Category Archives: Wesco Boots

Top 10 Countdown: 1 – 5

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I continue with the list of my blog posts that receive the most number of unique visitors, as revealed by Statcounter for this year.  (The top 6-10 posts were revealed yesterday, here.)

#5:  How To Wear Biker Boots  (November 18, 2010)

I should have posted this a long time ago.  Of course I should have known that few people know how to wear biker boots, which is the reason that question must be entered into Google so often.  That can be the only reason — only us bikers know the secret handshake, the concealed location of the privacy pocket in a leather vest, and the intricacies of precisely how to wear biker boots.  (As I said yesterday, sometimes I wonder why someone has to ask that question… perhaps they need to revert to wearing sneakers or loafers and refrain from operating a motorcycle.)

#4:  Wesco Boots — Gay?   (December 11, 2009)  [This was ranked #6 last year]

As I said yesterday about this year’s post #6 (Wesco Boots and Gay Culture), there is a rather frequent misconception that guys who do not work in rough blue-collar trades (such as linesman, loggers, or woodland firefighters) and who choose to wear and display Wesco boots (or, heaven forbid, make a video about them!) — therefore must be gay and the boots are gay too.  While the West Coast Shoe Company (Wesco) does a lot of marketing to the motorcycle rider market, that marketing does not seem to penetrate among the bikers with whom I ride in the U.S. State of Merlin (that’s how you pronounce it, fellas).  I am the only guy in my outfit about which I am aware who wears Wesco boots while riding.  I am gay.  Therefore, the obvious leap of logic is that Wesco Boots are gay, or wearing them makes you gay, or that only gay men wear Wesco Boots. Bullshirt. Read the original post.

3.  Where Do You Find Masculine Gay Guys?  (July 10, 2010)   [This was ranked #4 last year … so the ranking indicates sustained and growing interest in this topic.]

I see sooooo many inquiries entered anonymously into search engines such as: “where to find masculine gay guys” or “are there masculine gay men” or “where to meet normal masculine guys” or even, “are there masculine gay men?” (as in, “do they exist?”)  There is a large interest out there from single guys, mostly younger, who are looking for a guy who doesn’t behave effeminately.  Perhaps there is some curiosity, too, that I am a masculine gay man who is in love with another masculine gay man. 

The challenge is that most masculine-behaving gay guys have learned skills to hide that they are gay, and remain firmly in the closet.  Society has taught them (incorrectly) that “real men aren’t gay” and that there is something wrong with guys who like guys.  I could go on and on… the point is that stereotypes and heteronormative expectations are out there.  Thus, it is very hard to find a masculine gay man.  This post has some ideas about where to look … and this post explains why they are so elusive.

2.  Gay Leather Breeches  (November 1, 2010)

It is likely that this post’s rank so high in readership on this blog is an anomaly, in that while this post gets a lot of unique visits — sorta off the charts since it was posted — it may also be ranking so high because it is recent and serves as a topic of interest to gay men who are planning to attend upcoming gatherings of the Gay Men’s Leatherclan (Mid-Atlantic Leather in Washington, DC, in January and International Mr. Leather in Chicago, Illinois, in May).

I took the approach in that blog post to dispel the notion that leather breeches unto themselves are not gay, though well over 90% of visitors to that post have entered “gay leather breeches” into a search engine which directed them to this post.  I think what they were seeking were answers to any of these questions:  1) where can I find leather breeches to wear to a gay men’s gathering?  or 2) are people who wear leather breeches gay (as in ‘always’)?

Well, whatever, this post gets a lot of readers directed to it from internet searches.  Not a surprise — so many people like to search anonymously for information to resolve curiosity.

And … dah-dah-dum!  Here’s the Number One blog post this year:

#1:  Bulges and Breeches   (July 18, 2009)  [This was ranked #2 last year, so again, by an increase to ranking #1, it shows a sustained interest!]

