Cowboy Boots

[Bamaboots]

Well, I figured my western hats needed some boots, so after spending some time around this thread I decided to go fishing in the Bay. Might not be as nice as most found here nor of a preferred style, but considering my budget and the amount of rotational use they'll get I think they reperesented good value.

Chris (Cristobal) Romero:
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I was pleasantly surprised at just how comfortable these are, so I've picked up a couple more pair of boots. Still looking for probably just one more pair...

Thanks to Dale, Ed, Jack, and others, but especially Greg for their contributions to this thread.

TOF, I’m sure you did your homework and discovered there’s a bunch of boot history associated with boot makers and the name Romero; from the late 20’s to boots currently made under the Don Quixote brand. So many boot makers and workers left the León area to work for the big three, I think that some of its boot making identity was lost but Romero’s carried on. Of course, w/o those folks seeking work here, the big three, along with Lucchese may not have found the success that they enjoy.

Those are some good looking, well made boots you picked up. Look forward to what else is coming.

 

[TheOldFashioned]

Great find. Christobel Romero made some excellent boots. I have a pair of his from the late 50s/early 60s, they're definitely some of my favorites. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of your collection. Good luck with "just one more pair".

Thanks, Dale! The Chris Romero line was first trademarked in the 1980s, so definitely not as old as yours. You have a great collection of true, vintage boots. Makes me shudder a bit when stuff from the 80s/90s is referred to as vintage since that makes me vintage too.

TOF, I’m sure you did your homework and discovered there’s a bunch of boot history associated with boot makers and the name Romero; from the late 20’s to boots currently made under the Don Quixote brand. So many boot makers and workers left the León area to work for the big three, I think that some of its boot making identity was lost but Romero’s carried on. Of course, w/o those folks seeking work here, the big three, along with Lucchese may not have found the success that they enjoy.

Those are some good looking, well made boots you picked up. Look forward to what else is coming.

Thanks, Greg! When I first saw them I recognized the Romero name from a post of yours about the more famous Stewart-Romero boots of old Hollywood. Pretty sure I read every post of yours at least twice related to the Romero family name and their history of bookmaking. After that I felt much more comfortable buying these.

Next ones will be some Tony Lamas with the 80s black label. You had provided a nice history evolution of the different labels and timeframes used by the company a while back. Tried to follow your advice of sticking to boots with that label or (preferably) earlier.

 

[Downunder G Man]

Lucchese Classic Ostrich Western heeled boot the choice for today's Tuesday Harley ride. 15 years in the collection.

 

[Recoil Rob]

Gentlemen, what can you tell me about Larry Mahan's boots? They look well designed and tastefully designed.

From the little I could gather it seems they were made for Mahan by several different companies over the years. I've seen cloth labels stitched in with both El Paso, TX and Nocona TX. I assume Tony Lama and Nocona?

Any other possibilities?

Also, while we're at it, what about the Billy Martin line?


thanks,

Rob

 

[Bamaboots]

Gentlemen, what can you tell me about Larry Mahan's boots? They look well designed and tastefully designed.

From the little I could gather it seems they were made for Mahan by several different companies over the years. I've seen cloth labels stitched in with both El Paso, TX and Nocona TX. I assume Tony Lama and Nocona?

Any other possibilities?

Also, while we're at it, what about the Billy Martin line?


thanks,

Rob

RR, can’t say much more than you already about Mahan’s boots. No personal experience but I’d read/heard/dreamt that they were always US made. The ones I’ve looked at online always look well made.

Billy Martin licensed with several makers over the years. The store carried el Rey boots that were specific to them for awhile. I think Rios, maybe and I hope some others can add to this. The ones I’ve seen were all well made US boots.

 

[TheOldFashioned]

Tony Lama lizard:


Upon arrival I discovered these were stamped "FACTORY DEFECT" which hadn't been disclosed by the seller. Other than some slightly mismatched skins I couldn't say what the defect(s) might be, and at this point 35+ years later it's probably impossible to say anyway. Looks like they were sold as seconds at the Rey Store on Nov 7, 1983 per another stamp in the boot.

Half-resoled at some point in the past, but evidence of the original three row pegging remains. I figured it might have been a higher end line based on what I read regarding the two wood and one brass combination. May not be perfect but they have a history. I decided to keep them.

