Yearly Archives: 2011

A Booted Man in an Unbooted State

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This is a guest blog post written by a man with whom I have been exchanging email for a while. He has written to me about some of the posts on this blog which he told me have been both informative and some have been amusing (like my “amusing google search” posts that appear from time to time.) He’s a teacher and enjoys wearing boots, but in a U.S. state where few men wear cowboy boots on a regular basis. The photos with this post are pictures of some of the boots in his personal collection. Here’s his story.

By: The Only Booted Man in Town

I am a nonconformist by nature. I hate doing what other people do, and despise doing things because they are trendy. Maybe that’s part of why I wear cowboy boots in a part of the country where most guys don’t.

But there’s more to it than that. Let me get on the leather couch for a minute and relax, and let my mind wander to the past. Ahh, there we go.

Here is my bootman story.

When I was in high school, cowboy boots were cool for guys. We were just coming off the “Urban Cowboy” thing, and boots were all over the place. Except on my feet.

I was a nerd by nature, and not well-respected by my peers. I was shy as well, which didn’t help things. Yet I lusted after a pair of boots. Don’t know why. Just really liked them. Finally right before Christmas, my mom and I were in the mall browsing around. We passed a display of cowboy boots in one of the stores. Looking at them, I thought, “Man. Do I actually ask for a pair?” I did. That Christmas morning I found a pair of new boots under the tree. I was in love. I put them on and wouldn’t take them off. Now as I look back, I think, man, those things were terrible. They were made by Fortina in Brazil, tan, with buck stitching on the side. They had two-inch stacked heels, and really were not that great to walk in, but I loved them nonetheless. I wore and wore those things. I still have them and occasionally still do wear them. Did I become the most popular guy in school? No. But girls still did notice them, which is more than what had happened to me before. I kind of liked being a couple of inches taller (once I learned how to walk in them.)

Other trends happened. Boots were replaced by Jazz Oxfords (ick), and my beloved pair of cowboy boots sat in the closet. But I couldn’t get rid of them. So I kept them. High school turned in to college and grad school. Marriage and two sons happened. And yet those boots sat in the closet. My wife even asked me once, “How come you never wear your kickers?”

Then, out of the blue, one day, I put them on. And fell in love all over again. I was that couple of inches taller, walked a little prouder, felt a little more manly. Hmmm…. I wonder if there are any cowboy boots on ebay. Let me look here for a minute.

Alakazam. Boot Acquisition Disorder (BAD) hit really hard. Before I knew it, I owned over 35 pairs. Yes, a modest collection by bootman standards, but a lot for me. I have more shoes than my wife! I wore them every day at home and around town. At first I was self-conscious. Too gay, I thought. Too manly. Too whatever. I googled “are cowboy boots gay” and ended up a BHD’s website (yes, BHD, I was one of “those guys” with the weird google questions). Slowly, but surely, I stopped being so self-conscious about them and wore them in different places, like the junior high school where I work. That took a lot of guts. At first there were a few comments, some by kids, some by male teachers, but they have stopped. (Where’s your horse, pardner?) Now boots are a bit of a trademark with me.

That’s the story. But why? Why do I wear cowboy boots here in the North country where we are thousands of miles away from the South and the West?

Part of it is that they are masculine. I am a quiet man by nature, and definitely not a jock. Can’t throw a football worth a damn. I’d rather work with textiles than power tools. Never even learned to ride a bike. But I love to ride horses. English, though. Not Western. Go figure.

Part of it is the fact that not everybody else around here wears them. I kid that I am the only booted man in town. And for the most part I am. I am also only one of two men in town with a handlebar mustache. But who cares?

I wear them because I like them. I wear them because they are comfortable. I wear them partly for the Marlboro man mystique. I wear them because my wife likes it when I wear them. I wear them too because they represent independence, individuality, and strength.

Most of all, I wear them because I am me.

So there, in a nutshell, is why I wear cowboy boots.

Writer’s Block Broken

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While this blog has been “on pause” for a couple days, I am happy to report that I have received not one, not two, but three guest blog posts, and two questions that are appropriate for blogging about.  One guest blog post is cowboy-boot related, another is from a motorcycle police officer, and another is from my twin brother, who contributes here frequently.  These posts will appear over the next week.

I sincerely appreciate that my appeal for ideas worked. I am always open to suggestions for things to write about, questions to answer, or guest blog posts from others who have something to day about wearing boots, leather, or other issues that I deal with on this blog from time to time. It’s great when people contribute and help out.

If you have any questions, blog suggestions, or wish to contribute a guest blog post, write to me using this form or send me an email if you have it. (I do not publish my email address because nefarious spambots find it and then go crazy.)

