12/10/07 Cowboy boot trends

Christmas is always a good excuse for a new pair of cowboy boots. I'm Jeff Keane and I'll be back after the break with boot trends. When it comes to picking out a good pair of cowboy boots I'm all about comfort and durability so I'll let my co-host Susan Allen update us on the latest cowboy boot fashion. With the emphasis on "retro" styling and its fun to look back on how the cowboy boot came into existence. In 1875 a Colorado wrangler stopped at the Charles Hyler Shoe Shop in Kansas and ordered boots more suitable for ranch work than his civil war cavalry issues. He designed a pair with scalloped tops for easy pull on, slanted heels to hold a spur and a pointed toe to slip into the stirrup. Our boots today still resemble that first pair only the fancy stitching is now for looks, back then it was to keep layers of leather from shifting. The new "in" cowboy boot features a square toe, with a double welt sole, (Obviously the designers don't live in mucky country where that white stitched ledge becomes a manure collector.) Barrel racers, are our fashionistas in the horse industry so we can expect that the current home decorating rage using animal skins like zebra, and leopard will show up on their boots and bridles at the Finals in Vegas. Susan, thanks for the fashion update but Santa can continue to bring me my cattleman style boot that is comfortable for ground work and is good in the stirrup. I'm Jeff Keane.