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.

 

[JohnRippert]

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

These were the high end, $695.

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.

That is why went with the size 10D. The 9.5D were just a smidge too tight, and the 10D are just a scootch on the loose side. Not enough to slip around inside of them, but enough that my feet can swell a bit and still be comfortable. Learned about that with my elephants.



I even got a guided tour of the place, including the back manufacturing room. I have watched a lot of shoe repair vids on Youtube and I recognized many of the tools and machines in that room.

 

[walkin jack]

John Those are absolutely beautiful. Your diligence really paid off. It pays to spend the time to shop if you want a good deal. Congratulations on a wise investment.

 

[ancient-one]

I wore western boots for the last 20 years before retirement. I can't remember the brand but the last pair I had were, I think goatskin. Anyhow they were the softest and most comfortable of all. My feet started swelling and I could no longer wear them so one of the guys that moved me got them.
It was kind of funny when you went on TDY in some areas of the country wearing a suit, tie and western boots you got some weird looks.

 

[Beruisis]

There are a lot of ex lawmen & cowboys who can no longer wear boots. Most turn to some kind of running shoe. Ed Cantrell, from SW Wyoming was one. I see these guys from time to time & can relate.

 

[pawncop]

Recently purchased a pair of Dan Post boots, black caiman that will serve as my Sunday go to meeting footwear.

Wore boots regularly until I went back to the ER, running shoes were the order of the day. Now in the habit of wearing running shoes is fairly ingrained.

 

[jeffrefrig]

Are snake skin boots still available and if so are they tough for woods wear? And are they expensive?

 

[JohnRippert]

With most of the exotic skins you have to do custom boots and yes, those are very expensive.

This is the website for the place I picked mine up. There are a few galleries and you can spend a while drooling and shaking your head over $1800-$3000 boots.

Houston Custom Cowboy Boots | Republic Boot Co | Houston



Here is the page that shows their more inexpensive "stock boots".


Republic Men – Republic Boot Co.

 

[handejector]

If I was not getting cremated I would wear them at my final sendoff.

Turn up the gas a little and it'll work out jus fine. Nobody'll want your ol boots.....

 

[jag312]

.....It was kind of funny when you went on TDY in some areas of the country wearing a suit, tie and western boots you got some weird looks.

When I went to court to testify before I retired, I wore my black cowboy boots, black or charcoal gray suit, and black Stetson hat. If I got any weird looks, I didn't notice and I didn't care. Come to think of it, that is exactly the way I dressed at my last high school reunion, including a red dress shirt. That's who I am.