to choose a pair of boots that feel comfortable and secure on your feet.
Why do cowboy boots have such high heels?
Cowboy boots have high heels for a variety of reasons. One of the main reasons is functionality. The high heel provides a better grip and stability when riding a horse, it gives the rider a better balance and keeps the foot from sliding through the stirrup. The high heel also allows for better arch support that helps in maintaining proper posture when walking.
Another reason for the high heel is for fashion. Cowboy boots have a long history as a symbol of rugged individualism and the western lifestyle, and the high heel is a defining feature of the traditional cowboy boot design. High heels are also an indicator of quality, as the boots must be made to a high standard to be able to support the heel.
In addition to that, High heels also make the boots more visually appealing, elongating the leg and providing a more flattering silhouette. High heels are also considered a symbol of power and confidence.
Conclusion
The cowboy boots were originally designed for riding horses and the heels allowed the rider to keep his feet in the stirrups. Some people say that the heels were added to make the boots more comfortable to walk in or to make them look more stylish. Whatever the reason, cowboy boots with heels are now a fashion statement as well as a practical choice of footwear. Cowboy boots with heels are here to stay!
Whether you’re a cowboy or just a fashion-savvy individual, you can appreciate the usefulness of this stylish footwear.
Do you know why cowboy boots have heels? Let us know in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
Sarah is the brains behind BootsNerd. Sarah Jaffe is a writer, editor, and boots lover based in Brooklyn, New York. She has done BA (Hons) in Footwear Design from De Montfort University, UK. She loves to write about boots and has a particular interest in vintage and sustainable fashion.
