Firecracker's Blog

Cowboy boots

February 11, 2025

As I mentioned in my comments on Angie's blog post today, I have a pair of cowboy boots that I've wanted to return to wearing lately, but I've found they are no longer comfortable. As in, they actively hurt, specifically my ankles. I recall that being a concern in the past, but I think I got over it by wearing Superfeet inserts. Now, even with the inserts, I cannot wear these boots. I tried again today, when I went . . . shopping for new cowboy boots!
My old boots are 14 or 15 years old. I wore them quite a lot during a few years when I was wearing bootcut jeans and pants. Then I wore them a bit with skinnies. And I haven't worn them for several years.
Today I went to a store where I could try some on in person, and I'm glad I did. Some of the styles I saw online and liked just didn't work for me. I came home with two pairs by Ariat. I can return one (or both), as long as I don't wear them outside.

The first pair in Finds are my old ones. Very pretty, but I did find them a bit limited, with the colors. (Like, I'd want to have some blue or red in my outfit, or at least not clash.)
I brought home the Heritage Round Toe, which has pretty, yet subtle stitching on it, and the Round Up Ryder, which has a black foot and silver shaft. Very different styles.

I haven't yet tried them on with outfits at home, but here are
photos from in the store. I like both, and am interested to hear what
you all think. I would wear them with straight leg jeans like the ones I'm wearing below, or wide-leg jeans, or dresses. Maybe dress pants.

Photos 1-4: Ariat Heritage Round-Toe (with my old boot on the other foot)
Photos 5-8: Ariat Round Up Ryder
Photo 6: closeup of the stitching on the Heritage

What are your thoughts?

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Posted in the Shopping category
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48 Comments

  • Lisa replied 1 month ago

    I love cowboy boots. :)

    These are two delightful options and it’s tough to pick a favorite. For myself I find the square toe is more comfortable for all day walking compared to an almond or snipped toe. My square toe Boulets have been worn more than double the number of times my snipped toe Macie Beans (I’ll put both in the finds). 


    I’ve also found the higher shaft of the Macie Beans harder to wear under jeans (even with bootcut and flare jeans) because they are so tall. The tall shaft does look great with skinny jeans tucked inside the boot though and if I was a dress gal the taller shaft would go well with a dress too.

    While I really like the toe shape and the extra dash of fun the two toned Ryder boot brings, the shaft in that boot looks taller to my eye and I see more of the boot around your calf with the jeans pulled over them. Especially if you won’t wear them with a bootcut or flare jean which is my preferred way to wear my cowboy boots. Of course if you pair these two toned boots with skinny jeans it will be a showstopper, they are gorgeous boots.


    I can see both boots working well with your wardrobe but I think the heritage round toe boot looks better under straight leg jeans because it has a shorter shaft. As long as the more almond toe shape is comfortable for you. And of course an all black boot will be very versatile. 

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Oh, Lisa, thanks for chiming in. Your observations are very helpful!

  • Star replied 1 month ago

    I prefer the heritage.  Not a fan of the silver, looks costume-y and I much prefer the overall shape of the other, looks more authentic.  Please keep in mind I know very little about cowboy boots and this is all based on what I like asthetically.

  • Dee replied 1 month ago

    Lisa has offered a lot of excellent tips on comfort and the practicality of this style of boots. I haven’t owned a pair in decades but the shorter black ones seem the most versatile and practical with what you're most likely to wear most often.

  • kkards replied 1 month ago

    Commenting before reading the other comments. 

    So, I love love love the sliver pair, BUT, I worry that the silver makes them a statement boot and not an everyday, reach for often boot. 
    So I’d recommend the all black pair, which are fab, I love the toe box and the heel, and the subtle texture on the shaft. 

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Thanks for your thoughts, Star, Dee, and kkards. 
    I will do some try-ons this week, but I'm thinking along the same lines, that the silver ones are such a statement that I wouldn't wear them much.

  • RobinF replied 1 month ago

    Wow, two fabulous choices! How fun!

    I love the all black, as far as versatility and ease of wearing. But the silver ones are really fun and I love that toe shape. I guess it depends on whether you want some that you can throw on with almost anything or if you want statement boots. 

