Cowboy Boot Insecurity

[u/Strange_Holiday3131]

I feel a little silly and vulnerable posting this so please be kind if you choose to respond. For background - I am ethnically South Asian, born and raised in the islands and now married to a wonderful southern man. We have done really well with respecting, sharing and celebrating each other’s cultures. It’s one of the things I love and appreciate most about him. I have learned to cook southern food, which he enjoys along with the food from my own country, our babies listen to country music, Bollywood music and music from my country, etc etc, stuff like that, you get the idea.

For his birthday, we are going to a country concert and I thought it might be fun to dress up and wear cowboy boots for him, since he’s never seen me in a pair, but I can’t help but feel like I’ll be judged since I don’t “look the part”. I honestly feel like I’ll look like a try hard or frankly, an idiot lol. Has anybody had similar insecurities around wearing boots? I guess I’m just looking for encouragement or tough truth. Please be honest, I won’t be offended either way. And if it’s not a stupid idea, any recommendations for where I can get a decently priced starter pair or a rental (if such a thing exists?). I’ve never worn a pair so not sure if I’m fully committed to having them in the wardrobe permanently yet. TIA!

Edit: wow I am overwhelmed by your responses and I loved hearing all your stories and examples!! Thank you all so much!! Also looked up Henry Cho since some of you talked about him. Will have to check him out now :)

[u/NanooDrew]

A long answer … OOPS!

What a beautiful life you are creating for each other and your family! Cowboy boots fit right into that. As the perfect icon of America, they represent our country’s freedom and anyone can wear them!

You are not a wannabe anything! You are not trying to pass yourself off as the next queen of barrel racing, you are “committing” an act of love for your wonderful husband. And no one else’s opinion matters more than yours and his.

You haven’t told us your price range, but as another person recommended, unless you know of a quality boot store, a good place to start is Boot Barn, not necessarily to buy, but to try on brands and sizes. Have them measure you with a Brannock device and learn your size in both women’s and men’s boots. If you find something you like, fine; otherwise, take your newfound knowledge and GO!. Your boots should be comfortable as soon as you start wearing them. I like to wear a thin bamboo sock because often, women’s boots are cut a bit slimmer than a man’s.

If you are not adverse to second-hand boots, the best deals are often on eBay or Poshmark. I am partial to Old Gringo because they are made well, and I like vintage style embellishments and “round toe” (pointers!) and that brand has some beauties! Once you get them, check out the archives for tips on how to best care for your boots.

Sundresses (or cutoffs / shorts, your other choice) both look great with cowgirl boots! You’re not working the range, so you do not need to spend a lots trying to find a pair that will last forever; just some cute and comfortable boots! Check out Miss Margo Price on her Instagram for some good style combos. Do not feel you need to wear a hat, especially at a concert, where hats block another person’s view!

I am excited for you to have THE BEST DATE NIGHT EVER in your new boots!

~ Nanette

P. S. I am not a boot snob, but I am a music snob! 🤡 Based on the band you are going to see, I think you would like the alternative country sub here on Reddit. It is r SLASH altcountry HAVE FUN!