You should do a comparison of leathers! No boots needed, just swatches. Cowboy boots love all sorts of crazy leathers. You could test them for stretching, flexibility, breathability, abrasion resistance, puncture resistance, crease resistance, etc. Cow, goat, deer, ostrich, kangaroo, gator, croc, caiman, lizard, buffalo, arapaima, shark…. Etc.
This would actually really help inform me on my next boot purchase, I always hear Elephant, Bison and Buffalo are the toughest, would love to see them put to the test.
Lemonwood pegs are traditionally used in cowboy boots because they swell and contract at the same rate as the leather sole. This means that even when you get the boots wet they will still hold tight.
Another key point of why lemonwood pegs is for actual riding. As the leather wears in that spot from the stirrups lemonwood pegs will erode at the same rate as the leather; brass nails obviously will not and will end up scratching and damaging the stirrup. If the stirrup is metal there is a high chance those brass nails will either catch or break off.
A smooth leather sole makes it easier to regain your stirrup if you lose it while riding. Might keep you from getting dragged by your foot through rocks and brush too because it allows your boot to slide out of the stirrup if you fall. The stacked heel of a cowboy boot (and the long nail fastener) is designed to be the part that grips. I've seen them called a "roper heel". Literally, if you're roping an animal you can lean back onto your heels and keep your footing if you're on the ground. Or you can hook the heel into your stirrup for bracing when you tie off the rope on your saddle. I did a little ranch work and still ride but mostly learned from watching people with a lot more skill than I'll ever have. Thick rubber soled cowboy boots aren't meant to be used in the saddle. They're a much better fit for someone working on their feet all day or someone who likes the style in a work or dress boot. Just my opinions. Can't wait to see more in this series. Thanks for the inside look!
Howdy brother, a "roper heel" is a shorter heel than that of the normal cowboy boot heel. Boots with the roper heel are typically referred to as "ropers" in general. They are meant to be used on the ranch when not riding, as the taller cowboy heel is not needed to stop your foot from going through the stirrup. The sole has nothing to do with regaining your stirrups, but the pointed toe does. Leather soles are still used due to tradition and style. Cheers🍻 !
@@DanBCooper Thank you brother Dan. I have a pair of packer style smooth leather soled Justin ropers made in Mexico that have served me pretty well. And yes, just pointy enough to help me get my balance back in the brush. I don't chase cows anymore that was 40 years ago. My balance isn't what it was and I never was a pro. But I have worn the wrong shoes on a horse. I learned that's where function matters. I appreciate the details you taught me and your kind response. Regards.
I've worn Tony Lama boots since I was a kid in the 80's. I would love to see an older boot from the pre-justin era cut in half and see if they have changed.
If you want to see a lucchese cut in half Chisos did a video called "Thou shall not cut corners" where they cut in half tecovas, lucchese, and chisos boots in that order.
I have a pair of black Luchese's. They are as comfortable as a boot can possibly be. The only other shoe that is as comfortable is my Bruno Magli loafers.
I am a retired footwear examiner in Arlington Texas and had the privilege of touring the Justin boot company in Fort Worth before it moved. Among the things I learned was that the heal leather used to be made from scraps but is now made of ground leather board material because the material is more durable and the thickness allows for more consistent heal height. A strong metal shank is needed because riders stand up in the stirrups and the soles would split if not backed by a strong steel shank. They were experimenting with synthetic soles at the time and their endurance test was performed by an employee who rode a motorcycle and was very rough on boot soles. If a sole lasted more than six months on his feet it was deemed good. A new set of boots set on a smooth surface should have a slight curve to the sole that lifts the front of the heel off the surface just far enough to slide a U.S. nickel under the front of the heel. The boot will flatten out once it is broken in properly. Also, it is not uncommon for cowboy boot companies to test the market with only 1 or 2 dozen pairs of boots in a test pattern. So some uppers are very rare patterns while others are very common.
Growing up on a cattle ranch and Cowboy’n most my life I’ve worn many brands of boots. Most durable longest lasting was the Nacona and Double H. My least favorite were Ariat and Justin. Best dress boot definitely Lucchese. Tony Lama’s we’re good before Justin got a hold of them. Olathe Boots were solid boots also. Love your content. Keep up the good work.
I’ve worn Olathe boots doing cowboy work from grade school into my mid 20s. I’m 40 now and occasionally put on a pair I used to wear in high school. Now I wear a Tony lama buckaroo boot that I’ve had for probably ten years. Olathe quality went downhill a while back.
Justins are cheap junk. I wont wear them. Olathe makes great boots. I didnt know Tony Lama was bought out by a China company. I recently got a pair of Boulet hand crafted in Canada, and they turned out to be excellent boots.
After doing extensive research on what cowboy work boots to buy I went with Double H. They have raving reviews about their quality, they have a great look, and will like last me the rest of my life as I am very easy on them. They have become my favorite shoe to wear. Cut them in half @roseanvil
Love and admire the variety of this channel that it slowly become one of my favourites on yt, never stop thanking you for the awosome free quality content learning so much stuff thanks to you: from the shank, passing to the quality of leather the sneakers gimmicks, materials and construction overall
Been watching Rose Anvil for awhile and enjoy your channel. Bought a pair of Tony Lama’s for $125.00 probably about 45 years ago. Like the saying goes, “they don’t make them like they used to”.
