Tim's Boots Posting Page

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Black Jack Cowboy Boots

Ever heard about Black Jack boots? If you haven't heard of this incredible brand, it's time you did.

These cowboy boots are some of the finest hand made footwear in the whole industry. They're one of the best value in cowboy boots around and once you experience the materials and craftsmanship in Black Jack boots, you'll wonder how you ever wore a lesser brand. Let's take a look at what makes a good pair of western boots in general to see why Black Jack is such a high quality brand.

Cowboy boots are a particular style of riding boot we all recognize. They have high heels, pointed toes, a high shaft, and no lacing. They can be made in a wide variety of quality leathers from cowhide to buffalo, snake, alligator, ostrich and many more. There are also lower quality "cowboy style" boots made in fake leathers, but they don't offer the comfort or durability that a real, hand made leather boot does.

Boots of this type come in two main styles - classic (western) and roper. Classic style boots have a tall shaft that goes to the mid calf at least, and an angled heel over an inch high. This can be called a cowboy heel.

Black Jack boots and many other types offer a walking heel on many of their boot styles, too. This is lower, but still angled, and is made for use both on and off a horse, since the higher heel can make walking more difficult. The classic design uses a pointed, narrow toe. Very pointed toes weren't part of the original cowboy boot, though. The exaggerated toe we see on some street styles today developed in the 1940s. It can look great on the right boot, but it isn't as practical for a working boot, since it makes it harder to maneuver while wearing it.

Roper style boots have a shorter boot shaft, usually between the ankle and mid calf, and they have a low, square heel with no angle. This is called the roper heel, and is usually less than an inch high. Roper boots are often made with rounded toes, but squared toe styles also exist.

Some roper boots are available in a lace-up variety as well, but this boot is practical only for street wear. It fits better around the ankle and doesn't slip off as easily. That means that it's more of a safety hazard for someone wearing this boots to ride a horse. Roper boots are a newer design, and came about in response to modern rodeo riding, where the cowboy needed to run to tie the calf - something that's harder to do in a classic cowboy boot.

Cowboy boots probably developed first in the mid to late nineteenth century, when cowboys started receiving better pay. That led them to invest in high quality leather gear that looked great and lasted a long time, but could still be carried, like saddles and boots.

You can see ads from the 1850s and 1860s that have the elements we still associate with the best cowboy boots - an underslung heel of strong construction, geometric or other design cutouts, and fine topstitching. Elaborate stitching and decorative features based on vaquero and other Spanish elements were and are still popular in fine western style boots.

Tall heels developed to keep the foot from sliding forward through the stirrup - something that could kill the rider if he were unseated. Young, unpredictable mounts and rough terrain made cowboy work challenging and dangerous. Cowboy boots developed to have a long shaft that helps them stay on with no lacing, but slide off if they get caught. That's an important safety feature for riders, and it's not a bad one for street wear, where your boot could also get caught. Tall shafts also protect the legs from brush, thorns, abrasion, and even snakes, if they're being worn in rural areas.

So why choose a high end cowboy boot maker like Black Jack boots to create your next pair? It's all about fit and customization.

With Black Jack, you'll know you're getting a great boot that will fit incredibly well, as well as being able to choose decorative style elements, heel and toe shape and type, and even the leathers used in your boot. It's all genuine, high quality leather, too. You'll have the option of wearing alligator, ostrich, caiman, and many other exotic hides when you choose Black Jack Boots.

If you're in the market for a high quality, great looking pair of western boots, Black Jack is an excellent choice. They're known for great fit and customization, so you'll get the perfect pair for you. Check out some of their offerings and see what you think.

Labels: Black Jack Boots, Cowboy Boots, Cowgirl Boots

by: Tim's Boots

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