Tag Archives: vintage

Cowboy Boots

Cowboy Boots: Seattle, WA


I try and stay on top of things… but the growing popularity of cowboy boots in Seattle had me a little puzzled. Certainly wasn’t true a year ago.

Last year, Seattle was just like other urban West coast spots (except maybe LA). Folks were buying vintage boots as fashion staples, but they weren’t giving boots much of their time, money or attention.

But…Wow! Now, Seattle can be considered a go-to spot for cowboy boots, thanks to Insurrection Apparel & Boots. Insurrection has always had a great selection of vintage boots… but now, they’ve brought in some swell designs from Lucchese, Liberty, Rocketbuster, Morado and Old Gringo. And Insurrection has its very own line of vintage-inspired cowboy boots.

I particularly like this boot in the photo, black and white with just a bit-o-color at the cuff. Oh, yeah.

Vintage Levi’s, motorcycle jackets, western shirts and cowboy boots… everything for that classic American look. I’ll admit it… I wish I were as cool as Insurrection.

Insurrection
8403 1/2 Greenwood Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98103
HOURS: Tuesday-Saturday 10-6, Sunday 12-5
PHONE: 206-782-5752

Cowboy Boots

Vintage Cowboy Boot “Repair”

I found this boot on eBay.

Look at the back of the boot… notice how the previous owner cut a slit in the top? Brilliant!

Not that I’m a proponent of taking a knife to a vintage boot. But personally, I would rather see boots worn and enjoyed on someone’s FEET …not chopped up and made into cowboy boot purses, and such.

I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.
— Jack London

Yeah… that’s right. Got it?

This is a simple alternation which could be done at almost any shoe repair shop. The slit in the back acts as an extra deep top scallop and opens the throat of the boot to accommodate a larger calf.

You need to have a couple of rows of stitches around your cut. Remember, vintage boots are especially prone to tearing… especially if you’re tugging hard on the tops and your 40 year old leather has gotten somewhat fragile with age.

When I’m bidding on eBay, I always e-mail the seller and ask for the calf measurements. With a short top boot, like an Acme, you won’t have a problem… but the for a factory boot made in the 1960-1980’s, it’s smart to double check.

There you go. Ready? Walk like ya mean it!

Photos courtesy of eBay seller buxxomrider.

Cowboy Boots

Cowboy Boot History for Sale on eBay

A rare find. A pen and ink drawing signed by Harry Olsen. The image is great… a wild bronc bustin’ out of a corral of art deco typography. (photos)

Olsen-Stelzer created beautiful cowboy boot catalogs way back when. Illustrated the margins with sunsets and cactus… a pen and ink was all you needed to imagine adventure in high-def.

(Photo courtesy of eBay seller Texas36. Thanks to Marshall C. for the heads-up.)