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Find It: The Perfect Pair of Boots
From work boots that go straight from the box to the mud, to a custom made pair that are strictly for special occasions, there are nearly as many styles of boots out there as there are stars in a Texas night sky. With so many options to choose from, how can you be sure of the pair that’s right for you? Jennifer June, author of Cowboy Boots: The Art and Sole (www.dimlights.com), gives some advice on finding the perfect pair of cowboy boots to suit your style.
OUT ON THE TOWN
A night out or special event can often benefit from a dressier boot. This is a good time to try alligator, emu, ostrich, or less durable materials that can look more refined but aren’t as rugged as leather. A higher heel causes the foot to fit further forward, so you might try a half size larger when shopping for a dress boot.
THE CASUAL
For general walk-around cowboy boots, look for something a little less fussy. A simple all-leather boot goes with just about anything. Shorter boots provide less room for design and less protection, but are cooler in the summer and can be more comfortable. Look for a lower heel and a rounded toe.
THE VINTAGE
If the classic look of vintage boots appeals to you, look for boots that were made in the 1960s and ’70s with subdued colors and a pointed toe. This is a timeless look that will blend well with today’s fashions. Try searching sites such as www.ebay.com to turn up some rare finds, and remember that a tall boot allows more room for a fun design.
THE WORKER
A working cowboy needs function more than style. A tall boot protects from brush, bramble, and broncs. A tough, durable leather ensures dependability and longevity while a lower heel (about 1 5/8 inch) can still easily grip the stirrup.
REGARDLESS OF THE MAKE, THERE ARE THREE KEYS TO CONSIDER:
>CRAFTSMANSHIP
Set your boots down. Do they stand up straight or fl op to the floor? Lift it up and check the weight. Does it feel like a boot or a pair of sneakers? Most quality boots weigh about 4 pounds a pair.
>FIT
Check the fit across the top of the boot. Since there aren’t any laces, the top of the boot should fit snug across the top of the foot. Try a variety of brands. Different brands fit differently, so if one store or brand doesn’t work, continue to shop around.
>STYLE
Know your materials. Exotic leathers usually don’t belong in the barn and rustic leather can clash with formal attire. Decide where you’re going to wear the boots most. The preferred style in most rural areas in Oklahoma and Texas is a round toe with a lower heel, while folks in urban areas such as San Antonio and Dallas currently prefer a pointed toe and a longer spur shelf to keep longer jeans from touching the ground.
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Everyone laughed at my red
PrairieWylde — Mon, 2010-03-15 21:45Everyone laughed at my red Justin lace up ropers. I was going through a pair about every 3 months. Changed to Dbl H lace ups and they didn't last any longer. Finally found a pair of Ariats. Holy cow...talk about comfortable. I put them on and wear them all day and finally take them off at bed time. In the ring I wear my Boulets...not my most comfortable but certainally my best looking exotics against the horse.
I'm an Ariat kinda gal everyday.
My Boots
barnzie3 — Mon, 2010-03-08 14:00It is all about comfort. I have owned several pair of boots in my life. Probably the best ones I ever owned were a pair of Frye's. They probably were not the prettiest, but they were the most comfortable! I don't think I have owned a pair like those since. They were just like going bare foot. Perfectly comfortable!
PS ::
The Emerald Gypsy — Wed, 2010-02-24 12:25Mr. Beck's custom boots are made specifically FOR ranching and are customized. Meaning :: you choose the leather, soles, heel and toe style, stitching and tops .. take an imprint and measure each of your feet according to kit instructions and send it in! The boots are made to Fit YOUR feet and only yours!! My husband says they are the most comfortable boots he's ever worn (these are for the ladies too). You can visit their site to see more or catch him at an expo somewhere ...
K so ..
The Emerald Gypsy — Wed, 2010-02-24 12:18I might be a little "rhinestone-y" .. *lol*, but just because I have a preference doesn't mean I don't get dirty!!! My poor gringos have seen it all from the dusty dirt roads of home to city streets .. hallways of the malls and art museums to the pasture and pen .. and yes, they've had horse sh*t on 'em!! They are tried and true and I love 'em!!! I'm not trying to be negative about your boot preference, so forgive me if I came off that way ... I think I've heard you can get them damp (fairly liberally) and dry them in the oven on low to soften the leather ... maybe oil will work w/ that too!?!??? There are people who will tell ya that if they're not comfy, then you aren't workin hard enough, but I disagree .. comfy boots are important from the get-go .. 'specially when you're in 'em all day!! If you haven't tried anderson beans, maybe slip into a pair .. see what you think!!!?!??!? I do hope you find something you like soon!! :)
it's all about comfort when
ilbullrider — Mon, 2010-02-22 20:48it's all about comfort when it comes to your boots. I don't need no stinkin ostrich or stingray boots. The girls like it more when they know you actually work and aren't some dang rhinestone cowboy. I'm sorry. But buying boots and a hat won't make you a cowboy.
I wear the same boots to church as I do at rodeos steppin in bull sh*t and workin on the farm. Doble H or Ariats are the most comfortable boots money can buy. Justins just never appealed to me. I have owned 2 pair, and both wore out way too fast. My ariats lasted 3 years, and woulda made it longer, but i had them in the bed of my truck (they had my spurs on them) and it rained. they got leather mold on them, and you can't clean that stuff off. well, you can, but it still won't smell good haha
I've never given Ariat a go...
lsucoon — Thu, 2010-03-04 08:20but I've seen alot of 'em around, I still like Justin though, of all the boots I've ever owned, Justin has always been the best for me.
