I have the great fortune to be planning a two-week trip to Western Canada in July. The tour will begin in Vancouver, then a train will take me to Jasper. There I will transfer to a small group that will go on a photo tour in the Canadian Rockies, and includes Lake Louise and Banff. The tour will end in Calgary where I have tickets to attend and watch two days of the Calgary Stampede — described as “the greatest outdoor show on Earth.”

I have a “boot dilemma” on what boots to wear while viewing this event that perhaps my readers can help me with.

Three pairs from my cowboy boot collection are staring me in the face. Each pair is screaming, “wear us! wear us!”

Here are my conditions of wear, and three choices:

What I mean by “conditions of wear” is that I have limited luggage capacity. I have to carry two weeks’ of clothing, including boots, plus my computer and camera gear. I have decided to limit my footwear to two pairs — one pair of hikers that I’ll use when in the Rockies, and a pair of western boots for a rotation with the hikers (especially should they get wet) and to let the boots air out a day (each) between wearings.

I do not own or wear sneakers, flip-flops, and whoever invented “crocs” should be shot! Once again, for this trip, I will have two pairs of boots, only. I already know the hikers I will bring. Now I need to figure out which of three choices of western boots to bring?

Alberta Boot Company “Nanton” — these western cowhide leather boots were made in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They have a traditional square toe, are 12-inches tall, and have navy blue shafts and a tan vamp (foot). The boots have a wide block heel of 1-1/4 inches. They also have a rubber tread sole. The footbed is somewhat hard. I have inserted a gel insole to make them more comfortable. These boots are tough and rugged. Since the boots are made in Alberta, one would think these boots would be my first choice. One concern I have is that these boots are a bit heavy and because they are so rugged, they do not flex that well for walking comfort.

Ariat “Firecatcher” western boots — these western cowhide leather boots were made in León, Mexico — the bootmaking capital of the world. These boots have a traditional square toe, are 12-inches tall, and have blue shafts with really cool stitching and a tan vamp (foot). The boots have a wide block heel of 1-1/4 inches. They also have a rubber tread sole that is quite flexible. The boots have a wide calf circumference so I could even wear my jeans inside them, but even if I wear them “as usual” with jeans over the boots, they will breathe. The sole is flexible and the leather is soft. The concern I have about this pair of boots is that even though the boot leather is comfortable because it is soft, it may be less rugged to endure the environments I will be wearing them in. Crouching low for a good photo, standing for hours observing the light — the footbed is comfortable, for now. How long may that comfort last? Are these boots more for show than actual work?

Rujo Boots “Miguel” — similar to the Ariats, these boots are also made in León, Mexico. These boots are the “Miguel” model and are coffee color (medium brown) on the vamp, with an interesting blue corded shaft. The boots are made with “Pull Up Calfskin” which is a specially tanned cowhide that has been treated to have a rugged, weathered finish. The boots are 11 inches high with a block heel height of 1.4 inches (just slightly higher than the others). They have a moderate square toe. There are long mule-ear style pull-tabs on the sides of the boot for ease of pulling on. Traditional scalloped shafts and decorative stitching complete this good-looking boot. The sole is a durable rubber. The Rujo Boots “Cloudwalk” insole is as good as the company bills it to be — exceptionally comfortable for hours of standing and/or walking. The only concern I have is that the vamp leather is shiny, and in the environments where I will be, they will get very scuffed up. Do I really care? Not really. Again, are the shafts more for show? I’m probably not going to wear my jeans tucked into them anyway.

If you were in my place and had to choose only one pair of western boots to alternate with a pair of hikers for this adventure, which pair would you pick? Of my vast boot collection, are there others I have not considered but should choose instead?

Leave a comment below. Describe how you made your choice. Comments will close June 30, the night before I leave.

Life is short: everyone should have such “boot dilemmas.” (LOL)