Custom boot help?

[FrancaV]

I hope it's OK to post this plea here. I have come to the realization that I will never get a good fit in an off-the shelf cowboy boot. This is bad news for the bank account but good news in almost every other respect. ;)

I need some help finding a good bootmaker! I'm in California (central coast). I guess it's not absolutely necessary these days that one visit the bootmaker's shop for a fitting but of course that would be nice. I think my requirements are pretty simple ... I don't need or want fancy. I want a pair of boots for everyday riding that will last a good long time if I take care of them. The most important things are quality and fit. No fragile exotic leathers, no inlays, beautiful though they may be. I currently own four pairs of off-the-shelf boots none of which fit right so ... although I hate to rush the craftsman's creative process I'd rather not have to wait years for my boots either!

Any recommendations from satisfied bootmakers' customers, or any bootmakers out there who would like the job of fitting my narrow feet? Thanks muchly for any help!

[AWSpinks]

I have a pair of White's packers if you are into lace up boots. You can get these in a custom boot. You just trace your foot on paper and send it to them. Google "Whites Boots" they have a website and you can get all the info you need there. I don't ride in them although I have and I know people that do. I ride in a pair of Olathe tall tops. If you have a good boot shop that sells "off the shelf" boots that can measure your foot and you can order a pair of Olathe's that are the proper size. Also Wilson boots is a custom shop that you can mail order from. I have never had a pair of them but I have friends that swear by them.

Hope this helps!

AW

[FrancaV]

Thanks, AW! I've had my fill of lace up boots but the Wilsons look interesting! I had a recommendation from elsewhere for Boulet boots but those don't appear to come in the range of sizes and widths that the Wilsons do.

[Mulie]

Many years ago I had a pair of Wilsons and I really liked them. I've got a pair of Whites that are about 30 years old. Still wearing them. But of course they're lace ups.

[FrancaV]

I think I may get on the phone and talk to a live person about the Wilsons. The web site inspires a fair bit of confidence in terms of ordering online and I really like the look of their working cowboy boots.

[Scout]

I have found Olathes to be really comfortable and a great fit for me. I believe they do custom orders. I haven't been able to wear the uppers out, try as I do!

[RockinCircleC]

Love my Boulets. Got a pair for Christmas and have barely worn them enough to break them in. So far so good though!

[vaquero]

I had a pair of Olathe boots , didn't have luck with them . I wear White's and Drews packers , and Drews makes pull on buckaroo boots . That's where I'd look , they have been good boots & good folks to work with . I ranch , and buckaroo for other ranches , for a living . I got 6 yrs out of my drews buckaroo packers , before I rebuilt them . I am hard on boots , and they took the mud , dirt , water , being stepped on , barbed wire , and everything else really well .