For those that like a nice pair of cowboy boots

[JohnRippert]

Every other Saturday I get a 6 hour break from taking care of Mom(mid stages of dementia) and get some me time. Usually I go see a friend of mine and we go to the range and then have lunch.

I have been pondering for the last couple years getting some new boots. The two pair of Tony Lama elephant hide boots I have are just too small any more. Back when I bought them 30 years ago I could comfortably wear size 9D's. These days I run closer to size 10's.

I searched for good boot makers around Houston since I live just SW of the city. The highest rated is Republic Boot Co who has a 4.9 out of 5 stars rating with hundreds of reviews. Their custom work is what they are really known for and runs from $1800 to $3000. Recently they added a "house brand" of boots called the 1836 line. About 10 styles in cowhide, alligator and ostrich. They run from $395 to $695 and are all handmade in Mexico with stacked leather heels.

I got there when they opened and the wife of the owner helped me with all my questions. Got a pair of black American alligator boots that fit better than any other boot I have owned. Already nicely comfortable and they will just get better over time. This should be the last pair of boots I need to buy. If I was not getting cremated I would wear them at my final sendoff.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Snappy lookin' boots, for sure!

Ruthie and I will be praying for you and your mom.

 

[Beruisis]

They look sharp! I like the rounded toe way better than the squared off business.

 

[Mule Packer]

There's nothing like a good, handmade pair of boots. That, and a 100% beaver felt hat, with about 15 bucks of clothes in between, and a guy's all set.

 

[JohnRippert]

There's nothing like a good, handmade pair of boots. That, and a 100% beaver felt hat, with about 15 bucks of clothes in between, and a guy's all set.

The hat in my avatar is a fur felt. First hat I bought. Been a few more added in the years since.

 

[Onomea]

Very nice boots, John.

(MulePacker, don't forget the tooled/floral carved belt with silver buckle between hat and boots!)

 

[gamboolman]

JRip,

Thanks for posting that. Those are very nice.

I have 2 pair of Alligator Boots by Luchese now - but I think ms gamboolgal and I will head on down to Republic Boot and do some looking.

 

[hivel37]

Those are nice.
I have two pair of Luchese ropers that
I can’t wear much anymore. Not good.

 

[Igiveup]

I haven't worn my elephant boots since my wedding, about ten years or so. Wore cowboy boots all my working life till I retired about 13 years ago. Now I still wear a Stetson, belt buckle with my brand, but yuppie tennis type shoes. How times change.

 

[yaktamer]

They look sharp! I like the rounded toe way better than the squared off business.

Agreed, but unfortunately the only boots I can find that fit are square toe. I suppose I could get a pair of custom round toes made, but don't know I can justify the expense.

 

[chief38]

I have owned exactly 5 pair of "Cowboy Boots" in my lifetime. When I shot SASS matches it was part of the "get up" and you had to dress the part. Aside from looking good, I could never find them comfortable and as soon as the match was over, I ripped them off! I have had some expensive name brand boots and again, I could never feel comfortable wearing them.

The last time we had our home painted (before moving) the Painter eyed my boots up and commented on them. I asked him what size show he wore and he said 11 1/2 E - same as me. I gave them all to him! He's happy and I was happy to get rid of them. OK - I maybe be the exception here (wouldn't be the first time), but other than looks - I'll pass - rather admire them on someone else's feet.

 

[Maddog 521]

Nice boots you have there JohnRippert.

I'm still trying to wear out a pair of shark skin boots.

 

[Iggy]

Chief,
Probably if you growed up in cowboy boots and din’t know any better, you might have got along better.��

 

[WardenRoss]

I wish I could still wear cowboy boots.

I wore them from five-years of age until I was about forty-five. Working on my feet the whole time.

I developed heel-spurs and plantar fasciitis. Now I can only wear an "orthopedic" friendly shoe or boot. I have to do daily foot exercises to keep that area of tissue and such flexible and tolerable.

I have to admit that anytime I see a guy in cowboy boots, I'm envious.

I guess it's the price you pay for a lifetime of "ground-pounding" and working on concrete surfaces.

 

[spricks]

Nice boots! How much did those particular boots set you back?
Round toes all the way too.

 

[yeti]

Very nice.
Always liked a good cowboy boot, looks great and quite comfortable. Plus, makes you touch bit taller too.

 

[John_M52]

Very nice! I have found that alligator does not stretch over time. Not a complaint, just a statement. I have a few and they are very comfortable. Nice that you were able to go into the store and work with the owner.

 

[John_M52]

I wish I could still wear cowboy boots.

I wore them from five-years of age until I was about forty-five. Working on my feet the whole time.

I developed heel-spurs and plantar fasciitis. Now I can only wear an "orthopedic" friendly shoe or boot. I have to do daily foot exercises to keep that area of tissue and such flexible and tolerable.

I have to admit that anytime I see a guy in cowboy boots, I'm envious.

I guess it's the price you pay for a lifetime of "ground-pounding" and working on concrete surfaces.

Hi Warden, similar problem. I've been wearing Kuru brand shoes for plantar fasciitis and they have helped tremendously. I also bought a pair of Lucchese "Rowdy Hornback Caiman" boots recently. They have a rubber lug sole and a removable cushion insert which makes them much "softer" feeling than my other hard sole boots. I had to order a wider size than normal - I guess their forms are different for this boot. Don't give up hope on wearing a boot!

 

[wuluf]

Nice boots! I have 2 pair of ariat ropers, black and a tan pair. Really comfortable but made in China. For my last birthday I got a pair of tecovas, made in Mexico and real comfortable. Dress boots.

Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk

 

[jag312]

I have a pair of black boots for riding a motorcycle, a pair of brown boots for riding a horse, and another pair of highly polished black boots for weddings, funerals, and court appearances.