Life is short: appreciate contributions!

Pardon the Pause

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Pardon the pause… I am plumb out of ideas for what to write about.  I haven’t had much time for it. That darn thing called “work” gets in the way (LOL!), as well as some emergencies at home.  (Don’t worry, my partner and I are well… just having to deal with the challenges that home ownership presents from time to time.)

Come back again… or give me some hints of something you would find interesting to read about on this blog. Thanks, have a nice day!

Riding to Nowhere

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I had a very productive weekend doing some activities for my senior pals, then working on our home with my partner.

The weather finally got warm enough on Sunday afternoon to go for a long ride on my Harley. By noontime, it was 55°F (13°C), which was a bit cool, but with thick leather pants, a leather shirt and leather jacket, thick gloves, and tall Wesco boots, I felt fine.

I went on this ride with a buddy who knows the back roads of our home county exceptionally well, and is a very skilled rider. We rode and rode and rode … to everywhere, and to nowhere. My friend took a turn on what he thought would be an interesting road… until it dead-ended at a farm with sheep and cows. We about died laughing.

It was great to get out, have some practice honing my riding skills which had become rusty after a long winter without much riding. I enjoyed riding with my friend who is such a great guy to ride with. He rides very safely, has a great sense of humor, and is a very nice person.

Pics follow. Enjoy! Riding season has begun!

Out Riding

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Today I finally will break out those biker boots and leathers and go for a ride with a friend.  Each of us wants to get out to enjoy a short ride, each on his own Harley. I haven’t ridden much since last fall, and I need some gentle reintroduction and experience, as does my buddy.

When riding for the first “real ride” of the season to blow out the dust in the engine (so to speak) and to regain experience in motorcycle operation, I need to be by myself on my own bike, so I can practice starts, stops, and emergency maneuvers. I have a friend who would enjoy riding with me as a passenger, and I’m looking forward to having him back in the saddle with me — but not today. I need some time to regain my comfort in motorcycle operation, and the weight of a passenger and concern for his safety would make the day’s agenda (regaining my comfort-level) too complex.

I am not sure how far or how long we will be out — but just getting out has been long overdue for this biker whose cabin fever is just a few degrees shy of the cabin fever that a buddy is experiencing in Vermont. 🙂

Pardon the dust, enjoy the rumble, and feel the throttle give thrust to my bike. Finally… April… It.is.about.time!

LC, hit me up and let’s plan a ride soon! Can’t wait to see you and ride with you again as my passenger.

Life is short: RIDE!

Tree Viewing – Not

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This is the time of year when the cherry trees around the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC, are in full bloom.

In years past, whilst working in the city, I would take some time out to go view them. Now that my current job is in the suburbs, going into the city just to see the trees is not something that I want to do any more. I mean, they look the same each year, and as lovely as they are, this year we’ve decided to take a pass.

My partner works in the city, close to where the trees are in bloom. I asked him the other day if he took a walk to see them. He replied, “are you kidding?” When I probed further, he explained that the crowds of tourists were too much to bear. I understand, I’ve seen it.

I guess we can say, “been there, done that” and thus, we don’t plan to make a trek to see the trees this year. They are lovely, adding to the grace and beauty of what makes Washington, DC, so special. I am glad the crowds are plentiful, as their tourist dollars help the local economy.

If you go to see them, enjoy. If you don’t, I understand why.

Meanwhile, if you wish, you can see pictures that I have posted of past visits to see the cherry trees in bloom on my website, here.

Adding a Chain to a Muir Cap

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It is an odd coincidence in that I was considering writing a post for this blog about adding a chain to a Muir Cap — the headwear that completes the Leatherman’s attire. Then the search (see above) landed on this blog. The search result landed on an old blog post that I wrote about this topic. It was entered by someone who is a daily reader.

I just recently added a chain to an old Muir Cap that I own. Why? Not only, in my opinion, does it add style, but I also re-read a comment on that old blog post which indicated that a chain on a Muir Cap is a symbol of a Leather Master. Further, I recently read a post on Fetlife in a subject titled, “Masters Cover” in the group “A Documented History of the Lifestyle 1945-95” from this comment:

While I’m not a big fan of “protocol” … there was/is significance to the history to the dress, to the Leather, and to the cover, and once upon a time, to conduct as well.

Short version: specifically a metal (usually silver) “brim band” [or chain] indicated one was a top and didn’t switch.

While I don’t hang with the Leathermen at runs, events, or fashion shows (any more), I consider myself to be one, old skool … traditionalist … or some call “old guard.” I wear traditional leather, from boots to pants to shirts to the Muir Cap, sometimes with gloves and even, sometimes, with a leather tie to complete the outfit.

