AbbaDatDeHat
I'll Lock Up
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Both very nice. Thanks for sharing.Hey folks,
I wanted to circle back and give y'all an update of my boot journey. To recap: I'm hard to fit size 15, narrow width. Typically there are very few options for me and I tried several off the self options, but could never get the fit and or style in my size right. I then did a lot of research and decided to go the custom route. I wanted to to establish a working relationship with at least one maker so I could have a source of good fitting and nice styled boots.
First up, Legendary Boots El Paso. I went to El Paso and looked at a few makers and decided to commission a pair with Legendary. I had a great experience, was able to select all the details and provide a vision as far as leather and stitching color using a standard stitch pattern and let Bob interpret that into the final product. Bob took a lot of measurements and I settled on medium brown calf vamps and maroon uppers with 14'' tops, 1 1/4 narrow square toe and a 1 1/2 walking heel. I opted for sole savers, as I add those all my leather bottom dress shoes. Turn around, about a year, might have been sooner but I delayed a while on final decisions. Results, I really like them! Fit is perfect, and happy with quality. I would highly recommend working with Legendary and I'm already planning my next project.
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Next up: M. L. Leddy's out of Abelline, with show room in Fort Worth. Leddy's comes through my town once a year with the Rodeo and has a sizable show space. They had a lot of finished boots on display and I liked their stitch pattens and quality so I decided to get measured up. Process was OK, it was at a show there was a feeling of being rushed, but that is understandable. Custom options were limited, but I had the option of leather and color based on sample ring they had as well as stitching color. I settled on, 13'' tops, 1 1/2 walking heel, narrow square toe (~1''), dark brown kangaroo vamps and black cherry brush off goat uppers, with a sole saver. Took about 9 months. Fit seems good, although I have only worn them twice, they still need a full break-in.
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I wish I was able to get a higher shaft on the Leddy's, but I'm happy with both. The limited ability to adjust the shaft will be a barrier for ordering again.
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I have one more commission in the works, it will be in after the first of the year, I'll update once it comes in.
Thanks for all the advise!
B