  • Helena replied 1 month ago

    I really love the black ones (of course!) ... I think they would also stand the test of time and versatility much better. But if it's a statement look you want, then the silver would do it for sure! Can't wait to see what you choose.

  • Janet replied 1 month ago

    I have a few pairs of cowboy boots — the oldest is probably 16 years old! I’ve found that when it comes to the shaft height, shorter ones can be awkward on my legs, and I end up only wearing them under bootcuts. But I do have proportionally long legs for my height, and so-called knee-high boots never reach my knees.

    Those are fun! My suggestion would be to try them with outfits and assess the comfort not only of the foot but also where the shaft hits on the calf and shin. They can be stiff and rub. And of course there is the aesthetic question too. These days I’m into less hardware and metal embellishment on my footwear but that kind of preference is always in flux. But it remains that the more detail there is in something like this, the less versatile I find it. Sometimes that’s ok! Just depends on whether you’re after a statement or a supporting act.

  • Angie replied 1 month ago

    Sorry your gorgeous boots are unwearable, Sharon. URGH!! :( 

    Your hair is growing beautifully! WOW. 

    Are you in Seattle buying cowboy boots? If so - where? At Gold Dogs in Ballard? 

    Excellent advice from Lisa and Janet. 

    You rock both pairs! 

    The simple black pair are more versatile. Easy! The black and silver pair are more interesting and statement-making. I love the way the silver picks up your silver hair :)

    Take them both home and create outfits with them. The winner will present itself!

  • Bonnie replied 1 month ago

    Both boots are great. Like Angie's suggestion to make outfits with them before you decide.

  • Roberta replied 1 month ago

    My first thought was - I want to be in that store!! Too see all those boots is like being in Nashville again, so satisfying. 

    I really love the silver ones. Personally, I don't think they are any more of a statement than the embroidered, colorful boots. I love a metallic shoe and think they go with everything. The black ones are a little bland. My two cents. :-)

  • kinnick replied 1 month ago

    I always go with the more conservative (all black boot) look but seeing the silver boot on you makes me want to up my game.   They look fantastic especially with the pant tucked in (I have moved on to slimmer leg pants).  The toe seems more modern and comfortable than the solid black boot.   If you wear a lot of neutrals then you would get a lot of use out of the silver boot.   Also, Great with skirts and dresses. 

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Lots of great thoughts! Thanks, all, for bringing up these great points. Angie, I haven't gone to Gold Dogs, yet. I saw one or two pairs in my size there online that I might want to try. I think they're all second-hand (?), so unique but not a lot of choices. I went to Boot Barn in Tukwila, for maximum selection and try-on opportunities. My old ones came from a store in Greenwood that is no longer there. A friend and I stopped in there together and each got a pair of super fun boots.
    Roberta, like you I almost thought the black ones were too sedate, but I can picture them going with a lot of things and being more like an additional style in my black boot capsule. And I do think the silver ones are no more of a statement than my current ones with the colored inlays. (Which I found a bit limiting, as to what I'd wear them with. But pretty! A statement.)
    Janet, comfort is key, isn't it, both on the shaft and in the foot. The issue with my old ones is that shaft, which bangs my ankles when I walk. Owee!
    On the old boots, I'm thinking that I need to try one more thing: thick-cuff crew socks. That might be what I wore with them back in the day!

  • SarahD8 replied 1 month ago

    Oh wow I love them both on you! Hard to pick a favorite.

    You are getting good advice about practicality. The one thing that I will add is that I think you wear statement items very well, and statement-y, even avant-garde items seem to have impressive longevity in your wardrobe. So the two-tone boots could well be a good bet in the long run.

    Can't wait to hear what comes of your outfit making!

  • JAileen replied 1 month ago

    Go with whichever is the most comfortable.  Personally, I prefer pointy or almond toes, and one color from top to bottom.  

  • Sal replied 1 month ago

    I lean to the Heritage Round Toe, but go with your heart and what is most comfortable.

