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Western style has had a bit of a renaissance lately. Country music, cowboy aesthetics, and cowboy boots and hats are present in more stores than ever. Quantity doesn’t always mean quality, though, and choosy cowboys look for the best. You deserve quality shoes that will last several years, but why do these expensive cowboy boots come in at such an eye-watering price?
The Tatakana Boot: $22,100
Source: Axel’s Vail Colorado
The Tatakana Boot is an incredibly expensive pair of cowboy boots because of the level of artistry put into them. Experts in the craft handmade every element of these, from the carved details to the intricate buckstitching. They feature painted scenes of the American wilderness on a chocolate-colored boot shaft, surrounded by crocodile skin on the foot in the same shade.
They’re also extremely limited edition. Axel only plans to produce 10 pairs of the Tatakana Boot, and it emphasizes that owning these is owning an exclusive piece of craftsmanship. They’re an absolutely incredible set that feels like you’re wearing art. At over $22,000, they’re out of the price range of many aspiring cowboys.
Baron: $16,995
Source: Lucchese
The Baron boots from Lucchese cost a pretty penny because the brand takes pride in bootmaking. According to the product description, the alligator leather these boots are made of undergoes a nearly 100-step tanning process. It does so to ensure durability and quality. Each piece of leather is also center-cut, which the enterprise states it specifically chooses for the texture and because they’re of a high standard.
The pair comes in three dark shades — chocolate, black cherry and black. Highly skilled leather craftspeople fully handmake them. That gets even more impressive when you notice details like the decorative edging and instep. Lucchese notes that its Baron boots are for “the most discerning clients,” and that’s apparent in the details and the price. Nearly $17,000 reflects its dedication to creating high-caliber footwear. However, casual browsers may find it difficult to rustle up that kind of cash.
The Semiquincentennial: $7,500
Source: Paul Bond Boots
The Semiquincentennial boots from Paul Bond are for a once-in-a-lifetime occasion — the 250th anniversary of the United States. Citizens of the country are understandably excited, and this business made a particularly special pair of cowboy boots to celebrate. They’re all blue leather, with a foot made from American alligator belly leather. The shaft features calfskin with a wing pattern in silver thread.
The pull tab is also alligator leather and features a hand-embroidered “250” in bright red thread. There is also a row of inlaid white stars in the top band. The Semiquincentennial boots are hand-constructed and made to order, with a perfect fit guarantee. The $7,500 price tag on these is due to both the celebration they mark and the high level of care the company puts into its products, but they’re certainly not for the casual cowboy.
Is Investing in Expensive Cowboy Boots Worth It?
Depending on how much you spend, investing in a good pair of shoes can be more than worth it. Cheaper brands can sell their products at lower prices by taking more shortcuts to reduce costs, which can lead to a poorer final result. They may then break or fall apart sooner than they should, forcing you to buy another. Feeding into that cycle both wastes your money and keeps the lower-quality items in demand. Businesses then learn they can get away with lower standards.
Alternatively, a higher price tag can mean the company put more effort into the final product by selecting higher-quality materials and processes. These may mean a shoe has stitching that holds up longer, color that resists fading or bleeding, and leather that lasts for years. Smaller enterprises may use practices that take longer but have stood the test of time rather than hastier modern manufacturing, resulting in a more resilient boot.
A brand may also utilize the higher cost to offset paying its skilled artisans a well-deserved livable wage. Because the shoes are made better, it can’t rely on repeated sales to make ends meet. However, these professionals should still earn money reflective of the time they put into making each item.
The cost can get excessive, though. Eventually, only a certain tax bracket can afford these shoes, pushing the seller further out of touch with everyday people. When the price tag creeps higher than your rent or mortgage payment, it’s probably worth it to look for something a bit less expensive.
How to Wear Cowboy Boots With Style
Crocs might still be a stylish choice depending on how you dress them up, but your expensive cowboy boots can take that up a few notches. Decorative engravings and stitching and high-quality leather can give even casual outfits a more upscale look. When you’re going for the casual cowboy, pairing them with a simple flannel, jeans and a hat keeps your boots the star of the show.
If you’re wearing cowboy boots to a more formal event, how you cuff your pants is what makes the difference. Pin roll and Japanese cuffs are great for showing off your shoes, while a simple single cuff keeps you looking tidy.
Make sure you’re matching your belts to your cowboy boots, too. Mismatching is a common fashion mistake, and it may not even be allowed as part of the dress code if you’re going somewhere especially fancy. On the other hand, matching them makes your outfit cohesive and gives off a subtle air of luxury.
It helps to maintain them, as well. These boots are most often made of leather, which is a natural material that requires upkeep to look its best and last its full lifespan. Clean it every six months with a horsehair boot brush and leather cleaner, and apply a conditioner every three months or so to keep it from cracking. Whether you buy a pair that costs a few hundred dollars or a few thousand, maintenance helps protect your investment and keeps you looking stylish.
Would You Buy These Expensive Cowboy Boots?
When you consider all that goes into them, it often pays to invest in well-made shoes. The most expensive cowboy boots, however, range from practically priced to the cost of a down payment on a house. When you style them right, a more affordable pair can make your outfit stand out without setting you back a few months’ rent.
