| Author | Message | ||
| Mark (Admin)
Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 66 Registered: 1-2004 |
Moved from another Topic. | ||
| Lisa Sorrell (Sorrell)
New member Username: Sorrell Post Number: 195 Registered: 1-2004 |
Why is he wearing Red Wings? Especially if he's being interviewed? | ||
| Mark W. Fletcher (Bronbo)
New member Username: Bronbo Post Number: 619 Registered: 1-2004 |
Lisa, OSHA requirement, due to heavy machinery. Don't tell me you are violating OSHA??? (just kidding) I wondered that myself, but I know of an Oklahoma bootmaker, who shall remain nameless (Smitty), who wears tennis shoes at work. I noticed and asked why. He said that it hurts being on a concrete floor for eight hours. I still gave him heck. | ||
| Richard Gjelstein (Gjelsteinboots)
New member Username: Gjelsteinboots Post Number: 115 Registered: 1-2004 |
Mark, The picture in the Austin Chronicle show James Owens and looking in the background it appears to be Red Wing boxes. My guess is he sells them. Richard | ||
| Carrlyn Miller (Carrlyn)
New member Username: Carrlyn Post Number: 816 Registered: 1-2004 |
You know, I think Jack Reed wore shoes too when he worked. | ||
| Tex Robin (Tex_robin)
New member Username: Tex_robin Post Number: 1081 Registered: 1-2004 |
Mark, If a bootmaker can't wear boots he should do something else for a living! And that is putting my opinion mildly....TR | ||
| Tex Robin (Tex_robin)
New member Username: Tex_robin Post Number: 1082 Registered: 1-2004 |
Mark, I wish we had an edit feature(hint,hint) What I really meant to say was, if a bootmaker couldn't wear and promote his own boots(own product)he should do something else for a living...TR | ||
| Mark W. Fletcher (Bronbo)
New member Username: Bronbo Post Number: 620 Registered: 1-2004 |
Tex, I will look into that edit feature. I can agree with you, but I have seen it in this industry. However, if we made that requirement, we would lose some good makers. I have been in some shops where the bootmaker had a pair of boots on that should have been thrown away a couple years ago, cause they had holes and splits in them. It would be interesting to ask James why he had on Red Wings. I remember several years ago I went to a western store in San Angelo, the owner, the late Gene Fowler, wore a jump suit, gimme cap and tennis shoes. I got after him about not wearing western wear, in a kidding way, and he said he was too old for that stuff. | ||
| Tex Robin (Tex_robin)
New member Username: Tex_robin Post Number: 1083 Registered: 1-2004 |
Mark, I am not as forgiving as you are....It would be kinda like the chairman of the board of Ford driving a Hundai! I am talking about someone that is making a custom made boot and talking from a bootmakers point of view...I would wager that 98% of bootmakers agree with me...Someone working in a boot factory can wear flip flops as far as I am concerned.....TR | ||
| Mark (Admin)
Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 67 Registered: 1-2004 |
Tex and All, I thought I would move this to a new Sub-Topic. | ||
| Mark W. Fletcher (Bronbo)
New member Username: Bronbo Post Number: 621 Registered: 1-2004 |
I think a custom bootmaker should wear his product. If he/she isn't, we should ask why. In some instances, there may be a good reason (boots need worked on, foot surgery, medical, etc.). In some instances, there may not be a good reason. It would be interesting to get comments if other makers wear/do not wear boots or have seen other makers not wearing boots. | ||
| Carrlyn Miller (Carrlyn)
New member Username: Carrlyn Post Number: 817 Registered: 1-2004 |
When Lee hurt his back a few years ago, he wasn't able to wear boots, and had to wear tennis shoes. It was really embarrassing for him to have to do that, but it just bothered his foot too much. He was pretty happy when he got past that and was able to wear boots comfortably again. | ||
| Tex Robin (Tex_robin)
New member Username: Tex_robin Post Number: 1084 Registered: 1-2004 |
Mark, Carrlyn, That's without saying...An injury is an exception. I am talking promoting ones work...There was a bootmaker in Coleman that died in 1956 that made the statement: "I don't know how anybody wears boots at all", and he wore shoes...He is not very well remembered.....TR | ||
| Randy Cooley (Rocky)
New member Username: Rocky Post Number: 140 Registered: 1-2005 |
