Cowboy Boots

[simonc]

Has anyone used Becks and had custom boots built, what was your experience? http://www.beckboots.com/index.htm

 

[LoveMyHats2]

I have not heard of Becks boots. For a good overall work boot, as much as brands such as Justin and Tony Lama have been suggested, (nothing wrong with those at all) there is a very good choice to toss into the mix, and that is boots made by B.A. Mason. I mention this as the Mason model of Cowboy boots in most of their models have a lifetime warranty on the soles. You will not find that with Justin, Tony Lama, or the majority of other popular name brands. B.A. Mason also has Cowboy boots that are made with a not so pointed toe, a "roper" style toe that allows for some comfort. Mason is also famous for what is called, Velvet-eez, which is a very effective cushioned insole that will last for a very long time if you take care of the boot or shoe. And, most of the Mason line up is far from expensive. They have a Palomino boot that is $134.88 and a Wellington style for the same price,(those are water proof boots), and then they have the straight work boots that look like the Justin Roper or the double h boots. I am a big fan of Mason as I have owned both new and vintage footware made by them, hard to beat how well made they are and their warranty.

 

[simonc]

Thanks dude, but I am not talking about work boots per say, I'm looking for period cowboy boots. Thing is with Becks is that they will make replica 1940's boots for you and I wanted to know if anyone has had any vintage cowboy boots made?

 

[alanfgag]

These are my only cowboy boots... a pair of Lucchese Classics I purchased a few years back. Crocodile with a roper toe - extremely comfortable to wear. I was somewhat floored by the expense, but these are one of those purchases that I look back on with happiness that I didn't let them walk on by.

 

[TipTop]

Hi guys, hope you can help me out. Looking to get my first pair of cowboy boots, er actually, ropers, I think. Have looked around quite a bit (not actually tried anything on, since I'm in Japan, and nobody does my size) and I think I'd like a pair of ropers with round or square toes (i.e. not strongly pointed). Also think I'd like them in brownish roughout leather.

What do you all think of the RRL Ridgeway Ropers? They meet my specs, and I believe they're decent quality, made by Rios of Mercedes.

http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/quarter/item/10000930/

I've seen them pop up on the bay every now and again for around $250. Seems like a good price.

Any other ideas? I am looking for something without the frills. These are also to my liking.

http://item.rakuten.co.jp/mavazi/riosofmercedes_010/

Ishmael, Those are some classic rough-out ropers. RRL, I'm sure you know is Ralph Lauren's western line and I have a lot of it, but not the boots. High grade but wildly over-priced. That link you provided--for $1800 RRL suede ropers by Rios Mercedes is CRAZY; fine if you find them for $250--sounds like sale price. I have a pair of Rios crocs with plain suede uppers that I think I paid about $400 for (on sale) from Western Star. Check their designs out, they tend to be very understated and I'm sure they'd ship to Japan. FYI, Rios fits my E width foot well.

 

[TipTop]

These are my only cowboy boots... a pair of Lucchese Classics I purchased a few years back. Crocodile with a roper toe - extremely comfortable to wear. I was somewhat floored by the expense, but these are one of those purchases that I look back on with happiness that I didn't let them walk on by.

Hi Alan, You must be the Texas Star of Buffalo with those tobacco babies in your stirrups! Very handsome.

Now, show us which hat you wear with them!

 

[TipTop]

Thanks dude, but I am not talking about work boots per say, I'm looking for period cowboy boots. Thing is with Becks is that they will make replica 1940's boots for you and I wanted to know if anyone has had any vintage cowboy boots made?

Simon, I looked at those Becks and I wanted to ask just what feature do you consider "1940s" about them? If you are talking about buckaroo length (16") shafts, there are a lot of alternatives around, but I would warn you that if you don't wear them for riding (likely with pants tucked in), you will find them very hot and bulky. I have a pair of J.B. Hill Buckaroos in bison with blue calf uppers that are comfortable on the foot, but tiresome, rising almost to my knee.

As an aside, I'll say that when I think of 1940s style, I think of shorties or PeeWees; Rocketbuster tends to design and offer wild wonderful shorties/peewees vintage repros. And if you scroll back a couple of pages (47, think) you'll see an ad for 1940s boots.

