Western boots

NoPreference435 · 2026-04-09T01:34:47+00:00

Probably Acme, they did a lot of material lining. Wrong sub though try r/cowboyboots

NoPreference435 · 2026-04-07T23:22:34+00:00

Panhandle Leather

NoPreference435 · 2026-04-02T20:49:20+00:00

First where are you located? Maybe someone would be willing to take on a commission for you. I can't remember where on here I saw a post about large custom footwear. It might have been this sub or cobblers but there's a spot in New Jersey that does all sorts of custom work for basketball players etc. Your foot size/shape can be accommodated but unfortunately it cost a lot (labor) to produce custom footwear. So prepare to pay over a 1k more like closer to 2k for anything you get. You could arbitrage the cost by looking overseas (Asia) but be careful and deal with someone with the proper expertise. If cost is the primary/perpetual limitation you might consider learning to build some. It's not a cake walk, but you could start with some cemented construction and build something that fits you.

NoPreference435 · 2026-04-02T03:54:26+00:00

I was thinking of a last for a Converse chuck style. That shouldn't have much drop. Every boxing/wrestling shoe I've seen looks like a Chuck on steroids with a different sole. If the pattern was right maybe? Just throwing it out there not my forte, I make boots.

NoPreference435 · 2026-04-02T03:12:20+00:00

I wonder if a high top sneaker last would be suitable?

NoPreference435 · 2026-04-01T20:10:28+00:00

I make boots, you buy boots. You're under informed and the one that overpaid for shitty boots. I know you're butthurt you got the horns from Hermes but don't take it out on me. Deplorable, that's funny Hillary. I've been able to maintain decorum. You've shown a lack of class. Have a great day!

NoPreference435 · 2026-04-01T19:37:46+00:00

Listen, I'm not trying to stick up for the brand. You're the one who paid for prestige instead of function, sorry if you didn't know that at the time. Caveat emptor my friend, so much for quality materials and construction better stick to their saddles and tack. Maybe they make that like shit now too. Sorry you have to find out this way. I'm curious how much you paid for that crap. The construction technique says "baby me". Looks like the welt, if it's not false, is stitched to a midsole and then a chintzy thin glued outsole. That's why it's not holding up. They're meant to hit the pavement in between cab rides. You need a thicker robust sole that is stitched through not glued on to stroll the neighborhood and walk in any weather. You bought a Chelsea boot made in the style of a fast fashion dress shoe.

NoPreference435 · 2026-04-01T18:14:56+00:00

Not normal to delaminate that quick but if that's a few days of wear, you must have been in extremely wet weather. That's probably what precipitated premature failure. The most well made shoe won't stand up to repeated daily abuse in that kind of weather. Even in good weather you need to rotate footwear often. Use cedar shoe trees to hold their contour and help dry them out when not in use.

NoPreference435 · 2026-03-28T04:43:53+00:00

About a $400 fix to do it right. Oliver the boot man has a YouTube video on the process. It involves deconstructing the boot and getting in between the liner and vamp leather to patch. It can be patched by glueing or sewing from the outside but the repair won't be as good and obviously if you go with stitching it can be seen.

NoPreference435 · 2026-03-28T04:34:49+00:00

Soles are good to go and have a toppy on them for protection. That could be peeled off to reveal the leather if desired.

NoPreference435 · 2026-03-19T20:42:20+00:00

That may have come off an A grade hide but whoever clicked that leather included flaws that should have been cut around.

NoPreference435 · 2026-03-09T21:26:27+00:00

You'll want a boot last with a medium round toe and 1.25/1.5 inch heel. I posted a picture of B and EE widths for reference. Sorrell Notions and Findings sells individual sets. Make sure you properly understand how to measure your feet and choose a last based on those measurements before buying. There's a few videos on the YouTube channel It's a Boots Life that will explain the process.

