Saturday, June 29, 2013

The Eye Catching Designs Of Botas Vaqueras

The Eye Catching Designs Of Botas Vaqueras

By Rick Fonseca


The botas vaqueras of today have changed from their early history. Though a first glance may reveal a Mexican cowboy boot to be very similar to its American relation, there are some distinctive differences. They appear much more exotic and decorative.

This is because they have been created to be displayed and admired. That explains the materials and their high prices, which are still cheaper than comparable American boots. But they still maintain their functional purpose. They are available in a wide array of colors, materials and styles for men, women and children.

Exotic animal material can cover a wide range of animals. Studs, spikes, tassels and buckles may be added as decorative trimmings. Such decorative adornments and detailed embroidery makes them a functional form of art. Many are made by skilled artisans who craft them painstakingly by hand.

Such distinctive creations are produced in a country where educational institutions train people to make footwear, while it has become a lost art in the United States. Most footwear here is no longer made domestically. The footwear and leather goods capital of Mexico is the city of Leon in the state of Guanajuato. The industry in this city produces the majority of leather goods produced in Mexico. This tradition goes back beyond 400 years. Over 700,000 people in Leon and the state are employed by one of the factories or suppliers in this region. The region has established training, educational and research, centers to support this industry. This increases technological innovations and their application.

Like classics which are reinvented continuously with different textures and colors, these boots are reinvented individually. If the buyer prefers a high end product, it will not come cheap. In the early days, beginning the vaquero boots had no heels. Now, their are also heeled styles. Their shaft height can also vary. Foreign buyers will notice there is a distinctive v shaped cut at the upper end of the footwear.

The walking boots usually do not have big heels. These are more common in riding boots. Heels were designed to keep the foot attached to the stirrup. The toe styles can vary. Individual preferences determine choice. The shaft, which rises up the leg, is typically the most decorative section and is covered by decorative design or theme details.

Americans may not know the design of what their cowboys wore on their feet was influenced by the Spanish vaquero tradition that went as far back as the 16th century. The vaquero was the Spanish term for a horseback riding livestock herder. This tradition was brought by the Spanish to Mexico. Mexican cattle herders brought the tradition to the United States in the late 17th century. Along with them came their vaquero traditions including special apparel and footwear. The traditional foot gear worn by these cattle herders became the source of American cowboy footwear.

Every member of the family will enjoy wearing their own botas vaqueras. Since they can now be bought stateside, one does not need to travel across the border to acquire them. After one is worn, its wearers will likely make it a habit.




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