 

[Doublegun]

Nice Lucchese Classics Tip Top

your links that are close to my J R Reyes black boots are cool .
mine are only 2 pieces of leather, & the toe box is more correct for this type... More work for the boot maker..

check these out
EL Dorado, natural skin....its either Horn Back or Alligator One piece fronts real rare boots
Most boots today are Caiman
Any body know if these are Horn Back ? there about 27 years old

Never been a fan of exotic skin boots but these are spectacular. The way the coloration of the stitching matches the skin is incredible.

 

[simonc]

Simon, I looked at those Becks and I wanted to ask just what feature do you consider "1940s" about them? If you are talking about buckaroo length (16") shafts, there are a lot of alternatives around, but I would warn you that if you don't wear them for riding (likely with pants tucked in), you will find them very hot and bulky. I have a pair of J.B. Hill Buckaroos in bison with blue calf uppers that are comfortable on the foot, but tiresome, rising almost to my knee.

As an aside, I'll say that when I think of 1940s style, I think of shorties or PeeWees; Rocketbuster tends to design and offer wild wonderful shorties/peewees vintage repros. And if you scroll back a couple of pages (47, think) you'll see an ad for 1940s boots.

Hi TT thanks for getting back, well for me 1940's boots are shorties with a french toe and 2.5 inch under slung heel, which they do. Very simple. I'm not into fancy colours just black or brown. I don't know of any other company that offers these features. Do you? And thanks for the links, they look great, checking now.

 

[WineGuy]

Hi guys, hope you can help me out. Looking to get my first pair of cowboy boots, er actually, ropers, I think. Have looked around quite a bit (not actually tried anything on, since I'm in Japan, and nobody does my size) and I think I'd like a pair of ropers with round or square toes (i.e. not strongly pointed). Also think I'd like them in brownish roughout leather.

What do you all think of the RRL Ridgeway Ropers? They meet my specs, and I believe they're decent quality, made by Rios of Mercedes./[/url]

Hi Ishmael, here's one other direction to consider. All the boot brands mentioned are good to great and you would be happy with any well fitting pair, but when I first got the bug for western boots I took my tried and true "pre-owned off ebay" route. I own everything from Lucchese Classics to exotic skins from Botas Cuadra" but every pair was pre- owned and I paid less than 10% of each pairs retail price...yet they were all in excellent condition. I think only a Range Rover depreciates faster than western boots. The best part was I was able to try out five different brands of boots with different heels and toes for less than the cost of one brand new set of good boots. I'm wearing the the hell out of each of them and made my self a promise that when I get out West for a visit I'll take the plunge and find a top rated custom boot maker to make me a pair now that I know what I really like. Take some some time and browse ebay, find a few pairs that are you size and put a few low ball bids in and see if one wins. Even if the pair you win don't fit we'll you can always throw them back on ebay and get your money back.

 

[alanfgag]

Hi Alan, You must be the Texas Star of Buffalo with those tobacco babies in your stirrups! Very handsome.

Now, show us which hat you wear with them!

Thanks Ray. I'm fortunate to be able to dress 'em up with a variety of hats.

 

[Bigfoot66]

I did the same thing. Always liked them but didn't have the gahunnas to pull them off (always dressed classic Polo). Decided worth try and went to EBay. Actually have gotten really comfortable with this new look bc I've been able to try so many brands and styles for nothing. Don't like them...resell.

The traditional roper like toe and shorter walking heel is my look. And Luchesses are the best. Exotics too! Couldn't have figured this all out if I did it through a western store.

Hi Ishmael, here's one other direction to consider. All the boot brands mentioned are good to great and you would be happy with any well fitting pair, but when I first got the bug for western boots I took my tried and true "pre-owned off ebay" route. I own everything from Lucchese Classics to exotic skins from Botas Cuadra" but every pair was pre- owned and I paid less than 10% of each pairs retail price...yet they were all in excellent condition. I think only a Range Rover depreciates faster than western boots. The best part was I was able to try out five different brands of boots with different heels and toes for less than the cost of one brand new set of good boots. I'm wearing the the hell out of each of them and made my self a promise that when I get out West for a visit I'll take the plunge and find a top rated custom boot maker to make me a pair now that I know what I really like. Take some some time and browse ebay, find a few pairs that are you size and put a few low ball bids in and see if one wins. Even if the pair you win don't fit we'll you can always throw them back on ebay and get your money back.

