I'm posting this here because I remember some guy posting the best looking pair of boots that I've ever seen some time ago.

I'm in the market for a pair of custom made boots. Ideally what I'd like is dark brown gator bottom and a hand tooled upper. The places that I've found online that do hand tooling have appeared to be more interested in making boots for art than boots for wear, and consequently have insane prices. Where does Texags recommend for getting boots made? I'm willing to go south of the border to get measured for them and hopefully save a few bucks.

Go to the Houston board & search for Western boots, there is a very long thread there that might help you out.

OP is probably talking about Old Jock's Carmen Allen's

If you're talking about the dude with the ostrich boots that had hand tooled uppers, his were done at Don Gonzalez saddlery in Bryan if I remember right. Don't know their prices so you'd have to call.

If that's not the pair you were thinking about then sorry, but those were some sweet boots. I've seen a lot of things that have made me jealous on the OB, but those boots probably take the cake.

I think I'm going to call Carman Allan tomorrow, but I'm afraid of what the quote might be for what I want.

Pagin Ol Jock '99

Howdy!

Would that be these?



Carman is a different cat. Good dude, but extremely eccentric. Personally, I think he's the best hand tooler out there. Could be as big as anyone (seriously, anyone), but refuses to bring on help. Because of this, he takes on very few new clients.

I need to give him a shout myself.

holy wow

A few more views.

you even have lightening bolts. thanks some mighty fine work. I have me a pair of African elephants but these put mine to shame.

The bolt is Carman's mark. They are on everything he makes.

Leddy

Mercer

Rios

Second M.L. Leddys. Fort Worth and San Angelo.

Have a few pairs and they are by far the most comfortable shoes I own - including, running, flip flops.

OldJock, do you mind if I ask what you paid for those? PM if you like.

They are incredible, btw!!

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I would seriously piss myself if I saw somebody walking down the street in those.



Edit: referring to chilidogs post.

[This message has been edited by Stive (edited 5/7/2014 11:31a).]

Try beck's boots in Amarillo

Becks made me a pair of boots last spring. Very happy with them 12 months later.

Kaleb, let us know what you find out about the quote from Carman Allen. It would be something I would consider as well, if affordable.

Limited production, labor intensive, and exotic materials. Hope you've got a broad definition of 'affordable'

im guessing 1-2K

I'm guessing more like 4K for something like Ol Jock's.

I would go with James Leddys before ML

I could understand 1k. 4k, on the other hand, and you need your head examined. That's insane.

I'd like a custom made pair of boots under $1k.

Not interested in anything exotic, and stitching on the uppers means nothing to me. If the boot maker insists to have some trademark flair, that's perfectly okay and I'm sure I would appreciate it.

What I really want is something made exactly to the measurements of my feet (for comfort) and extra durable. If durability is a wash, I'd opt for a nice or unique skin over plain old bullhide.

Any recommendations for something like that? Proximity to central Texas is a bonus.

I've read that custom boots can take anywhere from 40-100 man hours to complete. If you want a true craftsman to work on the boots, I wouldnt expect his time and expenses to be any less than $50/hr.

I dont see how you could expect to pay less than $2k for custom boots.

Maybe there are 'fitted' boots that use off-the-shelf components which could be assembled in less time and for less money.

Disclaimer: I havent stayed at a Holiday Inn Express in a while.

Carman said mine took 175 hrs. He didn't charge anything close to $50/hr either. Based on our shopping around, had we ask Leddy or one of the other big boys to do something similar, the cost would have been at least 2x, if not more.

It was a lot of money, but also a once in a lifetime purchase for our 10th anniversary.

quote:

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I could understand 1k. 4k, on the other hand, and you need your head examined. That's insane.

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I'm with this statement. But I wear my boots ALL. THE. TIME. I have 5 pairs of boots some for...casual, work, and WORK. I couldn't justify more than 2k on an item that has little resale value and that no one would be able to appreciate aside from me. We are talking about paying for the awesomeness on an area of the boot that is completely covered by pants if you aren't a d-bag.

But, like I said, I actually wear my boots...id wear out a custom pair in little time and that would really blow.

However, I can't really judge too much because I spend stupid money on things that most others would consider stupid and I think its totally worth it. LOL.

[This message has been edited by BrazosDog02 (edited 5/8/2014 9:32a).]

quote:

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I'd like a custom made pair of boots under $1k.

Not interested in anything exotic, and stitching on the uppers means nothing to me. If the boot maker insists to have some trademark flair, that's perfectly okay and I'm sure I would appreciate it.

What I really want is something made exactly to the measurements of my feet (for comfort) and extra durable. If durability is a wash, I'd opt for a nice or unique skin over plain old bullhide.

Any recommendations for something like that? Proximity to central Texas is a bonus.

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Beck Boots in Amarillo has everything you are looking for except for location. They typically cater to the working cowboy crowd but they will do whatever you ask. Price on standard custom fit boots are under $1,000.

[This message has been edited by Sensei John Kreese (edited 5/8/2014 2:15p).]

The order of pricing is stitching < Inlay < tooling. Materials vary drastically too.

But in any case, you aren't walking out of Leddy's with a full custom set for under $2k.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2011/06/21/the-best-handmade-cowboy-boots-you-can-buy-right-now/

I got a pair from Texas Traditions 18 years ago and they are still going strong. The best thing is they feel good when I go dancing compared to anything off the shelf. If you have an odd size foot, customs are the way to go.

Here is a list of others to consider:http://www.texasmonthly.com/story/25-top-custom-bootmakers/page/0/1

^^

That TM list was how we found Carman.

I agree that 2K to 4K is a lot of money to spend for a pair of boots, no question. But some men wear Armani suits to work and some wear jeans. The shame. I guess to each his own.....But the OP says he wants gators, custom made with tooled tops. That pretty much puts him in the luxury high end category right there. Even if you look at Tony Lama's signature series with tooling you are looking at $1500 or so. Lucchese top end croc's go for 3K and Black Jack Gator belly's go for around $2500. No question that custom boots with non exotic skins and stitching will be a Lot cheaper and wear just as well if not better, but he is not looking for that as best I can tell.

Try Maida's on Blalock.

http://www.maidas.com/boots.php

They make some great boots but it will set you back a couple Ks.

C.T. Chappell Boots in Saint Jo (About 80 miles N of Dallas). My dad used him his whole life. His apprentice is really good. Wait time I had last heard was 2 years though. If you come up, let me know. I'm 9 miles away in Muenster.