In 1870 a hapless cowboy took his army boots into a cobbler somewhere in Texas, or Arizona. All he wanted was something that would be more functional for long cattle drives, not a bunch of cowboy boot accessories and must-haves. However, if that cowboy came back from the grave today, he would most assuredly find that his girlfriend needed boot earrings and a cowboy boot kilty, and that he, as well, was in need of many other items that he never dreamed of in his past life. Today there are cowboy boots that light up, boots with four-foot long toes, and boots made from every species of animal imaginable. If the poor fellow managed to go online he would find an endless amount of gimmicks and accessories for the boots that he once just wanted adjusted to fit his life in the saddle. Here are a few of the items that may have boggled his mind, had he returned.

Cowboy Boot Bag

A boot bag, is, of course, a bag to carry your boots in. It would seem an extravagance, since most cowboys wear their boots, instead of carrying them, but if you do need to pack a set of boots, there are more than a few choices bags available. Sheppler’s makes an attractive black nylon carrying bag for boots, and it costs about 24.00 dollars. The Texas Crazy Western shop carries a tooled leather boot suitcase that almost looks like a pair of boots with a pair of boots inside. These retail for around 154.00 dollars. However, if you would like a simple tote, Simply Home has handsome boot totes, as well.

Cowboy Boot Stretchers

Shoe and Foot Care have a website that offers a maple wood stretcher that fits down into the toes of a boot. It is attached to a long, jointed handle that rises up through the boot shaft so that you are able to easily work the stretcher from above the boot shaft. This stretcher costs about 59.00 dollars. At the higher end of the scale, as far as price goes, is a Mallory combo boot stretcher. Although the price tag is in the 260.00 dollar range, it is made from heavy-duty cast aluminum. It is able to stretch the shaft out for people with wide calfs, while it stretches the vamp at the same time. Mallory recommends that you add a bottle of liquid shoe stretch for even better results.

Cowboy Boot Size Chart

Getting custom-fitted boots requires a little work on your part, as well as that of the boot maker.  The best way to get the best fit is to set your foot down on a manilla folder, and have somebody carefully trace its outline with a pencil. Make sure to do this near the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen from the day’s activities. Do not forget to measure both feet, because both of your feet are a different size than the other. You will want to measure these tracings at the appropriate spots for the boot maker. Since boot sizes are often different from tennis shoe sizes be sure to find a boot size chart online. A good one can be found at: http://www.timsboots.com. The page will show you every step you need to get the most accurate measurement of your foot, possible.

Socks For Cowboy Boots

Most people who buy boots for the first time assume that any pair of socks will be fine.  However, a good pair of boot socks is important to have underneath the boots.  The reason is that boot socks are made with the fit of a boot in mind, and they come up past your calves, as well.  Nothing is more irritating  than walking around in a pair of boots with the shaft rubbing against your bare leg.  A nice designer pair is made by Ozone Design, and they are black, with turquoise and red trim.  They sell for just around 36.00 dollars.  Of course, Dan Post makes an excellent boot socks that comes in packs of two, for just 15.00 dollars.  They are white, eighty-percent cotton, and the material contains temperature regulating and anti-bacterial properties.  They also stay high up on the calf without cutting off circulation.

Cowboy Boot Straps

Not too much is heard about these leather straps that are both decorative, and useful in their purpose. A boot strap goes around the ankle of the boot to hold a spur in place, or to keep your pant leg from sliding up while you are riding a horse. Mr. Tips sells pairs of them for 30.00 dollars each, and they are subtle, yet very decorative. These straps are made with brown leather and have four antique gold Texas stars on them, and come with an antique gold buckle and chain. They also make a very nice black leather strap with three large Texas stars in nickle, with a nickle buckle and chain, as well.

Cowboy Boot Chain

Once you put a strap with some chains on your boots, you will not know how you were ever able to stand looking at them without those two accessories. For men, a leather strap over the boot vamp with a chain running under the heel is pure cowboy style. Women often like to dress up their boots with layers of chains around the boot, like necklaces, draped around the front of the shaft. Beso has a large variety of high quality boot chains you can go online to find.

It is a sure bet that the original cowboy who took his boots into that cobbler back in 1870 was very pleased with the results when he got his boots back. He must have smiled when he saw the high heel for digging into the mud, the narrow toe for getting into the stirrups easier, the higher shaft for protection from snakes and cactus, and the loose shaft he could kick out of if he was ever hung up in the stirrups. What is uncertain, is if he took the boots, smiled at the cobbler, and then asked to take a look at the straps, chains, stretchers and bags that were available, as well.