It used to be that the only famous people wearing cowboy boots were cowboys, themselves: Billy the Kid, Jesse James, and John Wesley Harding, to name a few. You might argue that these were outlaws, and not cowboys. However, even outlaws had to drive their stolen cattle somewhere in order to be paid, which meant that after they stole them, they had to work as cowboys. Famous lawmen and noted scoundrels wore boots, as well. Ironically, when Pat Garret shot Billy the Kid, Billy was only wearing his socks, and when Robert Ford shot Jesse James, Ford was in boots, but James was in shoes. It did not take long for boots to become a fashion statement, as important a statement to the celebrities wearing them, as they were a necessary part of the cowboys’ kit. No singer in his right mind would take the stage at The Grand Ole Opry without a pair of boots on, even though he was not a cowboy. In fact, even fashion designer Paris Hilton cowboy boots can be bought these days. Also, Nicole Richie cowboy boots can be found in her House of Harlow 1960 line of shoes. Here are a few of today’s celebrities who have traded in yesterday’s Uggs for a set of boots.

Taylor Swift in Cowboy Boots

There was a boot making company in Toronto flying under the radar, but no longer. When Taylor Swift appeared in one of her videos sporting her own boots from Liberty Boot Company, everybody wanted to know more about the boots. The pair that Taylor wore cost around 700.00 dollars, and were from Liberty’s Love and Peace collection. They are hand tooled and custom-made, as are all Liberty boots. Once you go to the Liberty Boot Company’s website, you will find that Taylor’s style goes well beyond the recording studio and stage, and if, indeed, style is only temporary, then Taylor and these boots are class.

Jessica Simpson wearing Cowboy boots

Jessica Simpson has had the kind of career most people can only dream about. She appears on TV, in movies, and on stage performing hit songs. People are often fascinated by the life of a famous person because of the lavish lifestyle they lead. People like to imagine themselves doing the things famous people do, or wearing the same things that famous people wear. Well, Jessica Simpson likes to sport knee-high, black leather boots by Anne. These chic boots not only go well with jeans or a skirt, and have a non skid outsole, but they only cost 139.00 dollars. Go ahead, start living the dream.

Miley Cyrus in Cowboy Boots

After her Party in the US video lit up the screen, the viral world was craving to know more about the boots that Miley Cyrus wore in it, which is no surprise, because these boots are remarkable. They are Frye Deborah studded tall boots, which should come as no surprise, because Miley wears Frye boots all of the time. These boots are distressed, beaten looking leather with beads and studs speckled all over the shaft, but not in any girly way, but in more of a low-down and mean way. These boots also have a cushioned leather foot bed for maximum comfort, and cost around 648.00 dollars. You may not end up in a video for a hit song, but you may get just as many looks from appreciative onlookers.

Carrie Underwood in Cowboy Boots

It is no surprise that Carrie sports boots, because this girl from America’s heartland has an all-country heart. She has remained grounded even after her astonishing rocket ride to stardom, following her 2005 American Idol victory. You will not find her wearing Gucci boots, Justin is just fine for her, thank you, and what she currently likes is Justin’s gorgeous eleven-inch woman’s western boot, with brown crackle and matted black cat. These are the kind of boots that should last as long as her singing career does, and with no sign of wear, either. It is this kind of simple, yet elegant style that has made her an American Favorite.

Reese Witherspoon in Cowboy Boots

Speaking of celebrities who are grounded in reality, they do not come any more real than Reese Witherspoon. In fact, Ojai residents never would have noticed that this star had just moved to their town and gotten married at her estate, had it not been for the myriad helicopters circling and droning over the town for twelve hours. Everything about the simple wedding soon became public knowledge, except for one thing; nobody ever found out the make of boots she donned, in favor of her Jimmy Choos, for her wedding dance. However, small town Ojai residents are just as happy with this star, as she is happy beneath the stars.

The first boot was just an old army boot that a frustrated cowboy took to a cobbler to improve on. He wanted a higher shaft for protection against cactus and snakes. He also needed a longer heel that would help him either dig in, or give him better traction going down a ravine after strays. He needed a pointed heel that helped him get into the stirrup quicker, and a wide opening at the shaft to allow him to kick out of the boot quicker when he was caught in the stirrups. He never heard of Miley Cyrus, Jessica Simpson, Reese Witherspoon, or Carrie Underwood. He probably did not know much about Billy the Kid, Jesse James, Pat Garret, or Wyatt Earp, either. He was too busy applying his trade for twenty-dollars a month. If he had met Billy the Kid he probably would not have much time for either him, or any other celebrity. However, it is a safe bet that he probably would make plenty of time for Reese Witherspoon or Carrie Underwood. It is not certain that he would appreciate the music of some of these performers. What is certain is that if he ever saw any of these famous people wearing cowboy boots he would chuck away his own in disgust, and ask them where he could find the nearest Frye’s outpost.