Cowboy Duds For the Mild, Mild West

These cowboy boots are made for walking, except, whoa, Nellie, they’re not really cowboy boots --they’re cowboy shoes .

Cut very close to the ankle, the new cowboy shoes are much, much shorter than a regular boot, but they do retain the traditional Western styling of contrasting stitching on the leather and the cowboy boot shape. Some even have filigreed toe and heel tips or little stirrup rings.

“Our cowboy shoes are very popular with the customer,” says Ted Rogoff of the Shoe and Clothing Connection Boutique in Encino, where the cowboy shoes sell for between $107 and $270. “It’s just a fresh look, exciting to see. It’s definitely a casual look. It goes real well with jeans, pants or long, swirl skirts. People like the comfort.”

“If you wear them tucked under jeans or dressy leather pants, it gives the effect that you’re wearing a boot--but you’re really not. And it’s a good sturdy walking shoe,” says Lyn Fleming, marketing manager for Sasha of London, which has outlets in Woodland Hills Promenade, Topanga Plaza and two in Sherman Oaks, and sells the cowboy shoes for between $78 and $85.

“I think Californians always go for the Western look,” Fleming continues. “Even when it’s 100 degrees out in the Valley, you see girls wearing the cowboy shoes with minis and little ankle socks. It’s a cute look.”

Sarah Folger is one young woman who wants to get a pair of the cowboy shoes to go with her work jeans. “It’s a contrast to what I have to wear to the office all day. Plus, I don’t want to make a commitment to full cowboy boots--they’re just too hot on the leg.”