Boots - Double H, Ariat, Luchesse, questions

[memphislawyer]

I have been wearing chukkas and just got a pair of Chelsea. They seem to feel better and I guess it is because the heel is more pronounced and makes my heel slightly higher than the arch. I have flat feet, but some shoes have high arches and can hurt rather than help. Some Birkenstocks do this for me.

Anyway, a friend said try cowboy boots. Tried on a pair of Dan Post Pugh - the ostrich. I wear a 9D normally and it took a 10.5 D for me to get my foot in. I could with a 10D but she said I would overwalk the boot. Anyway, the 10.5, it has some arch support but it is not super comfy. I tried on some Ariat and Double H boots, rubber sole, and they felt like they had my foot up even higher off the ground, not bad per se,but different. I also saw some Doc Marten Icon industrial boots, very thick sole, very thick toe, but oh so comfy.

I did try on some Luchesse Carson calf skin in a 9D, those were awesome.

So, do I give the Dan Post more time to mold to my feet and have me experience what it is like, that is, wearing a true boot? Do I turn them back in and go for the Ariat or Double H which are not as stylish but more of a work boot?

Just wondering how boots should feel. Chukka boots are nice and look great but offer no real support.

 

[belfastboy]

I have been wearing chukkas and just got a pair of Chelsea. They seem to feel better and I guess it is because the heel is more pronounced and makes my heel slightly higher than the arch. I have flat feet, but some shoes have high arches and can hurt rather than help. Some Birkenstocks do this for me.

Anyway, a friend said try cowboy boots. Tried on a pair of Dan Post Pugh - the ostrich. I wear a 9D normally and it took a 10.5 D for me to get my foot in. I could with a 10D but she said I would overwalk the boot. Anyway, the 10.5, it has some arch support but it is not super comfy. I tried on some Ariat and Double H boots, rubber sole, and they felt like they had my foot up even higher off the ground, not bad per se,but different. I also saw some Doc Marten Icon industrial boots, very thick sole, very thick toe, but oh so comfy.

I did try on some Luchesse Carson calf skin in a 9D, those were awesome.

So, do I give the Dan Post more time to mold to my feet and have me experience what it is like, that is, wearing a true boot? Do I turn them back in and go for the Ariat or Double H which are not as stylish but more of a work boot?

Just wondering how boots should feel. Chukka boots are nice and look great but offer no real support.

I am far from an expert of cowboy boots as I just started to collect a few pair. I have a high arch and a wide foot. Dan Post 10EE (my exact shoe/work boot size) fit perfectly. Tony Lama and Justin fit almost as well. My 10EE Lucchese roper boots are too tight in the arch and are hard to put on/take off which is a pain in the ass. I think if you are a 9 then it makes little sense to go all the way to a 10.5 just so you can get your foot in the boot. Even with my Lucchese boots once I get my foot in the boot the fit is great. Boots can be stretched by a shoe repair shop even in the arch which is what I did with the Luccese's so they now go on and off easier though still a pain in the butt (they look great so I overlook the hassle!).

 

[memphislawyer]

Belfast, I could not even get my foot through the shank into the bottom of the boot. This was a western store in the Memphis area, highly recommended. Two different salespeople on different days told me and pinched the instep and all. They will take them back and I can trade them in for Ariat or Double H. I prefer the leather sole on the DP and love the ostrich look. My wife tells me I am too quick to give up on things, but who knows. I thought I would ask here before I decide

 

[Atticus Finch]

I struggled for years to find a comfortable cowboy boot. Went through several brands and sizes before I finally tried Ariat Stockmans. I simply ordered my normal size...11 D...and they were a perfect fit. I have two pairs now. One in steer and one in deer. Love them both.

AF

 

[memphislawyer]

I struggled for years to find a comfortable cowboy boot. Went through several brands and sizes before I finally tried Ariat Stockmans. I simply ordered my normal size...11 D...and they were a perfect fit. I have two pairs now. One in steer and one in deer. Love them both.

