General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Why Texans Dress Like Cowboys [View all]NightWatcher
(39,378 posts)Cowboy boots fall into two major categories
A Walking Heel 
and a horse Riding Heel
There are different styles of toe boxes also, a more pointed toe for slipping into a stirrup and the rounded or squared toe box for more room for your toes while walking.
That said, you can probably guess that I have some boots. In the past I worked in South Texas with the Rangers and Border Patrol in some rough terrain areas. Boots are beneficial in some environments, as are big brimmed straw hats for keeping the sun out of your face. Many regional or professional people still wear the "costume" as you call it from their past because it's practical.
The people who who appear to have a problem with are what are called "All Hat, No Cattle" cowboys. Like this Connecticut Cowboy who went to Yale and couldn't mount a Segway scooter, much less a horse, and who bought his "ranch" and sold it within months of entering and exiting the White House.
