Some people look at a person’s smile or their eyes. Yes, a good start to exploring a new friendship! But check out their shoes. Much can be said about a person by the state of their shoes. If you have been to European countries you might notice that. Smart looking footwear that shine. Look at the footwear you possess, do you polish your shoes, wash your sneakers and canvas or just buy new? When it comes to cowboy boots, there are the boots you work in and those that are your “go-to-town” boots.
The cowboy boot is one built on style and functionality. Whether the low heal, soft sole, round toe, square toe, fashion boot or working boot, this is all apart of desirability and personal flair. Through the Bata Shoe Museum you can learn more about the cowboy boot and shoe fashion in general. The 3,665-square-metre (39,450 sq ft) museum building is located at 327 Bloor St W, Toronto.
The Rough and Ready Exhibit, on until October of 2026 explores the history of the cowboy boot with names like Lucchese Bootmaker, Orville Peck, Autry Museum of the American West, the Glenbow Museum and others.
(Bata Shoes has a fascinating history and once owned 300 stores in North America. In 1964, Bata move their headquarters to Toronto. The current museum’s permanent collection as of 2018 includes over 13,000 shoes, and other footwear related items dating back 4,500 years.)
Above: Old school Lucchese boots that I picked up during a boot liquidation. I love these showy boots. And wonder, what is your favourite cowboy boot?
Below: Farmerette Boots, made with Italian leather and available in Montmarte, Saskatchewan at the Cowgirl Candy Shop. Also available at Farmerette and the Calzolaio, 713 Spring Creek Drive, Canmore, Alberta. Below my Fire and Brimstone style of boot. Round toe, short shaft with inlay and a spongey heal and sole.
Comments