Post by: Kyle on November 06, 2006, 08:39:25 PM
I do blue-collar work in the summer and winter semester breaks and occassionaly help on my friend's dad's ranch and so on. When I started doing work like this I soon found out that tennis shoes/sneakers dont cut it.
I went through a pair of hand-me-down boots really quick (they were already worn out) and bought a pair of cheap Brazos from Academy. I wore them for a while, but they were really uncomfortable. I gave them a chance, thinking they would break in but they just started to hurt my feet more.
I heard somewhere that cowboy/western boots are really comfortable, so I was driving by Cavanders and stopped in. I walked out with a pair of boots.
I bought them because they are ridiculously comfortable and look nice enough to wear around in non-work situations. I do not know much about feet, but I think the arch that comes from the heel (the heel is like 1.5 inches) supports my foot like nothing else or somthing. They are not fancy, with a lot of stitching or anything, but they are definatly "cowboy"
They are Ariat brand. I got brown, because I like brown. I am thinking of getting some black ones too, though.
The thing is I can tell a new shooter the pros and cons of of certain brands/designs of guns. Same goes for straight razors, jeans, political science researchers/writers, and so on. I can tell my friends still in high school which Texas colleges are good for which majors.
But I dont know a thing about boots. So say I was to buy another pair. I like the ones I got, but what else should I look for? Which brands are good? Is elephant more durable than cowhide? What to look for, what to avoid?
(edit)
Also, since they go up to nearly mid-calf, what kind of socks to wear?
Post by: Gun Runner on November 06, 2006, 09:16:39 PM
For real work boots though, only one brand will do. Red Wings.
http://www.redwingshoe.com/
Post by: Standing Wolf on November 06, 2006, 10:09:58 PM
If I wanted truly comfortable boots, for example, I'd want them to have laces, and they'd doubtless be ugly. I have some fairly dressy cowboy-style boots with heels and pointy toes that aren't very comfortable, but look right on some occasions.
That said", I've to admit I'm still wearing the exact same style, size, and colors of Bass penny loafers I first started wearing as a boy of twelve, so taking style advice from me is probably a risky proposition.
Post by: garyk/nm on November 07, 2006, 01:47:57 AM
For western (cowboy) boots, see if you can try some Noconas. Mine fit like a glove and, although they have the slanted heel, are quite comfortable to walk around in.
As you found out, real boots (as opposed to fashion boots) cost some money. High quality boots will probably be in the $150- $250 range. That is for the basics; if you want fancy, start adding $$$.
Socks? Over-the-calf for sure.
Post by: Art Eatman on November 07, 2006, 03:00:42 AM
FWIW, I don't recall ever seeing a round-toed cowboy boot when I was a kid. All the ranchers at the livestock auctions wore pointy toed boots. Granted, for "off the shelf", it's easier to find a good fit with the rounded toe style.
Just "out and about" in the brush here at home or when working around the garage or on the backhoe, I generally wear a 10" Wellington-style. I don't like a waffle-stomper sole, preferring a rather soft compound with no or little tread. For serious cross-country hunting, I like the Russell Bird Hunter boots, or the Red Wing "Twenty Mile" boots. 10" is plenty good. I've worn these since back around the late 1960s. The smooth, crepe sole is quiet; lets me play "Sneaky Snake" when messing with Bambi.
The height of the sock doesn't seem to be important, so much as the thickness. It's better that a boot be a wee tad loose when new and when wearing a standard sock or a thin sock. You can always use thicker socks when the boots are broken in, if they feel a bit too loose then. Thicker socks are best with a boot in which you're gonna do a lot of standing or walking.
Art
Post by: 280plus on November 07, 2006, 03:19:21 AM
I normally wear the Eastern Mountain Sports mountain hikers. The ones made in Italy, you have to look inside to make sure. Just look on the display for the most expensive ones. They're worth it though. They're like 15 oz, very light, very well made and will last a long time if the upper is treated regularly. They can be resoled too as long as the upper isn't dry rotted.
So I'd wear my EMS to get Mr. Horse and then swap to the ropers to ride him.
Post by: Ron on November 07, 2006, 03:27:30 AM
Your boots are just another tool to make the job easier, I don't skimp on my tools.
Been wearing "Smartwool" socks lately also.
I bought the socks for backpacking and found that they do an amazing job of wicking moisture away from my feet.
Post by: roo_ster on November 07, 2006, 04:49:41 AM
I own two pair, one of which has been resoled. I will soon acquire another pair.
