Cowboy Boots

[Yahoody]

Line em up.

Just what is in the office. Likely a small collection by the look of some of your guy's posts! Nine pair pictured here. All but 2 full customs. At least a 6 week wait if not longer on any one of them after I ordered. This isn't even counting the mud room for the boots that don't come into the house any more. Like my Ariats. Or the closet up stairs for boots still clean enough to stay indoors. All but one pair are brown. Split pretty equally between rough out and smooth. Anyone here wear a 11.5 B and interested in some nice boots

 

[Yahoody]

After 60+ years in rock shoes, ski boots and the worst of the bunch, custom cowboy boots.

Just though I should clarify why I thought cowboy boots were the worst. I've seen men who have worn properly fitted, true, custom made boots for the vast majority of their lives to ride and work in. Also noticed that the majority of guys who have done that have had foot problems when they hit 50 to 60 plus.

A few things never stop growing/changing on a human body...their nose and ears for sure and their feet. A well fitting pair of boots @ 30 isn't likely to fit you at 50. If your feet have gotten wider and longer in that time frame a tight pair of custom boots might feel like they are supposed to fit but could just as easily be making your feet hurt. YMMV but something to ponder when you are saving your boots

 

[Bamaboots]

My foot size has been stable over the last 30+ years or so and its during that time I've accumulated most of my boots. The only time I've ever encountered foot problems was from wearing an ill fitting boot or the time years ago when I bought a pair of TL's after their operation had moved south of the border, when Berkshire-Hathaway bought the big three. I didn't know any better then and couldn't figure out the problem until I started doing a comparison between pairs made here or there. I wear cowboy boots most every day and for long stretches and the flat arch incorporated into the newer boots wore me out.

I'm well aware that the boots that I was wearing early on we're likely made by Mexicans. That's why those companies were located in El Paso. I wouldn't have a problem with them to this day if the quality was still there. I've got some well made hecho en Mexico boots made for the U. S. market that have served me well. I buy U. S. made customs and the occasional pair of vintage U. S. made TL, Nocona or Justin boots because of the inherent quality and the feel of the boot on my foot. Plus, boots are one of the few things that I can get that are still made here and I like that.

I know that my running and cycling shoes are Asian made as well as most of my clothing items are. That's just the nature of the textile and clothing industry today. I wear my running shoes for exercise and that's it. Even then I don't find them that comfortable. The missus wears them daily except for work. I don't wear Ariats or the new TL's with comfort technology or whatever they call it because I don't like the way they feel, and I've tried on a number of pairs. They feel like a high top tennis shoe to me and that's not something I like. To me, cowboy boots as well as a well made pair of dress shoes should have a leather insole that conforms to the foot over time. That's what I find comfortable. Another reason is asthetics. They just don't appeal to my eye. They obviously do to a lot of people. Western stores are covered up with them and around here it's becoming difficult to even find Lucchese Classics.

 

[Yahoody]

I got nothing against Mexicans or Mexican made boots. Suspect everything I own if because of their skill set. And I dearly love some of my custom boots

I can appreciate the comfort of my Ariats or Twisted X. Never mentioned and couldn't defend the cosmetics of such a choice

Like a new bespoke hat, a decent pair of custom made boots is hard to come by these days.

 

[Desert dog]

I might buy American but my feet buys what fits and doesn't hurt. If you have been wearing cowboy boots for 60+ years likely a majority of them were made in or made by a Mexican.

I spent a good deal of time in climbing boots..not hikers... but things you actually climb in. We hike in running shoes..also not made in the USA. The climbing boots were originally French or Italian. The best the best in the world...no question. Now the Italians make the best ski and climbing boots...no question. Fact not fiction. Use to be able to pick up a custom pair of cowboy boots pretty easily years ago. Now not so much. Guys like Paul Bond and production houses like Olathe are a far cry from what they were years ago. I mucked in a pair of at least 10 year old, new old stock, Cowtown boots tonight. Picked them up a few months ago in a out of the way shop that had a dozen pair of the same boot. Last Cowtown boots I had was in high school....when we all wore Justin, Dan Post, or Tony Lama. All brands now that I'd consider trash. I'd bet green money these Cowtowns were made in Mexico even though the tag says made in America.