 

[Recoil Rob]

Unusual treatment of the 3 piece vamp, don't usually see it like that. With that nicely stitched shaft you did well.

 

[dh66]

Tony Lama lizard:
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Upon arrival I discovered these were stamped "FACTORY DEFECT" which hadn't been disclosed by the seller. Other than some slightly mismatched skins I couldn't say what the defect(s) might be, and at this point 35+ years later it's probably impossible to say anyway. Looks like they were sold as seconds at the Rey Store on Nov 7, 1983 per another stamp in the boot.

Half-resoled at some point in the past, but evidence of the original three row pegging remains. I figured it might have been a higher end line based on what I read regarding the two wood and one brass combination. May not be perfect but they have a history. I decided to keep them.

Very nice!!!

Back in the day they called that color peanut brittle. I guess nowadays it's probably named whiskey or cognac or something more manly sounding like that. Either way, it's a classic color for lizard boots. I've probably seen more like that than any other. Even had some myself back in the 80s. Mine would've been factory seconds, too, because I was one broke mf back in those days. They look great! Enjoy them!

 

[Recoil Rob]

My first pair were peanut brittle leather Acme's stamped to look like tegu, terrible fit but I wore them anyway. I had to have another pair, now I have Nocona's.
Everyone should have a pair, they are classics.

 

[Downunder G Man]

Lucchese Classic Ropers for today's Harley ride. "Honey" goat the colour.
This pair over 20 years old. Size 11D
Photo with the bike already in the "What jacket" forum , apologies if that is offensive to "sensitive souls"...

 

[TheOldFashioned]

My most recent pair, these were listed as unbranded bullhide:


After poking around here and looking at the toe bug and stitching pattern I had a hunch these might be some Black Jack boots, so I did some further exploring on their site. Found what looked like a match for their V-toe and a modification of their tri-star cording design, so I went ahead and made the seller an offer and agreed to a counteroffer.

After they arrived I had some suspicions about the vamp being shrunken shoulder bullhide. Not that I had anything to compare it to in hand, but it didn't feel like what I was expecting. It had a soft, almost spongy feel to it. I reached out to Black Jack's customer service rep and provided some pictures. I quickly received a response, confirming these were indeed Black Jack boots made in 2017. Turns out the shaft is burgundy goat and vamp is chocolate bison.

So here's the lineup as it currently stands:


Brown is covered, now need something in black and/or grey.

 

[dh66]

So here's the lineup as it currently stands:
View attachment 249672 o

Brown is covered, now need something in black and/or grey.

"Just one more pair" he says....

Those are some killer looking Black Jacks. Congrats on that find! I'm sure you'll put them to some good use.

And good luck with the black pair.

And the gray pair.

And the other black pair with a different toe shape......

 

[Downunder G Man]

Lucchese Classic Ropers in Tobacco Ostrich today. Again owned since 2008. My preferred style truth be told.

"matchy matchy" with the vintage Fidelity brown steerhide café racer jacket ( photo used elsewhere !)

 

[TheOldFashioned]

"Just one more pair" he says....

Those are some killer looking Black Jacks. Congrats on that find! I'm sure you'll put them to some good use.

And good luck with the black pair.

And the gray pair.

And the other black pair with a different toe shape......

Thanks, Dale! Given my track history with hats and jackets I'd say you're probably right.

 

[Downunder G Man]

Lucchese 2000 Ropers today in black kangaroo. Again my "preferred" style of boots.
Interesting story to these ones. In 2009 I was knocked off my 2006 35th Anniversary Harley Dyna, "side wiped".
By a 75 year old catholic priest , classic "failure to yield" from my left scenario. With an "auto" licence driving a manual car!
He somersaulted my bike onto the median strip and put me over the bonnet breaking the right heel off these Ropers.
The Kangaroo Ropers saved my right foot from any further damage, but my butt cheeks were hanging out my Levi 604's.
(Not a good look !). I had the boots rebuilt at a local traditional bootmaker , both heels so they would match.
Photos used in other threads , no offence intended !

 

[Hurricane Jack]

My most recent pair, these were listed as unbranded bullhide:
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After poking around here and looking at the toe bug and stitching pattern I had a hunch these might be some Black Jack boots, so I did some further exploring on their site. Found what looked like a match for their V-toe and a modification of their tri-star cording design, so I went ahead and made the seller an offer and agreed to a counteroffer.

