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Iron Heart Fall/Winter 2025 Collection Preview - Now Live

Cowboy boots

Footwear
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  • G
    gbougard
    Raw and Unwashed
    Joined: 20 Apr 2010

    @michaeljcr:

    Bought the Lucchese Mad Dog Ropers. Not the most adventurous choice, but I like 'em.

    Ropers dont have the same sole and heel construction as cowboy boots, and will feel more like shoes than boots. But their line of ropers are very nice. I have one in ostrich which I rarely wear because I'm too busy wearing boots.

    Next week, I'm supposed to receive a custom made pair made by Little Boots in San Antonio. Cant wait…
    And this coming August, I'll be back in Texas and I have this nasty feeling I'll order another custom made pair...
    Check this boot porn

    http://www.davelittleboots.com/cust.html

    Sly Dunbar bigs up IH on YT
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t2OM738mKY
    Sly & Robbie A Run Tings
    Gregory Isaacs Liveth 4 I-ver

    Renault: What in heaven’s name brought you to Casablanca?
    Rick: My health. I came to Casablanca for the waters.
    Renault: The waters? What waters? We’re in the desert.
    Ric

    last edited by 21 Jun 2012, 06:50 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
    • A
      astrogoji
      Joined: 25 Mar 2011

      Hey gbougard, how did those littles turn out?  Elephant is like the anvil of leathers, tough as nails (not that people here shy away from that sort of thing 🙂  Bullhide also wears pretty tough but then starts to develop a really great patina, these are mine after years of service:

      I'm in the market for my first custom pair myself and would be awesome to hear your thoughts/experiences/reccomendations with any custom bootmakers you've dealt with.  Lee Miller's stuff is incredible but I read that lee miller's wait list is now up to 4 years for new customers and he isn't taking any ATM.  Ever checked out Tres Outlaws' customs over at http://www.falconhead.com ?  some lovely bootporn 🙂

      Also, maybe I can pick your brain on leather choices for a day to day dress type boot that will look better over time…kangaroo seems like an awesome choice because it's tough but also breaks in pretty soft.  read a lot about water buffalo...python or cobra look pretty badass and i love the texture but have no idea how they'd wear over time.

      last edited by 7 Mar 2012, 19:57 3 Jul 2012, 19:51 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • G
        gbougard
        Raw and Unwashed
        Joined: 20 Apr 2010

        The elephant boots are fucking amazing. Very stiff, almost like
        Lee miller is indeed not taking new customers. You might want to try Little's in San Antonio, thats the company who made my elephant boots, and they are top quality. http://www.davelittleboots.com/
        Very nice people, too
        Tres Outlaws? I for one dont think so, way too much "hollywood" in what I see
        If you do a search for 25 best bootmakers in texas, you'll find a great article and then follow the links (or search them, too)? Here it is http://www.joenickp.com/texas/bootmakers.html

        Im totally droooling on stallion
        http://www.stallionboots.com/index.html

        And leddy

        Your boots are very nice, by the way. Love that patina

        Sly Dunbar bigs up IH on YT
        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t2OM738mKY
        Sly & Robbie A Run Tings
        Gregory Isaacs Liveth 4 I-ver

        Renault: What in heaven’s name brought you to Casablanca?
        Rick: My health. I came to Casablanca for the waters.
        Renault: The waters? What waters? We’re in the desert.
        Ric

        last edited by 3 Jul 2012, 22:06 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
        • C
          Chris
          Raw and Unwashed
          Joined: 28 Jun 2010

          Elephant isn't much heavier or stiffer than bullhide.  In fact, depending on the tanning process, elephant can be really supple from the very start.  I have a couple of pairs that have never given me a moment's trouble.  I highly recommend elephant hide as a boot leather choice.

          On the other hand, if you're looking for something for regular everyday wear, I wouldn't recommend water buffalo or any reptile hide.  Water buffalo is pretty light and needs a backing leather to be strong enough for boots.  It also scuffs really easily, in my experience.  All reptile hides, whether snake, lizard, alligator or crocodile, tend to split between the scales.  You'll have to be really careful with keeping them clean and conditioned.  Snake is also pretty thin and needs a backing leather to work in boots.

          Strong, good looking leather for dressier boots would be kangaroo, ostrich (you can get either full quill or smooth) or a simple calf skin.  Depending on the rest of the details, you can make a pretty dressy boot with elephant or shark, despite the texture.  Talking with your bootmaker will help narrow down the best choice for your needs.

