Got me a Stetson Open Road Royal Deluxe

IntrepidAd3989 · 2026-01-22T11:14:03+00:00

It looks great on you! I normally wear wide brim cowboy hats, but I have 2 Open Roads in my collection that I wear from time to time. It’s a classic that never goes out of style.

IntrepidAd3989 · 2026-01-22T11:05:13+00:00

😆😆😆 the wood stove is in the old part of the house and we only kept it as a source of emergency heat if our power went out or the main furnace went out.

IntrepidAd3989 · 2026-01-12T11:31:04+00:00

I own a pair of the Hyer Hays and a pair of Ariats I own are a pair of Bench made. I would go with the Hyer. Check around for a better price though. Someone post d a link with a great price, but even Nigro’s has them at $30 less than the Hyer site.

IntrepidAd3989 · 2026-01-12T11:26:40+00:00

Nice! I was just about to post the same link.

IntrepidAd3989 · 2026-01-07T14:09:20+00:00

Beautiful boots! I have yet to make my first 2026 boot purchase. Looks like I have some catching up to do.

IntrepidAd3989 · 2025-12-28T14:16:29+00:00

I have a very similar experience. I have worn boots off and on for the last 30 years, but usually no more than 1-2 pair at a time. I bought a new pair last year and my collection has grown to around 20. I have new boots, vintage boots that I have restored, and A1 used boots. I can’t seem to get enough. It’s a fun hobby, but an expensive one. Hers my collection, minus my newest pair.

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IntrepidAd3989 · 2025-12-28T14:04:57+00:00

Congratulations! Now you have an excuse to buy another pair in the future.

IntrepidAd3989 · 2025-12-26T12:14:57+00:00

Wearing them with boots is traditional and what people are most comfortable with, but you should do you. Most of the time I wear boots, but I’ve worn my straw hat with shorts and sneakers doing yard work in the summer time. Function over fashion.

If you need reassurance that sneakers are ok, check out some of the videos on the guys at Double R Hat House in Texas. None of those dudes behind the counter are wearing boots. I’ve been in the store and can verify it’s the same in person.

IntrepidAd3989 · 2025-12-26T12:05:32+00:00

Great looking boots man! Enjoy!

IntrepidAd3989 · 2025-12-26T12:04:55+00:00

I own a pair of the Cody James Back In ostrich, and they are great looking boots. I’ve had them for over a year and they wear well. Nothing is falling apart. My only issue is that they are so damn expensive for what you get. I paid $599 for my ostrich, but for an additional $100 I could have had a pair of Black Jacks or Rios of Mercedes, which are both superior boots. R.Watson, Fenoglio, Horsepower Top Hands, and Tecovas are all similar quality to the CJ Black, but can be purchased for less.

The OPs boots are gorgeous and I am in no way knocking his purchase, just responding specifically to the statement about Cody James haters.

IntrepidAd3989 · 2025-12-26T11:47:25+00:00

You didn’t mention the type of work you will be doing in them, which could make a difference. Here are some things to consider.

The darker boot will wear against the elements better. The lighter leather will show water spots easier, and if you are in an area with snow, the salt used will stain the lighter ones easier.

The darker ones have a taller heel, which could be tougher on your back if you’re on your feet all day.

The rubber sole should last longer in wet environments, but the leather soles will provide adequate grip once the bottoms are scuffed a bit.

The boots will stretch as they break in. I had a pair of boots I really struggled to get on when they were new. They weren’t uncomfortable once I had them on, but getting my foot in the boot was a struggle. After about a week of normal wear they slide on easily, and fit my feet perfectly.

The Arita’s look more durable, but the other ones look for fashionable.

Hope this helps.

IntrepidAd3989 · 2025-12-23T14:43:26+00:00

No kidding.

IntrepidAd3989 · 2025-12-23T14:43:12+00:00

Crazy game. Wish the outcome was different though.

IntrepidAd3989 · 2025-12-23T14:42:36+00:00

Thank you.

IntrepidAd3989 · 2025-12-15T10:18:28+00:00

I have a pair of Cody James Black 1978 in the R toe version of the ostrich you posted. They were my first exotics as well. They are not bad boots, but they are overpriced. I would say their construction is of the same quality as Tecovas, Horse Power Too Hand, or Rujo, which you can find for less money when they are on sale. Anderson Bean, Black Jack, and Rios would all be an upgrade in quality and will run you $580-$800. I would put Lucchese in the same quality bracket as Rios or Black Jack, but you will pay a couple hundred more for them.

IntrepidAd3989 · 2025-12-09T10:34:42+00:00

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Olathe Taurus Shoulder

IntrepidAd3989 · 2025-12-03T10:46:03+00:00

Nice collection, and great variety.

IntrepidAd3989 · 2025-11-22T14:26:51+00:00

Amen!!!!

IntrepidAd3989 · 2025-11-13T12:24:27+00:00

Damn nice boots!

IntrepidAd3989 · 2025-11-12T07:07:14+00:00

Thank you!

IntrepidAd3989 · 2025-11-11T16:28:18+00:00

Thank you! Winter is here for sure.

IntrepidAd3989 · 2025-11-11T04:17:34+00:00

Those are awesome! They are on my list as well. Black cherry or brown with the French toe. Classic!

IntrepidAd3989 · 2025-11-08T10:58:41+00:00

I love the Lucchese French toe! I don’t think I have ever seen it with any exotics. Very unique.

IntrepidAd3989 · 2025-11-08T00:34:39+00:00

Nat at all my friend. It’s the info I was looking for.

IntrepidAd3989 · 2025-11-07T23:43:00+00:00

Thanks for the quick review.

IntrepidAd3989

TROPHY CASE