I was just thinking the other day that it wish y’all had a cowboy boot series. I’m definitely here for it. If you’re still taking requests, I’d love to see some of these direct to consumer handmade boots like Tecovas or Chisos on the chopping block.
I'd love to see Tecovas judged. T&H have deconstructed a pair or two, and were overall impressed. I'd love to see/hear Weston's opinion as well, especially if he does some of the more exotic leathers like caiman or bison.
I’ve worn cowboy boots off and on for most of 57 years. Best pair I have ever owned is pair of Tony Lamas in ostrich. Had them for 17 years and still comfortable and in decent shape.
I have a pair of Tony Lama dress boots (pointed toe, lizard vamp and counter) from somewhere around fifteen years ago. I haven’t worn them hard, but I just got them resoled this summer and they’re good as new! I also have a more ordinary cowhide pair that I got from Goodwill, so I don’t know how old they are. But they have needed no repairs or anything so far, just normal conditioning.
I went through a cowboy boot phase, but never tried Tony Lamas. I wore Noconas, Justins, and Lucchesed. In general, I found them all surprisingly comfortable, durable, and affordable. Thanks for taking a closer look. Love the channel.
I used to work in a machine shop when I was younger, and worked around band saws a lot. I seen what happened at about 9:21, all I have to say is you're really lucky. You really should use a push stick once you get close to the end of the cut. It'll save you from a nasty cut, or worse.
I have two pairs of Tony Lama work boots w/ a composite toe, and they're waterproof. I love these boots I paid 150 for each pair. I get exactly what I need out of them. I know they're not super expensive but like I said they give me exactly what I want out of my work boots. No complaints here. Loved this video and love your channel.
Bought my first pair of Tony Lama boots (first cowboy boots, period) about 35 years ago on the advice of a friend who owned multiple pairs of TL and wouldn’t wear any other brand. I was amazed at how comfortable they were and wore them a lot. My son now has them, as my feet have gotten wider, and I’ve picked up a couple more pairs over the years. Maybe they’re not made quite as well now, but I still love them. Thanks for the dissection!
I have been watching your videos for a while now, and I am more keenly interested in this cowboy boot series than anything else you have done so far. Thank you for doing it! The best quality boots I've had are Noconas, and I tend to wear them for dressy occasions. However, the most comfortable everyday boots I have are Ariats. I hope you test these brands, so I can see how they stack up against other brands I might want to try.
Rose Anvil, long time viewer, was wondering if you could do more cowboy boots, a lot more. Ones I'd like to see soon are Ariat and Tecovas. Thank you, love all your videos!
I bought a pair of smooth ostrich Tony lamas 6 years ago , and they have been worked very very hard , from walking through thick brush , gravel, dirt, rolling around on concrete , getting completely soaked many times…. And they finally ripped on the 6th year … super comfortable and durable
The best off-the-shelf cowboy boots in the industry is Rios of Mercedes, which is very well made. The issue with Justin or Tony Lama, other than having synthetic heel counter, synthetic shaft lining, blade style shank rather than a 40 penny nail, and etc. is that, the vamp is not crimped. Crimping the vamp allows the leather to lose stretch memory so the boots won't grow larger as you wear them. Also, lemon wood pegs are used because they expand and shrink in the same fashion as the leather outsole and insole. Brass pegs are not, so they might fall off as time goes by. As for having pegs piercing in the foot arch, that's not gonna happen because all cowboy boot makers would sand the inside of the boots (the insole) so those pegs would become smooth. When it's brass pegs, they are nailed in and will kinda bend and hook the insole, not piercing into your feet. If you want custom cowboy boots, check out: Lisa Sorrell, Lee Miller (Texas Traditions), Tex Robin, M.L. Leddy, James Leddy, Duck's Heritage Dustin Lauw, Wallis Custom Boots, Little's Boots, J&M Custom Boots, and so on.
I got a pair of tony lamas at a second hand shop that were basically brand-new condition wise and they I couldn't find any synthetic materials visible to the eye
I’m glad you’ve done this. I have a pair of black Tony Lama’s that I’ve had for about 30 years. They have been resoled once. The only cowboy boots I buy are either Tony Lama or Justin. Lately I’ve been buying Justin Work Boots with Safety Toes. I love the Scottsbluff and am enjoying the Cappie. The Joist was a waste of money. I recommend buying the Made in USA products. They are better fitting and last longer. The Joist was made in the PRC and never fit right and didn’t last a year. The Scottsbluff has lasted 3 years and the Cappie I’ve worn for 8 months and is very comfortable. Also, whenever I was in El Paso, I’d alway stop at the factory that was just off of I-10. There used to be a corrugated tin store attached to the side of the factory. If you tried on a pair and one didn’t fit right, they used to just go to the factory floor and get you one to try on. Just amazing back then. Just my two cents. Thanks.