My life depends on my feet, skiing, climbing or riding horses. I spent a couple of years hobbling around on bad feet. Got to the poin I could hardly walk. Long story but none of it pretty. Better now. Those made in China, Ariats, cost $150 a pair instead of my typical $500 and up per pair of custom boots. I am walking normally again because of them and a pair of Twisted X boots also likely made in China. I can see $4000 worth of custom boots sitting here at my desk. And that aint even a big selection of my custom made cowboy boots. There was a time I'd have traded all of them for that pair of made in China $150 Ariats.

GOD bless ya if you have easy to fit feet and have never had foot problems. Pray ya never do.

There was a time I wouldn't wear anything but a custom made boot. Then my feet got so bad I couldn't wear a boot at all. Been just recently that I can wear some of my custom boots again. And it's a true pleasure that I relish. But I sure as chit aint ever going to besmirch Ariat or Tristed X as a bad boot. Or care where they are made.

I hear you, and didn't mean any offense. My latest hikers are Merrills, not American. Try finding decent hikers. This past year I suffered from Plantar Fasciitis and then a torn ligament in my knee. I was hiking a minimum of ten miles every day, Doc says I overdid it, training to summit Mt. San Gorgonio last June. The arch support in my westerns feels so good! It's about time to hit the trails and see if my heel will hold out in those Merrills.

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[Yahoody]

Plantar Fasciitis and then a torn ligament in my knee.

None taken DD. Some tough rehab there! Plantar Fasciitis is a nasty critter. Had two bouts of it in the last 30 years. First one I caused slab climbing and stretching the tendon too much. 2nd one came along with the foot injury. Both were a while getting back to normal. Big believer in a night splint. Night splint has really helped me recover both times.

Nothing like a custom boot done right for fit and feel. Just not convinced they were ever made to actually walk in

 

[Yahoody]

Couple of thoughts. Higher heels will effectively make most folk's foot shorter by raising your instep. Same boot with a 1" heel isn't likely to fit you if you are coming off a 2.5" heel. Same reason a good insole or orthotic will support your foot and some times change your shoe size.

Munson last ( been around since 1912) will generally be a better fit than any cowboy boot no matter the toe shape. My round toe Ariat is closer to a Munson last than anything else I own. For a dedicated riding boot in my narrow heels, wider foot, size 11.5 to a 12, I like a single stitched double leather sole with a "W" toe and "6s" heel @ 2.5 to 2.75" with a good spur ledge. Spur ledge is good for spurs but also keeps your pants out of the mud if ya aint got spurs on. Spurs on the other hand tear up boots.

At one time I only wore 16" or taller boots. After a few decades I decided that was nonsense unless really needed for protection on the horse. Walked a wrecked horse out 20 miles twice in a pair of these high heeled boots. Not something you would want do on purpose.

Bama' got me looking around here for some of my favorite boots

2.5" S heels



"W" toes all from the same custom maker...and none an exact copy of the other..



short, warm weather boots


Tall, cold weather boots....these come to mid height on my knee cap. Thick and smooth rubber soles.



14" favorite style to date..spur ledge, double sole, W toe, 2.5" heel, spur vamp, deep V and pull holes.



five years old and two pair of soles



Historically correct boots from the 1880's





Single piece boot with a square toe makes the exceptionally comfortable. In the old days when a guy's boots got too warn you just switch feet. Must have bene a tough break in 2nd time around I like the added support of a modern boot with a good heel counter, double leather sole, good arch support and a spur vamp.

Still new and not broken in yet. These come to just over the top of my knee.



