Cowboy Boots [Hardcover]

Jennifer June (Author), Marty Snortum (Photographer), Dwight Yoakam (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 24, 2007

Jennifer June, a custom cowboy boot maker, takes the reader through the diverse history of the boot, from the early days prior to 1930 to the modern twists on traditional styles popular a century down the line. She looks in detail at the motifs and metaphors that ornament the cowboy boot, from the artistic traditions of Texas boot makers to the symbolism in stitchings of flora and fauna, and examines the different styles, shapes, and materials of boots through the ages. Featuring insights and testimonials from custom cowboy boot makers and obsessive buyers alike, the book also features a section on how to design your own individual boot. Cowboy boots are the most emblematic of American fashion icons, repositories of western tradition and symbols of the strength and endurance of true American style. In recent times, cowboy boots have become permanent fixtures of the fashion world and of Hollywood westerns. Beautifully illustrated with photographs of boots, boot makers, and cowboy fashionistas, this book presents the definitive perspective on the changing roles and various styles of the most enduring American footwear.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The featured boots are fabulous, and the snippets of history fascinating." -- 04/29 ORLANDO SENTINEL

"Both fashion statement and footwear, these boots were made for picturin' in a sumptuous book with a forward from country maverick Dwight Yoakam." -- 4/20 ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

"fascinating, pictorial look into the artistry of that icon of Americana, cowboy boots." "Chock-full of factoids and detail shots of some amazingly beautiful, well-crafted boots, "Cowboy" is worth more than a rodeo of stillettos." -- 05/02 CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER

About the Author

Jennifer June is America's best-known expert on cowboy boots. The owner of Big Star Boots in Oakland, California, Jennifer also acts as a media contact for many westernwear publications. Marty Snortum is a nationally recognized commercial and fine art photographer. He and Nevena Cristi own Rocketbuster Boots, the popular El Paso company known for their one-of-a-kind custom designs and their long list of celebrity clients. Dwight Yoakam is a Grammy-winning country musician and actor who has sold more 23 million albums. Never without his cowboy boots, Dwight is one of America's icons of modern western fashion.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Universe (April 24, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789315378
• ISBN-13: 978-0789315373
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 1.5 x 7.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #865,348 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars These boots belong on the coffee table, September 15, 2007

By 

Andrew S. Rogers (Stamford, Connecticut) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cowboy Boots (Hardcover)

Though they may have had a utilitarian start, cowboy boots have almost always been a canvas on which to display the skill of the bootmaker and the personality of the owner. "Cowboy Boots: The Art & Sole" by Jennifer June captures this spirit wonderfully, with rich photos and knowledgeable writing. Like many of the bootmakers and boot-wearers quoted in her text, June is a devotee of the boot and her passion for her subject comes through in these pages.

As diverse as the people who wear them, the boots featured here are not easily classified. Some are classic designs while others are quite modern. Some are understated designs of exceptional craftsmanship, while others are over-the-top in colors and stitching ... but equally fine handiwork. Many of these boots (again, like the people who wear them?) have never been near ranch or range in their lives, but actual workin' cowboy boots worn by actual workin' cowboys show up as well. In all, it makes for entertaining browsing as well as informative reading.

Perhaps best of all, though, June includes a section of "Resources" that allow the reader to investigate owning some quality boots of her own. Maybe we can't all afford the exotic leathers or extremes of design, but a solidly-constructed boot from a good designer is still within reach. I can attest to the satisfaction that comes from owning a good pair of cowboy boots, and it was a joy to discover many other people who share that feeling, and the artists who make it possible, in this spirited and entertaining book.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cowboy Boots, October 12, 2007

By 

H. Upjohn (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cowboy Boots (Hardcover)

What struck me most about this book was the author's enthusiasm for her subject. It is hard not to get caught up in cowboy boot lore when Jennifer June so clearly loves what she is writing about. The liveliness of her text is a tribute to the original cowboys.

I really appreciated the small, quirky details, such as the origin of different western icons.This book is great way for a novice to learn all about cowboy boots, as well as for boot lovers, who want some new ideas for designing their next pair of custom boots.The pictures are stellar as well, with lots of great close-ups

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cowboy Boots: The Art and Soul, April 27, 2007

By 

rev ev (pa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cowboy Boots (Hardcover)

I love this book. It's beautiful, smart and chock full of information that anyone who wears boots wants to know. The photography is wonderful. The boots are set up so that you think you can step right in 'em and go dancin' and now, because Jennifer June gave us all that information, you know exactly what you're doing when you flash those boots around the floor! Jennifer June reminds us that what we see in most stores are based not just on craft but also on art. If you're going to stride into history with your boots on, better have this book at your side. Buy it. If you like boots, you're gonna be real happy!