I just purchased the Tactile Turn pen using your coupon code. Always enjoy being introduced to new high quality products. Please continue to introduce high quality/hand made products. Thanks!
Nice job! Grew up around TL’s and Ariat’s, but my favorite cowboy boots were a pair of custom Stewart’s Hand Made Boots. Amazing fit, like Nick’s for cowboys. Stewart’s was contracted to outfit the movie CITY SLICKERS. Great movie, great boot!
Test some Ariats that are more riding focused. I have found them to be durable, and they have a much stiffer sole construction which is good if you are riding for long.
I've only owned Tony Lamas from before the 90s (antique store boots) and they're my favorite older boot to wear. Very durable especially considering they've all been worn by someone for at least a couple resoles
The video I've been waiting for! I think as far as Justin / Tony lama go, there is a big range of certain stuff that is well constructed and made in North America vs some stuff that is not as premier. Still great for the price but you'll find they're more consistent buying vintage ones
06:48 the slick sole is so you can slip in & out of the stirrup fast. The same reason for needle nose toes on the boot. I've always had the area around the welt where the toes start to curve up crack & break from too much flexing. The bottom line is, it's just a work boot. It depends on how often you wear them on how long they'll last. If I get a pair of boots/shoes to last 6+ mos., then I break even.
Really excited to see a cowboy boot series. I bought a pair of luccheses' which in australian dollarydoos cost me approximately $800. Was told Luccheses are a well reputed texan brand of cowboy boot. I was hugely underwhelmed at receiving a pair of boots that are functionally just an office fashion piece. Scratched and scuffed super easily, very very thin leather shaft. Acrylic thread machine stitched. Honestly feel like I wasted my money. Spoke to an inlaw who gave me a pair of ariats. World of difference, 1/3 the price.
I very much enjoyed the WW2 Boot series. My first pair of shoes were boots. An infant in boots, only in Texas. As a Native Texan, I've always worn boots. My Dad moved us from East TX to El Paso in 1977. I lived there until 1986 when I entered the USAF. I tried on several pair of Tony's at the factory outlet store. I always ended up buying Justin or Cowtown Boots. I currently wear Beckett Simonon lace up boots to work. On occasion, I break out one of five pairs of Cowboy Boots that I purchased or received as a gift in the 80's or very early 90's. One pair needs a resole before I wear them again. Thanks for the videos!
25 years ago, Cabellas Outfitter series hunting boot claimed to have a leather that was from a far superior process than anyone else. You can still buy these used ones on eBay. I had a pair. Took 6 months to break in. Half day at a time, every other day. Blister that foot.
I'm surprised and not at the same time. I've owned/still own a pair of Tony Lama for about 10 years now. They have been every day wear and horse riding. They have been in the all weather muck and yuk. I have no separation no cracked leather. They have held up very well
My father just recently gave me a pair of his "new-old stock" Tony Lama's from back in the early to mid 80's, and these things are a BEAR to break!!! I mean a real test of will at times, but they are comin a long. These are a pair of "work-wear" Tony's, w/ a half inch thick V-bar rubber outsole, underneath all that leather construction. Solid as a Brinks armored truck, and um proud to have em'.
I have some Rocky and some John Deere (!) cowboy boots, mostly for construction work. They are all rubber sole'd because of barnyard er liquids. For a while, my Rockys (along with some Sole inserts) were the only footwear that I could wear due to planar fasciitis....
I got two pair last Fall when a local place sadly closed. A brown leather lower with black upper pair and an all black Caiman lower pair. $325 for both, the Caiman were around $500 before sale.
I have a pair of Tony Lama boots from the 70s, they were my dads dress boots and I’ve worn them for rodeos the quality of vintage Tony Lamas does not disappoint, I’d love to see a comparison of some vintage Tony Lama boots against the newer ones
Back in the eighties Tony Lama used to make the cowboy belts where they put your name on the back of them and they had some bling back in the day I had a couple of them I would wear the Tony Lama boots with them
I would love to see some of ariats work western stuff like the Sierra and workhog stuff. I figure theyre more disposable/less resoleable but god are they comfortable. I swear I could sleep in my sierras but not my more traditional ropers.
I have a pair of TL 3R boots with rubber outsole. I absolutely love them, actually their the second pair I’ve owned. Best riding boot, besides my custom handmade boots.
I just burned through a pair of double H boots and the rubber insoles were terrible with holes in them with less then 10mo of wear. I drive truck btw so it's not like I was doing hard labor on some construction site.
THANK YOU for finally doing a cowboy boot series. You let us know what is really inside these boots and shoes we’re buying and now we’ll have that insight. I hope you get a wider audience, too.
I bought a pair of composite square toes from Tony Lama and they lasted me almost 5 years, the leather around the outside of both feet finally split and cracked after years of abuse, they lasted twice as long as the justin square toes i had before them
I’ve had a pair of Tony Lama’s for a couple years now and they’ve been great. The outside looks similar to those except mine are black and they have a much taller calf.