AF

My wife is tired of me saying that my feet dont feel right in the Post. Though I love the ostrich and coloring. However, when trying on the Ariat, Double H and Post, the Post felt the least best out of the box. I am thinking that it is a brand that just does not do my foot good. So maybe I should take them back and try the other two brands? I think I was a 9.5 D for those and yes, they were more comfortable from the get-go. Not as nice looking, but I can get a Luchesse down the road.

 

[Stringmaster]

Did you try on more than one pair of the Dan Posts (in the same size)? It seems there is more variation these days in off the rack boots. I used to be a straight up 9 1/2D and pretty much any of the name brands back in the 80's fit fine. Since then my feet changed and I pretty much need to order custom made to measure. That said, when I'm in the local store I try on the usual suspects around my size, every once in a while I'll find something that could work with the right sock. So this has led me to believe that there is more variation recently. And yes, you might find more comfort with the rubber soled boots that are built more like a casual or tennis shoe vs old school cowboy boots. That said, a great fitting old school boot is a wonderful (and comfortable) thing.

 

[memphislawyer]

Yes. This afternoon I went to the store and took the Dan post back. I tried a 10 and a 1/2 and a 10 and a 9 and a 1/2 in a double H boot . The 10 has a snug but not tight fit over the instep and some heel slippage. The 9 and a 1/2 is a much more tight across the instep, but it is not uncomfortable, and less heel slippage. Two of the sales guys there said that they could see my ball of my foot going out over the side of the shoe but I could not see it. Do I trust their experience or do I trust how they feel on my foot. I know leathers gonna give but would I be better off getting the 9 and a 1/2 and letting t stretch

 

[RBH]

While not the western style you normally think of.

I got a pair of these Roper Horseshoes a little over a month ago. They are as light as a pair of athletic shoes and feel great .
I normally wear a wide and these do not come in wides, I ordered the next size up in regular size and the fit was perfect.
https://www.statelinetack.com/item/roper-mens-horseshoe-kiltie-boot/E005785/

 

[memphislawyer]

RBH, I saw something like that. And then there were some hiker-type boots as well

Last night, took back the Dan Post. the 10.5, maybe had too much heel to toe, though across the instep, it was ok. Got these Double H boots:

https://www.cavenders.com/western/c...M4_FaZTbPZDaWkFugO0gzrMj35UNKqYxoC_7IQAvD_BwE

It has like a cup on the heel, so though there is slippage, not as bad. Snug, but not tight on the instep. Much more casual. Im just wearing them around the office to break them in, but so far, they are very comfy. I can see why people that are on their feet many hours a day want a substantial shoe or boot. Lots more padding under foot for sure. Should be good for what I bought a boot in the first place for - those days when I am walking around and standing up for hours, like tailgates and football games, strolling on vacation (not hiking, but shopping with family, etc), things like that. Could get by pairing them with khakis to a dinner I guess.

These, I am thinking about also:

https://www.lucchese.com/shop/boots/carson/M1023.R4

click on the black cherry

I go back and forth with another boot. The goat boot in Luchesse I tried on was a 9D, the only maker that I could go with my dress shoe size. It felt the best of any leather-soled cowboy boot I tried on, other than a handmade pair locally that was an 11B (yes, go figure), and even then, they were probably neck and neck.

But if I had to choose one pair, don't know whether to keep the Double H or get the Luchesse. I got a tobacco pair of Chelsea ankle boots to pair with grey and khaki dress pants and they do look sharp. I have a pair of Sperry ankle Topsider boots in a lighter tan color for kicking around, but they are not so great at standing around in them, not as much arch stuff or support as the boots (I guess that is due to the higher heel height?). So if I only get one pair of cowboy boots, I can get something like some Red Wing Beckman ankle boots (Dark brown, black cherry are options) or something like a snuff suede chelsea. So its one pair of cowboy boots and one alternate for weekends, casual, khakis and jeans stuff, or two pair of cowboy boots. Decisions, Decisions

 

[hatsRme]

Hey, Greg, @Bamaboots, what do YOU think?!

