As I mentioned in my comments on Angie's blog post today, I have a pair of cowboy boots that I've wanted to return to wearing lately, but I've found they are no longer comfortable. As in, they actively hurt, specifically my ankles. I recall that being a concern in the past, but I think I got over it by wearing Superfeet inserts. Now, even with the inserts, I cannot wear these boots. I tried again today, when I went . . . shopping for new cowboy boots!

My old boots are 14 or 15 years old. I wore them quite a lot during a few years when I was wearing bootcut jeans and pants. Then I wore them a bit with skinnies. And I haven't worn them for several years.

Today I went to a store where I could try some on in person, and I'm glad I did. Some of the styles I saw online and liked just didn't work for me. I came home with two pairs by Ariat. I can return one (or both), as long as I don't wear them outside.

The first pair in Finds are my old ones. Very pretty, but I did find them a bit limited, with the colors. (Like, I'd want to have some blue or red in my outfit, or at least not clash.)

I brought home the Heritage Round Toe, which has pretty, yet subtle stitching on it, and the Round Up Ryder, which has a black foot and silver shaft. Very different styles.

I haven't yet tried them on with outfits at home, but here are
photos from in the store. I like both, and am interested to hear what
you all think. I would wear them with straight leg jeans like the ones I'm wearing below, or wide-leg jeans, or dresses. Maybe dress pants.

Photos 1-4: Ariat Heritage Round-Toe (with my old boot on the other foot)

Photos 5-8: Ariat Round Up Ryder

Photo 6: closeup of the stitching on the Heritage

What are your thoughts?