Western – or cowboy – boots have me in a chokehold. They magically go with any outfit, work in any season, and seem to upgrade every look I pair them with. My Durango Shyloh Black Western boots have had my back this entire season, providing me with comfort as well as edge. Here are my top three reasons to choose Western boots when putting together your next outfit.
Trendy Yet Timeless
Firstly, cowboy boots are on-trend right now. Whether or not you care about trends, I think it’s fun to play into them at least a little. Fortunately, cowboy boots, while they may be having a moment now, are also timeless. They’ve been “trending” on and off for years because they originated as functional footwear for working cowboys who spent hours on horseback. I find that my Shyloh boots can be styled with a dress, mini skirt, maxi skirt, jeans – literally any outfit that needs a bit of improvement. I have also found that if an outfit feels outdated or perhaps too polished, swapping out my footwear for western boots gives the overall vibe a cooler, more rebellious edge.
Rooted in History
The western boot was developed in the 19th century in North America, catered to the needs of American cowboys and ranchers. The tall shaft of the boot protected legs from brush and snake bites while on the ground, and from chafing while horseback riding. Narrow toes fit into stirrups, and the heel kept feet from sliding forward. They’re also easy to take on and off (no laces). Durango managed to capture all of these qualities with Shyloh, so it feels like wearing a piece of history. It’s fun to wear an accessory that you know has a cultural background. When wearing western boots, you’re inevitably going to conjure a bit of that adventurous spirit of the Wild West.
Designed for Comfort
Finally, the original cowboy boots were designed with function and comfort in mind for obvious reasons, and they were made of leather. Durango boots use full-grain leather, a material that would have been used back in the 1800s as well. They’re modernized, though, with memory foam padding and a soft mesh lining. Leather is a material that softens and molds to the wearer’s foot over time, meaning the boots will get more comfortable the more you wear them. The slight heel and roomy leg area also add to the comfort.
Shop the Shyloh – and many more western style boots – at durangoboots.com.
