Category Archives: Cowboy Boots

Cowboy Boots, Tools of the Trade

Tools of the Trade: Order Books

Once upon a time, bootmakers used “order books.” These were big hardcover books that remind me of the world atlas my sister and I shared when were kids. Back then, pages were big and I was small… and I had to use my whole arm to turn a page.

Here’s how they work. Each customer would stand on the book, both their feet would be traced, and their measurements written down. Once the book was full, the bootmaker would start another.

If you look inside and old custom boot you’ll often see a couple numbers, like 8-86. It’s secret code… you need to open order book #8 and turn to page 86. There you will find the customer’s name, measurements and usually the original selling price of the cowboy boots.

Nowadays most bootmakers use file folders. Sigh.


Photos taken at James Leddy Boots (Abilene, TX)

Cowboy Boots

Cowboy Boots & Bicyles

I think she’s on to something.

Yesterday, I rode my bike for the first time while wearing my cowboy boots. Here are my findings.

Not so good:

  • My leather soles were kinda slippery on my bike’s kiddie-style plastic pedals…although the heels did “grip the stirrups” and didn’t travel far.
  • I worried about the bike grease getting on my good boots. It didn’t, but shoulda worn a beat-up pair.

Good:

  • I just stuffed my pants into my boot tops to keep them out of the way of the bike chain.
  • I could reach the ground easier, when I stopped at traffic lights.
  • It was a short trip with a free taco at the finish line. (Thanks David.)

Now, if I just put a couple cleats in the bottom… maybe inlayed a swell top design with some reflective tape. What do ya think? Hmmmmm. Do I add an extra heel pad to compensate for that cleat?

Photo courtesy of BikePortland.org.

Vintage Boots

Today’s eBay Pick: My Cowboy Boots

You can now own a bit-o-history. These 1970’s patchwork Justin boots are straight from the pages of my book. Yep… shown in a full-page color photo on p. 45 to be exact.

This week, I’m selling them on eBay, accompanied by a signed copy of my book and a hand written letter of authenticity. These boots are truly neato, cool, groovy, fab, bangin’, gnarly…one could even say “foxy.”

(Keep your eye on my eBay selling for more cowboy boot collectibles coming up!)