Cowboy boots have finally arrived in the mainstream - and are more suitable for everyday wear than you might think
18.8.2023
Translation: machine translated
From the dusty prairie of the Wild West to the glittering streets of the fashion capitals: Why cowboy boots are the most exciting shoe trend of the year.
The last time cowboy boots were on my wish list, I was six years younger and regularly sat in a western saddle. I thought the boots were mainly cool in combination with my grooming horse. I now think the iconic boots are a smart fashion decision, even away from stirrups and straw - and I'm not alone in this.
The boots were originally designed in the 19th century for ranch work in the Wild West. In the middle of the 20th century, western films and their stylised depiction of this pioneering era experienced a heyday. The saga of the charismatic cowboy became an integral part of pop culture and the pointed-toe boots with the slanted heel and contrasting stitching found their way into the fashion world. The modern interpretations are hardly suitable as work boots - but they are certainly a stylish it-piece.
240 per cent more new models
According to industry publication "The Business of Fashion", retailers in the US and the UK launched 240 per cent more new cowboy boot models last spring than in the same period the previous year. Meanwhile, searches for "cowboy boots" on Google have been rising steadily since 2021. The hype is also noticeable on social media. On Tiktok, for example, the western aesthetic and characteristic footwear are trending. The hashtag #coastalcowgirl is currently galloping past the 170 million views mark.
Source: Spotlight
Source: Spotlight
A look at the fashion shows for the current and upcoming seasons illustrates the relevance of cowboy boots in both men's and women's fashion. Big names such as Prada, Dior, Balmain and Celine are just a few of the leading brands that play with the prairie charm in their collections.
The fact that the fashion world is utilising stylistic elements from the Wild West is nothing new. Cowboy boots have had a loyal fan base for decades and haven't just recently started marching down the catwalks. They have been more or less popular in recent decades. However, they have never been able to completely shed their kitschy costume character. This could now change during their latest fashion renaissance.
From boho to business
It seems that cowboy boots are making their way from the niche to the mainstream. The iconic boots have mastered their role as an everyday shoe better than you might think. Despite their unmistakable look, they can be worn in a surprisingly versatile way - be it boho chic with a floral dress or even as a stylish addition to a formal suit. The choice of shoe is also crucial.
Source: Instagram @morganerenaudi
Source: Instagram @anais.closet
As the number of new models has risen sharply, a wide variety of preferences are now catered for. For example, cowboy boots are no longer only available in the classic knee-high version, but also as overknees or ankle boots - or not even as boots at all. Brands such as Dries van Noten or Ganni, for example, even offer cowboy mules.
Source: Spotlight
Source: Spotlight
Cowboy boots and minimalism? That fits!
Two- or multi-coloured boots with eye-catching ornaments or colourful versions with embroidery just scream "Yeehaw". Perfect if you like it flashy and want to experiment with the rodeo aesthetic. They also go particularly well with flashy noughties looks.
Fans of minimalism, on the other hand, will find what they're looking for in plain-coloured models without embellishments. These are only reminiscent of cowboy boots in terms of shape and are particularly elegant in suede and muted colours. Ankle-high in smooth black leather, they also look great under a suit.
Source: Instagram @georgiasoffe
Source: Instagram @alisontoby
Whether you opt for a playful or understated pair: Cowboy boots breathe the coolness of fast-paced gunfights and dimly lit saloons into your look. They are exciting because they are far more than just ordinary footwear: a myth that combines history, pop culture and fashion.
Got a taste for them? Here are 7 suggestions from the range:
Cover photo: Instagram @chlosertoyou
Has endless love for shoulder pads, Stratocasters and sashimi, but a limited tolerance for bad impressions of her Eastern Swiss dialect.
Fashion
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