In my last post, I described that someone sent me an email to ask me to share some of what I have learned. So I posted about learning to listen and not always be the first one with an opinion.

Today, I will write about another thing my email-writer remarked about:

You emphasize detail and the importance of quality: Fewer and fewer people appreciate these wonderful things or express their gratitude when someone takes the time to demonstrate them.

Again, wow… I really did not think that this little blog would have this characteristic noted. Thank you.

Regarding the topic… (more after the jump)

As a long-term boot and leather aficionado (aka “enthusiast”), I have long sought quality of craftsmanship and materials used to construct boots and leather garments.

Machines help with the process of boot construction, but only to a point. The process of “handcrafting” a boot with manual steps to stretch leather across a last (foot form) is not done as much as it used to be.

Neither is inserting lemonwood pegs for good-quality cowboy boots to attach a boot’s outer sole to the mid/insole. When a boot’s sole is “pegged,” it is a sign of better craftsmanship and quality. However, these days, most sole pegging is also automated. But just to have soles pegged is a good indication of quality construction.

Further, having soles welted:

welting is a method of attaching the sole to a welt (a strip of leather that runs around the outside of the boot) rather than the lining. This seems minor, but it makes boots that are more durable, water-resistant and longer-lasting.

… is a process not done as often anymore either. A welted sole is a sign of superior quality.

You can tell quite easily if a sole is not welted by looking at the sole itself. If you can see stitches attaching the sole to the boot, it’s welted. Boots without stitches showing on the bottom have glued soles. Glue breaks down with wear and exposure to every-day environments. Also, glued soles cannot be replaced (resoled) while welted sole can.

Since the 90s, using machines to do more work that humans once did reduces labor costs significantly, as well as shortens production time. Machines can do pegging as well as welting. But to have those processes done is more rare than it used to be.

I seek out manufacturers of boots that take time to do these steps in boot construction.

I take time to write about quality production and call out in a positive way the manufacturers that do that. You will see on my long list of boot reviews on my boots knowledgebase that I mention construction quality on the boot brands for which I have written reviews.

I have also called out quality and extended appreciation to some boot manufacturers on this blog — such as (but not limited to): Tecovas, Lucchese (Classic), Wesco, Dehner, White’s, All American, Alberta Boots, Boulet, Embossy, and others.

Sometimes I even write directly to the manufacturer or company owner. Most times I receive a kind and cordial reply of gratitude.

In my personal life, I also do “little things” like write a thank you note and mail it … a long-lost art that my Mom taught me. Those little thank-you notes have returned much support to me over the years in intangible ways.

Taking time to say “thank you” is important. So with this, I will close to say “thank you, loyal readers. YOUR time is appreciated and feedback is always welcome.”

Life is short: appreciate quality and extend gratitude.