In honor of Boot Week here in the studio, which is already a departure from the norm (whatever that really is), I thought I’d put together an interesting collage on boots and stomp it on down into one blog. Hope you enjoy stepping out in a new direction today.

1) You can read a nice little definition on the boot through wikipedia – as well as see a photo of one damn fine pair that were custom made for and worn by my very favorite President of the United States of America, Harry S. Truman. I’m guessing that Harry didn’t call his boots “shit kickers,” but perhaps they were called his manure footwear? And I wonder if Bess liked them?

2) Function vs Fashion When Buying Cowboy Boots. A short video (1:20) from Dustin at Expert Village. He starts by outlining how to get your best and most functional boots, or as he puts it “fashion verses whatever else you need.” Wait! We need something else? I’m confused. Did you know that a functional boot has something called a spur lift? It’s true. And you need to avoid the waffle soles on your boots unless, according to Dustin, “you like being drug around for a couple of hours.” (I’m pretty sure he’s referring to something to do with horses here.)

3) Speaking of spurs. Apparently there are over 16 types of them and entire websites devoted to their exploration. Personally, I’m more intrigued by something referred to as a jinglebob, although I’m not sure what it’s exact function is or what it’s relation is to boots. For those of you more interested in spurs than boots, you can even buy the book Cowboy Spurs and Their Makers to flame your new passion. But I digress…..

4) These are a series of some of the more outrageous looking boots I could find on the internet. I’m sure you can find many, many examples – as shoes of all types can certainly be considered art forms – depending on the creator, the wearer and the admirer. Be sure to check these images out:
KISS rocker Gene Simmon’s Boots
Very Scary Go Go Boots from Japan
Some skin tight thigh high platform heeled boots that are – well, impressive
And such exotics as Cut Python Cowboy Boots

5) You can take a quiz to discover what kind of boots you are in no less than five questions. Yes, I took the quiz. It said I am high heeled boots and a bunch of other stuff about flirting, flaunting and fascinating behavior. Funny thing is, I don’t own any high heeled boots. I’m more a manure footwear kind of a gal.

6) Boots are not just found on feet…
See definitions: boot : 1  (bt)n.
1. Protective footgear, as of leather or rubber, covering the foot and part or all of the leg.
2. A protective covering, especially a sheath to enclose the base of a floor-mounted gear shift lever in a car or truck.
3. Chiefly British An automobile trunk.
4. a. A kick.
b. Slang An unceremonious dismissal, as from a job. Used with the.
c. Slang A swift, pleasurable feeling; a thrill.
6. Computer Science The process of starting or restarting a computer.

7) And finally, for those of you who doubt that great dancing can occur with one’s boots on, here’s a spicy little clip from The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas. (You may need to verify your age to view this clip, but it’s well worth the extra clicks). After 1:55 (and a few naked butt shots) there’s some fine boot-shod dancing!

Well, that’s enough of this silliness for one day. It’s looking like rubber, rain or maybe even snow boot weather out there. Whatever you choose, enjoy!