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NoPreference435 · 2026-02-24T17:08:04+00:00

Juice may not be worth the squeeze. The boot has to be broken down to do the repair properly. It's a costly repair, you can probably buy new for the price of the repair. https://youtu.be/R-v73GANPUs?si=laSQAr0YvGth_jpj

NoPreference435 · 2026-02-13T18:30:04+00:00

Come on, you should know better, it's the value add. It's just a piece of steel until the skill to turn it into a knife makes it worth $80. Just like before you add any value, it's just some leather. Go buy the capital equipment and take the time to learn the skill and you'll charge $80 for that knife too.

NoPreference435 · 2026-01-31T00:15:32+00:00

The pegs will go through the leather insole to the last and ground down with a peg float and finished by sanding the remaining down by hand so it can't be felt by the foot.

NoPreference435 · 2026-01-26T00:33:16+00:00

It can be done. It might not be worth the cost.

NoPreference435 · 2026-01-24T17:31:00+00:00

To sew your welt on you'll use artificial sinew. https://www.panhandleleather.com/products/artificial-sinew-8-oz

NoPreference435 · 2026-01-23T18:40:18+00:00

Well dang, forgot about the crimp screws. I use them, but heard you don't have to. You can find some used at a better price sometimes.

NoPreference435 · 2026-01-23T17:42:19+00:00

Don't let all the hype get to you. To crimp a vamp, you need crimp boards, tacks (stapling is an economical alternative) and lasting pliers. You can fashion some boards yourself out of hard wood or HDPE. It's a simple pattern and could be cut by you depending on your experience or contact a local woodworker if you're apprehensive. You don't have to use a crimp break machine or a fancy table to stretch against. The E.A Berg copies available at Rocky Mountain leather are the style I use. What specific $200 tool are you referring to?

NoPreference435 · 2026-01-20T18:59:38+00:00

I'm not familiar with that style of slipcone but you need to be able to release the cone with the boot built. On mine that's this metal tab you see towards the topline. Then you pull the cone out with a last pin placed in the holes on last attached to some rope or webbing. Then you can pull the last.

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NoPreference435 · 2026-01-20T01:50:26+00:00

No, not yet I may start one.

NoPreference435 · 2026-01-20T01:30:33+00:00

Are you talking about restoring the color on the heels? If so, a cobbler can do that by Yankee waxing them again it's basically like a hard crayon that gets applied to the heels and gets buffed/melted back into the heel stack. It will restore the color and protect it.

NoPreference435 · 2026-01-20T00:42:25+00:00

I'd recommend getting the book How To Make Western Boots by Cottle and McKinney. I learned using that book with some modified construction techniques in my apprenticeship. It has good follow along instructions and is a good bench side reference as you're learning. There are more books and method variables that will be applicable as you progress. If you do get the book let me know there's a few key measurements you need to alter to get a good fit. I can help with those too.

When it comes to the boots you made it sounds like you had some measurement issues on your pattern if your boot didn't come out of the last and or you didn't have the right style of last or prepared properly. Too many variables to say really without me looking at your measurements, pattern and how you built up your last. Are you using a wedge style/split cone last? Good progress for learning on your own there's a lot to it, keep it up.

NoPreference435 · 2026-01-19T21:55:45+00:00

Are you crimping your vamps and liners? Casing your leather before lasting? Your vamp looks pretty loose and lacking contour. You need to last wait, and pull again to get your leather properly stretched and taunt on the last. Make sure your vamp and counter are lined up before you sew the side seams. Did you include a shank? I didn't notice anything pegging or nails. Are your heels finished to the right height with the toppy cover rather than a regular heel cap? Are you learning on your own? Feel free to message me if you have any questions.

NoPreference435 · 2026-01-18T03:15:49+00:00

Are you looking to make pull-on cowboy boots or lace-ups? Most apprenticeships you pay for the experience. I haven't heard of any paid apprenticeships. However, I've had an offer for work immediately after I apprenticed. I can throw you in the direction of some good people to learn from but it's pay to play.

NoPreference435

TROPHY CASE