Love the cowboy boot series. Many of us live in the west and wear them a lot. I’d like to see Ariat and Twisted X cut up. I wear Ariat but a friend says she’ll never buy them again now that she has tried Twisted X.
One of the best stories and business plans is Rios of Mercedes and their sister companies. I'm a sucker for a tall shaft and a spur ledge on my boots... Also tradition boots have a leather hard insole if they have one at all. And cork footbed
Years ago I had a pair of Durango boots that lasted a long time and were very comfortable. Never had any other cowboy boots. The closest thing I have now is a pair of pull on Ariat work boots but I normally only wear them in the winter.
I would like to see Anderson Bean, HorsePower by Anderson Bean and Rios of Mercedes. I love my ABs and would love to see how they stack up. I’ve had Justin, TL, Resistol (I think they were made by Luchese), Luchese, Ariat. My wife has a pair of Rios and loves them… Rios are made on too narrow of a last for my feet. Also, Beck’s handmade boots are also great and are a semi custom boot that fit great and Bustamante boots have a big following amongst a lot of the cowboys I know also but I’ve never had a pair.
its been my own experience that learning from everywhere is beneficial. we can all learn new things pulling information from different schools of thought and I really appreciate the variety and insight you bring into my eyes, I'm learning a lot to be an informed buyer and I appreciate the craftsmanship in everything. keep it up!
I have owned, at least, 3 pairs of Tony Lamas, during the 1970s and none of them needed to be broken in. Pure comfort from the first time I put them on. The last pair I bought, in the early 2000s, didn't impress me at all.
I love the channel, but I gotta give a little insight. Traditionally, cowboy boots had smooth leather soles. Today's boots, especially cowboy work boots have a rubber sole. Also, the smooth sole does help with sliding the boots into the stirrups, but you never go passed the balls of your feet with the stirrups. I would love to see your opinions on the more rugged work style like Ariat or Twisted X. In the oilfield, they are the most popular, comfortable and durable of western style work boots that look like a "traditional" cowboy boot.
Get a high quality wallet, belt or MORE in the Rose Anvil shop here - bit.ly/44jXLNu
You should do a comparison of leathers! No boots needed, just swatches. Cowboy boots love all sorts of crazy leathers. You could test them for stretching, flexibility, breathability, abrasion resistance, puncture resistance, crease resistance, etc. Cow, goat, deer, ostrich, kangaroo, gator, croc, caiman, lizard, buffalo, arapaima, shark…. Etc.
Human
@@thedude5449 Ed Gein agrees.
Do it
This would actually really help inform me on my next boot purchase, I always hear Elephant, Bison and Buffalo are the toughest, would love to see them put to the test.
Sting ray too!
Lemonwood pegs are traditionally used in cowboy boots because they swell and contract at the same rate as the leather sole. This means that even when you get the boots wet they will still hold tight.
100% correct
agreed!!! and if brass nails were used they can work themselves out of the leather soles from the expansion and contraction
Yes, he covered that in the German jackboot video. That's why there's a link to it when he talks about the pegs.
Another key point of why lemonwood pegs is for actual riding. As the leather wears in that spot from the stirrups lemonwood pegs will erode at the same rate as the leather; brass nails obviously will not and will end up scratching and damaging the stirrup. If the stirrup is metal there is a high chance those brass nails will either catch or break off.
A smooth leather sole makes it easier to regain your stirrup if you lose it while riding. Might keep you from getting dragged by your foot through rocks and brush too because it allows your boot to slide out of the stirrup if you fall. The stacked heel of a cowboy boot (and the long nail fastener) is designed to be the part that grips. I've seen them called a "roper heel". Literally, if you're roping an animal you can lean back onto your heels and keep your footing if you're on the ground. Or you can hook the heel into your stirrup for bracing when you tie off the rope on your saddle. I did a little ranch work and still ride but mostly learned from watching people with a lot more skill than I'll ever have. Thick rubber soled cowboy boots aren't meant to be used in the saddle. They're a much better fit for someone working on their feet all day or someone who likes the style in a work or dress boot. Just my opinions. Can't wait to see more in this series. Thanks for the inside look!
Howdy brother, a "roper heel" is a shorter heel than that of the normal cowboy boot heel. Boots with the roper heel are typically referred to as "ropers" in general. They are meant to be used on the ranch when not riding, as the taller cowboy heel is not needed to stop your foot from going through the stirrup. The sole has nothing to do with regaining your stirrups, but the pointed toe does. Leather soles are still used due to tradition and style. Cheers🍻 !
@@DanBCooper Thank you brother Dan. I have a pair of packer style smooth leather soled Justin ropers made in Mexico that have served me pretty well. And yes, just pointy enough to help me get my balance back in the brush. I don't chase cows anymore that was 40 years ago. My balance isn't what it was and I never was a pro. But I have worn the wrong shoes on a horse. I learned that's where function matters. I appreciate the details you taught me and your kind response. Regards.
