Question:
I received a little bit of a refund this year on my taxes and thought I'd
buy myself a new pair of boots. I typically go toward "work" boot styles,
but today, while shopping, I took a good look at what are traditionally
called "cowboy" boots. I find it hard to believe that drovers in the old
west could afford anything fancy, with tooled leather and the such, let
alone the exotic types of animal hides these things are made of now.
I always thought the pointed toe started out to make the boot go into the
stirrup easier, and the heel was to prevent the foot from sliding on through
the stirrup when bearing down on it. Aside from that, how authentic is
today's modern cowboy boot to what would have been found in say 1870-1880?
Answer:
Todd, that is fascinating piece of information! Things like that always
seem difficult to pin down. Some things, so routine at the time, are just
never written about! What is your source for that information ? ...I am
really curious to know where it is documented by a reliable source.
There was mention in one of the posted references to a good pair of custom
boots costing a drover maybe a month's worth of wages. What is a good rule
of thumb for the cost of a custom pair today? Nothing fancy, no tooling, no
fancy leathers, just a good solid pair of boots that are custom fitted to my
feet.
I mentioned earlier having known the man, Tony Lama, in my youth.
My first pair of boots were custom made by him - if custom
made can be construed to mean he measured my foot and made a pair of
boots that I had to return and pick up when they were ready.
Today there are factory outlet stores, at least in El Paso, where one
can still buy a fine pair of discounted Tony Lama boots. Custom fitting
would probably mean sending to China for them though
I don't think I've ever seen Shepler's associated with anything that's
legitimately custom. Decent prices, though, and good sales. If you get
on their list and get the 20% off your purchase mailer, it's a good bet
that there's also a lot on sale at the same time.
