What constitutes a good pair of boots? In my opinion, the best boots are the ones that look like they should have been thrown away a long time ago but I still keep on wearing them. They are worn, distressed, but still hold up to the everyday chores on the farm.

I can't give them up; they are like wearing a leather glove except on my foot instead of my hand and a good fitting glove is hard to find. If the sole ever breaks down then I just take them in and get them re-soled again.

My love of cowboy boots started when I attended my first horse auction at the age of 17. Everyone was wearing western boots and I fell in love with them! I had my preference of toe style but the western flair on the shaft of the boot was what appealed to me most. I just had to get me some. Little did I know there is alot more than just the style and looks that made a good fitting, easy wearing western cowboy boots.

Western Cowboy boots usually fall into two style categories, traditional and fashion boots. The traditional boot are made for functunality and also are stylish and have remained in style for decades.Fashion boots reflect a more urban or contemporary style and the look changes depending on the latest fashions.

When purchasing cowboy boots there are six things to consider:

• Style--Contemporary or Traditional
  
• Material--A variety of choices available. Leather all the way for me!
• Color--Again you name the color and I am sure you can find something in your liking.
• Heel height and style--Low or tall, riding heel, or walking; the choice is up to you.
• Shank style--Or shaft as I called it earlier. They come in a different lengths so determining how tall or short along with the variety of stitching designs.
• Toe style--Boxed or square toed, pointy, or rounded; the choice is dependent upon the preference of the person.
  

When you visit a western store looking for your cowboy boots, the first thing you notice is the many manufacturer of boots. Some of the manufacturers are:

• Dan Post
• Laredo
• Ariat
• Justin
• Lucchese
• Frye
• Tony Lama
• Nocona
• Acme

These are just a few of the suppliers you will find in a retail store. If you so choose, you can have custom made boots fitted especially for your foot. At the time I was purchasing this was not even a thought for me. Today, I would like to have a custom-made pair of boots. Traditional style cowboy boots never go out of style and will last forever if taken care of properly.

So what did I buy? My first pair of cowboy boots was a leather pair of Noconas. I loved the buckskin color and the stitching on the shaft. At the time the fit didn't matter as much to me, it was all about the color and style.

Today I am a Justin and an Ariat fan. My all purpose boots are Black Ariats. They seem to wishstand any treatment I put them through and they were inexpensive when it comes to cowboy boots.

On the otherhand, my Justin's were bought due to the fashion stye. The square-toed, two-tone leather boot appealed very much to me, no matter what the price tag. Due to the cost, I limit my useage only to social gatherings, not for anything to do with work.

There is a wide variance in pricing of western cowboy boots. What makes the difference in a $125 pair of boots compared to a $250? Usually the brand has alot to do with the cost. Just like in designer clothing, the brand determines the cost even though it may be made from the same type of material.

If you are considering purchasing cowboy boots in the near future, look at some of the reputable brands that have been around for many years. A little research on the internet will tell you who are some of the famous brands who have maintained quality over the years. If you purchase from a retail store, ask the clerk about the manufacturer and what makes the difference.

Some of the best deals I have bought in western boots have been at auctions on Ebay. The down-side to purchasing in this manner has been the sizing and fit of the boot. The upside is that I got them at such a good price I feel comfortable wearing them on the farm with no qualms about ruining them.

I have also purchased cowboy boots at yard sales. In this fashion you are able to try them on at that time and as you can imagine, the cost is very little. Again the upside is you have very little cost invested so they can have multiple uses.

When it comes to cowboy boots, do your homework before purchasing. You will be better pleased with your purchase if they feel good when wearing, look good on your feet, and were in the price you expected to pay.