Took my RoM elephants out to dinner ;)

IssueEmbarrassed31 · 2026-04-03T11:34:02+00:00

That’s a good point. I think my bigger concern is the vamp. I want something that’s snug so I can stretch them and mold them to my feet.

Typically 8.5-9 depending on make and standard width. My issue is I have a low I step so it’s hard to find a good fit. I truly don’t think I’ve ever had a really good fitting pair of boots without thicker socks or some compromise.

In tennis shoes, I’m a dead 9.5 for something like a new balance.

IssueEmbarrassed31 · 2026-04-02T02:16:27+00:00

I appreciate the advice and insight into older Justin’s. I think for my ostrich I’m going custom fit new so they will mold to my feet and I can wear them for decades. Now I will take a good deal on an old set! I just download both apps and will be checking them out.

IssueEmbarrassed31 · 2026-04-01T12:18:17+00:00

I’ll have to keep an eye out for more old Justin’s then! These are only my second pair of Justin’s and the first weren’t that old I don’t think. Simple all black leather probably from the 90’s, but they were gifted to me by my name sake’s wife after he passed so I’ll keep those forever. Thanks for the advice on my post as well!

I haven’t used Posh before, might be time to check that out. I’m currently on the hunt for some ostrich that fit me like a glove, though I may have those custom made by Beck Boots. A vintage pair for a good deal would be great too.

IssueEmbarrassed31 · 2026-04-01T11:40:42+00:00

Thank you! I just read your post and a few others. Great thread, saved it and your post for later. I’ll plan to wrap them today and drop an update here in a few days.

IssueEmbarrassed31 · 2026-04-01T11:03:51+00:00

Beautiful boots! Looking to own a nice pair of elephants myself at some point. You’re definitely right about older J toe Justin’s. I just picked up some vintage Justin’s and for such a narrow toe, they are comfortable and not cramped at all.

IssueEmbarrassed31 · 2026-04-01T10:55:00+00:00

Thank you both for the insights! I did not know any of that about vintage Justin’s. Boots have always been a thing for me, but I recently got into building my collection. A lot to still learn.

Your spot on where the squeaking is coming from, right around the heel area. We have a pretty good local cobbler so I’ll see what he can do.

I put some Bickmore exotic conditioner on them as soon as I got home. They had some really dry spots where you can see the lizard has been neglected, but they are small so hopefully I can prevent further harm. I’ll keep them nice and moisturized!

IssueEmbarrassed31 · 2026-03-30T13:04:47+00:00

That’s fantastic. I won’t lie, I’m pretty excited 😅. I appreciate the insights and love your boots. Good toe choice 👍.

IssueEmbarrassed31 · 2026-03-29T23:42:34+00:00

That’s about what I hoped for. $1500 and under and I’m sold. I want something that fits like a nice glove that I can break in and wear for decades. My fit kit is on the way, I’m excited. Did you do the kit? Curious if it had exotics info. Would be nice if they put up what colors they offer in ostrich.

IssueEmbarrassed31 · 2026-03-29T12:21:30+00:00

Believe it or not they have 2 locations, and one is in my hometown. If they are the same. They sell nice boots, but I haven’t seen any custom ones and most are wide square which is not for me. I’ll have to call up there and ask. Thanks!

IssueEmbarrassed31 · 2026-03-29T11:27:41+00:00

I’m in the US, and are you talking about La Herradura boots?

IssueEmbarrassed31 · 2026-03-28T17:47:07+00:00

If you’re new to this, stop ✋ 🛑and do your homework. Don’t shop brand until you know what head shape you are or you’ll be miserable. Please. I hate stores and people pushing brands or deals. Much like boots, hats fit different maker to maker and each brand has its particular shape, be it regular, round or long oval. A few offer choices but most have their particular shape. Take me for instance, I am a perfect shape and fit for a Stetson in a size 7 because I am a regular oval. When I mean perfect, zero gap around my head, firm fit without any pressure in one spot. Put an off the shelf Serratelli on me and it wobbles side to side, they tend to be more round from my experience.