I have owned a few pairs of
La_cowgirl21 — Thu, 2010-03-04 18:57I have owned a few pairs of Ariats (have on a pair as we speak) but I am definitely getting me a new pair of boots soon. Not sure what kind im getting yet but I know the look I want.
Philippians 4: 13
Forum Moderator - American Cowboy
Boots
Cowgirl at heart — Sun, 2010-02-21 12:57I have two pairs of boots Tonys and Justins, and maybe I have to break them in a little more or do I? There both a little uncomfortable any suggestions??? I know you get what you paid for, and I paid a lot for them.
New Boots
McLintock — Sun, 2010-02-21 19:36Sounds like to me they need to just be broke in so the leather can be soften. And you might put some leather softer oil on them. Give them some time and they will fit your feet.
Romans 8:28
Boots
Cowgirl at heart — Mon, 2010-02-22 14:36Thanks! I will wear the boots a little more to see if I can break them in. I will also get some leather softener just in case.
Thanks for writing back
Cowgirl at heart
When you say they are
La_cowgirl21 — Sun, 2010-02-21 13:36When you say they are uncomfortable do you mean like they feel too small?
Philippians 4: 13
Forum Moderator - American Cowboy
Boots
Cowgirl at heart — Sun, 2010-02-21 18:25No, not to small, they rub around the inside of my ankle, I have been trying to look for a thicker sock to wear, what do you recommend?
From a boot girl! ;)
The Emerald Gypsy — Wed, 2010-02-17 12:58OH LORD!! Womens boots for comfort AND style = Old Gringo, Dan Post, Charlie 1 Horse, Frye and Andersen Bean!!! Now my husband would HIGHLY recommend a pair of Beck custom made boots! :) I believe it to be true with many things in life .. "You Get What You Pay For"!
acme snakskins
casey shipley — Thu, 2010-02-11 21:30i have a pair of acme snakeskin boots my grandpad gave me that i were almost everywhere. love em and woud not trade em for nothing. the only thing my grandpa gave me.
BOOTS!
kscattleman3 — Mon, 2010-01-25 17:15i've been wearing justin boots all my life and had been happy with them, but happen to stumble on a pair of Ariat roughstock sq. toe boots and am now on my 2nd pair! i never knew what comfort was until I bought these! I give them a 10 and would recommend them to anyone! only thing i would change is the heighth they run about 11 inches or so and another 3 or 4 would be perfect for riding!
Best boots
tomahawk — Sun, 2010-01-24 12:32I have been wearing REAL cowboy boots (2 1/2" heels) for 60 years, everything from custom Lucchese's to Justin, Nocona and on and on. Although none of these do I consider less than high quality, by far the best boot I have ever worn is a Stewart boot out of Tucson, Arizona. The quality of materials, construction, and comfort is second to none. These boots have been made by the same family since the 1930's and their customer service is the best there is. I recommend Stewart boots to anyone wanting a first rate boot thats to be worn daily. the phone number out there is 520-622-2706
Boots, Boots, I don't need no stinkin new boots...
Concretecowboy — Mon, 2010-01-18 14:07This may not be what advertisers want to hear but of the 17 pair of boots I own, only 2 pair came from a retail store. That's right, 2 out of 17.
I buy from ebay and the thrift stores. I have done this for years and perhaps only twice have I had to resale on ebay boots that I did not like. I have probably on average spent less than thirty dollars each for anything from Dan Post to Lucchese. I have found the Justin and Tony Lama boots the most versatile.
Understand, I would never have acquired some many boots if I had not bought from ebay and thrift stores. The two I did buy from retail stores set me back almost as much as the other 15. Go figure.
Bargin boots.
Desert Rat — Tue, 2010-02-09 19:21WellI have found some great deals at the Salvation Army outlets. Down here in Az. there are a lot of snow birds every year and sadly to say some are old and they don't make it out so alot of their things are donated to the SA. I have bought about every brand of boots made Since Justin bought out Tony Lama I consider them the same boot. Years back I bought a pair of Fry boots. They were made in NY and were one of the best pair of bronc boots I ever owned. I've got a pair of White Packers I had made way back in 85. They have been sould and heeld a couple of times but are still in good shap. I couldn't wear my Tony Lama buckaroo boots out so I gave them to my grandson. I figure as long as it's comfortable and ya get good service out of it it's a good boot.
What ever happend to the old stove pipes?
The Cowboy Poet
Boots
La_cowgirl21 — Mon, 2010-01-18 22:33I have gotten one pair of my boots from ebay as well. Paid 48 bucks instead of 140! The most I have paid for boots in a store though is 150. If I buy from stores around my area, I travel to the different stores and check prices before I buy.
Philippians 4: 13
Forum Moderator - American Cowboy
Loved selling boots!
Susie Blackmon — Thu, 2010-01-07 06:43In a past life I owned a Western Wear Store and carried Lucchese, Larry Mahan, Justin, Tony Lama, etc., etc., boots. Those were the good old days.
Have carried around my favorite boots for years, hoping to get to use them on a regular basis again. Still working on that! My most comfortable boots were, and are now, my leopard-print calf skin boots by Larry Mahan.
Enjoyed the on-line boot story, and am slowly getting to the 'hard copy' story. I will be linking to it on my website: http://Horsealicious.com
Susie Blackmon
828-550-3767
Horse Site: http://www.Horsealicious.com
WNC Site: http://www.BuckingtheRealEstateTrend.com
Follow me on Twitter here:
http://www.Twitter.com/SusieBlackmon
Boots
McLintock — Fri, 2010-01-01 21:20I have a pair of Double H Wide Square Work Roper Old Town with Red Tops (DH3556). They are a though boot and a good looken boot. And the best thing about these boots is they are MADE IN THE U.S.A.
Romans 8:28