Sunflowers climb the shaft in gold and rust embroidery, with fine cream stitching curling between the heads and running down over the vamp. Against a warm base tone the whole panel reads like a piece of needlework rather than a printed motif, and the density of thread gives the shaft a little structure of its own. Look closely and the leaves are stitched in a separate weight of thread from the petals.

The shape underneath is properly western. A square toe keeps the front broad and traditional, the heel is stacked and low so you can stand in these through an evening, and pull tabs sit at each side of the shaft for pulling them on. There is no zip. The calf is cut wide, so the shaft sits against the leg rather than squeezing it. That wide cut is deliberate: it is the reason this one fits people who have given up on western boots before.

Velvet Vogue offers khaki, brown and dark brown, in US 5.5 through 12. Water is the enemy of the embroidery thread more than the upper, so wipe with a soft dry cloth and keep them away from heat when they come in damp. Khaki shows the gold thread most clearly, while the dark brown keeps the sunflowers to a glow rather than a statement, so pick according to how much you want them noticed.

• Fit: true to size, with a wide calf shaft that sits roomy through the leg
• Key details: sunflower and scroll embroidery in gold and rust, decorative vamp stitching, side pull tabs
• Heel: low stacked block heel
• Shaft: mid-calf height
• Closure: pull-on
• Sizes and colours: US 5.5 to 12 in khaki, brown and dark brown
• Care: wipe clean with a soft dry cloth, avoid water and direct heat