30+ year old custom Olathe's on their third resole and from experience, not the best hiking boot

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

Just what is in the office. Likely a small collection by the look of some of your guy's posts! Nine pair pictured here. All but 2 full customs. At least a 6 week wait if not longer on any one of them after I ordered. This isn't even counting the mud room for the boots that don't come into the house any more. Like my Ariats. Or the closet up stairs for boots still clean enough to stay indoors. All but one pair are brown. Split pretty equally between rough out and smooth. Anyone here wear a 11.5 B and interested in some nice boots

Yup, i can grow into a 11.5 cept i’m kinda overwhelmed just lookin. What’s #2 back on the right and #4 back on the left for starters? Smiles.
Be well. Bowen

 

[Yahoody]

[QUOTE="AbbaDatDeHat]Yup, i can grow into a 11.5 cept i’m kinda overwhelmed just lookin. What’s #2 back on the right and #4 back on the left for starters? Smiles.[/QUOTE]

If i read that right Bowen, you look to be a man who likes tall boots Both pair you asked about are 17" or higher. Almost made me cry to cut off that purple topped pair up front. They were 18" Cut another pair off that were 17" at the same time. But I use them both more now in my rotation.

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

I hear you, and didn't mean any offense. My latest hikers are Merrills, not American. Try finding decent hikers. This past year I suffered from Plantar Fasciitis and then a torn ligament in my knee. I was hiking a minimum of ten miles every day, Doc says I overdid it, training to summit Mt. San Gorgonio last June. The arch support in my westerns feels so good! It's about time to hit the trails and see if my heel will hold out in those Merrills.

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Greetings DD et al:
PF... no fun at all and hard to keep from reoccurring. I hope your Doc taught you how to make a compression wrap with a arch wedge in it. Those saved me for sure being on my feet walking on hard tile floors 8hr days 40+ years. My 2cents.
Be well. Bowen

 

[Bamaboots]

I got nothing against Mexicans or Mexican made boots. Suspect everything I own if because of their skill set.

Not my intent and if you felt I was inferring that, I apologize. Just pointing out that I was familiar with the work force and how much the boots changed after mfg. left the states. If it weren't for many of the skilled craftsmen that came up from Leon, I'm not sure those makers would have had the success they did.

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

[QUOTE="AbbaDatDeHat]Yup, i can grow into a 11.5 cept i’m kinda overwhelmed just lookin. What’s #2 back on the right and #4 back on the left for starters? Smiles.

If i read that right Bowen, you look to be a man who likes tall boots Both pair you asked about are 17" or higher. Almost made me cry to cut off that purple topped pair up front. They were 18" Cut another pair off that were 17" at the same time. But I use them both more now in my rotation.[/QUOTE]
Ha Yahoody figures i’d ask about some tall boys. Prob more than i could handle, or get off. Wish i was somewhere i needed 17s. Reg size 11s is where i’m at but lookin at a candy store makes a old guy wannabe. Lovin all your posts.
Be well. Bowen

 

[Desert dog]

Greetings DD et al:
PF... no fun at all and hard to keep from reoccurring. I hope your Doc taught you how to make a compression wrap with a arch wedge in it. Those saved me for sure being on my feet walking on hard tile floors 8hr days 40+ years. My 2cents.
Be well. Bowen

I have done wraps, and exercise, that helps, also insoles. Hopefully on the downhill now!

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[memphislawyer]

Been reading up the last two days of posts. I have gotten two pair of true boots, one an ostrich pair of Luchessi ropers, in my regular dress shoe size. One of the smoothest, bendable shoe leathers I have ever put on my feet. Another pair of roperrs, more like a work boot, Double H with rubber soles. Workhorse, shit kickers and I feel bad to the bone in them.

Not counting the LL BEan 6 inch rain boot

A pair of Frye side zip boots and a pair of Frye suede Chelseas. Like them better than Chukkas, both pair

I said all that to say that I truly feel my feet feel better in these fourt pair of shoes, more so than my next favorite pair, Allen Edmonds Park Avenue. Now, other than the Beans and the Double H. just regular foot bed. The Beans and Double H have a molded, padded insole. Others do not. For some reason,here is my theory why they feel better. Like a loafer or dress shoe, the heel is above the arch a bit. Takes pressure off the arch, and puts it on the meat of the heel and the balls of the feet. Thus my arch does not get tired. This make sense?