Post by: Sylvilagus Aquaticus on November 07, 2006, 05:58:09 AM
As far as cowboy boots, I get mine made at M. L. Leddy's in Ft. Worth. Aforementioned foot is a 12 AA and is flat/no arch. Either I go barefoot or wear a decent shoe or boot.
Regards,
Rabbit.
Post by: wingnutx on November 07, 2006, 06:52:54 AM
Comfy and bullet-proof.
I'd like a pair of Danners.
Post by: HankB on November 07, 2006, 06:53:16 AM
IMHO the TRUE test of a boot is how comfortable it remains when you're walking a fair distance in hilly areas.
(I won't comment about men's elf boots with pointy toes, high heels, and any possible connection to Brokeback Mountain. Nope - won't comment at all. Not one word.
)
Post by: Perd Hapley on November 07, 2006, 09:09:26 AM
Redwing doesn't seem to catalog that, and those are hard to find in stores from other suppliers. Anybody know why?
Post by: roo_ster on November 07, 2006, 09:49:48 AM
Good luck with that list of requirements.
Having done some logging, I can appreciate why a logging boot would have a steel toe. Having done the logging in the summer in Arkanasas, I can appreciate not wanting insulation.
Also, I own only black boots, leahter shoes, and belts. That way, I don't mis-match anything. Or have to buy brown, cordovan, gray, or white shoe polish.
I am somewhat at a loss as to the specific Vibram "roccia-pattern" sole requirement. It is not much different from the standard logger sole.
http://www.redwingshoe.com/
Logger/Lineman Boots:
http://www.redwingshoe.com/ProductResults.aspx?Query=&ProductType=Work%20Boots&SubType=Logger/Lineman
Vibram Logger Sole as Found on Redwing Boots:
Vibram Roccia Sole:
http://www.vibram.us/products/products.asp?Product=Lifestyle#
Post by: Larry Ashcraft on November 07, 2006, 12:15:54 PM
I wear Farm & Ranch boots by Georgia Boot. They're called Durango in the west, but Georgia in the south. I buy two pairs when they are on sale, and retire the old pairs to weekend duty. Alternate boots every other day and they'll last much longer.
I now have four pairs that are in pretty good shape, so I may just have them resoled this time. The soles last about two years, the uppers, probably five years.
Post by: Brad Johnson on November 07, 2006, 01:47:38 PM
In my case it's not a matter of preference as much as it is a lack of options. Red Wing is the only boot I can get - short of customs - that area available in my "H" width. Yes, I have duck feet. The widest part of my foot is at the tips of my toes, not at the ball like most folks. It's a pain finding shoes.
I get both my work/play boots and dress shoes from RW.
The boots are ankle-high hiking/work boots that I wear pretty much any time I'm not in a suit and tie. The dress shoes are actually their warehouse shoes with the solid leather uppers and rubber soles. They look like hell from a dress standpoint but they fit and wear like iron.
I used to go through a set of dress shoes and everyday boots every year. I got myself a new pair of each for my birthday every January. I never wore out the soles, I literally walked the rest of the shoe apart. I've had this pair of RW dress shoes for five years and they are just beginning to show enough wear that a coat of polish won't cover up. The boots I bought the first Christmas after my divorce. That was seven years ago. Aside from a liberal slathering in mink oil every spring and fall they haven't been touched. They are just beginning to show enough wear that I'm considering replacing them.
As for cowboy boots, bullhide is about as tough as it gets for everyday use. If you go custom you can get buffalo, but it's stiff as heck and takes forever to break in.
Brad
Post by: Perd Hapley on November 07, 2006, 01:54:51 PM
jfru, I said Rocia-pattern, because I am not that specific about it. I think there are several soles of that type, with variations in depth of tread, one or two piece heel, etc. I've never done any professional logging, although my Dad heats soley with wood, so I've done some splitting and so-forth. I doubt that much of the logger market is doing any logging either, so we can do without the weight or other drawbacks of the steel toe.
Post by: Cosmoline on November 07, 2006, 03:09:55 PM
Post by: wingnutx on November 07, 2006, 03:16:35 PM
Post by: Perd Hapley on November 07, 2006, 03:57:48 PM
Post by: Cosmoline on November 07, 2006, 05:10:27 PM
Post by: Stetson on November 08, 2006, 07:00:08 AM
Durability - If you are working construction and doing farm/ranch work I would recommend Justin 'Packers'. Im not sure thats the name, but thats what we have always called them. They are a high lacing, riding heeled, all leather work boot. My brother has had the same pair for 5 years, resoled 2x. He does ranch work and concrete/demolitions and wears the boots for all of that.