I've worn Tony Lama boots since I was a kid in the 80's. I would love to see an older boot from the pre-justin era cut in half and see if they have changed.
I think a lot more people than you’d expect will like this! More of your viewers probably wear cowboy boots than you’d guess. Big thumbs up.
Love the cowboy boot series. Definitely have to look at Lucchese. Maybe Justin and Ariat too.
If you want to see a lucchese cut in half Chisos did a video called "Thou shall not cut corners" where they cut in half tecovas, lucchese, and chisos boots in that order.
I only wore Luchesse boots in the 70's and they held up well. I have no idea how well they are made today. I suspect not as well, I could be wrong.
Loved hearing the tony lama story
I have a pair of black Luchese's. They are as comfortable as a boot can possibly be. The only other shoe that is as comfortable is my Bruno Magli loafers.
@@Crottinger Got me thinking back...OJ liked Bruno's too.
I am a retired footwear examiner in Arlington Texas and had the privilege of touring the Justin boot company in Fort Worth before it moved. Among the things I learned was that the heal leather used to be made from scraps but is now made of ground leather board material because the material is more durable and the thickness allows for more consistent heal height. A strong metal shank is needed because riders stand up in the stirrups and the soles would split if not backed by a strong steel shank. They were experimenting with synthetic soles at the time and their endurance test was performed by an employee who rode a motorcycle and was very rough on boot soles. If a sole lasted more than six months on his feet it was deemed good. A new set of boots set on a smooth surface should have a slight curve to the sole that lifts the front of the heel off the surface just far enough to slide a U.S. nickel under the front of the heel. The boot will flatten out once it is broken in properly. Also, it is not uncommon for cowboy boot companies to test the market with only 1 or 2 dozen pairs of boots in a test pattern. So some uppers are very rare patterns while others are very common.
He cut that Tony lama in half and my heart sank
What boot brand would you recommend?
Growing up on a cattle ranch and Cowboy’n most my life I’ve worn many brands of boots. Most durable longest lasting was the Nacona and Double H. My least favorite were Ariat and Justin. Best dress boot definitely Lucchese. Tony Lama’s we’re good before Justin got a hold of them. Olathe Boots were solid boots also. Love your content. Keep up the good work.
I’ve worn Olathe boots doing cowboy work from grade school into my mid 20s. I’m 40 now and occasionally put on a pair I used to wear in high school. Now I wear a Tony lama buckaroo boot that I’ve had for probably ten years. Olathe quality went downhill a while back.
Justins are cheap junk. I wont wear them. Olathe makes great boots. I didnt know Tony Lama was bought out by a China company. I recently got a pair of Boulet hand crafted in Canada, and they turned out to be excellent boots.
After doing extensive research on what cowboy work boots to buy I went with Double H. They have raving reviews about their quality, they have a great look, and will like last me the rest of my life as I am very easy on them. They have become my favorite shoe to wear. Cut them in half @roseanvil
@@blueduck9409 I have also had a pair of Boulet boots. They were a good quality boot.
Olathe, Rios of Mercedes and their sister brands are fine well made boots... Traditional made boots
What id like to see is the difference in quality from the made in Mexico Tony’s vs USA made ones..
Love and admire the variety of this channel that it slowly become one of my favourites on yt, never stop thanking you for the awosome free quality content learning so much stuff thanks to you: from the shank, passing to the quality of leather the sneakers gimmicks, materials and construction overall
Been watching Rose Anvil for awhile and enjoy your channel. Bought a pair of Tony Lama’s for $125.00 probably about 45 years ago. Like the saying goes, “they don’t make them like they used to”.
I retired my beloved Tony Lamas. Replaced them with some Red Wing Nailseat 1155s. More cowboy boot-adjacent than cowboy boot, but I love them.
Love my nailseats man! Theyre what i wear to ride horse now.
I was just thinking the other day that it wish y’all had a cowboy boot series. I’m definitely here for it. If you’re still taking requests, I’d love to see some of these direct to consumer handmade boots like Tecovas or Chisos on the chopping block.
we second the motion 🤠
I'd love to see Tecovas judged. T&H have deconstructed a pair or two, and were overall impressed. I'd love to see/hear Weston's opinion as well, especially if he does some of the more exotic leathers like caiman or bison.
SO excited for this series! Can't wait to see the rest of the cowboy boot videos.
This got me PUMPED for the cowboy boot series!
I’ve worn cowboy boots off and on for most of 57 years. Best pair I have ever owned is pair of Tony Lamas in ostrich. Had them for 17 years and still comfortable and in decent shape.
Me too buddy. Me too.
This'll be an interesting series. I recently retired a pair of Ariats that I got almost ten years ago.
If you're looking for suggestions I'd love to see Tecovas included. They seem like the Thursday boots of the western boot world
I have a pair of Tony Lama dress boots (pointed toe, lizard vamp and counter) from somewhere around fifteen years ago. I haven’t worn them hard, but I just got them resoled this summer and they’re good as new!
I also have a more ordinary cowhide pair that I got from Goodwill, so I don’t know how old they are. But they have needed no repairs or anything so far, just normal conditioning.
