In the earliest days boots were created to protect the feet and legs for working or hunting. Later, they evolved into items of status and high fashion. The boots of today give us the best of both worlds with different types available to either protect the feet or make a fashion statement. They can be made of a variety of different materials either man-made or natural and come in numerous styles, colors and price ranges. Women have a variety of options when it comes to both casual and dress. Among the variety of casual boots for women there are Doc Martens, western (cowboy), hiking, and motorcycle boots. Women's dress boots for range from ankle length stiletto heeled to Go-Go to knee-high boots.
Doc Martens shoes (also known as "Dr. Martens" or "Docs") were first developed by a doctor in the German army during World War II named Dr. Klaus Maertens. Authentic black leather Doc Martens are noticeable with their characteristic yellow stitching, although the term today refers in general to any black leather shoe or boot created in a similar style to the originals. Doc Martens first came onto the scene in early1960 and were the footwear of choice for the working class. Policemen, postal and factory workers all enjoyed the comfort and durability of these sturdy boots that sported an air-cushioned sole. Later an extremist group known as skinheads and other street gangs caught on to the appeal of Doc Martens and later they were all the rage with punk rockers. Interestingly the shoe once worn by the police became synonymous with hatred and violence. Today however, the stigma is gone and Doc Martens are a popular choice for both men and women in a variety of social classes.
Cowboy (or western) boots were, as the name suggests, originally worn by ranchers and cattlemen in the early 1860s. Characteristics of cowboy boots include a high heel, a high shaft, no zippers or laces and a rounded to slightly pointed toe. They are traditionally made from leather but nowadays can be made from more exotic animals such as the eel, elk, buffalo, alligator, and snakes. Modern cowboy boots can be as colorful and ornate as one wishes.
Hiking boots were originally created for hiking, obviously, but many people enjoy them as a work boot, walking boot or just for casual wear. They are great for walking many miles at a time and treading over difficult terrain, such as rocks, mud, water and any types of wilderness and can certainly handle the stresses of today's man-made terrain of asphalt and concrete.
Motorcycle or biker boots are tall boots made of heavy leather that have a shorter heel in most cases and are often fashioned with thick buckles. The two main types are the engineer and the motocross. Many women's casual styles today take their cues from biker or motocross boots.
The Go-Go styles are dressy boots that first came on the scene in the 1960s and popularized fashion boots for women. Many different versions of these are worn today. Andre Courreges who designed a white, low-heeled version that rose slightly above the ankle is said to have coined the term as the boots were initially intended for dancing. The term "Go-Go boots" is often used to encompass a variety of dress boots worn by women, with a dress or miniskirt. It was singer Nancy Sinatra who is believed to have boosted the popularity of "Go-Go boots" through both her personal fashion sense and her music with the song, "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'."
Knee-high types are dress boots for women that have become a staple for the fashion conscious. Knee-high boots have been available in one form or another as far back as the early 1950s. Some knee-high styles have a zipper closure or lace up, are tightly fitted to the calf and may come in a variety of heel heights.
There are many styles, heights, designs and colors of boots available today. Whether you are hiking, climbing, going to the office, dancing or just kicking around the house, there is a boot to fit every style and occasion and of course...every foot.
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