Article: If worn well, cowboy boots can be a fashion statement for both men and women. Why not embrace them? Cowboy boots have a long and storied past: think cowhands, ranchers, John Wayne, and Clint Eastwood. They can be manly for men, stylish for ladies, and a great addition to a wardrobe. The height, tapered toes, and decorations make cowboy boots distinctive. They will be a focal point for your outfit. The cowboy boot's tapered toes are a fun contrast to the usual dress shoes. The added height provided by the heels will also create the illusion of being taller. Plain cowboy boots are a rarity. Most stand out with a variety of colors, leathers, and finishes, and many have added tooling or stitching. There are several basic kinds of cowboy boots out there, each with their own look. From the classic model to Ropers and Buckaroos, there is a style out there for everyone. Learn more about these and pick one that suits you and your personality. The classic boot usually has a shaft about 12 inches high and a Cuban-style heel, meaning that it is angled inward. In the old days, this design fit right into your stirrup. Ropers are designed for rodeos and have a lower shaft. The toe is also more rounded and the heel more like that of a typical work boot. The Stockman is a lot like the classic look. However, it has a shorter and wider heel. Western work boots tend to look more like the Roper, but with a larger (and sometimes steel) toe. Many will also have rubber soles for better traction. Buckaroos may be the most flashy of all. They are tall over 14 inches and often have detailed tooling or decoration on the shaft. They are made to protect the legs, and to be seen. In addition to your shoe size, the boots need to be the right width. Women's cowboy boots are typically sized in A, B and C widths, while men's cowboy boots are typically sized in B, D and EE widths. The key to wearing cowboy boots well is to have confidence. In most areas, cowboy boots are uncommon and maybe even a bit gauche. People will look. You have to wear them like you mean it and carry yourself with flair. Mind your body language when you walk: backbone up and chest held high. Your posture and demeanor will show if you're self-conscious. While you should be confident, be careful not to take things too far in the direction of campiness. The cowboy boot, used poorly, can look slightly ridiculous think the Village People or Marty McFly in Back to the Future III. Use your better judgement; the key is subtlety. Try not to incorporate more than one "Western" themed item into your outfit at once, for example, unless you're actually working on the range. If you're wearing cowboy boots, avoid spurs, cowboy hats, ponchos, and bolo ties. Boots with garish colors, too much decoration, or exotic skins like shark, skate, or snake will also draw extra attention.

What is a summary?
Embrace the boot. Know the different styles of cowboy boots. Choose the right size. Be confident. Try to avoid camp.