1970s • Ralph Lauren • Western Inlay Cowgirl Boot• Women’s Size 9A
A fresh-in pair of vintage Ralph Lauren cowgirl boots, circa late 1970s, sized women’s 9 A. These boots channel the spirit of the West, polished through Lauren’s early luxury lens.
Era & build
- Maker: Ralph Lauren (Polo/RL western line, late 1970s)
- Era: Approx. 1977-79 (fits with brand’s early western-wear surge)
- Construction: Leather upper with inlaid/leather cut-out motifs on the shaft (leaf or teardrop shaped options in contrasting color inserts)
- Sole: Leather-soled, traditional cowboy heel and toe shape (wear shows on sole)
- Shaft height: Medium-tall western shaft (approx. mid-calf)
- Toe/Heel: Classic pointed/rounded western toe, stacked heel typical of the period
Size & fit
Tagged women’s size 9 A (narrow width). Vintage western boots often run a bit narrow in the instep—if your foot is average or slightly wider you may want to measure carefully or consider adding a heel cushion to compensate for slight play.
Condition grade: Vintage B
- Upper leather shows a warm patina and genuine wear consistent with age—some scuffs, minimal surface creasing, especially around the vamp and toe box.
- Soles worn but intact—tread still solid, no major holes or structural damage.
- Inlay detailing appears intact—no missing pieces; stitching holds well.
- Minor wear to heel edges and slight flattening of stacked heel, but structurally sound.
- No visible splits or tears in leather; pull tabs present.
Why we love them
These boots are a true expression of Ralph Lauren’s early western aesthetic: rugged craftsmanship meets refined design. The inlaid motif work on the shaft elevates them beyond standard runner-of-the-mill cowboy boots—this is westernwear with a luxury twist. On the foot, the narrow “A” width and the taller shaft create a sleek silhouette, while the warm leather tones lend versatility whether paired with dresses, denim, or styled for a stage/back-drop “cowgirl glam” look. For the Nashville Booted collection this is a piece of Americana that aligns perfectly with your storytelling focus—evoking the late ’70s cowboy-chic era when Ralph Lauren helped carry western motifs into the wider fashion world.
History note
By the late 1970s, Ralph Lauren was deeply exploring Americana and Western motifs. According to the brand’s own history, shirts and boots in the «Polo Western» category (including hand-tooled and inlaid boots) were emerging by 1979. The vintage fashion guild notes that Lauren added shoes to his offerings around 1972, and the Polo store on Rodeo Drive opened in that same early decade. While detailed cataloging of every boot model is scarce, these western-inspired boots align with what collectors refer to as “Polo’s Western wear wave” of the late ’70s and early ’80s—a time when cowboy boots shifted from utility to boutique fashion.
Notes & care
- The leather would respond well to a light conditioning (use a neutral/honey-tone product) to revive the patina and protect from drying.
- Clean the soles and consider a rubber half-sole if you plan to wear them often for traction.
- Store upright with stuffing to protect the shaft and preserve shape.
- As with any vintage leather, avoid water exposure and maintain in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight.
- Vintage narrow width—if your foot is wider than a B/C you may prefer wearing with a thicker sock or inserting a slim insole for fit.
SKU: NB-RLauren-70s-Inlay-W9A
Shipping: Double-boxed, insured. International buyers please note duties/VAT may apply.
Nashville Booted — iconic by nature.
