Customer Reviews

Cowboy Boots

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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.

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

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!

At last, a bootmakers take on the art and craft of Cowboy boots. Jennifer June's new book, Cowboy Boots: The Art & Sole, shines a deserving light on many lesser known master bootmakers. Straight out and written from an insider's perspective, the book is crammed with excellent photography by Marty Snortum and Ms. Junes' informed opinion. Vintage boots. Custom boots and their makers. Factory boots. They're all here. Junes' passion for bootmaking and her love of Cowboy boots is obvious throughout. I'm not an easy critic... this book earned its' place on my book shelf. My hat's off to Jennifer June for helping keep the flame alive.

I just finished reading this book and Jennifer June educates as well as entertains. Being new to the boot phenomena I am grateful for her ability to open my eyes to the art that is boot making; it's astounding what these artisans can do with leather. The photography is breathtaking as it captures the colors, stitching and tooling that goes into a pair of boots. I guess you can tell by now that I highly recommend this boot - allow your senses to open up to the art of boot making!

This book is pure enjoyment. It doesn't matter if you are new to cowboy boots or have worn them forever, the images and the thoughts this book provokes will delight you. Cowboy Boots: The Art & Sole will captivate your attention. It made me remember wearing cowboy boots and playing in the neighborhood with my friends during a time that our parents weren't so concerned for our safety and well-being. We had play gun fights and used our bikes as horses. We were the modern day cowboys in our little town in Indiana. Cowboy boots are a part of the American culture and one of the many things that makes us unique in today's small world. Ms. June's book will take you back to those memories that you forgot but are warm and pleasant to recall...especially with all that is going on in our lives today. You will also be awed by the craftsmanship in boot-makers. Many people may not realize there are men and women that hold to the traditional ways of making a boot by hand. After reading this book, you will never forget a new artist is out there and their canvas is on someone's feet.

I can't come to a decision if "Cowboy Boots - The Art of the Sole" is a great read with incredible photography or a great photo boot that I loved reading. Thank you June for your dedication and commitment to the art of bootmaking and your loyalty and enthusiasm for the bookmakers.

Everyone that loves and appreciates cowboy boots should have a copy of this boot.

Overall, this is a great boot book. Ms. June's love of boots comes through both the pictures & the written word and encourages the reader to love the boots as much as she does.

At first read, it is hard to take your eye off the pictures of the boots. When you do, you get a little history, a little humor and a lot of passion.

My only complaint is a minor and personal one in that, based on the number of pictures devoted to some, Ms. June & i probably disagree on who the best boot makers are. That really is pretty minor because it will vary from person to person and depends on whether you are hard to fit (like me), like over-the-top design, prefer tooling, etc. It certainly didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book one bit.

This is an important addition to books about boots. Every page makes you love cowboy boots more, and the more you read, the more you look, the more you want.

There are two articles of clothing that are universally and instantly recognizable as American: Levis and cowboy boots.

Nearly anyone who has been drawn to a pair of cowboy boots understands the lure, even if they barely understand the logic. They alter the way you walk, and you like that. They can be a bold fashion statement or a subtle one. And like classic Levis, they may have been originally male, but look even better on females.

Cowboy boots are "functional footwear," but also arguably the ultimate American art form. And I think that's what Jennifer June's book is all about.

She explains how cowboy boots were originally designed for entirely practical purposes, such as protection against one's own saddle and the elements when one got off the saddle. But today boots are most often made for the pride and pleasure of the wearer.

This book will show you how a hand-made, custom pair of cowboy boots provides the pleasure of a uniquely individual method of "getting there."

Jennifer June conveys her clear understanding of this so well. The writing is wonderful - informative, enjoyable and engaging. You'll learn history as you learn about boots.

If you've ever thought you might want a pair of cowboy boots, look to this book to help you figure out what that means to you. And if you're already an enthusiast or a collector, then this book will serve as an invaluable reference. The photographs by Marty Snortum will inspire and amaze you.

Oh yeah ... if you know who Dwight Yoakum is, you'll love the foreword.

Jennifer June hits a home run with this book. Pages and pages of some of the best looking custom and vintage cowboy boots that you'll ever see.
If you're interested in boots, don't pass up this book as it's great!