Lynne--- lmao! I think I must be out of it, I just read your post and thought you said that we were all fanning your COWBOY lust! Now that is something I can get on board for!
Let's talk real cowboy boots. Unless you want to go with a modified "fashion" cowboy boot you need to look online or go to a western wear store. Cowboy boots do come in widths and many different toe styles.
http://www.timsboots.com/heelin.html here is a good website to look at the variety, they show lots of options.
I think the most common are the traditional pointy, extended toe (also pointy, but curled at the tips, you mostly see these on people near the Mexico border, also known as shit kickers), a moderate almond toe, a really round toe usually only found on ropers or fat babies, and a square or "snip" toe. The square toe are "in fashion" with the rodeo crowd right now. In my opinion, if you want that cowboy boot look (traditional) go with a moderate almond toe. There are also heel heights to choose from, from very flat (usually found on ropers) on up. One of the highest is the riding heel (between 1.5-2"). My boots have a riding heel, because that was what they were bought for, to ride in! so I have more purchase on a stirrup . . . but you should choose a heel height that you will be comfortable in and not turn your ankle. I find my cowboy boots much more comfortable than a regular heel though--- if you want the "comfort boots" go with Ariat--- a little more expensive, but almost like wearing a supportive running shoe. Real traditional boots are slick bottomed and you have to rough them up or you will eat it. Most companies make them with rubber soles now though.
Anyway, zappos actually has a good selection of boots, but since this is your first pair you should probably try to find a western wear store because newbies sometimes can use some help getting the right fit. Although if you wear the more traditional Fryes (like the harness and campus styles) the fitting is similar. You want a tight instep with boots that are hard to pull on (not impossible though) at first, they will loosen up for you.
