Cowboy Boots with Spurs: Purpose, Etiquette, and Best Brands
Cowboy boots with spurs are iconic symbols of the American West, but their purpose and proper use are often misunderstood. While spurs may look like fashionable accessories, they are actually functional tools designed for horseback riding. In this article, we'll explore the purpose of spurs, the etiquette surrounding their use, and the best brands and styles of cowboy boots for wearing with spurs.
Cowboy Boots With Spurs
Spurs are tools used by riders to communicate cues and commands to their horses while riding. They act as an extension of the rider's legs, allowing them to apply precise pressure to the horse's sides or belly to signal the horse to move in a certain direction or at a certain speed. Experienced riders can use spurs with finesse to give very specific cues, such as asking a horse to move into a canter, back up, side-pass, or make other maneuvers.
In ranch work, like herding cattle, spurs allow cowboys to clearly communicate with their horses so they can work together as a team. Certain events, like reining, cutting, roping, and bull riding, may also require the use of spurs to cue the horse for specific movements.
It's important to note that spurs should not actually hurt or bloody the horse when used correctly by an experienced rider. The pressure and release of the spurs is a training aid, not a tool for inflicting pain. Many recreational riders do not need spurs, as they can communicate with their horses through other aids like leg pressure and rein cues.
Spur Etiquette
Despite their practical purpose, wearing cowboy boots with spurs casually is generally frowned upon within cowboy culture. The consensus from experienced cowboys and ranchers is that wearing spurs casually, especially with clean or pristine boots, is considered inappropriate and will likely draw ridicule.
Spurs are viewed as functional equipment, and wearing them without an actual need for riding horses is seen as posturing or trying too hard to appear like a cowboy. Experienced ranch hands typically remove their spurs after riding and do not wear them while walking around town or running errands.
On working ranches, spurs are seldom worn except when necessary for breaking problem horses or certain rodeo events. Alternatives like boot harnesses or chains can provide a stylish look for casual wear without the functional implications of actual spurs.
Best Brands and Styles of Cowboy Boots With Spurs
When it comes to cowboy boots suitable for wearing with spurs, not all boots are created equal. Boots need to have a specific design feature called a "spur ledge" or protruding lip on the heel to properly secure the spur straps and heel band.
Some of the best brands known for quality spur-compatible cowboy boots include:
Anderson Bean - Known for ranch/riding boots with good spur ledges, especially their High Plains (HP) line.
Olathe - Highlighted for pronounced spur shelves, particularly on their buckaroo/riding styles.
Justin Boots - Certain ranch/rider models feature proper spur ledges for ranch work.
Tony Lama - Some riding boot styles have spur rests/ledges designed into the heels.
Double H, Fenoglio, Hondo, R. Watson - Other reputable brands that tend to have good spur ledges on riding boots.
In terms of styles, tall shaft cowboy boots with riding heels are generally preferred for spur-wearing over shorter roper or walker styles. Boots explicitly marketed as "ranch" or "rider" styles, as well as traditional Western styles like buckaroo boots, are more likely to incorporate proper spur ledge designs.
When shopping for spur-compatible boots, look for product descriptions noting a "spur ledge", "spur shelf", or "riding heel" to ensure they are designed to accommodate spurs properly. Trying them on in-person is advised for the best fit.
Conclusion
While cowboy boots with spurs are undeniably iconic, it's crucial to understand their intended purpose and the etiquette surrounding their use. Spurs are tools for horseback riding, not fashion accessories, and should be used with care and respect for the horse.
For those who do need spurs for riding or ranch work, investing in quality boots with proper spur ledges from reputable brands is essential. By understanding the purpose and practicalities of spurs, riders can communicate effectively with their horses while maintaining the authentic spirit of cowboy culture.
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.