Cowboy Boots

[Bamaboots]

Another recent bootmaking article.

http://www.freeabq.com/2016/12/29/philosophy-and-bootmaking-in-abqs-south-valley/

 

[Bamaboots]

Yeah, not really cowboy boots, but the wife is a fan of Old Gringo styles. I got her these for Christmas and she loves them:

Cheers!
David - 21st Century Man

I've been careful to not let Lady B see that pic David.

 

[Manly Footwear]

Howdy!

Let me start by saying there is some great discussion on this thread, this is my first post!

I have read all the posts to get up to speed.

What I'm really looking for is some advice/guidance.

I am a 15c... So my stock options are limited if any. I'm in Texas so there are a lot of brick and mortar options.

I have been to boot barn (won't be going back) cavender's (2 locations), pinto ranch, TNO, heritage boots, Lucchese showroom, Allen's boots, some place in Basdrop, and a few other small places. Not much luck and very little options.

I have been able to try on a few Lucchese classics ranging from 13-15 and I feel that 14 is right for me, however 14d is a bit wide and no one can confirm if a custom classic make up can be done in 14c (still wating on Luchhese to respond).

I want to go with a calf and an exotic (probably Nile croc).

Given all that and the less than enthusiastic experience at places, I have decided to go custom!

Ultimately I want a good experience, and hopefully develop a repor with a maker/makers to get customs done moving forward.

After a lot of research and being within striking distance of Valley and El Paso I have decided to road trip it out and get measured by at least one shop.

I leaned about Legendary here, but can't find much online about their style/quality/ reputation. I've learned Bob has a varied experience at some big name places, and has been great to communicate with so far. Based on that alone he is leading on my list.

I may go by Caboot and Black Jack while there. Any other places I check out?

What's important to me is a good fit, good quality, and a good experience. With some what quick turn around, 6 months or less.

I am a little uncomfortable going full blown custom without being able to even try on a sample/stock boot, but feel pretty good about Legendary. Thoughts?

I'm also kicking around idea of doing a project with Rocketbusters just for fun while I'm out there, but can't tell if their boots are more novelty, all show no go, or can they last with heavy usage?

I'm not a rider, but I'm hard on footwear. These boots will only see paved/carpeted jungles.

Would love to hear what y'all have to say!

 

[Michael R.]

I know someone will give you some good advice , but I would go custom , you'll be so much happier , and if you get real quality they'll last 10-20 years . Just get them resoled when they need it . @Bamaboots probably has a directory for El Paso , and others .

 

[dh66]

Here's a rerun pic of my Rocketbusters. Got a little crazy with my tax refund of 1992. They're very well made boots. Still going strong today.

I also have a pair of Champion Attitude (Caboots) that are about 14 years old. They too are a very well put together pair.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Manly Footwear]

I remember reading your original post.

I'll take that as a positive endorsement for R-busters and Caboots!

Could you compare the fit and feel of the R-Busters to any other commercial brand?

 

[Aaronlowe]

Howdy!

Let me start by saying there is some great discussion on this thread, this is my first post!

I have read all the posts to get up to speed.

What I'm really looking for is some advice/guidance.

I am a 15c... So my stock options are limited if any. I'm in Texas so there are a lot of brick and mortar options.

I have been to boot barn (won't be going back) cavender's (2 locations), pinto ranch, TNO, heritage boots, Lucchese showroom, Allen's boots, some place in Basdrop, and a few other small places. Not much luck and very little options.

I have been able to try on a few Lucchese classics ranging from 13-15 and I feel that 14 is right for me, however 14d is a bit wide and no one can confirm if a custom classic make up can be done in 14c (still wating on Luchhese to respond).

I want to go with a calf and an exotic (probably Nile croc).

Given all that and the less than enthusiastic experience at places, I have decided to go custom!

Ultimately I want a good experience, and hopefully develop a repor with a maker/makers to get customs done moving forward.

After a lot of research and being within striking distance of Valley and El Paso I have decided to road trip it out and get measured by at least one shop.

I leaned about Legendary here, but can't find much online about their style/quality/ reputation. I've learned Bob has a varied experience at some big name places, and has been great to communicate with so far. Based on that alone he is leading on my list.

I may go by Caboot and Black Jack while there. Any other places I check out?