I went through a cowboy boot phase, but never tried Tony Lamas. I wore Noconas, Justins, and Lucchesed. In general, I found them all surprisingly comfortable, durable, and affordable. Thanks for taking a closer look. Love the channel.
I used to work in a machine shop when I was younger, and worked around band saws a lot. I seen what happened at about 9:21, all I have to say is you're really lucky. You really should use a push stick once you get close to the end of the cut. It'll save you from a nasty cut, or worse.
I have two pairs of Tony Lama work boots w/ a composite toe, and they're waterproof. I love these boots I paid 150 for each pair. I get exactly what I need out of them. I know they're not super expensive but like I said they give me exactly what I want out of my work boots. No complaints here. Loved this video and love your channel.
Definitely a difference between the older Tony Llamas than this new one from personal experience.
The signature series is just like the old ones and they also cost a lot more money.
Bought my first pair of Tony Lama boots (first cowboy boots, period) about 35 years ago on the advice of a friend who owned multiple pairs of TL and wouldn’t wear any other brand. I was amazed at how comfortable they were and wore them a lot. My son now has them, as my feet have gotten wider, and I’ve picked up a couple more pairs over the years. Maybe they’re not made quite as well now, but I still love them. Thanks for the dissection!
I have been watching your videos for a while now, and I am more keenly interested in this cowboy boot series than anything else you have done so far. Thank you for doing it! The best quality boots I've had are Noconas, and I tend to wear them for dressy occasions. However, the most comfortable everyday boots I have are Ariats. I hope you test these brands, so I can see how they stack up against other brands I might want to try.
Great video! I love my old Tony Lamas. Glad to see they still have a veg tan insole! Looking forward to seeing more vids like this
Got to write a song for his entry's of western theme videos.
I’ve been waiting for the cowboy boot series, would love to see some Double H with the ICE outsole cut in half
I second this, would love to see them cut in half. I have a made in USA pair and they’re holding up really well after about 7 years
Rose Anvil, long time viewer, was wondering if you could do more cowboy boots, a lot more. Ones I'd like to see soon are Ariat and Tecovas. Thank you, love all your videos!
I bought a pair of smooth ostrich Tony lamas 6 years ago , and they have been worked very very hard , from walking through thick brush , gravel, dirt, rolling around on concrete , getting completely soaked many times…. And they finally ripped on the 6th year … super comfortable and durable
Love the cowboy boot series. I recommend doing the Chisos brand #2 boots. They seem to be amazing, and will be my next pair of cowboy boots!
Great video and shout out to my home town EpTx
Yes, want to see a cowboy boots series. Please compare these against Ariats and Justins.
Looking forward to the cowboy boot series, so many brands and unique leathers.
Really like my made to order Cobra Rock boots. Clean designs, quality materials, and handmade in Texas...
The best off-the-shelf cowboy boots in the industry is Rios of Mercedes, which is very well made. The issue with Justin or Tony Lama, other than having synthetic heel counter, synthetic shaft lining, blade style shank rather than a 40 penny nail, and etc. is that, the vamp is not crimped. Crimping the vamp allows the leather to lose stretch memory so the boots won't grow larger as you wear them. Also, lemon wood pegs are used because they expand and shrink in the same fashion as the leather outsole and insole. Brass pegs are not, so they might fall off as time goes by. As for having pegs piercing in the foot arch, that's not gonna happen because all cowboy boot makers would sand the inside of the boots (the insole) so those pegs would become smooth. When it's brass pegs, they are nailed in and will kinda bend and hook the insole, not piercing into your feet.
If you want custom cowboy boots, check out: Lisa Sorrell, Lee Miller (Texas Traditions), Tex Robin, M.L. Leddy, James Leddy, Duck's Heritage Dustin Lauw, Wallis Custom Boots, Little's Boots, J&M Custom Boots, and so on.
I got a pair of tony lamas at a second hand shop that were basically brand-new condition wise and they I couldn't find any synthetic materials visible to the eye
I’m glad you’ve done this. I have a pair of black Tony Lama’s that I’ve had for about 30 years. They have been resoled once. The only cowboy boots I buy are either Tony Lama or Justin. Lately I’ve been buying Justin Work Boots with Safety Toes. I love the Scottsbluff and am enjoying the Cappie. The Joist was a waste of money. I recommend buying the Made in USA products. They are better fitting and last longer. The Joist was made in the PRC and never fit right and didn’t last a year. The Scottsbluff has lasted 3 years and the Cappie I’ve worn for 8 months and is very comfortable. Also, whenever I was in El Paso, I’d alway stop at the factory that was just off of I-10. There used to be a corrugated tin store attached to the side of the factory. If you tried on a pair and one didn’t fit right, they used to just go to the factory floor and get you one to try on. Just amazing back then. Just my two cents. Thanks.
I just purchased the Tactile Turn pen using your coupon code. Always enjoy being introduced to new high quality products. Please continue to introduce high quality/hand made products. Thanks!