However, I don’t switch. If you don’t know what that means, read this Wikipedia article. By the way, my partner doesn’t switch either.

I added the chain to my old Muir cap for three reasons:

  • I didn’t like the plain plastic band that was on it;
  • If I wore it to a Leatherman’s gathering, then based on the comment above made by someone who knows more about this than I do, then I didn’t want to give the wrong signal; and
  • I had a chain in my drawer that fit perfectly for this use. (Don’t ask me why I had it… some things you just collect and forget about.)

Now I realize that someone would have to approach me to inquire about having sex, and possibly could use the hat’s chain (or lack thereof) to signal my versatility (or not.) My response would be, “nope, I am monogamous and am not interested in sex with you.” But my point is that I just didn’t want to give a signal that clearly is not the man I am.

If you want to add a chain or silver band to a Muir cap, it’s easy. The bands that comes with it (both across the front and across the top) are attached with a button that has two long protrusions that stick through the cap and bend flat under the headband. Simply lift the headband, straighten out the metal protrusions of the button, pull the button out, and remove the old bands. Replace them with a chain or silver band of your choice. You can find chain that works anywhere — hardware store or even a short leash at a pet store will do. I figure you can find a metal band at a fetish expo or on-line somewhere if that’s what you want.

It is a choice, and I made that choice to add some variety to an otherwise all-black leather cap, and for reasons stated above.

Life is short: old-guard Leatherwear including the Muir Cap is solid, strong, and admired by many.

Traveling With Boots

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I travel more now than I have been traveling in a while. Work-related trips have brought me to the U.S. West Coast three times in the last three months, and also to Puerto Rico. I anticipate more domestic travel in the coming months, including a trip to a U.S. Commonwealth way out in the Pacific.

As readers of this blog know, I choose to wear boots exclusively. I don’t own any shoes or sneakers or sandals. I have expressed my opinions before about those types of footwear. Sum it up as, “yuck.”

Recently, a close friend who has contributed a lot to this blog with comments and guest blog posts traveled for his work to Houston, Texas. He remarked about taking the trip on Facebook.

One of his Facebook friends asked him, “Sportin’ the boots?” to which he responded: “Not this time. Traveling with them has become such a pain these days.”

I replied also, saying, “oh my lands, what’s this world coming to?”

My friend, chagrined, admitted in a follow-up email that he was concerned about the amount of walking that he would have to do in the airport, which is why he chose not to wear (or bring?) boots with him.

Hmmm… well, buddy, I have some comments about this matter:

1. If the boots you currently own are uncomfortable to walk in, then you should consider getting gel insoles, which I wear in many of my cowboy boots that I wear when I travel. The insoles add a spring to my step, and make walking a pleasure.

2. Alternatively, perhaps, you should consider a different size for a new pair of boots? I have found that boots that fit me perfectly do not have adequate room to accommodate a gel insole. The insole in well-fitted boots causes the top of my foot to press against the inside top of the boot, and soon enough, the bones in my feet begin to hurt as they rub against the inside of the boot. I solved that problem by getting boots a half-size larger. The insole takes up the room so the boots do not slip when I walk, and the slightly larger size accommodates the room required for the insole. Plus, as an added bonus, I found that insole-supplied half-size larger cowboy boots give more toe room, so I can wear pointed-toe cowboy boots more comfortably, as well.

While my friend didn’t directly address concerns about hassles in going through airport security with boots, let me address those issues as well.

First of all, these days, everyone has to take off footwear, regardless if the footwear is a pair of boots or anything else: sneakers, shoes, etc. Therefore, don’t think that if you wear shoes or sneakers that you’ll be able to get through without having to take them off. (I have observed that in larger U.S. metropolitan airports, everyone has to take all footwear off. Perhaps one can get through wearing sneakers in smaller airports, but not in the big ones where the TSA staff are more formal and drone-like in enforcing “the rules.”)

Wearing boots at an airport is no big deal. One just pulls them off like any other footwear. Therefore, keep in mind that since you have to pull boots off while balancing at a table before the magnetometer, the boots should be easy to pull off, and not require untying laces or a helper to remove them for you (such as my situation if I were to wear tall motorcycle patrol boots).

Once the boots go through the magnetometer and you go through the x-ray, you should have boots that are as easy to pull back on as they were to take off. For me, I carry them to a seat, then sit down and put them on while I also put my laptop back in its case, retrieve my cell phone and pocket change and put it away, etc. I abhor the slogs who bunch up at the end of the magnetometer who try to put their shoes on right there and put their stuff away. That behavior causes the lines to slow down significantly. Just get your stuff and walk away (in socks) to a nearby seat and put yourself back together. Don’t make the rest of us behind you wait for you to get your act together and move on.