    I think cowboy boots will last a long time, but not get worn every week.  What would you be happy to wear for the occasions where they get pulled out?  I know I sometimes make the mistake of thinking a piece has to go with everything - you have other boots and shoes - so they don't have to be super versatile.

  • Jaime replied 1 month ago

    Without reading the comments (yet) I will say I have a thing for the traditional pointed toe shape of cowboy boots. (Although the black pair is called round toe it looks pointed to me.) I am also wondering how you will wear them - will the silver part show if you choose those (apart from with dresses)? But ultimately comfort is the most important factor. I guess I would give them a test with a lot of typical outfit. Sorry for the waffle!

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    SarahD8, thank you for those insights. After try-ons, which I'll share here, I did find I kind of love the statement boots, more than I thought I might, with several things in my wardrobe.
    JAileen, Sal, and Jaime, that traditional pointy-toe cowboy boot style is what I was looking for, too. The square-toed silver pair just kind of snuck up and surprised me.

    I have a ton of try-ons to share with you all! So here goes: feast your eyes on the pics. Maybe you'll get some ideas of how to style (or not to style!!) your own cowboy boots if you are jumping into, or back into, this trend with me!

    SPOILER: What I take away from these try-ons is that I think I want a different pair of boots than either of these. I want a traditional pointy snip-toe like my old boots. Because what I'm after with cowboy boots is attitude. I think that's why the silver pair appeal to me a lot, but they feel not quite sophisticated enough for what I want. So I'd like to find a pair with the shaft height and fit of the Heritage, some traditional western detailing, which I love, but not a huge statement. The attitude is the statement, and it's the kind of statement I like: a little understated.

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  • Jenni NZ replied 1 month ago

    Well, I hate to say it but I like your old boots best and don’t think either of these is right. Of them I prefer the black ones in all your outfits. That’s partly that I am not a fan of square toes and much prefer pointy or at least almond toes just for aesthetics.
    Hope the sock trick might work on the old ones?
    In the pics the silver shaft ones often seem to fight with your clothes, I only like them with the amazing jacket in pics
    12-15 because of the silver or grey on that. But I might just be thinking of my own preferences too much?
    I would have happily tried to wear your old boots or the new black ones.

  • Rock replied 1 month ago

    The round toe Ryders are simply fantastic and I would have a hard time not choosing them.  Sometimes I just like statement pieces and cowboy boots are a bit of a statement anyway.  Eschewing practicality in fashion gives me great pleasure because in so many ways the rest of my life is pretty practical.  If you can create outfits with them that look and feel good to your eye, I would say go for the silver.  Plus, I love the tall shaft.

  • Star replied 1 month ago

    I like the two tone ones more now that I see them with your outfits but I still prefer the Heritage. I totally get your comment about wanting attitude and that it does not necessarily come from a loud statement piece.

  • Dee replied 1 month ago

    Interesting seeing these 2 boots with all your stylings at home, it sounds like the search continues to find those specific elements that will work best for you. No need to settle.

  • Janet replied 1 month ago

    I have a personal preference for a more pointed toe in these styles -- I think they read a bit more refined. I kinda want to see something that takes the best qualities of both of these boots... sort of like these:

    https://www.thefryecompany.com.....1&

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  • Cookie replied 1 month ago

    Your old boots are spectacular! I also like the black ones a lot in both theory and practice. I’m really not feeling the silver ones. Both the color and shape look a bit strange to me.

  • Angie replied 1 month ago

    WOW!!! :) 

    I may have fainted after looking at the outfits...

    Sharan, you've styled both pairs of boots ABSOLUTELY AWESOMELY with your KILLER wardrobe!!! Impressive!!! I can't choose between them.

    That said, you aren't entirely happy with either pair, so back they go. As Dee said - no need to settle. 

    Janet might be bang on the money with her suggestion: 

    https://www.thefryecompany.com.....7954661567

  • Suntiger replied 1 month ago

    I like the first pair more, cause the shape is more classic and they'll go with everything.

  • kinnick replied 1 month ago

    Have you ever looked at Buttero boots?   Buttero has been making Italian cowboy boots for a long time.   Right now they don’t have a huge selection on-line but it is worth checking out.  There is probably a store in Seattle that carries them.  

