When it comes to foot fashion, few styles of footwear as versatile as cowboy boots. They can be dressed up or dressed down, and when you buy a pair that is well-crafted they can last for years. Buying cowboy boots is a little different than purchasing a regular pair of shoes, so use the following tips to find your perfect first pair of boots. One you understand what size and style of boot best suits your needs, you can start purchasing cowboy boots online.
Sizing
Most cowboy boots do not fit the same as regular shoes, so it is not always a good idea to purchase boots based on your current shoe size. For the best fit, it is highly recommended that you visit a store like Cowpokes that specializes in selling cowboy boots or western wear so you can be properly sized and have the opportunity to try on several pairs of boots until you find one that is comfortable. When shopping for boots, don't forget to wear boot socks or thick calf socks. Most quality cowboy boots are made of real leather, so they may stretch some over time with wear, but for the most part you should look for a pair of cowboy boots that provide good arch support and have ample toe room.
Toe Shape
Cowboy boots come in all different styles, and you may notice that different pairs have different toe shapes. Some boots have a very pointed toe, while others have a rounded or square toe. Some people make the mistake of choosing a toe shape based on personal preference and visual appeal, but if you want a pair of boots that you enjoy wearing, think about the shape of your feet and toes before thinking about style. Most cowboy boots have a reinforced toe cap that makes the toe area very rigid; choosing the right toe shape for your feet will prevent pain and discomfort when you're wearing your new cowboy boots.
Be Prepared to Break Them In
Since cowboy boots are typically made of thick leather, it will take a little bit of time to break them in. While your boots should feel comfortable brand new, breaking them in will give you a pair of boots that feel like they were custom made for your feet. One way to break them in is to wear them often and walk in them a lot, but you may also choose to invest in boot stretchers or boot stretch spray. Boot stretchers are inserted into the boots, and then you can adjust them to help stretch the leather. A boot stretch spray contains a compound that helps the leather stretch around your foot while wearing your boots; before using a stretch spray make sure it is safe for the type of leather your cowboy boots are made of.