After they arrived I had some suspicions about the vamp being shrunken shoulder bullhide. Not that I had anything to compare it to in hand, but it didn't feel like what I was expecting. It had a soft, almost spongy feel to it. I reached out to Black Jack's customer service rep and provided some pictures. I quickly received a response, confirming these were indeed Black Jack boots made in 2017. Turns out the shaft is burgundy goat and vamp is chocolate bison.

So here's the lineup as it currently stands:
View attachment 249672

Brown is covered, now need something in black and/or grey.

Custom bookmakers perfected the art of "pinching leather" to get a 3-D quality dimension they couldn't get using just inlays & overlays. The pinching effect was used mostly on roses & flowers, cactus & agave plants, stars, etc. It is labor intensive requiring skill.

The boot factories ripped it off by using pre-formed corded shapes like fleur de lys, placing them between the inner liner & outer top leather, & running one stitch around the outside. They also discovered it was cheaper than running 4 or more stitches on a top with a machine.

 

[TheOldFashioned]

Custom bookmakers perfected the art of "pinching leather" to get a 3-D quality dimension they couldn't get using just inlays & overlays. The pinching effect was used mostly on roses & flowers, cactus & agave plants, stars, etc. It is labor intensive requiring skill.

View attachment 249976

View attachment 249978

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The boot factories ripped it off by using pre-formed corded shapes like fleur de lys, placing them between the inner liner & outer top leather, & running one stitch around the outside. They also discovered it was cheaper than running 4 or more stitches on a top with a machine.

View attachment 249979

Thanks, Jack, for the wonderful examples and explanation. I actually was able to see a video of Black Jack making boots with the cording. Clearly not the same quality, required skill set, and thus price point of a pair of custom boots with pinched leather designs.

That being said, I feel like I got my $50 worth. Maybe they're not worth that much in the realm of boots, but for some domestic handmade footwear I think they offered good value.

Some Blackjack boots in smooth ostrich with a goat, J cord shaft and ostrich overlays on the pulls. To me, Blackjack puts out one of the better US made factory boots at a reasonable price. Quality of build is similar to Lucchese Classics at about half the cost. The finish is maybe not as nice as the Lucchese's but leathers and construction are comparable. Got these on sale for less than half the over $500 retail. The problem is finding a brick and mortar store where you can try some on.
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[Hurricane Jack]

Thanks, Jack, for the wonderful examples and explanation. I actually was able to see a video of Black Jack making boots with the cording. Clearly not the same quality, required skill set, and thus price point of a pair of custom boots with pinched leather designs.

That being said, I feel like I got my $50 worth. Maybe they're not worth that much in the realm of boots, but for some domestic handmade footwear I think they offered good value.

To those of us who have been interested in & worn boots for a long time it's about the art of the boot (like the book so aptly named). It starts with the lines of the boot, just like a classic car or hat.

As Bob Seger sang, "Today's music ain't got the same soul". Sorry of chiming in.

 

[Bamaboots]

Thanks, Jack, for the wonderful examples and explanation. I actually was able to see a video of Black Jack making boots with the cording. Clearly not the same quality, required skill set, and thus price point of a pair of custom boots with pinched leather designs.

That being said, I feel like I got my $50 worth. Maybe they're not worth that much in the realm of boots, but for some domestic handmade footwear I think they offered good value.

I recognized those boots as BlackJack as soon as I saw them. The cording was part of it but their overlay on the pulls was the certainty. Other shaft options are available from them and cost accordingly. I enjoyed both pair that I had but I eventually moved them on just as I have my Lucchese boots. Not a thing wrong with them just had similar boots in custom that I always reach for while those sat.

 

[TheOldFashioned]

I recognized those boots as BlackJack as soon as I saw them. The cording was part of it but their overlay on the pulls was the certainty. Other shaft options are available from them and cost accordingly. I enjoyed both pair that I had but I eventually moved them on just as I have my Lucchese boots. Not a thing wrong with them just had similar boots in custom that I always reach for while those sat.

It goes without saying that your collection is second to none. I can understand why Black Jack or Lucchese boots would sit and/or be moved on when you have so many other great custom made options. Clearly something to aspire to, but obviously I'm on the wrong path.