What's important to me is a good fit, good quality, and a good experience. With some what quick turn around, 6 months or less.

I am a little uncomfortable going full blown custom without being able to even try on a sample/stock boot, but feel pretty good about Legendary. Thoughts?

I'm also kicking around idea of doing a project with Rocketbusters just for fun while I'm out there, but can't tell if their boots are more novelty, all show no go, or can they last with heavy usage?

I'm not a rider, but I'm hard on footwear. These boots will only see paved/carpeted jungles.

Would love to hear what y'all have to say!

Hey Manly,

I know your pain, I wear a narrow size as well (B width in most and A in some). I don't know how flexible you are in your travels for boot makers, but you can go straight to the factory at Rios of Mercedes and they'll fit you there. I have several pair of ROM boots and, in my opinion, they fit my foot better than my custom Luchesse Classics (Caiman Belly with french toe, 12C).

Rod Patrick also will do full custom, but you'll need to find the right rep to get measured correctly.

Finally, I'm not sure if Tres Outlaws in El Paso are still in business, but I had a pair of beautiful Kangaroo boots made by them about 10 years ago. The first pair didn't fit correctly, but they got it right the second time. They were really lightweight boots, so if you are just gonna wear as fashion boots they're great. Same goes for Luchesse Classics. Rios can be a tad heavy if you opt for any sole other than leather.

I'm not sure how close you are to Fort Worth but Leddy in the stockyards will treat you like a king. Just expect to wait a LONG time and pay a lot of money. Croc belly will prolly be at least $5K thru them.
Finally, the cheaper option is custom Tony Lama. Most don't know it but they do custom boots. I'd recommend the Justin/TL store in the FW Stockyards. I think it's actually owned by Justin.

I hope this helps a little and feel free to PM if you wanna talk boots in further detail/obsession.

Aaron

 

[dh66]

I remember reading your original post.

I'll take that as a positive endorsement for R-busters and Caboots!

Could you compare the fit and feel of the R-Busters to any other commercial brand?

I'd say their stock sizes run pretty true. I think Rocketbusters might send you a sample pair to try on. I have at least one pair from about all the commercial makers (Justin, Nocona, Lucchese, Tony Lama, etc...) and the size 11 all fit about the same.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Manly Footwear]

Thanks Fellas! This is all very helpful!

For the time being I'll post up some vintage (mid 80's I believe) Rios of Mercedes, cream and red/burgundy eel skins. My dad's "steppin out" boot.

 

[dh66]

Thanks Fellas! This is all very helpful!

For the time being I'll post up some vintage (mid 80's I believe) Rios of Mercedes, cream and red/burgundy eel skins. My dad's "steppin out" boot. View attachment 64275

Nice ones!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[frussell]

Manly, I'm in the same boat, same size, so I'll be watching your progress. Can I assume your handle comes from "London Homesick Blues" by Gary P. Nunn?

 

[Manly Footwear]

Manly, I'm in the same boat, same size, so I'll be watching your progress. Can I assume your handle comes from "London Homesick Blues" by Gary P. Nunn?

Frussell,

I'll post updates as I make progress, it will be a fun ride.

Great song! But I was inspired by "okie from muskogee"

 

[Bamaboots]

Welcome to the lounge, Manly.

Frussell,

I'll post updates as I make progress, it will be a fun ride.

Great song! But I was inspired by "okie from muskogee"

Manly, welcome to the lounge. Either way, they're both fine songs. You already know you're in the custom boot capitol of the world but they're scattered all across your state. Some great makers and a number with varying reputations. My favorite maker there is probably Tex Robin but with a two year turn around time, my patience is not that good any more. Lugus Mercury and L. M. Easterling are in El Paso, both with good reputations, IMO. You say you are rough on footwear, Pablo Jass in Lampasas makes a good boot. He studied under Ray Jones and still makes boots the way Jones did with triple rows of pegs and using the same stitch patterns that Jones used. Jones died in 1983 and I have a pair of his boots that look as if they could have been made last year.

I've not seen any of Legendary's boots but from the catalog they look good. I guess you know Bob was the mgr. at Bonds for some time and the lines of his boots are very similar. Seem to be reasonable prices for customs with lots of options. I've owned Black Jack boots and for the money, I'd put them up against Lucchese classics. Good luck with this journey and keep us posted.

