Being a “bootman”, or let’s just say that I am a guy who likes boots and owns more than a few pairs, I continually see boots for sale from various vendors that attract my eye. From expensive custom-made exotic cowboy boots to more common, commercially-made biker boots — I like many of them.
Lately, two styles of lace-up Chippewa boots have caught my eye.
The first pair are 10-inch loggers. Lug sole. Rugged, waterproof design. Would be great as work boots as well as for wearing while riding my motorcycle. I have always admired the rugged appearance of logger boots, especially with the Vibram 100 lug soles, which provide excellent traction. Definitely a “man’s boot.” Chippewa makes great boots here in the USA, and I own dozens of pairs of Chippewa boots. I have no doubt these boots would be excellent.
The second pair are 10-inch packers. I have not owned packer boots, but they style is interesting. Note the higher heel. These boots present a more “cowboy boot” style and appearance. They are designed to be worn with jeans over them. While there is a rubber sole, these boots would not be a primary choice to wear when I ride my motorcycle, mostly because the sole would not provide much traction, or would the heel design be suitable. Most biker boots have a one-inch or lower heel.
Will I buy either or both pairs of these boots?
No.
“No! Why not?” some of you may exclaim.
Well, it’s as simple or complex as this:
- I don’t really “need” any more boots. What I feel is more in my collector’s vision than anywhere else.
- I have no more room to store boots. My storage is all filled up, so says my partner, the master of all space requirements in our household.
- I would really rather not spend the money. I am focusing much more now on continuing to maintain or build my “rainy-day” fund.
- I probably could find these boots used on eBay, but I seldom buy used boots. Used boots conform to another guy’s feet when he breaks them in, and they boots may not fit me, even if they are my size.
- I have to remind myself that I have little patience to lace up boots. While laced boots offer much more flexibility in fit, the time to lace them correctly is not something I have patience for. (I know, these boots are only 10 inches high, so lacing each one will take all of one minute. I understand that my impatience is not well-founded.)
By posting this post on my blog, I am exclaiming my sales resistance. I will need to refer to this when I get those sales coupon notices in my email box as U.S. Independence Day approaches. (giggle.)
Life is short: resist your urges when you really don’t need to spend money.
Many years ago, Justin came out with laced boots that were very popular in TX and having enjoyed wearing Justin ropers, I bought a pair. Hated having to lace them up and rarely wore them. Years later, I found a pair of 20 hole Doc Marten’s on ebay and had to have them. Again, I soon got tired of lacing them and stop wearing them. Now, any time I see a hot pair of laced boots, I remind myself of how much I hate messing with laces and talk myself out of buying them. However, if I ever win the lottery, I will hire someone to lace boots for me 🙂 I wonder if “bootlacer” is an official job title…
Much the same for me, Jake. Even if I win the lottery, I wouldn’t have a bootlacer around. Partner would have lots of questions 🙂