I never really wore boots, maybe chukkas or hikers here and there, but no, I myself prefer the boots when i don't have to wear dress shoes with a suit.

 

[Yahoody]

Not my intent and if you felt I was inferring that...

Naw just me. I don't mind coming off a a real ba***rd. Just not a racist ba***rd I'd like to have just a inkling of the skills those craftsmen have.

 

[Bamaboots]

I don't mind coming off a a real ba***rd.

Been one most of my life, or so I've been told. Maybe we're related.

 

[Joao Encarnado]

Damm... I have small feet.

 

[Stringmaster]

My feet have changed quite a bit over time. I used to be a perfect 9 1/2D—and could grab most any brand boot and get a good fit. I’ve had to fit progressively longer/narrower, and my arch length is longer but not so much my overall length. When I worked at the boot shop I moved into 10 1/2B. Now I almost always have to go custom and my PB boots are built off of an 11B last. Basically a 9 1/2D still fits my instep but are too short. Sometime I can fit a 10D off the rack but they tend to be too loose in the instep and borderline too short so sometime a wider toe (not my preference) is in order with a thick sock. 10 1/2D's are like standing in buckets. So custom made to measure I go! I may end up with fewer pairs, but honestly I’m disappointed with the quality of the store brand boots overall these days. Time to start saving for my next customs

 

[Chinaski]

I hear you, and didn't mean any offense. My latest hikers are Merrills, not American. Try finding decent hikers. This past year I suffered from Plantar Fasciitis and then a torn ligament in my knee. I was hiking a minimum of ten miles every day, Doc says I overdid it, training to summit Mt. San Gorgonio last June. The arch support in my westerns feels so good! It's about time to hit the trails and see if my heel will hold out in those Merrills.

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Desert Dog, I've done quite a bit of hiking in the last few years and got to the top of Whitney on a day hike last July. I started out with those same Merrills you probably have, Moab Ventilators, as they’re fairly light for hiking boots. Best thing I ever did was switch to trail runners, and currently hike in Altra Lone Peaks. The Merrills had no arch at all, and even with an insole my feet would hurt after hiking. The Altras have a wide toe box which allows your toes to splay, a nice neutral arch and footbed - I’ll never look back for hiking. They’re pretty durable too. I hope to get up San Gorgonio this year as well.

On the boot topic, I have an old pair of Stirlings, some Old Gringos (made in Mexico) and a black dress pair of Dan Posts for “office work.” I also have some black White's packers and am looking at a pair of Nick's or Frank's cowboy packers in brown. Love seeing all the boots posted here!

 

[Desert dog]

Desert Dog, I've done quite a bit of hiking in the last few years and got to the top of Whitney on a day hike last July. I started out with those same Merrills you probably have, Moab Ventilators, as they’re fairly light for hiking boots. Best thing I ever did was switch to trail runners, and currently hike in Altra Lone Peaks. The Merrills had no arch at all, and even with an insole my feet would hurt after hiking. The Altras have a wide toe box which allows your toes to splay, a nice neutral arch and footbed - I’ll never look back for hiking. They’re pretty durable too. I hope to get up San Gorgonio this year as well.

On the boot topic, I have an old pair of Stirlings, some Old Gringos (made in Mexico) and a black dress pair of Dan Posts for “office work.” I also have some black White's packers and am looking at a pair of Nick's or Frank's cowboy packers in brown. Love seeing all the boots posted here!

Thanks Chinaski! You hit the nail on the head! Moab Ventilators, I have put in insoles but still feel I need more arch support. Congratulations on Whitney! I was planning to enter the lotto this year but the injury put me back. Outstanding accomplishment to summit Whitney, even more so on a day hike. Did you start at midnight?


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