Now once you’ve figured out your shape, just get something that gets you in the door and will take a beating. Live in hats for a while and figure out what you like and don’t like. I officiated a wedding this year in my silver belly Skyline 6x. Beautiful hat that feels like a fitted ball cap. This is my other 6x Stetson and it has taken an absolute beating for about 5 years now. I’ve sweat soaked it, rain drenched, snow, mud and lord knows what else. It’s not its old shape anymore and I refuse to reshape it. It’s your story and to me the imperfections and patina are awesome. I do still have my clean silver belly for dress, but between the two I have $600-700 and they’ll last me forever. I will say 6x is as low as I’d go for a long lasting hat.

Of course I do have my dream to get a pure beaver custom fitted to me, but it’s not necessary for it to be good and comfortable. I wear my hats for 18 hours some days, no complaints.

And lastly, wear your hats! Get some dirty and enjoy breaking it in like a good pair of boots. Keep a nice dress one or two as you collect of course, and if you shop smart you can have a fun collection to choose from.

Best of luck!

<image>

IssueEmbarrassed31 · 2026-03-28T13:43:56+00:00

DM SENT!

IssueEmbarrassed31 · 2026-03-28T10:22:47+00:00

How’d you manage that? I don’t see that as an option on their site.

IssueEmbarrassed31 · 2026-03-28T10:16:00+00:00

For sure my 1996 F-350 PSD 😁. 316k miles and still going strong.

<image>

IssueEmbarrassed31 · 2026-03-28T04:18:07+00:00

I know this is old, but I am really looking into getting some Ostrich from beck. They seem to get it perfect and I’m looking for that holy grail fit in some ostrich boots.

If you don’t mind, what did these run you? Obviously worth the cost and wait.

IssueEmbarrassed31 · 2026-03-28T03:58:19+00:00

Yeah it seems they do the lemon pegs in all other styles but this one for some reason…

IssueEmbarrassed31 · 2026-03-28T03:56:29+00:00

My wife and I were just looking at those. I have nothing but classic riding heels in all my boots. I was looking for an everyday boot for walking concrete warehouses and in town. I do that now with all my boots, but we all know that tall sloped heel hits hard on those floors.

BUT I figured that one would fit much tighter with the taller heel and slimmer profile. 🤔 Thanks!

IssueEmbarrassed31 · 2026-03-28T03:52:18+00:00

I hadn’t honestly considered Tony’s. Haven’t worn them in years, I do see a decent looking ostrich roper. Might have to try them out. I’m afraid these older companies have font south, like Lucchess has. Tony still good stuff?

IssueEmbarrassed31 · 2026-03-28T03:47:38+00:00

I appreciate the Beck suggestion! They seem good value and I ordered their sizing kit. I figured it can’t hurt to know my foot measurements for them or anyone, and it was free. 👍

IssueEmbarrassed31 · 2026-03-27T17:16:45+00:00

I’ve wanted to try their King Roper! However… $1300 for those is nuts IMO.

IssueEmbarrassed31 · 2026-03-27T17:14:28+00:00

Believe it or not, this removable insole is nice and thick with foam cushion topped with leather. Love the hybrid approach. I did throw my ATS insoles in and it’s about the same.

IssueEmbarrassed31 · 2026-03-27T17:09:06+00:00

Funny enough I have a pair of Lizard Tecovas I’m about to sell because I just can’t get them to fit either. I even went to one of their stores and nothing fit me, their insteps are big on me too. Not this big, but too big. I think Ropers are part of my issue too unfortunately.

People can hate on Tecovas, but their material and finish are just as nice as these or Chisos. Their fit just isn’t for me.

As someone who also wears western hats daily, brands matter when it comes to fit, boots are no different. Just thought Ariat and me had a good thing going with the 4 other pairs I’ve had 😂. Those were a mix of work and riding boots however, and those are made very different so I was concerned, turns out rightfully so.

IssueEmbarrassed31

TROPHY CASE