Here are some of the latest questions that people look up on search engines and get directed to this blog for answers. Some of them are serious, some are funny, and some are … well, you decide.
Q. Are engineer boots cool for men? Hampton, Virginia
A. Absolutely. Wasn’t James Dean the ultimate definition of “cool?” Or ask any biker — he’s cool. So are his engineer boots.
Q. Where to buy cheap Wesco boots? Northridge, California
A. On eBay as “previously owned.” Hate to tell ya, but there is no such thing as “cheap Wesco boots.” New Wesco boots — even the shorties — will cost you over US$600 per pair. They will last well past your lifetime, but you cannot find them “cheap.”
Q. Can you replace shaft on cowboy boot? Newport News, Virginia
A. No. You can have soles replaced, but not the shaft. If cowboy boot shafts are damaged, then regretfully, you will have to discard the boots as they cannot be replaced or repaired.
Q. Do people cut the inside of the jeans for cowboy boots? Millington, Michigan
A. No. You do NOT cut jeans to fit them inside cowboy boots. If your boots are too tight on your calf to accommodate the jeans inside them, then get a different pair of boots with a wider calf circumference. Cutting jeans will not make a difference. More instructions, here.
Q. How to cut the bottom of your cowboy jeans to fit over boots? Slidell, Louisiana
A. Asked and answered. See above. (that is, DON’T cut your jeans!)
Q. Do you put insoles in cowboy boots? Nova Scotia, Canada
A. Some cowboy or motorcycle boots do not have much of an insole. Some have only cloth or a thin piece of leather on the foot inside the boot. To improve comfort, yes indeed, you can insert a good quality insole. Doing so will improve the comfort immeasurably. Just make sure you have the room to do so. Some boots have a tight instep (like Lucchese boots) so an insole and your foot may not fit at the same time.
Q. Does walking on pavement mess up cowboy boot? Ocala, Florida
A. Leather-soled cowboy boots will become scuffed. That is how they are intended to wear. Your boots will not be “messed up,” but rather, they will be broken in.
Q. Are snakeskin boots more comfortable than crocodile? Gibsonia, Pennsylvania
A. Once again, it is not what is on the outside of the boots, but the inside that makes boots feel comfortable or not. There is no difference in comfort among python, rattlesnake, or any other snakeskin for boots compared with crocodile, alligator, or similar durable skins. Remember: skins on the outside are for appearance. Unless you intend to walk on the outside tops of your boots, then the outside skin does not matter.
Q. What side pant legs u put in ur boots? Spartanburg, South Carolina
A. I’m sure this was asked by younger person using a cellphone. Answer: the bottom. Put the bottom of your pants legs into your boots. (Always easier than the top.) Real answer here.
Life is short: wear boots!
I really like the blog. Very informative
I have a question. I was thinking of getting a pair of wesco engineer boots. I want to know if you recommend them if there is a lot of walking involved. I mean when I’m off the bike and in the mall with my wife would you say they are comfortable to be in all day.
Much appreciated.
Rich
Rich, while Wesco “Boss” (engineer style) boots are exceptionally rugged and have great soles for improved traction while riding a motorcycle, my personal experience is that Wesco Boss boots are significantly heavier than engineer boots made by Chippewa, for example. Heavy boots tend to be more difficult to walk in for long periods of time because it makes your feet and legs tired.
I know some guys who say they do not find the weight of Wesco boots to be a problem for them, while others do.
My opinion: If more riding than walking any given day, then choosing Wesco boots is fine. If the other way around, you may find Chippewa engineer boots more comfortable.
I did a comparison of Wesco and Chippewa engineer boots here on another post on this blog.
Thanks for asking — ride safe, ride booted.
I think the last fellow’s question refers to a habit I see of rodeo riders who tuck one side of their jeans into their (shorter) boots … a quick search produced this image: http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-images-cowboy-boots-spurs-image13264904 to give you an idea of what I mean.
That said, I’d tuck neither side in…
Thanks for the explanation, Cal. I knew my readers were astute and probably knew the real question that was being asked. I sincerely appreciate your information with illustrative photo.