Ages passed since the era of the American Frontier, yet its spirit lingers. To this day, western wear remains a popular style and cowboy boots are an inseparable part of it. Corral Boots is one of the finest representatives of the cowboy wear branch, having gathered quite an extensive fan base through its hand-craft quality products. But let’s take one step at a time and look at what brought about the success of Corral Boots.
The History and Legacy of Corral Boots
Products are the most eloquent testifiers of the brand’s worth, but there is only so much they can tell. Behind every pair of Corral boots, there are decades of the brand’s history, a whole journey of a small manufacturer of men’s boots that began in Texas. Having recognized how untapped the market for women’s western boots was, the company made a strategic shift in 2000. The release of their first collection of Western boots for women turned out to be a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of a new era not just for the company, but for the entire industry.
Corral played a significant role in transforming cowboy boots from practical workwear into a bold fashion statement. They took inspiration from traditional cowboy footwear – which had influences from the Wellington boot, Hessian boot, and Military boots – and infused them with modern designs and trends, creating a unique blend of the old and the new. Features like the T-stitch, V-cut, tall shafts, loose tops, and thick heels were reimagined and incorporated into Corral’s trendy designs.
This innovative approach resonated with fashion-conscious consumers who were looking for comfortable footwear that also happened to embody the spirit of the American Frontier. Corral boots offer a variety of designs and color combinations to suit different outfits and occasions. That’s one of the reasons why they became so popular.
But Corral’s influence extends beyond just fashion. The brand has had a substantial impact on Western wear culture in general, having reshaped perceptions of Western-style boots. Once seen as footwear solely for cowboys and ranch workers, western boots became items of fashion. No longer did they need to wait for the special occasion in a shoe closet – it became OK to wear them anywhere from country music concerts and rodeos to dinner dates and city streets.
Today, Corral Boot Co. stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of cowboy boots. Their journey from a small boot manufacturer to a trendsetting brand took some time and definitely wasn’t a cakewalk. However, they remain a great example of dedication and fastidiousness paying off in the end. Even though the brand is nowhere near retiring, it already has quite a legacy to pass.
Why Choose Corral Boots: Key Features
A good story is great, but you can’t wear it on your feet. Are there any practical reasons to opt for Corral boots? There are some, five at least, that make Corral boots stand head and shoulders above the rest:
Handcrafted Quality
“Hand” is a word met particularly often when the crafting process of Corral boots is described. There is some machinery that participates in the process as well, but it is always operated by a person. Every stage of the making is carried out and overseen by a person or two. Be it leather cutting or choosing, painting or embroidering, stitching or hammering – there is always an artisan standing behind it. Such a workflow ensures that every stitch, every cut, and every detail is executed with utmost assiduousness. The result is a boot that not only looks great but also carries a sliver of the maker’s dedication.
Premium Materials
Corral uses high-quality leather sourced from Leon, Mexico, renowned as the leather capital of the world. The title is not official or generally agreed on, but if you Google it, Leon will back at you often enough to believe it’s true. The premium leathers don’t only boast durability but also mold to the shape of your foot over time, which is priceless if you are after a personalized fit. Some Corral boots also feature exotic materials like python and ostrich, so there is something for luxury connoisseurs as well.
Comfort
Despite their stylish exteriors, or rather in addition to them, Corral boots don’t compromise on comfort. The interiors of these boots are designed with soft leather linings, cushioned insoles, and supportive heel counters that provide comfort for all-day wear. The soles are often made of leather too, which is not only durable but also flexible and, well, comfortable. At the end of the day, it’s all about you feeling content wearing them.
Variety of Styles
Corral offers a vast range of styles, ensuring there’s a boot to suit every taste. It’s worth clarifying that even though women’s boots turned out to be the brand’s winning ticket, Corral also has a wide collection of men’s western wear. From classic cowboy designs with tall shafts and angled heels to roper models with shorter shafts and squared-off heels, the brand covers all the forms a cowboy boot may take. Whether you prefer a traditional look or something more contemporary, there is a Corral boot that fits your style.
Gorgeous Looks
One of the peculiar things about cowboy boots is that you can recognize them anywhere: they have a very distinctive look. But sometimes, being outstanding is not enough: you will only try on a boot if you like the way it looks. Corral has no problem making their boots as pretty as a picture, and the best thing is that it doesn’t matter what you consider to be pretty. There are all sorts of boots with a wide variety of embellishments: hand painting, decorative stitching, cutouts, fringe – you name it. And the extensive floral and plant symbology only adds to the boot’s appeal. A single look is enough to understand you are dealing with a professional here.
How to Style Your Corral Boots
Corral boots are extremely versatile and can be styled in numerous ways. There are, of course, models featuring bolder designs that might be hard to combine with anything but similar Western wear, but the majority of Corral boot models can be incorporated into a greater number of looks. Here are some tips on how to style your Corral boots:
Classic Western Look
You can embrace the cowboy aesthetic by pairing your Corral boots with classic Western pieces. For women, a floral sundress with a denim jacket makes for a feminine yet rustic look. Men can pair their boots with a plaid button-down shirt and straight-leg jeans for a time-tested cowboy look.
Modern Chic
For a more contemporary look, women can pair ankle-length Corral boots with skinny jeans and an oversized sweater. They will definitely be the attention-drawers in a look like that. Men can opt for a crisp white shirt, black jeans, and a well-fitted blazer to add a modern twist to their Corral boots.
Boho-Chic
Corral boots’ intricate detailing and craftsmanship make them perfect for a boho-chic look. Women can pair them with a flowy maxi dress, layered jewelry, and a wide-brimmed hat. Men can wear their boots with loose linen shirts and distressed jeans.
Casual Cool
For a casual, everyday look, pair your Corral boots with classic blue jeans and a simple tee. Add a leather jacket if you want an edgy touch.
Dressy Occasions
Yes, you can wear your Corral boots for dressier occasions too! Women can pair their boots with a lace dress for a romantic and stylish look. Men can wear their boots with a suit for a unique and fashionable twist on formal attire. A bolo tie would be a perfect complement to the boots, communicating the idea that all pieces were chosen with purpose.
Conclusion
We are lucky to have so many brands carrying on the legacy of the Wild West. Corral is a fine representative of the Western wear cohort. With their blend of comfort, style and durability, they’ve already brought joy to countless women and men. Whether you’re only starting your collection of cowboy boots or looking for a 10th pair, Corral boots won’t leave you indifferent.