 

[Doublegun]

Rios v Lucchese: who makes the better (tougher) all around boot?

 

[ButteMT61]

Rios v Lucchese: who makes the better (tougher) all around boot?

I've had lots of Rios and Lucchese 1883 series and I'd say they're pretty much equals. Rios are nicer in that not everyone has them - more unique. Can't go wrong with either. I've got some that I've had for 22 years, and all I do is resolve every x years. Good luck.

 

[kyboots]

Alan the Lucchese classics are just that, beautiful boots that will last forever. Your grandchildren can replace the soles. For the "toe" people those are "R" toes that Alan has. As your foot flattens out as we age, sometimes more narrower toes like "X" toes "roach killers" etc. get too snug. If you are 25 go for them, if you are 45-50 look at the R or even the U "more rounded" toe. Those are typical for ropers and some lacers. It use to be R toes were from East Texas and U toes were far West Texas but that is all changing. Ishmael I would look back on pages 42-45 since we are repeating ourselves here, and there is some good information on those pages. One note about Ebay and we all buy there; purchase boots that are not too old. Boots comform to your foot, don't buy someone elses foot size. Pleanty of good boot deals on Ebay with gently used boots. People buy for a wedding or event then never wear again. There are also used boot dealers, most of which can help.

 

[Doublegun]

I have a pair of Lucchese 1883 N1547 with the very pointed toe and I find them very comfortable even with my aging feet. Now I m looking for more of a roper style boot, a little more versatile look, and am drawn to the Rios R9002 but I wish they were available in a darker brown (similar to the vintage brown FQHH).

 

[TipTop]

Rios v Lucchese: who makes the better (tougher) all around boot?

I think ButteMT has it right: Lucchese 1883s are the equivalent of Rios boots; Lucchese Classics are a step beyond that in quality. I have crocs by each and the Rios are definitely sub-standard to Classic crocs--in skins, matching, dying, toning and overall construction. But then, they are priced accordingly.

I have a pair of Lucchese 1883s (ostrich) that are fine, but also have a pair of Lucchese 2000 ropers in ostrich, with a rubber sole that are awful. The 2000 line was supposedly updated to meet new-customer expectations (padded insole, more "comfort" features) but I hate them and they do not fit at all like Classics. The 2000s were bought off ePrey from a guy who wore them once and never again....I think I know why if he was a 12 as I am. (Any 11.5s out there who want a bargain?)

As always, depending on the skin, I would say that Lucchese Classics and 1883s tend toward the large side, as do Rios for fitment. As for which is "tougher" I don't have any that I personally have worn out to compare, but again, my experience with Rios is that they seem to be a notch below Classics in overall construction. I have a pair of used Rios elephants (teal!) that the foot is great on, but the uppers are dried out and brittle and the the pulls have broken from being so dry. Elephant (and stingray, etc.) are expected to last forever, but the tops have to be high-quality or you wind up as I have. If these hadn't been resoled to rubber by unknown "craftsmen" I'd send them back to Rios for new tops, but they don't fit that well after re-soling.

 

[TipTop]

One note about Ebay and we all buy there; purchase boots that are not too old. Boots comform to your foot, don't buy someone elses foot size. Pleanty of good boot deals on Ebay with gently used boots. People buy for a wedding or event then never wear again. There are also used boot dealers, most of which can help.

It should also be noted that OLD LASTS are very different from more contemporary models. Lucchese SanAntonio boots tend to be a lot more snug than current models and some manufacturers will confide that they had expanded their lasts over recent years, but still offer originals (like the old Luccheses) for their customers who demand them; Falconhead/Tres Outlaws has that option. Stallion still uses the older style of the SanAntonio scale, and Pedro will tell you that he is still making SanAntonio quality boots too--reputed to be the best ever. I also move up a half size in J.B. Hills, or get customs that are a half size bigger on left. Most other 12s will still work for me.

 

[seabass]

Some Good info here being shared !

Alan your Gator boots are Real Nice !

 

[alanfgag]

Thanks Che!