 

[Manly Footwear]

Welcome to the lounge, Manly.


Manly, welcome to the lounge. Either way, they're both fine songs. You already know you're in the custom boot capitol of the world but they're scattered all across your state. Some great makers and a number with varying reputations. My favorite maker there is probably Tex Robin but with a two year turn around time, my patience is not that good any more. Lugus Mercury and L. M. Easterling are in El Paso, both with good reputations, IMO. You say you are rough on footwear, Pablo Jass in Lampasas makes a good boot. He studied under Ray Jones and still makes boots the way Jones did with triple rows of pegs and using the same stitch patterns that Jones used. Jones died in 1983 and I have a pair of his boots that look as if they could have been made last year.

I've not seen any of Legendary's boots but from the catalog they look good. I guess you know Bob was the mgr. at Bonds for some time and the lines of his boots are very similar. Seem to be reasonable prices for customs with lots of options. I've owned Black Jack boots and for the money, I'd put them up against Lucchese classics. Good luck with this journey and keep us posted.

Thanks so much for all the info Bama!

A few of those folks I have not ran across yet, so thanks for that! Pablo has some really interesting stitch patterns, not going to lie, it has me thinking!

How do we feel about a one time fit/measuring fee? Some folks state the rate, others don't. I assume that is built into the end pricing. Something I want to clarify before I decide to deal for sure. I know it takes time,skill to do it right and of course (I assume) making the last. I have seen a 1-300 range on measurements as a surcharge to get it done.

 

[Stringmaster]

Thanks so much for all the info Bama!

A few of those folks I have not ran across yet, so thanks for that! Pablo has some really interesting stitch patterns, not going to lie, it has me thinking!

How do we feel about a one time fit/measuring fee? Some folks state the rate, others don't. I assume that is built into the end pricing. Something I want to clarify before I decide to deal for sure. I know it takes time,skill to do it right and of course (I assume) making the last. I have seen a 1-300 range on measurements as a surcharge to get it done.

I think that some actually make a unique last for your foot--that might warrant a fee. I believe other "made to measure" boot companies pick a last that's close and go with that, or make minor tweaks--not sure that warrants an up charge. Not sure which bootmakers do and which don't. I was once measured by a Lucchese rep on a custom "made to measure" boot and they didn't fit--turns out they did the latter--pick a last on hand that was "close". For my Viers boots he measured me, took imprints, etc, and I bought a last--they fit great. He later outsourced boots and sent my last to a factory he was working with--they fit ok, not great. I think Paul Bond modifies an existing last (with no up charge)--one pair of my Bonds fit even better than the Viers boots, a second pair not so much (different leathers) so in my experience it's kind of a mixed bag. I like Bond as they guarantee fit and will work with you until you are happy (I'm sure other bootmakers do as well).

 

[frussell]

Frussell,

I'll post updates as I make progress, it will be a fun ride.

Great song! But I was inspired by "okie from muskogee"

Almost forgot the original lyrics to that one, too many years listening to the Kinky Friedman version, "@$$hole from El Paso." These fellas are more up on the new bookmakers and their current quality levels. I'm always pulling for Paul Bond, as they were all my grandfather ever wore, and I have a 34-year-old pair that still look great. Not sure if they are as dependable as they used to be, or as consistent.

 

[Hurricane Jack]

I'm always pulling for Paul Bond, as they were all my grandfather ever wore, and I have a 34-year-old pair that still look great. Not sure if they are as dependable as they used to be, or as consistent.

BINGO...winner winner!

My 1989 Paul Bonds.
They have been resoled once. Nobody builds a prettier boot!

 

[Bamaboots]

BINGO...winner winner!

My 1989 Paul Bonds.
They have been resoled once. Nobody builds a prettier boot!

Beautiful boots, HJ and I like that those have the 'cookie cutter' stitch on the side.

 

[Joao Encarnado]

Beautiful boots, HJ and I like that those have the 'cookie cutter' stitch on the side.

cookie what?

 

[Bamaboots]

cookie what?

Joao, there is a small stitch, sometimes applied to the inside and outside of the vamps of custom boots. It's not so common now but was once prevalent on custom made boots. Look closely at HJ's Bonds, there is a vertical stitch running from the top of the vamp to the sole edge.