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Jenni, glad to hear from the shoemaker's elf herself! And an astute assessment. I was thinking similarly--neither pair is quite the one for me at the moment.
    Rock, the Ryders are fun, aren't they?
    Star, thank you. Quiet statement--yes, that's it.
    Dee, thanks. I gotta stay strong!
    Janet, those are such a pretty color. Right up my alley.
    Thanks for your thoughts, Cookie and Suntiger.
    Angie, thanks for the outfit love. I hope you are recovering from your fainting spell--hahaha!
    kinnick, I looked up Buttero. those are some gorgeous boots. Wow. I haven't come across them in person here.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    I went to the second-hand store Angie mentioned, Gold Dogs, today, and I found my boots! Pointy toe--not snip-toe, but definitely a point, and attitude ;). Subtle white stitching on black. They will make the quiet statement (thanks, Star) that I'm looking for. I'm psyched to find them second-hand and at a local shop.

    Here they are, with what I'm wearing today. Black on black is hard to see, I know. I lightened the photos as much as I could.

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  • Dee replied 1 month ago

    Yay!! They look great, meant to be yours.

  • Angie replied 1 month ago

    Wooohooo! YAY!!! Meant to be, Sharan.

    KILLER PERFECT!! And what a gorgeous fit on the calf :) Awesomely styled by fab you, of course :)

    Super comfy, I hope too.

  • Sal replied 1 month ago

    How serendipitous!!  These are just perfect.

  • Bonnie replied 1 month ago

    I liked the silver boots with the pants and jackets and the black boots with your dresses but the new ones you found are even better and work with both dresses and pants. 

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Thanks, everyone! Angie, yes they are comfy. I wore them this evening to walk to piano class. (Not too far, but enough to tell.)

  • Jenni NZ replied 1 month ago

    Ohhh! Way better! Elvish approval 100% xx

  • Star replied 1 month ago

    Lottts of attitude. Fabulous!

  • JAileen replied 1 month ago

    Nice!!

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Haha, Jenni! Thanks, everyone!
    Another thanks to Lisa, for helping me home in on right shaft height. Lisa your boots are so gorgeous and suit you so well.

  • Kyle replied 1 month ago

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE your boots with attitude, and I love the way you honed in on that essential quality missing in the first two pairs. It’s a process sometimes, isn’t it? Can’t wait to see the outfits you create with these beautiful and sassy new boots.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Thanks, Kyle. Yes, it's a process! It really helps me to get feedback here, and get a sense of what other people are seeing, or what they think about when making similar decisions.

  • Lisa replied 1 month ago

    The new boots are PERFECT! Shaft height is spot on! And so is the stitching, lovely detailing when viewed up close. And how fun that you were able to get them second hand too, no break in period required. :)

    I'm glad the advice was helpful, enjoy your new boots!

  • slim cat replied 1 month ago

    So many fabulous outfits with stunning  boots ( you have a fun collection in your closet )! Happy you've found the perfect pair -  total success!

  • Cookie replied 1 month ago

    These are fantastic! Hooray!!

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Aw, thank you, Lisa. [Doing a happy two-step! haha!]
    Thanks slim cat and Cookie!

  • Suz replied 1 month ago

    I am super late to comment here but I am so glad you went with the final pair! I like the toe shape better for sure - much more swagger! 

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 month ago

    Thanks, Suz! I appreciate your comment!

  • Carol replied 1 month ago

    What I really enjoy about cowboy boots is their ability to take a lot of decoration. So I prefer the second pair, which is silver on the top half. Yes, a fully black pair is versatile, but you look like you could pull off the loudness of the second, even just for daily wear. So I would get the second. 

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Welcome to my style blog. Dressing is something all of us do each day, but for me it is also a hobby. I like to find new ways to wear the clothes I have, make new clothes to add to my wardrobe (yes, sewing is another hobby!), shop for clothes, read and discuss fashion. Following You Look Fab has fueled my interest in taking outfit pictures to see where I've been and to get different perspectives on style. Thanks for joining me. I always appreciate hearing your thoughts.