Why such a high, sustained interest?  Just go to Google images and enter “Tom of Finland.”  You will see a LOT of ToF images on blogs, including this one.  I grabbed this image from the net, that links to my blog post.  The post was written as a review — admiration of superb artwork.

Perhaps, as well, images like this is where the perception of “gay leather breeches” and gay men in tall black boots comes from.

Life is short:  keep reading and I will keep blogging!

Top 10 Countdown: 6 – 10

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In my third year of blogging, I have enjoyed writing posts about my various interests and my life — and I’ve averaged a post-a-day.  I may not be able to keep up that pace next year.

I reviewed the visitor’s stats for this blog over the past several months, and have determined what the most popular posts on this blog have been, as ranked by the count of the number of unique visitors to specific posts — thanks to Statcounter, which does the hard work for me.

Interestingly, one of the Top 10 blog posts was from 2008, and three of the Top 10 were from 2009.  The remainder were posted this year.

So here goes… the Top Blog Posts on this blog during 2010:

#10:  How To Tell If You Have Vintage Frye Boots (October 30, 2010)

This doesn’t surprise me at all.  Lots and lots of people are interested in vintage Frye boots, and learning how to tell the differences between Fryes made in the 1970s, then during the 80s and up to 2003 when the John A. Frye Shoe Company as we knew it closed and the name was bought by a series of companies that licensed the Frye label  to third-party shoe/bootmakers to make products under that name.

#9:  Tucking Pants Into Boots (October 10, 2010)

Again, not a surprise this ranks so high.  I get a huge number of visitors to this blog and to the “Cowboy Boots and Jeans” tutorial on my website from internet searches along the lines of “do men wear jeans tucked in or out of boots?”  I swear, I never cease to be amazed at the large number of internet searches on this topic — probably by curious, confused, and happy-to-be-anonymous guys asking this question.  (IMHO, if a guy has to ask this question, he has more things to worry about than this matter….)

#8:  What To Wear With Motorcycle Boots? (September 21, 2010)

Again, I am amazed how search engines are used with the most inane questions by the curious and happy-to-be-anonymous guys.  So, what to wear with motorcycle boots?  Easy:  jeans, leathers, or breeches.  Simple.  Better to be booted in long pants on a motorcycle than be an organ donor wearing shorts and sneakers… just sayin’.

#7:  Hard-workin’ Old Chippewa Engineer Boots (July 13, 2009)

This is the first of my blog posts from last year to be ranked among the Top 10.  I think the reason why is the image that I posted with it.  The post itself is rather dull … just an explanation of a busy day while wearing engineer boots.  This is where “Google Images” produces hits on this blog, because whatever guys search for about dirty, muddy, or well-worn engineer boots produces this image, with a link to this post.

#6:  Wesco Boots and Gay Culture (December 27, 2008)  [This was ranked #1 last year]

It is fascinating to me that this post would rank so high on this blog — its now over two years old. Why does it receive so many visits? I think for two reasons: the image shows up in high rankings on Google Image searches — a tough-looking, masculine biker boot on a Harley. Second, I think the topic itself draws a lot of visitors too. I see many search engines results for searches such as: “why do gay men like Wesco Boots” or “Wesco Boots Gay” or “Gay Boot Fetish” and so forth. I’m here to dispel the notion that only gay men wear Wesco boots, or that the boots themselves are gay. They’re just boots, and while I own a dozen pairs of Wesco boots, I have yet to see them make out with each other. 🙂

Check back tomorrow for Blog Posts ranked #1 to 5!

Life is short:  keep bloggin’!

Bikeless Biker

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Right before Christmas, the UPS guy delivered a big, heavy box with my name on it.  Yep, a new pair of traditional Wesco Boss Boots found their way to my boot collection and on my feet.  

These boots were on sale at my favorite boot store.  To help the store remain in business, I snagged ’em and here they are!  They are great biker boots, 18″ tall and unlined.  Because they are stock size, they fit snugly on my legs and feel great.  I can’t wait ’til the winter passes and I can ride my Harley with them.  Right now, in the dead of winter, I remain a “Bikeless Biker” while my Harley sits snugly in the garage. 🙁

These boots are made on a new last, meaning that they have a more narrow toe, rather than the “bump toe” of the older Wesco Boss Boots, shown here.