          Be careful with that Top 25 list, too.  It's from 2002 and much of the information is out of date.  Tex Coleman is semi-retired and has moved to Abilene, Maida's has either relocated or closed, J.L. Mercer died and the shop closed, Rusty Franklin retired and sold his shop to Robert Brest (who makes great quality boots, by the way), M.L. Leddy only has their factory in San Angelo and runs all their sales out of the Ft. Worth store, and there are probably more changes that I don't know about right off the top of my head.

          last edited by 5 Jul 2012, 02:05 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
          • G
            gbougard
            Raw and Unwashed
            Joined: 20 Apr 2010

            Chris is 100% right

            I just stumbled upon this  in the cowboy boot forum. Check out the pix on Duck Menzie. Way cool.

            http://www.quicktopic.com/25/H/8BcDPHgDYXz6/p

            also, I had put together a small spreadsheet last year when I visited Texas, hope it helps

            City Name Address Website Tel

            Houston Wheeler 4115 Willowbend (713) 665-0224
            Abilene Tex Robin 2081 Sayles bld, 79605 (325) 691 5700
            Austin Capitol Saddlery
            Abilene Brian Thomas 325-672-2344.
            Bowie Mike Vaughn
            Vernon Dew Westover
            Houston RJ’s Boot Company 3321 Ella Blvd, Houston, Texas 77018
            Saint Jo C.T. Chappell Boot Shop 105 S. Main (940) 995-2901
            Houston Palace Boot Shop
            Austin Heritage Boot 117 West 8th Street (512) 326-8577
            Mercedes Rios of Mercedes
            San Antonio Little's Boots 110 Division Ave, San Antonio, Texas 78214 (210) 923-2221
            Stonewall 830 - 372 4470
            Richard Cook 9150 FM 1101 Seguin TX 78155 830 - 456 9411
            Austin Lee Miller

            I didnt get to visit them all, my wife and kids would have killed me.

            last, https://www.facebook.com/dimlights.cowboy.boots this page belongs to a woman who has written books and has a website, but this is more current

            Sly Dunbar bigs up IH on YT
            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t2OM738mKY
            Sly & Robbie A Run Tings
            Gregory Isaacs Liveth 4 I-ver

            Renault: What in heaven’s name brought you to Casablanca?
            Rick: My health. I came to Casablanca for the waters.
            Renault: The waters? What waters? We’re in the desert.
            Ric

            last edited by 5 Jul 2012, 06:56 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
            • A
              astrogoji
              Joined: 25 Mar 2011

              Thanks for the suggestions and that awesome list 🙂  It's absolutely batty how many boot artisans are concentrated in Texas.  Been reading about a lot of them and its been a challenge trying to find a prospective bootmaker.  Some have retired as Chris mentioned, some have passed away (Paul Bond passed away this past February), and others understandably can't take on any new customers.

              Stallion boots are pretty wild in their use of rare stuff like this salt water gator:

              amazing boots but like Chris pointed out, not practical in the slightest haha.  I pretty much thought all reptile skins had to have backing leather til I saw the inside of a pair of python boots at the Buffalo Exchange in NYC.  They looked and felt like a sheet of sushi seaweed, distressingly thin, crispy dry and the scales had all curled up…for shame.

              I am really leaning toward ostrich or kangaroo.  Would like to compare the texture of the two in person as it appears that the roo is pretty smooth where the full quill ostrich has that phenomenal texture...Can't argue with what Lee Miller did with this full quill:

              smooth ostrich looks incredible as well:

              last edited by 5 Jul 2012, 22:17 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
              • G
                gbougard
                Raw and Unwashed
                Joined: 20 Apr 2010

                Here is the cowboy boots forum
                http://www.quicktopic.com/25/H/8BcDPHgDYXz6/p

                And some websites

                http://www.paulbondboots.com/
                http://www.davelittleboots.com/catalog.html
                http://www.rjboots.com/boots/pictures.html
                http://www.maidas.com/boots.php
                http://www.stallionboots.com/flashintro.html
                http://www.heritageboot.com/
                http://www.blucherboots.com/catalog.html
                http://www.dorwartcowboyboots.com/index.html
                http://www.customboots.net/Sorrell_Custom_Boots/Portfolio.html
                http://www.kimmelbootcompany.com/Boot_Gallery.html
                http://www.paulbondboots.com/
                http://www.richardcookcustomboots.com/
                http://www.stephanieferguson.com/
                http://beckboots.com/Beck%20Custom.htm
                http://olsenstelzerboots.com/docs/OlsenStelzerBootExamples.pdf

                Sly Dunbar bigs up IH on YT
                http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t2OM738mKY
                Sly & Robbie A Run Tings
                Gregory Isaacs Liveth 4 I-ver

                Renault: What in heaven’s name brought you to Casablanca?
                Rick: My health. I came to Casablanca for the waters.
                Renault: The waters? What waters? We’re in the desert.
                Ric

                last edited by 9 Jul 2012, 08:47 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                • A
                  astrogoji
                  Joined: 25 Mar 2011

                  thanks for the links gb 🙂  leaning toward little's or kimmel boot co since they appear as authentic and as well made as you can get.

                  saw this awesome video about little's boot co:

                  last edited by 10 Jul 2012, 16:06 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                  • C
                    Chris
                    Raw and Unwashed
                    Joined: 28 Jun 2010

                    Either would be a fine choice.  If you can, you should go to San Antonio just to check out the Little shop.  One of the biggest and nicest display collections of boots I've ever seen.  I've heard nothing but goods things Eddie and Kathy Kimmel, though I've never meet them personally.  Comanche is a bit out of the way for me.  I believe Eddie does most of the work himself, whereas Little runs a small team of a half dozen or so craftsmen.  Not sure if that matters to you, but some care about things like that.

                    last edited by 10 Jul 2012, 20:23 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                    • A
                      astrogoji
                      Joined: 25 Mar 2011

                      I actually do like the idea of it being the product of a single person.  The video from the Little's shop shows the boots being put together by hand by Little's team who no doubt are incredible artisans themselves but there is something uniquely wonderful about a singular master of the craft putting together something just for you.