Nice job! Grew up around TL’s and Ariat’s, but my favorite cowboy boots were a pair of custom Stewart’s Hand Made Boots. Amazing fit, like Nick’s for cowboys. Stewart’s was contracted to outfit the movie CITY SLICKERS. Great movie, great boot!
This is the series I've been waiting for!
Test some Ariats that are more riding focused. I have found them to be durable, and they have a much stiffer sole construction which is good if you are riding for long.
I've only owned Tony Lamas from before the 90s (antique store boots) and they're my favorite older boot to wear. Very durable especially considering they've all been worn by someone for at least a couple resoles
Would love to see some Montana Mexico boots. Hard to find now since they stopped selling in the US but you can find vintage pairs still
I bought a pair of Tony Lamas in 1985, been wearing every since then and still going strong.
The video I've been waiting for! I think as far as Justin / Tony lama go, there is a big range of certain stuff that is well constructed and made in North America vs some stuff that is not as premier. Still great for the price but you'll find they're more consistent buying vintage ones
06:48 the slick sole is so you can slip in & out of the stirrup fast. The same reason for needle nose toes on the boot. I've always had the area around the welt where the toes start to curve up crack & break from too much flexing. The bottom line is, it's just a work boot. It depends on how often you wear them on how long they'll last. If I get a pair of boots/shoes to last 6+ mos., then I break even.
Really excited to see a cowboy boot series. I bought a pair of luccheses' which in australian dollarydoos cost me approximately $800. Was told Luccheses are a well reputed texan brand of cowboy boot.
I was hugely underwhelmed at receiving a pair of boots that are functionally just an office fashion piece. Scratched and scuffed super easily, very very thin leather shaft. Acrylic thread machine stitched.
Honestly feel like I wasted my money. Spoke to an inlaw who gave me a pair of ariats. World of difference, 1/3 the price.
I just got my first pair of Hondo 2 weeks ago and I really like them. I'd love to see a pair cut in half!
I wore Tony Lama’s back in the late 60’s early 70’s - best boots I ever owned and at that time the best priced - loved my Tony’s from Oklahoma
I would like to see tecovas.
I hope they do Tecovas too. I have a pair and like them a lot but really don’t know how they are made.
@@MillerLMichael same, my concern is are they just marketing hype or are they real deal.
He showed a quick lineup of boots, and one looked Tecova-ish… I hope!
You could cut a pair of stetson cowboy boots. They have a few pairs in the same price range as these.
That’s an awesome fact about the lemonwood pegs! Didn’t know that
Do more western boots! Luchese and Ariats please! Loved the info!
I like these cowboy boot series. I'm thinking of getting a Dan Post or Sendra boot. It would be great if you can make videos on these 2 brands. Thanks
I very much enjoyed the WW2 Boot series.
My first pair of shoes were boots. An infant in boots, only in Texas. As a Native Texan, I've always worn boots. My Dad moved us from East TX to El Paso in 1977. I lived there until 1986 when I entered the USAF. I tried on several pair of Tony's at the factory outlet store. I always ended up buying Justin or Cowtown Boots. I currently wear Beckett Simonon lace up boots to work. On occasion, I break out one of five pairs of Cowboy Boots that I purchased or received as a gift in the 80's or very early 90's. One pair needs a resole before I wear them again.
Thanks for the videos!
25 years ago, Cabellas Outfitter series hunting boot claimed to have a leather that was from a far superior process than anyone else. You can still buy these used ones on eBay. I had a pair. Took 6 months to break in. Half day at a time, every other day. Blister that foot.
I'm surprised and not at the same time. I've owned/still own a pair of Tony Lama for about 10 years now. They have been every day wear and horse riding. They have been in the all weather muck and yuk. I have no separation no cracked leather. They have held up very well
My father just recently gave me a pair of his "new-old stock" Tony Lama's from back in the early to mid 80's, and these things are a BEAR to break!!! I mean a real test of will at times, but they are comin a long. These are a pair of "work-wear" Tony's, w/ a half inch thick V-bar rubber outsole, underneath all that leather construction. Solid as a Brinks armored truck, and um proud to have em'.
I've owned several pairs of Tony's and Justins. Make a visit to El Paso and there are outlet stores where you can find good deals on them.
Perfect timing since I've been shopping for new cowboy boots.
I have some Rocky and some John Deere (!) cowboy boots, mostly for construction work. They are all rubber sole'd because of barnyard er liquids. For a while, my Rockys (along with some Sole inserts) were the only footwear that I could wear due to planar fasciitis....
I got two pair last Fall when a local place sadly closed. A brown leather lower with black upper pair and an all black Caiman lower pair. $325 for both, the Caiman were around $500 before sale.
I have a pair of Tony Lama boots from the 70s, they were my dads dress boots and I’ve worn them for rodeos the quality of vintage Tony Lamas does not disappoint, I’d love to see a comparison of some vintage Tony Lama boots against the newer ones
Back in the eighties Tony Lama used to make the cowboy belts where they put your name on the back of them and they had some bling back in the day I had a couple of them I would wear the Tony Lama boots with them
Please do Anderson Bean boots. Worked in a boot store for a few years and in my opinion they are the most well made out of any, even Luchesse.
