Another note to the LA Times ... boots and Wranglers have been worn by millions, for three generations that I know of, in the western U.S. Folks in Texas, AZ, Ca, NM, Co, NV, etc., don't wear them to "cultivate" an image, they wear them because that's what people wear in this neck of the woods. ONLY an Eastern wanker or west coast city boy who writes for the LA Times would equate boots and Wranglers in a Western state with "cultivating" an image. But there's no bias in that lead, good heavens no!
Egads. I've been wearing cowboy boots for as long as I can remember. They are so comfortable, and make for handy and useful tools when ya need 'em. :)
The jeans are made thick and tough to withstand the rides that a cowboy has to do. Small mesquite trees will cut through any normal cloth, jeans are tough and thick, plus they are usually covered by chaps, a set of leather covers. Hence, jeans are used for the utility of work. Jeans are also soft on the inside and tough on the outside, better for the rider.
Next, the boots: Boots are designed for two different purposes. One for ground contact roping, and one for riding.
The "roper" had a flatter heal and a short "cuff". It's made to perform tasks on the ground, it's like a walking boot. Hence the term roper. Roping from a ground position, as in branding or "calving". The riding, or "Cowboy boot" is a thing of beauty and functionality, if you are a cowboy.
The "rider": Notice that the rider has a much taller "cuff" a much higher heal, a tapered toe, and a notch on the bottom of the boot on the instep that extends outward in a sculptured design. All this is for purpose and functionality.
First, the "cuff" (the part of the boot that goes up your leg). This is there to protect the cowboy from the mesquite bushes, the cactus, and any other things that could cut his legs while he is working with cattle...functional and always work under the jean cuff for extra protection.
Second, the tapered toe of the boot. Easily slips into the stirrup of the saddle.
Third, the tapered notch on the instep of the boot. It fits into the contour of the saddle stirrups, perfectly, they are all made alike, stirrups and boots.
Fourth, the high heel of the boot stops the boot, and foot, from going forward out of the stirrup holding the cowboy's foot in perfect position for control of the horse.
This has been the design for hundreds of years, and it works today. It may be fashionable to wear them or not to meterosexuals but cowboys have done it for hundreds of years.
If you get a good pair of boots and break them in just right, you can sleep in them and wake up refreshed. A good pair of boots can last you a long, long time. Of course, you get what you pay for. $100 boots are good, $200 boots are better, but you can get a great pair of boots for what you want to pay. Leather is better than fancy skins because it breaks in better and lasts longer. Cowboys know this, ask one where he buys his.
There you have it. It has nothing to do with "style" it has to do with comfort and utility.