True confession: there was a time in my life where I longed for cowboy boots.

Like looooonged.

So much symbolism contained in just one pair of shoes: America, the West and its promises of adventure, a certain fashion ideal, a sense of rebellion, a nod towards my beloved spaghetti westerns – you name it.

At the time I did not have the money to buy the real thing, and was slightly embarrassed when wearing cheap imitation boots, soon to be donated to the clothing drop box.

When I eventually did have the funds, my back, hips and feet had become in need of and accustomed to a very different kind of footwear: sneakers and hiking boots. The status quo these days.

But I still appreciate the look and have ample occasion here in L.A. to photograph it as well. My heart sending signals to my younger self, saying. “Yes, it sucked that you couldn’t fulfill that dream at the right time. Yes, it’s ok to mope around that. Now move on, you’ve made it to the American West, after all!

Here are some prime examples picked up around town and flea markets.

And some variability, but still with the boot theme….

And not a single pair of traditional blue jeans in sight!

Music today by Ennio Morricone from “A fistful of dollars” – what I listened to, when bootless….