Life is short:  wear boots!

Boot Questions via Google

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Every now and then, I gather questions that people enter into internet searches that direct people to this blog or my website.  I never cease to be amazed at what people are asking.  Here goes:

What’s the difference between a laredo boot and a tony lama boot?

A:  It’s the manufacturer.  Laredo boots are cheap and are not the quality of Tony Lama boots.  If you want the good stuff, go with Tony Lama.  There aren’t many other differences in style, height, or appearance.  However, there is (to me) a big difference in the comfort.  Machine-made Laredo boots are not nearly as comfortable as Tony Lamas.

tuck in jeans or not with cowboy boots?

A:  Yes.  See this post or this one.

what type of jeans should be worn with boots?

A:  Blue.  Black.  Sometimes brown.  Wranglers (to me) look best.  Levis work well.  So do Dickies or other off-brands.  Jeans & boots are a natural combination.

how long does leather lined sole boots last?

I think the question is “low long do leather soles last on cowboy boots?”

A:  It depends.  Good quality boots made with all-leather soles, such as Lucchese Classics, will last a long time.  The measurement of time is in number of hours worn — not in months or years you have owned them.  Look at the soles.  Do you see little round holes on the sole between the heel and the foot?  If so, you are seeing “pegs.”  Boots that have pegged soles are of much better quality than boots that have soles that are sewn on.  Boots with pegged leather soles will wear for thousands of hours.  Boots with sewn (not pegged) soles will wear out more quickly, as in hundreds but not thousands of hours.  Of course, it depends where you wear the boots — on ordinary sidewalks and such.  Wearing leather-soled boots on rough pavement, rocky terrain, or in water will make them wear out much more quickly.

do wearing boots make me a cowboy?

A:  I doubt this guy will “become” a cowboy simply by wearing boots.  I wear cowboy boots often, but I am not a cowboy.  I don’t ride horses (any more) nor work on a ranch.  Cowboys work with cattle, horses, and often on ranches or farms.  A cowboy is who is he by what he does, not by what he wears on his feet.

can you only wear cowboy boots with jeans?

Can you only what?  huh?  I think this means, “do you wear cowboy boots only with jeans?”  (The writer was from Texas, by the way).

A: No.  One can wear cowboy boots with a suit, with leather pants, and even though I wouldn’t do it, I have seen some guys wear cowboy boots with shorts.  What you wear with cowboy boots is your choice.  My personal opinion, however, is that cowboy boots look best with jeans, but dress cowboy boots look great with a business suit, too.  A few guys can pull off an interesting look with a pair of cowboy boots and a pair of leather jeans.  While I’m sharing opinions, I think wearing cowboy boots with anything other than long pants looks silly.

Are western boots acceptable with khakis?

A: If you have to ask this question, put your sneakers or loafers back on and put your boots away.

Sure:  western (cowboy) boots are fine with khakis.  I wear that combination sometimes when my jeans are in the wash or I’m going to a semi-dressy informal event, such a gathering as my yuppie-brother-in-law’s home or something.

Cowboy boots and belts usually made with which bird’s skin?

A:  Good question!  Ostrich is usually chosen to make a pair of boots and a belt to match.  I have seen other skins from lizard (teju lizard) and even alligator used for boots/belt combos, but mostly it’s ostrich.  Why?  Ostriches are farmed for their hides to use for bootmaking, and some of the hides (or parts of hides) are so narrow that they cannot be used for boots, so belts are made from those remainders.

Where to buy leather boot stretch liquid?

A:  In the drugstore.  It’s called “rubbing alcohol.”  Seriously, it’s the same thing. Don’t be fooled by paying 5x as much for “boot stretching liquid.”  When you read the label, you’ll find that the contents is rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol, which costs less than US$1/bottle in most drugstores.

