Cowboy Boots

[Hurricane Jack]

Thanks guys! I got them out to wear a time or two, then condition up & put them back away for a while. Not really into exotics much anymore but these make a nice dress boot.

 

[Bamaboots]

A pair of my Tony Lama El Rey's in belly-cut gator. The El Rey series was their top of the line for a while & hasn't been made since the 1970's.

Jack, that's a fine looking pair. Pretty rare to have a toe like that on an El Rey. I really like my pair of French calf El Rey's. I'm with you for the most part on the exotics. My gators don't get worn much, I'm always fearful of scuffing them up but I do like the look. I enjoy the smooth leathers more than anything.

 

[56FordGuy]

Man, I'm really frustrating myself with this. I wish one of the boot makers had told me something horrible so my decision would be easier, but they both have good and not so good points.

The Paul Bond boots in looking at are a stock boot, which means no custom sizing. I'm usually a 12D, so I order a 12D. They're not in stock right now, but they can put my name on a production pair so that when they come off the line they're shipped to me. The wait is approximately 8 weeks.

The Wilson boots are fully custom, but there's a six month wait. The standard leather is 5 oz cow hide, but it could be upgraded to the bull hide.

I like the PB waxed calf, I like the shorter wait time, I just don't like the idea of spending $750 for a pair of boots that aren't fit specifically for my feet. If I'm just going to buy "off the shelf", there are stores in town where I can walk in and buy stock boots for a whole lot less money. My cheap boots usually last 2-3 years per pair, and my last pair fit so well they feel like house slippers.

The Wilson boots look nice, would be totally custom but I really don't want to wait six months for a pair of boots. I'd wear them for a couple of weeks before putting them in the closet and switching to my winter boots. I think the waxed calf would hold up better in wet conditions as well, but my other tack isn't waxed calf and it's all doing pretty okay.

I'm tempted to just say to heck with the whole idea. If I get two years out of a pair of $200 boots, I'd need to get 7-8 years out of a custom pair just to break even.

 

[Hurricane Jack]

I'm with you for the most part on the exotics.

I went thru all the exotics in the 1970's - 1980's. For the most part now I'm interested in the lines of the boot & not the leathers.

 

[Bamaboots]

I'm tempted to just say to heck with the whole idea. If I get two years out of a pair of $200 boots, I'd need to get 7-8 years out of a custom pair just to break even.

I understand. Hard to appreciate the difference until you've experienced it. It's a bit like trying to explain the difference between a hat and a good hat. You'll know it when you feel it, see it and wear it. I'd go with the Bonds.

 

[56FordGuy]

It's a bit like trying to explain the difference between a hat and a good hat.

A friend made that exact comparison today. I've settled for good, Paul Bond it is. Well known maker, shorter wait, and if it doesn't work out I think they accept returns on the stock boots. If not, there's always a market for them on eBay.

Only decision now is heel height. 1 5/8" or 2 1/4"? Where is heel height measured, from the bottom of the sole or where the sole meets the leather body? I'd guess bottom of sole, but don't know.

 

[Bamaboots]

A friend made that exact comparison today. I've settled for good, Paul Bond it is. Well known maker, shorter wait, and if it doesn't work out I think they accept returns on the stock boots. If not, there's always a market for them on eBay.

Only decision now is heel height. 1 5/8" or 2 1/4"? Where is heel height measured, from the bottom of the sole or where the sole meets the leather body? I'd guess bottom of sole, but don't know.

From the the back of the heel, the spur shelf (heel rand) to the floor is the heel height. I like a taller heel, myself.

 

[56FordGuy]

I hemmed, I hawed, but today I ordered. [emoji1]

Style 17A, brown top on brown foot with brown or gray stitching and a 2 1/4" heel. Up to an 8 week wait, the gentleman said he would call in approximately two weeks with a more solid delivery estimate. Someone I spoke with yesterday said it may be closer to 3-4 weeks. I'm supposed to ride in Colorado near the end of the month, it'd be awful nice to have them by then. Highly unlikely though...I think. All I can do is wait, they'll get here when they get here and not a minute sooner. [emoji38]

 

[BobHufford]

Is this just a coincidence or is there some deeper meaning / tradition to just wearing one pant leg tucked into a cowboy boot in Texas?

 

[Hurricane Jack]

That appears to be a younger Lyndon Johnson with the Texas state boot. My guess is that it was just a photo opportunity for a young state politician to play politics.

License plate is 1955. Cadillac appears to be about a 1948-1949; wish I had it.

 

[Bamaboots]

Probably right, Jack. I wonder if they shot the deer or ran them down in the Caddy?

 

[Hurricane Jack]

I don't see any mud, no scuff marks on those boots. They probably shot those little deer FROM the Caddy. Larry Florer would have been too young; maybe Mac Wallace shot them. He was pretty good a killing things.

 

[RJR]

I understand. Hard to appreciate the difference until you've experienced it. It's a bit like trying to explain the difference between a hat and a good hat. You'll know it when you feel it, see it and wear it. I'd go with the Bonds.

Second for Bonds.

 

[Joao Encarnado]

I understand. Hard to appreciate the difference until you've experienced it. It's a bit like trying to explain the difference between a hat and a good hat. You'll know it when you feel it, see it and wear it. I'd go with the Bonds.

Third... as I now know it.

 

[Carrie @ Thurston Bros.]

I wanted to post this link up here...we recently put this auction up for a stunning pair of Vintage Acme Abstract Bull Boots, Size 8.5-9 Mens / 10-10.5 Womens

http://www.ebay.com/itm/301954311632?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1586.l2649

 

[Hurricane Jack]

Very nice pair of Acme's Carrie! Great condition for their age.

 

[Hurricane Jack]

I have these Tony Lama Piteado boots that I've never really worn out of the house. I always thought the toes needed a little something. I was always looking for some fancy toe caps in either old Mexican Alpaca silver or Nickle silver like those shown but just kind of forgot about the boots after a while.

 

[Bamaboots]

I have these Tony Lama Piteado boots that I've never really worn out of the house. I always thought the toes needed a little something. I was always looking for some fancy toe caps in either old Mexican Alpaca silver or Nickle silver like those shown but just kind of forgot about the boots after a while.

Damn, Jack. Talk about a rarity. Piteados just aren't seen anymore, especially on a factory boot. Any idea on the age?

 

[Hurricane Jack]

Damn, Jack. Talk about a rarity. Piteados just aren't seen anymore, especially on a factory boot. Any idea on the age?

They're probably close to 20 yrs old now; not really all that old. And I should really say they are made in the Piteado style. I don't think the stitching is actual pita thread on a factory boot.

 

[dh66]

Nice ones Jack! I'm with Greg, very rare to see a domestic brand factory boot done in that style.

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