Well, let me spin you a yarn about the iconic cowboy lid we all know and love.  It's the cowboy hat, partner.

Back in 1865, a fella by the name of John B. Stetson, rustled up the "Boss of the Plains" hat.

Now, at first glance, it might've seemed like just any old hat, with its flat, round brim and smooth crown. But it wasn't just any old hat. Ol' Stetson crafted his hat from the finest fur of beavers, rabbits, and such, making it tough as a bull's hide.  Cowboys took to it like a horse to water.  Stetson's hat could withstand anything the frontier thew their way. 

For nearly two decades, the original Stetson hat design held fast ~ its crown open, its form devoid of any distinctive crease. But then something changed.  According to Western lore, John Stetson was struck by the swagger of Spanish-influenced headgear worn in the Wild West. He was determined to craft something bold, something new.

Thus was born the iconic cowboy hat, a masterpiece of rugged elegance. Picture it ~ a lofty crown, split down the middle with a crease, adorned with dents on either side - crafted not just for looks, but for livin' in the saddle. It was a game-changer, a symbol not just of style, but of resilience in the face of all that untamed frontier could throw at ya.

Nowadays, you'll see the cowboy hat everywhere, from dusty rodeo arenas to glitzy Hollywood shindigs. It's a symbol of grit, tradition, and a little touch of cowboy charm that'll never rustle out of style.

Speaking of style, there's now a vast selection of cowboy hat styles.  Let weather, occasion, or personal preference dictate your choice ~ whether that's straw or felt.  And you'll find a wide selection here at Jack's Western Wear.

In the realm of cowboy hats, tradition often dictates the when and what.

Straw hats are lightweight and airy.  They are meant for warmer days.  Straw season traditionally kicks off with Easter.

Meanwhile, felt hats, take the stage from Labor Day until Easter.  They are warm, sturdy hats.  They're meant to shield you against cooler winds.

And then there are those that believe rules are meant to be broken ~ that your inner cowboy should be your guide.  

Whether you're corralling cattle or strolling downtown, a cowboy hat should be a reflection of your character.  

Cowboy hats, steeped in symbolism (straw or felt), embody the spirit of the American frontier. While they provide shade from the elements, they also serve as a beacon of manners and respect. A firm handshake, a tip of the hat, these are the timeless gestures that echo the legacy of the true cowboy way.

Howdy Partner!

Cowboy boot styles wrangle up a whole herd of options, fit for everyone and occasion. 

You don't have to be a cattle rancher or a James Dean type to pull off a pair of cowboy boots. There are many different styles, shapes, sizes and materials for all personalities. 

So saddle up and take a gander at the range of styles, shapes and sizes available. Options range from dress boots crafted from exotic materials like ostrich or caiman to tough work boots built to withstand the toughest trails.

But before you kick up your heels, it's essential to understand the common features that define these iconic footwear styles.

Let's start with the shaft.  It's the long tube of leather that starts down at the heel and wraps its way up around your leg. Shafts come in all sorts of styles and heights. 

Next up, the vamp. This part of the boot covers the top, sides and toe of the foot, offering both protection and style.

Now, let's talk heels. Western boots are characterized by their stacked or Cuban heels. These elevated, angled heels provide stability and aid in gripping stirrups, reducing the risk of the foot sliding forward during rides.

The insole is another crucial element. Traditionally crafted from leather, it molds over time to the wearer's feet, offering a personalized fit. While leather remains popular, modern materials also sometimes used in cowboy boots.

Moving on to the outsole. Most western boots feature slick leather soles. While they may be slippery on certain surfaces, they are designed for easy insertion into stirrups without snagging.

Welt, the leather strip between the upper and outsole, is where the boot's stitching runs, providing both structural integrity and decorative flair.

Speaking of stitching, it's a hallmark of western boots, often intricately detailed and contrasting against the leather.

Toe style. Cowboy boots come in various toe styles, each adding its own touch of personality to the footwear. 

Western boots blend style with purpose, making them a timeless icon of western fashion and functionality.

What makes a boot heritage quality?

"A fine pair of cowboy boots is still like the cowboy himself: sturdy, dependable, and with a rugged charm." ~ Alex Via, Buffalo Jackson Trading Co.

Let me tell ya 'bout a legend in the boot business by the name of Randy Watson. 

He's been stompin' around the cowboy boot world for more than 40 years, making his mark at places like Justin, Lucchese, Tony Lama and Nocona. 

He's got a knack for knowing just where to find the finest leather, the most skilled craftsmen, and the best retailers to bring his boots to the folks who need 'em and want 'em.

R. Watson's salesperson Bric Conn (what a cool name, right?!) stepped into Jack's Western Wear back in 2022.  Right away, my dad ~ Jack's owner Larry Allred ~ said yes. My dad says from the foundation of the boot to the fine details... it matters, and R. Watson boots look good and are made good.

* Every boot is lined with cowhide. 

* Timeless 10 row stitch pattern or hand cording. This classic pattern brings the history and heritage of the Cowboy Code into the culture of today. 

* A 10 iron genuine leather outsole is the foundation of their western boot. It provides durability with just enough flex to provide the comfort all boot enthusiasts desire.

* R. Watson puts both lemonwood pegs and brass nails in all of their western boots. This means that as the conditions change (wet or dry, hot or cold) this hardware is built to change with it and keep the sole attached to the boot. 

* Solid Steel Shank. To provide the most stability and durability possible, they developed a solid steel shank system that you’ll find in an R. Watson Boot. The solid steel shank system is then incorporated into a 1 piece insole system so you will never get that dreaded squeak again.

Randy's cowboy story goes all the way back to when he played baseball at The University of Houston in Texas, when he was in sneakers or cleats... not boots.

He was aiming for the big leagues in Major League Baseball, but fate had other plans for ol' Randy. Back in 1980, he was finishing up his college degree when he needed a summer job. Well, he found himself at Don's Western Wear in Houston, not too far from the famous Gilley's honky tonk.

Around this time, "Urban Cowboy" had just hit the silver screen. Bud & Sissy stirred up a whole heap of fuss 'bout western wear and country music.

Randy was smack dab in the middle of it all, hustling boots and hats to men and women that wanted to get a piece of the cowboy charm.

He hadn't planned to stick around, but a temporary gig turned into long term career.

From Don's he headed to Justin headquarters in Fort Worth. 

Randy climbed the ladder, cowboy hat and all, until he was sittin' high as the chairman and CEO.

After working for such cowboy greats like Justin & Lucchese, Randy decided to go out on his own. He started a new adventure where he aimed to craft boots so fine that he'd stamp his own name on them. 

R. Watson: Walk Tall

And he's now doing this with folks he can truly count on... his own kin.

Randy wrangled up his son Ryan and many seasoned hands in the boot biz to rustle up R. Watson.

The business is nestled in Crowley, Texas.  Run by kinfolk, for kinfolk. 

These aren't just boots, partner. They're a testament to generations of know-how, with each stitch and cut telling a story of hard work and dedication. 

From the tanneries where the leather is born to the skilled hands that shape it into footwear fit for a trailblazer, every step of the process is steeped in tradition and pride.

So when you slide into a pair of R. Watson boots, you're not just wearing footwear. You're stepping into history. 

And with quality like this, you're getting the best bang for your buck.