Press Release: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Unveils Cowboy Boots – From Roundups to Runways, Presented by Lucchese Bootmaker

Exciting New Exhibition Explores the Evolution and Significance of Cowboy Boots from the 19th Century to Today

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (January 8, 2025) – Starting February 7, 2025, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is proud to unveil Cowboy Boots: From Roundups to Runways, a captivating new exhibition presented by Lucchese Bookmaker that takes visitors on a journey through the history, craftsmanship and cultural impact of one of the most iconic symbols of the American West: the cowboy boot.

The exhibition will run through May 4, 2025, offering a rare opportunity to explore the evolution of this timeless piece of footwear that has become an enduring symbol around the world of rugged individualism and the cowboy persona.

From its origins in the post-Civil War American West, during its heyday as an essential part of a working cowboy’s toolkit on cattle trails, to its rise to mainstream prominence in the early 20th century and its reemergence in pop culture as a fashion status symbol in the 21st century, the cowboy boot’s story is intertwined with both American history and contemporary culture.

Visitors will discover how the basic form of the cowboy boot — from the toe box to the pull straps, from the ornate to the understated — has endured, remaining virtually unchanged for over 160 years. From the heel to the toe bug, guests will discover the function and craftsmanship behind each component and learn how each detail serves both practical and aesthetic purposes.

“This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to examine the lasting legacy of the cowboy boot, which has played such a pivotal role in the landscape of the American West,” said David Davis, chief curatorial officer at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. “It will highlight some of the most extraordinary cowboy boots ever created, offering a one-of-a-kind look at this cultural icon.”

Through a combination of artifacts, artworks, larger-than-life color graphics, video and audio presentations, guests will get a firsthand look at how cowboy boots are made and learn about the master craftsmen who transform them into works of art. They can view custom-made boots and those worn by famous individuals, compare their own footwear to famous boot prints, and even design their own cowboy boot on a touchscreen.

The exhibition will also feature boots from rodeo athletes, musicians and actors, demonstrating how the cowboy boot has transcended its origins to become a canvas for personal expression.

The exhibition is made possible by Presenting Sponsor Lucchese Bootmaker, a leader in the art of bootmaking. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is excited to partner with them to bring this exhibition to life and provide an unparalleled look at the fascinating history and enduring appeal of the cowboy boot as both a functional tool and a work of art.

For more information, please visit https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/exhibitions/cowboy-boots/.

About the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum:

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City is America’s premier institution of Western history, art and culture. Founded in 1955, the Museum collects, preserves and exhibits an internationally renowned collection of Western art and artifacts while sponsoring dynamic educational programs to stimulate interest in the enduring legacy of the American West. For more information, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org.

Contact: Kerrie Booher
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Communications Director
kbooher@nationalcowboymuseum.org
Ph: (405) 838-1867