While addressing the issue of boots and travel, let me point out that if you will be in the air for more than a couple hours, take your boots off when you get seated on the plane (provided you have room enough to do that; some airlines make you pay a ransom for more leg room, and if you don’t pay the ransom and don’t have status to get you priority seating, you may not have enough room to do that.)

The reason why you should take your boots off is to allow blood to circulate in your legs and feet. As we age, we become subject to all sorts of maladies when the circulation slows down and blood flow becomes sluggish. You need to stretch your feet, circle them around at the ankles, bend forward and back, etc., several times an hour. Doing so will help several ways: 1) it prevents DVT (deep vein thrombosis), which can be deadly; 2) it helps your feet feel refreshed so your boots feel better when you put them back on your feet; 3) your feet won’t sweat in the boots, so your boots won’t get as stinky. My recommendation: take your boots off in flight. You will feel much better. And who knows? Maybe your seatmate is a secret Bootman and will notice and strike up a conversation about your boots with you. 🙂

Another thing about air travel: wear comfortable clothing. I shudder when I see men dressed in suits and ties on the plane. They look so damn uncomfortable. They worry about wrinkling their jacket, and make the rest of us wait while they carefully fold it and put it in the overhead bin. I know, I know, sometimes some men can’t avoid it — they go right to a meeting upon arrival, or they work for the airline which requires their employees to wear a suit when flying their airline. But most of us don’t have these situations. I usually wear a comfy pair of jeans (denim or leather) and a shirt with two pockets (helpful to carry ID and boarding passes, cell phone and glasses). Be comfortable when you fly, as most airlines these days make air travel cramped and uncomfortable.

In summary, I will forgive my friend for his transgression, for he knew not this advice (because he didn’t ask, yet. LOL!)

Life is short: wear boots!

Differences on Skins of Cowboy Boots

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Once again, Google brings interesting questions that drive some visitors to my website.  In this case, the question is, “what is the difference between lizard skin boots and alligator skin boots?”

The answer to that question is simple: alligators are alligators and lizards are lizards. Two different animals whose skins were harvested and treated to fit over molds (called “boot lasts”) and sewn onto leather soles, had leather vamps (rear part of the foot) and shafts attached … and voi-la! They became boots that are called “alligator skin” or “lizard skin.”

These type of cowboy boots fall into the general category called “exotic skin” boots. “Exotic skins” means anything made of an animal that is not an animal from which traditional leather products are made.

This gets a little complicated, but leather is made from more types of animals than cows. While cowhide is the most common, leather can (and is) also made from goats, deer, bulls, lamb, elephants, and even horses. When another kind of animal has its skin removed and used to make boots, then the resulting boots are called are called “exotic skin boots.”

There are a number of exotic skins that are used to make boots. The most common are ostrich, teju lizard, and python. Each of these animals is “farmed” (that is, grown specifically to produce skins from which to make boots and other products). Other animals with skins that make interesting boots are alligators, crocodiles, cobra, rattlesnake, eel, shark, and sting ray. There are probably more.

I have a variety of cowboy boots with exotic skins. I think they look cool. While most of these skins are durable and strong, some are not. Especially snake skins. Boots made with snake skins can be easily damaged by scuffing as well as by getting wet. Snake scales on boots will curl when they get wet and will not “uncurl” when they dry. So it is important to wear those boots only in dry weather, and not in the rain.

You can see the variety of exotic skin cowboy boots that I own here, on my website.

Life is short: wear boots!

Flowers for Leatherdude

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My partner is a hopeless romantic.  He missed me as much as I missed him when I was away for a week in California.  While I called him every night, and sent him several email messages every day, it’s not the same.

I failed to mention that my partner drove me to the airport to drop me off, saving me (well, my employer, anyway) the cost of paying for long-term parking. Also, I didn’t want to leave my truck in a lot for a whole week.

When I returned to the airport, my partner picked me up. He doesn’t have or use a cell phone, so there wasn’t any waiting in a cell phone lot. Nope, he parked in the short-term nearby parking garage and came into the airport to find me.

So when he saw me at baggage claim, he called out, “hey, leatherdude” and handed me a big bouquet of flowers. He gave me a kiss, embraced me, and said, “welcome home!” I smiled, kissed him back (yeah, in front of “all those people”), took the flowers and shed several tears.

Man, it sure is good to be home with the man who makes every day worth living: my partner, my love, my hunk, my bestest friend in the whole world … my “better half.”

Life is short: show those you love that you love them.