 

[Bamaboots]

@memphislawyer, I've been reading your posts with interest. I have been wearing cowboy boots for most of my life, wear them daily and have been collecting them for a number of years. If a cowboy boot is fitted properly and is of quality, they'll be as comfortable as Allen Edmonds finest dress shoe. The proper fit of a cowboy boot is critical. The boot should be snug across the instep but not tight, there should be at least 1"-1 1/2" distance from the big toe to the end of the toe box and slight heel slippage should be expected in a new boot and will dissipate as the boot breaks in. The boot should not just "slip" on the first time their worn. The throat (think top of your instep to the bottom of your heel) and the instep is what holds the boot in place. There should be an almost audible "whoomp" as the foot goes into place.

I'm an admitted boot snob and all of my boots are US made with many of them being mtm customs. I'm not a fan of either boots you have mentioned, but that's my personal preference based on experience with boots over a number of years. The Carson boot is the best of the two but it's part of Lucchese's lower tiered boots made in Mexico. The Lucchese Classics line is a very good boot and would be my choice for an off the shelf boot. They are expensive but are worth it over the long haul. A quality boot can be rebuilt.

A cowboy boot has to have some arch support, and in a well made boot it will be a spring steel arch that has some give to it wih the mid-sole rolled and pegged in the arch area. I have some customs that the steel arch is a sixteen penney nail hammered out and shaped over an anvil. The boot will also have a full leather insole that will conform to the wearers foot over time. If you've not worn cowboy boots before all of these things may be a little disconcerting. I can hardly remember when I didn't wear them.

Sorry for the ramble but I hope this helped you some and answered a few questions.

 

[HudsonHawk]

Just my experience in 45 years of wearing cowboy boots...I always wear a half size smaller in boots than in regular shoes. If the top of the arch is too tight to get my foot in, either have it stretched or find another pair. Getting them too big just to get my foot in is a recipe for hurt feet and unworn boots. A lot of people new to cowboy boots often think they're too tight because it's difficult to get their foot in. In reality, it's just that they are unfamiliar. There are several methods for helping getting your feet in too. Boot hooks help. Plastic bread bags do wonders. Leather stretches, sometimes quite a bit.

 

[Bamaboots]

Plastic bread bags do wonders. Leather stretches, sometimes quite a bit.

The bread bag is a good trick as well as a little baby powder or food grade silicone spray.

 

[memphislawyer]

wow. I would definitely get the Lucchese classic once I really wear the boots. Being a first boot, I want to see how often I wear them, etc.

I know Double H is not a top tier boot, but it is USA made and may be better than Ariat. I got my foot in a 9.5 D Double H, same style as the 10D I bought, but the boot guy said that the ball of my foot was coming out over the boot. I could not see it. Boot is not easy to get into but not particularly hard. Feels better underfoot and not as much heel slippage as the Dan Post. I did love the ostrich on the Dan Post, though it was not a full skin, but pieces. I will wear the Double H a few days to see if I like it, so far I do, or better than the Dan Post, but yes, unconcerting is a good word for it,

 

[Stringmaster]

Part of your fit issues (if you’re like me) is that your arch length may be related to a size different from your overall length. That is the distance to the ball could be consistent with say a size 10 1/2, but you may measure a 9 1/2 or 10 on the overall length. The store should measure both. As a result sometimes it’s necessary to go longer and narrower to get a good fit (if your arch length is longer). I can fit into most lace up shoes in a 10 or 10 1/2 medium width, but my custom made to measure boots are based on an 11B last as cowboy boot fit is more critical. If you don’t fit the arch length properly you will likely find discomfort. And socks are important too—you could tweak a fit at least a half size based on sock thickness!

 

[memphislawyer]

Stringmaster, that makes sense. The boot guy had me in an 11B and if fit tighter and better to me than any I tried on. It was handmade but in black. So maybe they are observant and the size larger is the way to go, and they do see the foot extending out over the widest part of the boot when I tried on the smaller 9.5 D. Thank you for this observation.

