From the likes of high-end brands such as Chanel and Saint Laurent, retailers started to embark on the redefined cowboy boot trend, and junior contemporary designers like Jeffrey Campbell and Betsey Johnson have followed suit. Even unconventional footwear companies like Croc have released their own line of cowboy boots this year.
Students like apparel merchandising and management major Mikaela Alvarado highlighted the reasoning behind retailer participation of unexpected trends and the importance of atypical approaches within fashion.
“I think it’s sort of a funny way for Croc to try something new,” said Alvarado. “Kind of like when they released the Croc heel, I think they’re trying to cater to a section of the newer generation interested in a wacky and unique twist on apparel that’s currently trending.”
A shoe designed for utility and ease, the cowboy boot has morphed into an everyday staple in today’s fashion.
Emerging in 16th century Spain, vaqueros, or Spanish cowboys, imported much of their culture to the West, including footwear made out of buckskin. After civilians migrated west post-war and were met with difficult terrain, Kansas City shoemaker Charles Hyer created a functional pair of boots for cowboys.
For the full length article, visit https://thepolypost.com/arts-and-culture/2023/11/14/the-cultural-reset-of-the-cowboy-boot/