Cowboy boots are having something of a moment. Then again, perhaps they never really went away.
Once associated almost exclusively with ranches, rodeos and the American West, cowboy boots are now being worn by a much broader crowd. You'll find them on musicians and motorcyclists, alongside heritage workwear, at festivals and increasingly on people who simply appreciate a well-made pair of boots.
And you certainly don't need to own a horse or live in Texas to wear them.
If you're looking for cowboy boots in Kent, want to try on a pair ofAriat Western boots, or you've been searching for a cowboy boot shop near me, Natural Man stocks a growing selection of genuine Ariat Western footwear here in the UK.
Why Are Cowboy Boots So Popular Again?
Fashion goes around in circles, but the renewed interest in cowboy boots is part of something bigger.
Over the last few years there's been a noticeable return to heritage clothing, workwear, denim and clothes made with a sense of purpose. People are rediscovering garments that were originally designed to do a job rather than simply survive a season.
Cowboy boots fit naturally into that world.
They're distinctive without necessarily being flashy. They're built around a recognisable design that's been refined over generations. And, perhaps most importantly, a good pair tends to look better once it's actually been worn.
The renewed interest in Americana and Western style has certainly helped. Western shirts, denim jackets, bootcut and straight-leg jeans, trucker caps and cowboy boots have all moved well beyond traditional country and ranch wear.
Younger customers are wearing them. Musicians have never really stopped wearing them. Heritage workwear enthusiasts have embraced them. And plenty of people are discovering that cowboy boots are simply a very good alternative to another pair of trainers.
A Brief History of the Cowboy Boot
The modern cowboy boot developed during the second half of the 19th century as working footwear for cattlemen of the American West.
Its characteristic features weren't originally there for decoration.
The raised heel helped prevent the foot slipping through a stirrup. A relatively smooth sole made it easier to get the foot in and out. The tall shaft protected the lower leg, while the absence of laces meant there was less to snag while working around horses and livestock.
Over time, regional styles developed and cowboy boots became increasingly decorative. Different leathers, stitching patterns, toe shapes and shaft designs turned practical footwear into one of the most recognisable pieces of American clothing ever made.
Today's Western boots retain much of that heritage, but modern makers have considerably improved what goes on inside them.
And that's where Ariat comes in.
Ariat Cowboy Boots: Western Heritage Meets Modern Comfort
Ariat was founded in California in 1993 with a simple idea: take the traditional Western boot and introduce the sort of comfort and performance technology normally associated with athletic footwear.
That combination helped make Ariat one of the biggest names in modern Western footwear.
Ariat boots retain the unmistakable shape and character of a proper cowboy boot, but they're designed to be comfortable enough for people who spend serious amounts of time on their feet.
That's important becausecowboy boots shouldn't just look good. Buy the right pair and they're remarkably practical everyday footwear.
At Natural Man we've chosen Ariat because it sits comfortably alongside the rest of what we do:well-made clothing and footwear with genuine working roots.
Who Is Wearing Cowboy Boots in the UK?
Pretty much anyone who wants to.
The old idea that you need to dress head-to-toe Western to wear cowboy boots has largely disappeared.
There's certainly still a dedicated Western and equestrian community in Britain, but today's cowboy boot customer is just as likely to be interested in denim, motorcycles, heritage workwear, Americana or outdoor clothing.
That's one reason cowboy boots work particularly well with brands such as Filson, Iron & Resin, &SONS and heavyweight denim.
They also provide something increasingly rare in men's footwear: character.
A pair of brown leather Western boots underneath worn denim immediately looks different from trainers or conventional Chelsea boots without requiring the rest of your wardrobe to change.
How to Wear Cowboy Boots in the UK
This is where some men get nervous.
The solution is simple:
Don't dress like a cowboy. Just wear the boots.
You don't need the hat, enormous belt buckle, fringed jacket and Western shirt all at once. Unless, of course, that's exactly what you're going for.
For everyday British wear, cowboy boots work best when they're treated like any other good leather boot.
Cowboy Boots with Jeans
This is the obvious combination and still probably the best.
Straight-leg, relaxed or bootcut denim works particularly well because the hem falls naturally over the shaft of the boot.
Dark indigo denim gives a cleaner look, while faded or worn-in jeans lean more towards traditional Americana.
A small turn-up can work with some Western boots, but generally let the jeans fall over the boot rather than tucking them inside.
Cowboy Boots with Heritage Workwear
Western boots and heritage workwear share much of the same DNA.
Try them with heavyweight denim, a flannel or chambray shirt and a waxed or canvas jacket. Add a wool overshirt when the weather turns.
It's practical, understated and particularly well suited to the British climate.
Cowboy Boots with Everyday Clothes
You can simplify things even further.
Jeans. Plain T-shirt. Leather belt. Cowboy boots.
Done.
The boots provide the character, so everything else can stay relatively restrained.
And once a good leather pair begins to develop some creases, scuffs and patina, they become considerably easier to wear.
Cowboy Boots Aren't Just for Summer
If anything, cowboy boots make more sense in Britain during autumn and winter.
Leather uppers, substantial construction and their higher shaft make them well suited to cooler weather, while their origins as working footwear mean they're hardly precious.
Paired with heavyweight jeans, flannel, wool and a decent jacket, Western boots fit naturally into a British autumn wardrobe.
They also bridge that awkward gap between smart and casual rather well. They're distinctive enough for a night out but tough enough to wear during the day.
Finding the Right Cowboy Boot Fit
This is one area where buying cowboy boots differs from buying ordinary shoes.
A properly fitting Western boot should usually feel secure across the instep, while a small amount of heel movement when the boots are new is normal. As the leather begins to soften and the sole flexes, that movement generally reduces.
Toe shape also makes a difference.
Traditional pointed and snip-toe boots have a stronger Western appearance, while rounder and square-toe designs can feel easier to introduce into an everyday wardrobe.
Which brings us to one considerable advantage of buying cowboy boots from an actual shop.
Where Can I Try On Cowboy Boots in Kent?
If you've been searching for “cowboy boots near me”,“cowboy boots Kent” or “where to buy cowboy boots in Kent”, sometimes the internet isn't the whole answer.
Come and put a pair on.
Natural Man is an Ariat stockist in Kent, carrying a selection of men's Ariat cowboy boots and Western footwear that you can actually see, handle and try before buying.
That matters with Western boots.
We can help with sizing, explain how a cowboy boot should fit and let you compare different styles rather than ordering several pairs online and hoping one works.
And if you're putting together more than just the boots, you'll find plenty of denim, shirts, belts, jackets and heritage clothing to go with them.
Cowboy Boots in Kent – Without the Horse
You don't need a ranch.
You don't need cattle.
And we're not going to insist that you buy a Stetson.
Although we do happen to sell those too.
What you do need is a good pair of boots and the confidence to wear them.
Whether you've been wearing Western boots for years or you're considering your first pair, Ariat cowboy boots offer a particularly easy way into the style: genuine Western heritage, modern comfort and boots designed to be worn rather than admired from the box.
If you're looking for men's cowboy boots in Kent, Ariat boots in Kent or a Western boot shop in the South East, come and see us at Natural Man.
Try some on.
You may be surprised just how normal they feel.
