Boot-less in Texas

**Cains Boy** · 11-17-2009, 09:26 AM

Sounds like an oxymoron? Maybe.

I haven't had a good pair of boots since I was a kid. My grandmother would take me to Mitchell's for a new pair of cowboy boots once a year (right before the Fort Worth stock show and rodeo in January).

I really like the idea and look of boots, and want to buy myself a pair of classic, old-fashioned, honest to goodness cowboy boots. Anybody care to either provide or direct me to a good primer on boots, so I can at least "talk the talk" when I go to one of our state's zillions of boot stores?

**Protocol** · 11-17-2009, 09:35 AM

Try on a bunch of pairs. Manufacturers are notable for the lasts they cut. Some will fit you great. Others will feel like torture.

My friend used to rave about Ariats. I tried a pair on and thought I'd rather be waterboarded.

For me, nothing fits like a pair of Justin's or Noconas.

**Thebigspendur** · 11-17-2009, 11:04 AM

The trick is to buy a pair that fits properly. If they do they are great. If they don't they can be torture. I don't know where you live in Texas but if you can get to El Paso Luchese, dan Post, Justin, Tony Lama all have factory stores where you can get a pair with a slight imperfection for big bucks off.

**rmrdaddy** · 11-17-2009, 11:33 AM

Please try to get in touch with our very own Dustinl.
Depending on your budget, he could either make you a pair, or at least give you tips.
He's been apprenticing with a Texas Bootmaker named Duck Menzies. One word...

WOW!

**my19** · 11-17-2009, 11:41 AM

A lot of it depends on whether you want a stock boot from Cavenders or Sheplers or one of the other big retailers, or if you want to go custom. Check out this piece that ran in Texas Monthly several years back for some possibities.

A guy named Tyler Beard wrote several books on cowboy boots -- lots of boot porn, but some good information on boots and bootmaking in general, too. Check with your local library to see if they have 'em.

Nocona has (or had) an outlet store right off I-35 in Gainesville. Don't know if they still make them in the town of Nocona, though, which wouldn't be too far from you.

**Thebigspendur** · 11-18-2009, 08:49 AM

All of your production boots are made in Mexico now.

**richmondesi** · 11-18-2009, 09:07 AM

All you need to know... Lucchese. They are the best.

**Doc4** · 11-18-2009, 03:52 PM

... and here I thought the thread was going to be about wanting to find alternatives to cowboy boots for a Texan.

... shoulda known better.

**Explorerkid** · 11-19-2009, 09:42 PM

Originally Posted by richmondesi

All you need to know... Lucchese. They are the best.

+1 Lucchese is a great brand.

I also wear this pair of Ariat Heritage boots and find them really comfortable after the initial break in period, they have become my go to boots for most everyday.

**soapbox** · 11-20-2009, 06:42 AM

This thread is relevant to my interests. Having just moved to Texas (and being friends with Richmondesi, who's several inches taller than me), I need some boots!

**Protocol** · 11-20-2009, 07:24 AM

Originally Posted by Explorerkid

+1 Lucchese is a great brand.

I also wear this pair of Ariat Heritage boots and find them really comfortable after the initial break in period, they have become my go to boots for most everyday.

Two excellent boot brands that just don't fit my duck feet.

**richmondesi** · 11-20-2009, 07:31 AM

Originally Posted by Protocol

Two excellent boot brands that just don't fit my duck feet.

Um... Lucchese will make 'em to fit your feet... you just need to go to the right place.

**Barcochris** · 11-20-2009, 07:41 AM

Contact DustinL he will be able to steer you in the right direction for sure

**StylinLA** · 11-20-2009, 07:46 AM

Originally Posted by richmondesi

All you need to know... Lucchese. They are the best.

+2 on Luccese. If you go in a boot store and try on any boots from any maker, the Lucchesse Classics will make you go "ohhhhhhhh- I see..."

I've never found any that felt that good right out of the box.

The company has a rich history too.

**Protocol** · 11-20-2009, 07:46 AM

Originally Posted by richmondesi

Um... Lucchese will make 'em to fit your feet... you just need to go to the right place.

Yeah. I know. But I can (and have) buy a pair of off the rack Justin's that fit out of the box for 1/4 the price I'll spend on a pair of custom Luccheses. I know they are better boots, but they aren't THAT much better.

**richmondesi** · 11-20-2009, 07:52 AM

Originally Posted by Protocol

Yeah. I know. But I can (and have) buy a pair of off the rack Justin's that fit out of the box for 1/4 the price I'll spend on a pair of custom Luccheses. I know they are better boots, but they aren't THAT much better.

yes they are

**Dustinl** · 11-20-2009, 08:27 AM

I would always recommend custom-fitted boots. Shelf boots lack in quality. I can tell you this: when it comes to your feet, you get what you pay for.

Most custom makers are charging anywhere from $850 and up for a base boot that is made to your measurement. The materials are superior to anything that you buy off the shelf and will last a lifetime wilh proper maintanence. I am wearing handmades that are going on 15 yrs old and that have been half-soled 3 times. I know $850 sounds like a lot, and most people can't drop that kind of coin for a pair of boots, but if you are buying a pair of $200 shelf boots every two years.......

Of the shelf boots that I have seen, there is one worth mentioning: Anderson Bean. They can be found at National Ropers Supply stores in Texas (NRS)http://www.nrsworld.com/anderson-bea...&numperpage=28

I believe each pair is hand made to a generic last (mold of foot).

I will be more than happy to answer any questions.

DL

**richmondesi** · 11-20-2009, 08:31 AM

Dustin,

When I'm ready for a new pair of boots. Something plain about like these (in grey), about how much would they run from you?

**Dustinl** · 11-20-2009, 08:35 AM

Originally Posted by richmondesi

Dustin,

When I'm ready for a new pair of boots. Something plain about like these (in grey), about how much would they run from you?

Paul, those look like ruff-out kid skin. I would think they would start about $900 considering you didn't get any inlay or filagree work done to them.

DL

**richmondesi** · 11-20-2009, 08:37 AM

Originally Posted by Dustinl

Paul, those look like ruff-out kid skin. I would think they would start about $900 considering you didn't get any inlay or filagree work done to them.

DL

I prefer my boots to be free of inlays and too much filagree work. The only reason I buy custom boots is the fit and durability.