Going with my sorta new “theme” for posts for this blog, I am writing more about boots and links back to my website which google’s algorithm is dutifully ignoring.

Over the years, I have gotten questions about how I learned about cowboy (western) boots, and how I changed my boot-buying and wearing habits. Here goes…

I have been wearing western (cowboy) boots since I was a tyke. By the time I was 10 years old, I was choosing to wear boots daily. I disliked how sneakers (“tennis shoes” back then) looked, and I couldn’t stand — I mean, really hated — boy’s dress shoes. Back in those days (1960s), boy’s dress shoes were really funny lookin’, and they were made from crappy leather that did not stretch with the feet when they grew. Like all boys, my feet grew rapidly, and I often “outgrew my shoes” in a matter of months.

Not so with cowboy boots. I could get larger-sized cowboy boots and take up the extra room in the foot with thicker socks. I found that even as young as 10, I could wear boots for two or three years before I outgrew them. Often, as I recall, I would trash or damage my little boy’s boots sooner than I outgrew them. Why?

As a kid, I lived on a horse ranch in Oklahoma six months each year and it was not uncommon to put boots to hard use while riding horses, playing in the mud, riding fences, chasing cattle (or rabbits or sheep), and jumping in streams. Ahhhh… the larks of a boy exploring his wider world with his companion — my horse Maggie — as my loyal and adventurous friend.

Fast-forward to adulthood. I remained fond of boots. During my early adulthood when I was living completely on my own without parental support or in the family home (age 19 onward), I had a very limited budget. While I liked boots, I bought boots on the cheap.

I learned from that experience exactly what cheap boots were like. Most of all, they hurt my feet. They fell apart or got holes in the soles or flaked off leather or faux exotic skin. I remember times when I was in college that I went through boots faster than little boys outgrew dress shoes.

The major lesson learned is that “cheap” isn’t really cost-saving when the product you buy does not last more than a few months and you have to spend money again to replace worn-out or poorly-constructed boots.

I even blew through at least six pairs (or more, I can’t remember) of Frye boots in my early 20s. Those old vintage Fryes were very well-made, but not made for the miles of walking that I put on them every day while an undergrad on a very large, rambling, and hilly college campus.

Another major lesson learned is to choose boots for the right application (as I’ve said even today.) Frye boots are not, nor ever were, made for walking. Man oh man, my feet hurt at the end of a long day of Frye boot-wearing, though at that age, I would never admit it.

By the time I was in my 20s and earning a bit more money, I remember going to western stores and speaking with very knowledgeable staff. Back then, especially in Oklahoma where I visited often, it was common that western stores’ staff were quite knowledgeable about boots and boot construction.

That’s when I bought my first pairs of Tony Lama boots, and had my eye on Lucchese boots. However, back then, Luccheses were very high-end and expensive. Lucchese back then did not offer the lower-end line like they do now (“Lucchese Since 1883” — cheaper, lower-quality line). I always thought that I would never get Luccheses due to the price, though I thought those boots looked better than best. Man, those classic western boots were gorgeous.

I also remember buying Dan Post boots. They were affordable and well-made, and also made exotic-skin boots affordable to me. I had a few pairs of Noconas, too. Buddies in Oklahoma loved their Justins. I had some pairs of them, too. However, back then, Justins were just plain old, drab, dull, and brown. Always brown. Made for working on farms or ranches.

As I got older, I morphed through many, many styles, brands, and types of western boots. For a few years, I really got into tall Buckaroo boots, but since I really was not riding horses that much and was working in an office, Buckaroo boots did not fit my style or needs. Also, the higher heels on buckaroo boots (at 2.5 to 3.5 inches — 6.4 to 9cm) were harder for me who has always been a klutz to walk in. (My other name penned upon me by my siblings is “Trip.”)

These days, as you see in my cowboy boot collection that I have more Lucchese boots than others by individual brand. I have settled on Luccheses as my favorite because I like their style, and in particular, I like their comfort. Waiting for sales and comparison shopping for best pricing helps, too.

I still wear and enjoy Dan Post, Nocona, Justin, and Tony Lama boots — all major players in the cowboy boot world. I have a few pairs from other manufacturers too, such as Olathe and Boulet. Even some custom pairs — the most expensive were those for that were a gift from my spouse and that I wore at our marriage ceremony — my Legendary Cowboy Boots. My favorite (and only) “BeSpoke” pair of boots are my Tidewater Cowboy Boots. I love their look and vintage Frye boot appearance, yet much better quality and superb construction. It was also fun watching these boots be made.

Anyway, this is a summary of BHD’s western booted growth. Hope you found it somewhat interesting.

Life is short: learn about and wear western boots!