A question we often hear from people stepping into our stores for the first time is "What is a roper boot?" A Lucchese staple, the roper boot today bridges the gap between Western boot and dress boot, offering a clean silhouette and supreme comfort for everyone from cowboys to captains of industry. It moves from the busy city streets to the relaxed outskirts of town with elegance and ease. Ours are Western boots with British inspiration, handcrafted in El Paso, Texas, by some of the finest artisans in the world. Built on legendary Lucchese twisted-cone last from premium leathers, there are no finer ropers on earth. In short, the roper boot is the perfect style for anyone new to boots or those who prefer a lower heel and rounder toe.
The roper, also called Wellington, can trace its origins back to England and the British military. The roper boot was first popularized by Arthur Wellesley, who was the 1st Duke of Wellington, a war hero, and former Prime Minister.
The Duke of Wellington wore the popular Hessian boots, a military-issued footwear style worn by British troops at the time. Hessian boots were known for their short heel, pointed toes, tassel decorated tops, and for its ease of getting in and out of a stirrup. The Duke of Wellington instructed a local boot shoemaker to modify his personal Hessian boots to create a boot with soft calf leathers, a one-inch heel, and a mid-calf shaft, creating the first roper boot. The boot soon became a popular fashion statement for men—as it does to this day.
Today, Lucchese offers a Wellington heeled boot in a variety of skins and colors. The popularity of this roper boot continues to grow because of its comfort and clean silhouette. It features a lower heel than your typical cowboy boot, which adds more comfort to first-time boot wearers and makes it easy to get in and out of a saddle stirrup. Whether you’re a cowboy or simply appreciate history, the roper just might be the perfect fit for you.
To purchase your pair, visit Lucchese ropers and check out the styles available!