Cowboy boots
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OK, for a first pair of boots, here's what I recommend, starting from the ground up. Get a boot with a "walking heel"; that's the term most companies use for a heel in the 1 3/8" - 1 5/8" range. It's tall enough to look like a traditional cowboy boot, but short enough to be reasonably comfortable. Toe shape is totally up to you. On a properly sized boot, the toe doesn't factor into the fit. The toe shape is added onto the end of the last, so the part occupied by your foot isn't affected. In other words, a size 9 boot with a square toe will be shorter in overall length than a size 9 boot with a pointed toe, but your foot takes up the same amount of space in both. That said, rounder toes are a bit more versatile. If you walk a lot on concrete, or in wet conditions regularly, I'd recommend a sole saver, or topy. It's basically a thin rubber sole glued onto the leather sole and gives you greater durability and traction without sacrificing the traditional look.
Leather options are virtually endless, but you can't go wrong with a simple cowhide. It's tough, comes in a variety of colors and finishes and is relatively easy to care for. Other good options are kangaroo and ostrich. I wouldn't recommend anything reptilian, (snake, caiman, alligator, crocodile, etc.) as they're more delicate and harder to care for. I don't really like goat or buffalo, either. They have a tendency to scratch, which I don't like.
Tops are pretty variable, but there are a lot of options in the 12" height range. I'd stick with that for the first pair, since it's the most common height, (within an inch or so either way) it's nicely traditional looking and most people find that height comfortable.
Specific brand recommendations will depend on your price range. I've never seen Heritage Boots personally, but I'd guess they're a reasonable quality for what you're paying. If you can, definitely try on a few pairs to get an idea of sizing, since cowboy boots seem even more erratic than other footwear. It will also help you get an idea on appearance, since things that look good online don't always look good on your feet, and vice versa.
One last thing- don't buy ropers. Just don't. If you want cowboy boots, then get cowboy boots. Ropers aren't.
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@chris, excellent writeup!
if i may add, i've had at least 4 pair in kangaroo and while soft and comfortable, they stretch. a bunch. great leather tho just be mindful of the stretch…;)
a couple of notes brand specific.
-Tony Lama runs narrow
-Justin runs wide
-Nocona's run true
-Lucchese makes yer nipples hard
-absolutely agree with @chris on Ropers.and because i'm a picture person
Lucchese Classics in Ostritch. Probably older than most who read this.
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Lucchese Classics in Ostritch. Probably older than most who read this.
I'm a long time lurker on this thread, and those are pretty much exactly what I'd pick, albeit in a lighter tan colour [emoji3]
Have nearly pulled the trigger numerous times, but the cost of shipping to the UK, plus the inherent risk of not having tried them on before buying has stopped me - will need to persuade my boss that I'm overdue a trip to Houston!
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@Chris, thanks for writing this, it is very helpful!
I will stick to the leathers you mentioned, and will definitely get a sole saver as I live in the UK.
In terms of budget, I am ok with $500 - $600 if the quality warrants it, maybe more for exotic skin.@mikebarhoot, your boots look very good!
@jdl1279, thanks for posting these, I like the style a lot!
One thing is now clear to me, I'd better go try some boots before pulling the trigger on anything online! I will check out if there's any shop carrying some of the brands you guys mentionned to get a feel for what I should get.
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Overseas, you're most likely to just find the major manufacturers- Justin, Nocona, Tony Lama and Lucchese. Quality of the first three is basically interchangeable, as they're all owned by the same parent company and, I believe, made in the same factories. Lucchese used to have a couple of lines to cover multiple price ranges, but I think they're now concentrating on the top end. Quality should be higher.
If you're not opposed to secondhand gear, eBay can be a good source. You'll obviously take a hit on international shipping, though. One last word of advice- lots of countries have restrictions on the trade of exotic hides. If you do decide to go for a pair made out of anything other than cowhide, it would be smart to see what the UK is likely to confiscate.
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Yeah, it's unlikely, but it's possible. Even in the US, you can occasionally have problems. California has some very restrictive laws, and I've heard of problems even for domestic shipping. I know a boot maker that won't ship alligator boots to California, even though the hides come from Louisiana and gator is completely legal in the US.
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Thanks Chris, I found these brand online but couldn't find a shop close enough to me to go try them. I might have a business trip to the US in the coming months, so the plan would be the get the boots while I am there if it works out.
Second hand could be a good idea for me to find out what I like before I commit to something, especially that some boots would be hardly worn.
Finally by exotic skin, I meant ostrich, at least for the first pair. Do you consider ostrich exotic? or is it too common for that?
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Exotic is a catchall term, not an explicitly defined category. Basically, it means "more expensive"and encompasses everything other than cow, goat and maybe buffalo. Ostrich is super common, so you should have no problems buying it, nor should there be any legal restrictions.
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one is none!
1 black, 1 brown & yer set. maybe….
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Will definitely keep you updated
Waiting to see if my trip to the US is confirmed, as that will have a big impact on what I getone is none!
1 black, 1 brown & yer set. maybe….
Set for how long?
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until you can justify the "need" for MOAR!
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one is none!
1 black, 1 brown & yer set. maybe….
love this concept & my wife has been telling me it for years, hahaaha
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Any of you guys have experience with J.B. Hill? Im looking to get into my first pair of westerns and was really interested to see that they use shell cordovan for vamps.
http://www.jbhilltexas.com/product/style-2k5/
VAMP (foot) Genuine Burgundy Shell Cordovan
SHAFT (top) Matching Calf -
no Sir. but thats a damn fine looking boot. l'll ask around tho.
