These are my “first pair” of cowboy boots. I wore them all day, every day, starting in September 1996 and ending in July 2000. The best thing about them was the circular scuff mark I had on the bottom of my right foot from spinning on the dance floor.

These boots seem a little funny to me now, with their plastic soles and paper lollipop-stick “pegs.” The inlays are chipping like old paint.

I’m remembering all the custom boot shops I visited wearing those boots…and all the bootmakers who took a turn fixing them up. Brent McCaslin, Michael Anthony, Tex Robin all shaking their heads, biting their lips, polishing scuffs and replacing heel caps. Makes me smile.