What’s roughout leather on Wesco boots?

A:  A hide from which boots are made comes with two sides:  the smooth side and the rough side.  Roughout leather is the rough side of the skin.  A pair of roughout boots is made with the rough side on the outside, rather than on the inside.  Beware:  the hide used for a pair of roughout boots is not any more expensive than “regular” leather.  But the West Coast Shoe Company (Wesco) charges more for a pair of their boots made with the rough side showing because the perception of higher value exists and because they can.  Not for any other reason.

Can you wear cowboy boots in a horse show?

A:  I could go so many places with this, but let’s suffice to say, “yes.”

Boots inside or outside boots?

A:  Yes, this was an actual question entered into a Google search.  My answer would be….

Life is short:  wear your feet inside your boots at all times.  (The opposite is so much messier.)

Classic Bamaboy

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I have the distinct honor and privilege of having developed a very close friendship with a guy who has quite a reputation for producing high-quality photos of some of his boots.  Striking, masculine, classy, and with style … and with a charm unique to this guy whose self-deprecation belies his intelligence.  Smart as a whip, he is, but I shan’t say more, else it will go to his head.

The guy I am talking about goes by “Bamaboy”.  Yeah, he lives in Alabama, but is a man of the world.  Quick-witted and skilled, he continues to blow me away with his creativity and artistry.  Ooops, there I go again….

It was kinda funny how our friendship developed, but I’m glad it did.  I am also pleased to have met him in person — and he told me that I’m the only one from the “boots gang” at hotboots/BOL who he has met in person.  He is a very private guy.  He is honorable, good to his family and loved-ones, and honest as the day is long.  Our values are parallel, and our respect for one another runs deep.

This photo was posted by Bamaboy on the hotboots/BOL board yesterday, sorta at my urging.  The board has had a “harness boots week.”  He has posted this image on that board before, but so long ago that many haven’t seen it.  The boots in this photo are now in my collection as Bama told me he was going to sell them, and gave me “first dibs” to buy them from him.  I wear these boots when I ride my Harley, and think fondly of my friend each time I do.  And I no longer wonder why these boots wander off into mudholes… (giggle).

Life is short:  cherish close friends, and hold them with respect and honor in your heart.

Thinning the Wesco Boot Collection

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Wesco Redwood Boss BootsNote (added later): these boots have been sold and are not available

I have had this pair of Wesco Boss Boots since 1989. The color is different — The West Coast Shoe Company (Wesco) calls it “Redwood.” They are 20″ tall (after sagging about an inch once they were broken in), and have a 16-1/2″ calf circumference. I wore them while riding my Harley (and previous motorcycles), so shifter-scuffing on the right boot is noticeable.

I bought these boots directly from Wesco. At the time, Stompers wasn’t open yet, and I did not know that you can get new Wesco Boots from a third-party retailer for significantly less money than from the dealer direct.

The boots are standard, or stock, in measurement. The foot size is 10D. They are not lined with leather, but the leather is very stiff and they stand up well. They have one buckle at the top, closed with a brass closure, and of course one buckle across the instep, which is traditional for an engineer-style boot.

I can pull them on with a struggle, and my regular 10D foot fits fine. The leg is where I have a problem. The calf circumference is too tight for me as my calf muscles have gotten a bit bigger as I have aged.

I have decided to sell sold these boots to someone who might just like a pair of biker-worn, attractive Redwood Wesco Boss Boots. Before I put them up on eBay, I’m announcing it here so in case anyone wants to make me a decent offer.

Life is short: continue the life of a long-lived pair of boots!

Friggin’ Blister

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Last Sunday I mowed the lawn. No big deal. But my formerly broken ankle was sore again, and hurt most where the top of my short work boots reached the ankle. So I decided to wear my Wesco Combat Boots which are a bit taller, and came above the former broken bone so when laced closed, the boots would provide more support.

As soon as I got out of my cast and could wear boots again, those were the boots I wore because the lacing made them adjustable, so they could accommodate the residual swelling. I even mowed the lawn in those boots back in April and May.

