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Beyond ShoesFeatured Article "Cowboy boots – An unusual evolution"Beyond Shoes Article by Richard Reese The history of cowboy boots is an interesting one and wasn’t started by Wild Bill Hickok or Billy the Kid. Rather, boots as they are known today started as early as early as 12,000 – 15,000 BC! Ancient cave paintings and clay impressions show boots from ancient Syria. Boots were also found in various tombs in Egypt. Like many other pieces of footwear, boots started as practical necessities but evolved into social status symbols and fashion statements. As boots began to evolve more, they became both symbols of success and functional implements as well. The cowboy boot as we know it is purported to have gotten its start in England when riding boots began to change and become more rigid and practical to stand up to the rigors of time in the saddle. Interestingly enough, it is changes in transportation that again changed the English riding boot back to a fashion statement as they were no longer needed for everyday use, but rather worn by the social elite and made of the finest leathers available. Today’s cowboy boots also have ties to ancient horsemen in Asia. Warring Mongol tribes had boots with large red heels that identified them and struck fear into their enemies. As time went on and people began to flock to the new world, they brought different versions of boots with them. Gradually morphing into the Wellington boot, they became standard issue for American cavalry. Interesting side bar: The word ‘shoddy’ was actually derived from contractors during this time who used poor grade materials and cut corners to try and make more profits from the army. The practice of course continues today! Many believe that the outcome of the civil war was in part due to the superior quality of the Union Army’s boots, as the confederates were under funded and fell victim to buying inferior quality boots. After the civil war, people felt the need to replace the defective footwear and many – especially German immigrants – began to fashion the look of the cowboy boot we know today. It began to appear as a unique style in the late 1800’s, and although these early boots had no decoration, they were also used as fashion statements. It was actually the movie industry in Hollywood that started decorating the boots and having top actors of the day wear them in movies and shows. With this type of influence, the style took off and designs became more ornate and colorful. Two styles eventually emerged: One with a low heel and rounded toe for ‘real’ cowboys and the ones with a high heel and pointed toe for the fashion and style conscious. Some men especially liked the high heel of the second style as it made them feel more powerful and domineering to be taller. Especially in Hollywood image and appearance was king and the cowboy boot supplemented insecurities by bolstering the image of wannabees everywhere. So in reality, the cowboy boot you and I see and know today had little to do with a Wild West image, but rather was an outgrowth of practical designs, coupled with an image and style created in large part by Hollywood and the movie industry! Today, cowboy boots continue to be used by real cowboys and dignitaries alike. Many presidents have worn cowboy boots – from Jimmy Carter to George Bush cowboy boots are represented by the left and the right
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