                      Will be driving into TX to do the deal once I make up my mind.  would love to visit most of those shops but the state is just unforgivably big 🙂

                      what do you say to deer skin boots?  love the color!

                      last edited by 11 Jul 2012, 03:20 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                      • C
                        Chris
                        Raw and Unwashed
                        Joined: 28 Jun 2010

                        Just to clarify, I'm not sure that Eddie Kimmel works alone.  Lots of makers have someone sew the tops for them, which allows them to focus on the more technical construction aspects.  Plus, some of the older guys just hate sewing tops…

                        Deerskin is supposed to be really soft and comfortable; not sure of its durability, though.  I agree, the color on those is sweet.  I need (well, want) some boots in lighter leather.  Might be able to get a similar color in another hide type, if you change your mind about the deer.

                        Those boots are beautiful- I love Lee Miller's work.  His attention to detail and eye for graceful lines is amazing.  Someday I'll have to try and talk him into making a pair for me.

                        last edited by 11 Jul 2012, 18:45 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                        • A
                          astrogoji
                          Joined: 25 Mar 2011

                          Big fan of lighter colors at the moment and trying to see how they look with different hides.  Love the lighter tan on this full quill by tres outlaws:

                          last edited by 12 Jul 2012, 21:50 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                          • MoonshineM
                            Moonshine
                            Joined: 4 Mar 2012

                            Not affiliated, I just think they make some bad-ass boots!

                            www.rocketbuster.com

                            www.moonshineleatherworks.tumblr.com
                            instagram.com/moonshineleatherworks

                            last edited by 13 Jul 2012, 01:37 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                            • A
                              astrogoji
                              Joined: 25 Mar 2011

                              some funky designs moonshine  😉
                              judging by this cowboy's swagger i think he's wearing some busters 😉

                              last edited by 16 Jul 2012, 14:12 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                              • A
                                astrogoji
                                Joined: 25 Mar 2011

                                any thoughts on french calf leather?  i've also seen it used on white's smokejumpers:

                                last edited by 16 Jul 2012, 14:14 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                • G
                                  gbougard
                                  Raw and Unwashed
                                  Joined: 20 Apr 2010

                                  @astrogoji:

                                  any thoughts on french calf leather?  i've also seen it used on white's smokejumpers:

                                  Shit, those look super dope
                                  Are those made by the mighty mighty Lee Miller from Austin Texas?

                                  Sly Dunbar bigs up IH on YT
                                  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t2OM738mKY
                                  Sly & Robbie A Run Tings
                                  Gregory Isaacs Liveth 4 I-ver

                                  Renault: What in heaven’s name brought you to Casablanca?
                                  Rick: My health. I came to Casablanca for the waters.
                                  Renault: The waters? What waters? We’re in the desert.
                                  Ric

                                  last edited by 19 Jul 2012, 21:15 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                  • C
                                    Chris
                                    Raw and Unwashed
                                    Joined: 28 Jun 2010

                                    Yes, they're his work.

                                    French calf is good stuff; calf skin is finer grained than leather from grown cattle, so it takes a shine better and is more comfortable.  It's on my list of leathers to get in a pair of boots (eventually).

                                    last edited by 20 Jul 2012, 00:28 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                    • A
                                      astrogoji
                                      Joined: 25 Mar 2011

                                      Yeah I just love everything about that boot.  The colors on the tube and foot, the white piping detail, toe shape…one other awesome thing about his work is the astounding catalog he has of thread pattern designs for the tubes.  Check these out  😘


                                      At this point I'm narrowed down to kangaroo or french calf.  Like the softness and durability both provide and i think they should age well with a bit of care  😛

                                      last edited by 27 Jul 2012, 21:13 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                      • G
                                        gbougard
                                        Raw and Unwashed
                                        Joined: 20 Apr 2010

                                        Beware! Lee does'nt take new customers, he is so backlogged that existingcustomers are on a 3 year wait list
                                        Dave Little in San Antonio has a 6 months turnaround time

                                        Sly Dunbar bigs up IH on YT
                                        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t2OM738mKY
                                        Sly & Robbie A Run Tings
                                        Gregory Isaacs Liveth 4 I-ver

                                        Renault: What in heaven’s name brought you to Casablanca?
                                        Rick: My health. I came to Casablanca for the waters.
                                        Renault: The waters? What waters? We’re in the desert.
                                        Ric

                                        last edited by 28 Jul 2012, 22:58 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                        • A
                                          astrogoji
                                          Joined: 25 Mar 2011

                                          these kimmels were pretty rad,:

                                          no doubt they are well made, not sure if I am so much of a fan of their thicker soles on these tho:

                                          last edited by 7 Aug 2012, 22:41 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
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