Seasoned cowpokes and first-time rodeo stars, listen up: You’ve probably heard your fair share of practical cowpoke advice on avoiding hangovers, but what about avoiding blisters? Whether it’s a late night of two steppin’ in the Wildhorse Saloon or that bedraggled walk home in the wee hours of the morning, we’re giving you the lowdown on keeping your hushpuppies in good condition.
According to our friends at Alberta Boot Company, flash isn’t everything. The most important thing to consider when buying a pair of cowboy boots is fitting the widest part of your foot, especially when looking at a traditional western boot.
Here are the golden rules of finding cowboy boots that fit:
1. The ball of your foot should sit in the widest part of the boot – if it’s even slightly ahead or behind, then the length of the boot isn’t right.
2. The boot should feel comfortably snug across the top of your foot.
3. Your heel should slip up in the back about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch the first time you walk in them and if you don’t feel the slip, don’t buy them — you’ll end up with blisters!
4. It might seem simple and too good to be true, but with the correct placement your arch will be fully supported by the steel shank within the boot providing additional support and comfort.
5. Don’t be afraid of a stiff boot. Once you start to wear them the steel sole will flex, the little lift will disappear and the leather will gradually give, shaping to your foot to custom perfection.
Quality goes a long way. That’s why Alberta Boot Company uses genuine leathers on the in and outsole, nails and durable threading. As the saying goes, “You get what you pay for,” so beware cheap cowboy boots that use man made materials and cardboard on the interiors. So, if you want to join the cowboy club and break it down with some “boot, scoot ‘n’ boogie,” get ready to break those babies in because once you do, you may never go back.
50 50 Ave. SE, albertaboot.com
By Caitie Lawrence
