Cowboy boots

[seawolf]

@Chris:

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.

Damn, that would be a kick in the nuts.

[Chris]

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.

[seawolf]

Wow. I guess it makes sense, but that's crazy.

[Red Devil]

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?

[jdl1279]

Ostrich is an exotic skin, but likely the least restricted. The skins you will likely run into issue with are some snake, lizard, gator, anything reptilian really, and elephant.

[Chris]

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.

[Red Devil]

Thanks!
The variety is staggering, I am already thinking that maybe 2 boots is not such a bad idea
One with a rounded toe and another one with a square one. Also one of these should be in Ostrich… I can see how this starts

[jdl1279]

Keep us updated

[mikebarhoot]

one is none!

1 black, 1 brown & yer set. maybe….

[Red Devil]

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 get

@mikebarhoot:

one is none!

1 black, 1 brown & yer set. maybe….

Set for how long?

[mikebarhoot]

until you can justify the "need" for MOAR!

[madmonday]

@mikebarhoot:

one is none!

1 black, 1 brown & yer set. maybe….

love this concept & my wife has been telling me it for years, hahaaha

[Beerhammer]

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

[mikebarhoot]

no Sir.  but  thats a damn fine looking boot.  l'll ask around tho.

[Beerhammer]

Thanks Mike! Im pretty curious how their quality stacks up. Most pieces i see run about a grand, really like the stitching on this one.

[Chris]

I don't have any personal experience with them, but J.B. Hill makes nice boots.  They've been in business in El Paso for 15-20 years now.  I think you'd be getting well made boots.  I'm intrigued by the cordovan option, which is rare in cowboy boots.

[jdl1279]

I concur, J.B. Hill are a well made boot

[mikebarhoot]

666xhs
Luchesse

[Red Devil]

Yep… I really need more ostrich in my life

[Beerhammer]

Picked these up from the lucchese store in nashville when i was there on business last month. First pair of westerns!