Why Republicans Run in Cowboy Boots

Like a lot of Republican ideas, the trend toward wearing cowboy boots began with Ronald Reagan.

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President George W. Bush, showing off boots with the presidential seal here at his inauguration, furthered the trend.

Pablo Martinez Monsivais—AP

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Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, shown here on the stump in Iowa, favored cowboy boots.

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They're also a favored fashion statement for former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum.

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Even former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani was known to sport a pair.

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It's not just men. Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has been known to put on a pair of cowboy boots.

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Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee also goes for the look.

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Like his predecessor, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry long favored cowboy boots, but he's no longer able to wear them.

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Texas Sen. Ted Cruz is also a fan.

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Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul also favors boots with blue jeans, a classic Western look.

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These days, if you're running for president as a Republican, chance are good that you are wearing cowboy boots.

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Even Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin has been known to wear them.

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January 26, 2015 12:30 PM EST