I never had a problem with those boots causing a blister. Not until this past Sunday. When I was done with the lawn, I went inside to take a cold shower to cool off as it was friggin’ hot outside. When I took my boots off and peeled off my socks, I screamed in pain. My gosh, what a big friggin’ ugly sore blister on the back of my right heel!

How in the hell did that happen? Probably the old socks I was wearing were the culprit. They had worn thin at the heel. Pushing the mower up our small hill is where I think the blister happened, as I was causing the boot to rub a lot against the skin of my heel. Damn, when I first felt a little tingle that is a sign of a blister, I should have stopped right away and taken care of it. But no…. I kept going and much to my dismay this damn blister happened.

I’ll survive. But I tell ‘ya, it’s hard to find a pair of boots to wear that do not cause my heel to hurt like hell. I am now wearing a bandage, moleskin, and two pairs of socks over the blister. I take all that stuff off at night so air can get to it so it can heal. I am choosing boots that I don’t wear as often because they were big on me. But with two pairs of socks and those layers over the blister, I need larger boots to accommodate the protection.

Meanwhile, I am walking with a distinctive limp … again … sigh. Oh well, as I said, I’ll survive.

Life is short: blisters happen.

Parting with a Pair of Wesco Boots

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My bootedman.com website was built to organize my boot and leather collection so I would know what I have, and give me a hobby — writing web pages and doing web tricks — which is fun and interesting when I have the time. It was not created to promote or sell boots. From time to time, I get inquiries that have asked, “how much is such-and-such pair of boots in size X?” I have replied saying, “my boots are not for sale. This is a display of my personal boot collection.”

However, someone saw a page on my website about an old pair of plain Wesco Boss boots. He noticed on the page that I said that I do not wear these boots much. Since they were stock and the calf circumference was tight on me, I wasn’t wearing them. He offered to buy the boots from me, and I thought about it… and agreed. The boots will be worn with pride in California. I’m glad they got a new good home.

Again, I’m not in the boot selling business, but there are some pairs of boots that I don’t wear very often because my size has changed. From time to time, I will sell a pair of boots that someone else makes a decent offer to purchase from me.

Life is short: stay booted!

Wesco Boots With Nowhere to Ride

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I pulled on a pair of lightweight leather jeans yesterday morning, and thought my good ol’ Wesco harness boots would be good for the motorcycle ride planned for the day. I tucked the ends of the leather jeans into my socks, pulled my socks up nice and tight, then pulled the boots on and “ta-da”, there I was, all Mr. Biker. (I’m not showing the rest of me ’cause it’s only a Harley t-shirt, a dime-a-dozen in my drawers).

I learned that with this particular pair of Wesco boots that I need to wear thin, not thick, socks. That way, my feet don’t get hot.

… then after making my partner’s lunch and kissing him goodbye as he set off for work, I turned on my computer and checked the weather. Drat — strong storms predicted. No ride today.

But I kept the leather and boots on. A guy at the grocery store asked me tons of questions about the boots. Okay, happy to answer! He was very impressed with the boots, to say the least. I think I met another Bootman-in-training! LOL!

Life is short: wear boots!

Boot Stare Funnies

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This is how I was dressed and booted yesterday whilst running some errands. Two funny things happened along the way.

1. A guy in a car next to me pulled up and stopped so his window was next to where my boot was on my bike. He stared gape-jawed. He was staring so hard at my roughout brown/burgundy Wesco harness boots that the guy behind him had to beep his horn at him when the light changed, because the guy was so distracted (mezmerized?) by my boots! LOL!

2. I went to a grocery store and walked down the aisle featuring canned goods. There was a nice-looking guy (wearing well-worn work boots) stacking cans. He turned and looked at me, then my boots. He also became gape-jawed and knocked over the pile of cans he was stacking! LOL! I stopped to help him capture the cans rolling this-way-and-that. He thanked me, and then complimented me on the boots.

Life is short: Boots happen!