owboys and ranch hands wear cowboy boots because they make it easier to do things like rounding up cattle or breaking in horses. But style-conscious common folk like them, too. Here is a brief guide for following in their pointy-toed footsteps:

BRANDS There are many boot companies, custom boot makers and vintage boot sellers nationwide. Many businesses maintain Web sites that show collections and dealer listings, including Luchese (luchese.com), Justin (justinboots.com), and Olathe Boot (olatheboots.com). One of the most comprehensive lists is at "The Cowboy Boot Web Page"(www.dimlights.com/boots).

PRICES They are all over the map — from less than $100 for mass-market boots to several thousand dollars for the customized variety, which can include exotic leathers like lizard or kangaroo, as well as decorative stitching.

FIT A boot should sit about 4 inches below the knee and be snug around the instep. But it should have enough room to wiggle the toes. The heel may slip up and down a little at first, but the slippage should decrease with time.

CARE To keep them clean, simply wipe them off with a damp cloth after wearing and let them dry naturally. Some experts recommend using saddle soap, though sparingly, and a leather conditioner.