b'By Jim and Bobbi Jeen Olson,WesternTradingPost.comC owboy boots have a rich history that dates backboots from well-known makers can fetch high to the 1800s in the American West. The firstprices at auction or in specialty shops, while boots cowboy boots were simple, practical boots madethat feature intricate stitching, exotic materials, or of leather and were adaptations of the English-styleunique details are also desirable. Boots that were boots already in use at the time by the military andworn by famous cowboys or movie stars can be many others worldwide. Originally designed forhighly collectible and the condition is an extremely horseback riding, cowboy boots became a necessaryimportant factor. For example, a pair of boots from tool to wear while working on ranches. With time,the 1800s, which have been well-preserved and they evolved and became more decorative andcared for, should bring a much higher price than stylish, with Western boot makers using exoticthose that are heavily worn or damaged.leathers as well as colorful stitching and intricate designs as demand increased.Cowboy boots have been a symbol of the American West for over a century, and there are many different During the early part of the 1900s, cowboy bootstypes of boots that have become desirable to gained popularity outside of the ranching and rodeocollectors. Some of the most sought-after cowboy communities. Cowboy boots became a symbol ofboots include:Western culture and were not just worn by cowboys, but by anyone who wanted to embody the rugged,AUTHENTIC BOOTS: Cowboy boots from the independent spirit of the West. In many places,late 1800s through the early 1900s in good condition cowboy boots had become a fashion statement, withare some of the hardest to find and are highly sought different styles and decorations reflecting differentafter by collectors.regions and cultures.CUSTOM BOOTS: Many collectors seek out Consequently, cowboy boots have become highlyboots that were made by famous boot makers or collectible over the years, with many enthusiastscustom-made for clients. These boots often feature and collectors seeking out vintage and rare pairs forintricate designs.Cowboy bootstheir historical significance and/or the craftsmanshipbecame a symbol ofinvolved in their production. Vintage cowboyEXOTIC BOOTS: Cowboy boots made from boots from the 19th and early 20th centuries areexotic skins like alligator, crocodile, ostrich, andWestern cultureparticularly sought after by collectors, as theysnake are highly prized. These boots were generallyand were not justrepresent a piece of American history. Somemore expensive than boots made from traditionalworn by cowboys,collectors also focus on collecting boots fromcowhide and continue to fetch a premium when sold specific makers, such as Lucchese, Tony Lama, Hyer,to collectors. but by anyoneRios of Mercedes, Acme, or Justinoften seekingwho wanted toout rare or unusual designs produced by certainLIMITED EDITION BOOTS: Some boot makers makers. Others may collect boots that represent acreate limited edition boots that are only producedembody theparticular era or style, such as flamboyant boots within small quantities, or perhaps the maker was onlyrugged, independentfancy stitching and inlays or boots made pre-1900. in business for a limited amount of time, makingspirit of the West.these boots more rare and collectible as time passes. The value of a particular pair of cowboy boots depends on a variety of factors, including age, brand,MOVIE BOOTS: Cowboy boots worn by famous style, historical significance, and condition. Vintageactors in Western movies have become highly collectible. For example, a pair of boots worn by John Wayne in one of hisand are usually made from high-quality materials to movies wouldwithstand the rigors of competition.be of particular interest toOverall the collectibility of cowboy boots has grown collectors. over the years because they represent a fascinating and enduring symbol of a uniquely American culture RODEO also the development of the American West. As BOOTS:such, they are prized not only for their aesthetic Boots worn byvalue but also for their historical importance. Today, famous cowboy boots remain a popular footwear for both rodeo cowboyspractical and fashionable purposes. Not only are are also highlythey still worn by ranchers and rodeo performers, collectible.but also by people who simply appreciate their These bootsunique style and history. They remain a symbol of often featurethe spirit of the frontier that is recognized as being unique designsuniquely American, no matter where you are at in the world. 32 April 2023'