Comfort - Individual basis really. I have flat feet, so Tony Lama or Nocona, with the steel shank from the heel to the toe makes me feel like I am walking on a pencil. I prefer Ariat or Justin, low heels not flat, all leather with a spur ledge and bull hide on the heel, boots. They are sturdy for what I do and I can get slip ons or laceups depending on the choices. For dress boots and comfort to go together, unless you are lucky and have the ability to buy 'off the rack', custom boots are what you need, but they are $$$$$.
Styling - You can get low heeled, riding heeled, laceups, slipons, round toe, flat toe, pointed round and Arts cockroach killers. Depends on what you like. Most work boots will be round toe. My dress boots are point round, I cant kill anything in a corner with them but they are comfortable. There is the upper styling too. Are you going to Buckaroo functions where you will be wearing your jeans tucked into the tops? If not, don't pay any attention to the uppers decorations.
I can go on and on about boots, having designed my custom ones and sold them for a few years too. But this should be enough.
Post by: auschip on November 08, 2006, 08:51:09 AM
But for rough areas, a pair of Justin workboots have served me well.
Post by: Perd Hapley on November 08, 2006, 08:55:01 AM
Post by: auschip on November 08, 2006, 09:09:44 AM
Comfortable Slick-soled cockroach-stompers.
Fixed. Plus, there isn't much ice in Austin, slick sole works fine for me.
Post by: Perd Hapley on November 08, 2006, 10:09:52 AM
For me, boots have to lace up to be comfortable. Too loose, otherwise. I'm funny like that.
Post by: Cosmoline on November 08, 2006, 11:11:18 AM
Comfortable Slick-soled cockroach-stompers.
Fixed. Plus, there isn't much ice in Austin, slick sole works fine for me.
But are they boots, or umbrella stands? ;-)
Post by: auschip on November 08, 2006, 11:34:50 AM
How about mud? Smooth pavement? Wet grass on an incline? I know you have those.
For me, boots have to lace up to be comfortable. Too loose, otherwise. I'm funny like that.
For me, boots have to lace up to be comfortable. Too loose, otherwise. I'm funny like that.
All of those lately, and yet no slips. Must be the heel or the fact that my feet are big like skis - a size 15 boot with a double welt sole makes a big track!
Since these were custom fit to me, they fit like laceups.Modified to add a pair I had made for the wife
Post by: roo_ster on November 08, 2006, 11:51:42 AM
The uppers are supposed to have some clearance from your calf.
FWIW, I just bought a pair of Redwings today:
http://www.redwingshoe.com/productdetails.aspx?prodid=1162
Black, steel toe, Redwing's comfy Supersole & Poron insole (just like my two pair of 6" lace-up steel-toe boots).
I already own a fine pair of western boots (rhino hide lowers, bull hide uppers), but I wanted something steadier when holding the kids like when we go to church. I don't want to take a spill on concrete steps with slick(er) soles and tall(er) heels.
All my Redwings are black and will take a polish, so I can wear them with everything from jeans to suits.
Post by: Chris on November 08, 2006, 03:20:19 PM
Post by: auschip on November 08, 2006, 06:35:15 PM
Post by: roo_ster on November 09, 2006, 04:24:19 AM
Okay, I like combat boots and nice hiking/hunting boots for casual wear. No particular brand, just look and fit. What I'm looking for is a boot that I can wear with semi-dress clothing to work during winter months, which play hell with my good dress shoes. I've thought about western boots, but they aren't really my style. Any suggestions?
Here are a bunch of soft-toe work boots that might qualify:http://www.redwingshoe.com/ProductResults.aspx?Query=&ProductType=Work%20Boots&SubType=Soft%20Toe
Do you want to be able to put a polish on them? A polish usually allows one to wear them with anything up to a suit. Here are some black ones that take a polish:
http://www.redwingshoe.com/productdetails.aspx?prodid=1028
http://www.redwingshoe.com/productdetails.aspx?prodid=1052
http://www.redwingshoe.com/productdetails.aspx?prodid=1123
I have two pair similar to the first, but my favored exact configuration is no longer manufactured. I should be good-to-go for a few years, though. My first pair went 5-6 years before being resoled and at that time I also bought my second pair. Especially since I just bought a pair of pull ons to include in the rotation.