Please do more cowboy boots. They are such a huge market now.
I would love to see some of ariats work western stuff like the Sierra and workhog stuff. I figure theyre more disposable/less resoleable but god are they comfortable. I swear I could sleep in my sierras but not my more traditional ropers.
I have a pair of TL 3R boots with rubber outsole. I absolutely love them, actually their the second pair I’ve owned. Best riding boot, besides my custom handmade boots.
I just burned through a pair of double H boots and the rubber insoles were terrible with holes in them with less then 10mo of wear. I drive truck btw so it's not like I was doing hard labor on some construction site.
THANK YOU for finally doing a cowboy boot series. You let us know what is really inside these boots and shoes we’re buying and now we’ll have that insight. I hope you get a wider audience, too.
I sell western boots and this video will help me have talking points to explain to customers. So thanks man.
I recently bought the Jim Green AR8 model.
I hope you will inspect this model in a video soon.
I bought a pair of composite square toes from Tony Lama and they lasted me almost 5 years, the leather around the outside of both feet finally split and cracked after years of abuse, they lasted twice as long as the justin square toes i had before them
I’ve had a pair of Tony Lama’s for a couple years now and they’ve been great. The outside looks similar to those except mine are black and they have a much taller calf.
Boulet makes a great boot. My old Olathe made in Kansas made were really a tough boot , wore those everywhere and did a lot of riding.
Love the cowboy boot series. Many of us live in the west and wear them a lot. I’d like to see Ariat and Twisted X cut up. I wear Ariat but a friend says she’ll never buy them again now that she has tried Twisted X.
I would love to see you do a cuero vs tecovas.
I always wanted a pair of cowboy boots when i was a kid they looked so cool on TV one problem I'm from Britain not much call for cowboy boots lol.
Please do the 40 belows or known as the Superboot from juice
Thanks, looking forward to Tacovas (I have the nash lizard)
One of the best stories and business plans is Rios of Mercedes and their sister companies. I'm a sucker for a tall shaft and a spur ledge on my boots...
Also tradition boots have a leather hard insole if they have one at all. And cork footbed
You should do Tecovas next. They have some pretty cool exotic leather options at an affordable price
Lemonwood pegs are actually used because they expand at the same rate that leather does when it gets wet so they don't fall out.
Maybe look for some vintage cowboy boots to compare with new ones. To see if they’re made better now or back in the day
Years ago I had a pair of Durango boots that lasted a long time and were very comfortable. Never had any other cowboy boots. The closest thing I have now is a pair of pull on Ariat work boots but I normally only wear them in the winter.
Also very happy with my Durango boots. The only things I've got that are as comfortable are a set of Giorgio Armani shoes.
I purchased some Tony Lama work boots a couple years back, they may be the best boots ever.
I would like to see Anderson Bean, HorsePower by Anderson Bean and Rios of Mercedes. I love my ABs and would love to see how they stack up. I’ve had Justin, TL, Resistol (I think they were made by Luchese), Luchese, Ariat. My wife has a pair of Rios and loves them… Rios are made on too narrow of a last for my feet. Also, Beck’s handmade boots are also great and are a semi custom boot that fit great and Bustamante boots have a big following amongst a lot of the cowboys I know also but I’ve never had a pair.
its been my own experience that learning from everywhere is beneficial. we can all learn new things pulling information from different schools of thought and I really appreciate the variety and insight you bring into my eyes, I'm learning a lot to be an informed buyer and I appreciate the craftsmanship in everything. keep it up!
I have a pair of Tony Lama customs really great pair of cowboy boots. Love this series.
I have owned, at least, 3 pairs of Tony Lamas, during the 1970s and none of them needed to be broken in. Pure comfort from the first time I put them on. The last pair I bought, in the early 2000s, didn't impress me at all.
Have 2 older pairs of tony lama! They're my favorite boots I own
Ariat cowboy style work boots would be appreciated!
Can't wait to see a Dan Post video. I have a basic black pair from DP and I love them a lot.
I have a couple pair of exotic tony lama boots. I really like them. Fit is consistent from one to the other, an seem to be good quality.
We talk, Rose Anvil delivers! what a great job!
Looking forward to this series!! Love me a good pair of yeehaws
I love the channel, but I gotta give a little insight. Traditionally, cowboy boots had smooth leather soles. Today's boots, especially cowboy work boots have a rubber sole. Also, the smooth sole does help with sliding the boots into the stirrups, but you never go passed the balls of your feet with the stirrups. I would love to see your opinions on the more rugged work style like Ariat or Twisted X. In the oilfield, they are the most popular, comfortable and durable of western style work boots that look like a "traditional" cowboy boot.
I've had a few pairs of Double H boots with bison leather. Would love to see how they compare. They've certainly been durable
I wear twisted boots, but tony lamas are nice for work too
Your opinion is one of the few I trust out here in this wild west of fashion... Would love to see you tackle leather coats/jackets one day.