Yeah, Id like to get some handmade but well, I need to make sure I like them. I went from a chukka to a Chelsea that had a true heel (not the entirely flat bottom sole) and it feels different, higher in the back, but it feels better under my arch. I have almost truly flat feet, but do not pronate. I had to wear braces as an infant to correct pidgeon-toe and well, I dont have the typical issues some may have with flat feet, but standing long periods of time, my feet do tire like anyone else. These 10D Double H boots, well, they do feel good, better than the 10.5 Dan Post and better than some Steve Madden or other boots I tried. Id love some Meermin for their shine and quality but it would have to be a blind buy. I just think that cowboys and construction workers must know something about all-day comfort and well, its about time I ventured out. Those ostrich boots did garner attention, the pecan color and the skin itself.

Now, to decide on black cherry or walnut brown for the lower level Lucchesi boot, for jeans and khakis and business casual. I don't have any true oxblood or cordovan color shoes, and I have all shades of brown but a true darker brown. Most of mine are the lighter, tobacco shade

 

[belfastboy]

Part of your fit issues (if you’re like me) is that your arch length may be related to a size different from your overall length. That is the distance to the ball could be consistent with say a size 10 1/2, but you may measure a 9 1/2 or 10 on the overall length. The store should measure both. As a result sometimes it’s necessary to go longer and narrower to get a good fit (if your arch length is longer). I can fit into most lace up shoes in a 10 or 10 1/2 medium width, but my custom made to measure boots are based on an 11B last as cowboy boot fit is more critical. If you don’t fit the arch length properly you will likely find discomfort. And socks are important too—you could tweak a fit at least a half size based on sock thickness!

It wasn't till recently that a proper shoe fitter told me that I measure a size 10 (the size I always wear) but that my foot is really an 11 but I have very short toes. In most dress shoes or work boots I am okay, as long as they look good I live with some discomfort til I get them to conform to my feet. Cowboy boots, as I am just learning, are indeed a different animal. My stride is different in a cowboy boot and I noticed yesterday after a day of wearing and walking my legs felt fatigued in a way not felt before.

 

[memphislawyer]

I have read of people thrifting boots, so to me,that is buying pre-owned. Found two pair I am interested in on ebay and well, I would like comments on them and what to look for before I go that route. The earlier pair I linked to are new, but their cheaper line from what i have read. One pair is the upper end line, and another pair, the plain ones, are not offered at least in that model number and could they be the classic line before Luchesse branched into lines as it were?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/LUCCHESE-1...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

could take my double h back and get the above pair

and

the classic line here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mens-Lucch...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

 

[Bamaboots]

@memphislawyer, that first pair is interesting to me. They're a roper style with a composite sole. Something I've never seen in a Lucchese boot. Also, they show the San Antonio stamp. Lucchese moved their operation from San Antonio to El Paso in 1986. Good shape for a boot that age.

I've bought a number of boots second hand and it's a learning process. What I've found to be most critical are the indicators of excessive wear; a heel worn down or showing newly replaced, the stitch channel being worn down so that just the ends of threads are showing. These might indicate the boots were worn heavily and the leather insole will have formed to the previous owners foot making it more difficult for it to form to yours. Also excessive wrinkling in the vamp which can lead to cracking. Also ask for lots of measurements, comparing those to boots you own that fit.

 

[memphislawyer]

Bama, thank you. I am seriously considering that first pair. Can not find the model number online, so maybe they are New Old stock or a store liquidated and they were display shoes. Wierd that it has no stitching on the shaft but since it is hidden. Also a plain toe. Wondering what kind of brown it is. I have asked the seller for details. I did try on some Luchesse goat ropers locally and a 9D fit great. Wonder if these are more along the Classic line. Not sure what a composite sole is, rubber and leather?

I am wearing the Double H for a test drive and they are now comfy. Lots under foot for sure, that is, my foot feels like it is higher off the ground. I can take them back since I wear them only indoors and kept tags and receipts.