Mark,Carrlyn What a great topic. I tend to agree with Tex. Barring unforseen injury, we all need to promote our craft by example. Even before venturing into the world of bootmaking I wore boots. I have my everyday kick around boots, my going to court boots, boots I wore while still working in uniform and even a pair of rubber soled boots that I wear when theres snow and ice on the ground. Because I'm still working on my second pair of custom boots, I'm kinda stuck wearing my factory built Justins and Tony Lamas especially while on duty. I'm sure I wouldn't react real kingly to some drunk vomiting all over my one and only custom pair of boots. In an area where few "gringos" wear western boots, boot wearing is kind of my own trademark. Although, I'm still not comfortable referring to myself as a boot maker.I can and do refer to myself as a custom leather worker and the bottom line is I carry my guns in custom holsters, my badge in a custom case and my money in a custom money clip. When I promote the leather business, people want to see what I made, not what I purchased at a store. Unless I have a foot or back injury I plan on wearing my boots everyday as long as I can. Randy | ||
| Lisa Sorrell (Sorrell)
New member Username: Sorrell Post Number: 196 Registered: 1-2004 |
I agree with Tex...a bootmaker should wear his/her work. I can't say, "My boots are great, you should have a pair" if I'm not wearing them. Of course there will always be exceptions for being injured and forced to wear something else, or needing tennis shoes for exercising, or just wanting to put on a dress and high heels. Tex, you don't get to claim that last exception!  I like to wear my own work in my shop or at a show where I'm promoting my work though. But I know a bootmaker who works at his shop in shorts and flip-flops, so I guess it takes all kinds! Lisa | ||
| Tex Robin (Tex_robin)
New member Username: Tex_robin Post Number: 1085 Registered: 1-2004 |
Lisa, shorts, Flipflops...Yuck....TR | ||
| Brian C. Thomas (Brian_c_thomas)
New member Username: Brian_c_thomas Post Number: 584 Registered: 1-2004 |
I thought concrete was tuff on my feet in the boot shop till I spend 13 years on the flight line on 18 inches of reinforced concrete in combat boots. I am glad to be back in my boots on a concrete floor. If the bootmakers feet hurt do to the floor, the bootmaker should find the right shank, insole, and sole combination. "My boots for the Brand" Brian C. Thomas | ||
| Daniel Gordon (Danielg)
New member Username: Danielg Post Number: 298 Registered: 10-2004 |
First I'd like to say to everyone who has posted work recently, nice work. I'd like to put my 2 cents worth in on this topic, as it is near and dear to my heart. Baring injury or severe diabetes or other severe foot disorders I can't see why a bootmaker couldn't wear and promote his own boots. 9 years ago we wintered in Arizona and I convinced my wife that I HAD to go to Paul Bond's shop. I was standing there gapping at the display of boots on the wall, when a voice from behind me asked if I was being looked after. I turned around, and there stood Paul Bond. He was wearing a pair of tall top, black calf boots with multi-colored stitching on the tops and high under-slung heels. He had his pant legs tucked into his boots, his hat tipped back on his head and a big smile and a handshake for me. I babbled something inco-herently about wanting to meet him for 30 years, since I was a kid. For the first time, my wife said she saw me NEAR speechless. Paul was very gracious and asked me if I would like to see his shop and the workings of it. It was lunch hour and most of the staff were out and about. Paul showed me his leather samples, we toured the different work stations in his shop. In the course of our tour he asked me if I had ever thought of making boots? The question took me aback and I brushed it off. I left his shop with 2 pair of boots and an impression of the man that I will always remember! I doubt that I would have bought the boots or would have got bitten by the bug to start making them had that gracious gentleman been wearing sneakers and a baseball cap! We have to remember that we are promoting, not only the art of bootmaking but also the culture of the west. Daniel North of the 49th | ||
| Tex Robin (Tex_robin)
New member Username: Tex_robin Post Number: 1086 Registered: 1-2004 |
Daniel, That is about the best answer I have heard on this subject...And you are right about Paul Bond. He is a professional in every way and an impressionable guy. I have met him on several occasions when he has come to our Roundup. And he always has his pants tucked in his boot tops...A real Cowboy and a Gentleman...TR | ||
| Mark W. Fletcher (Bronbo)
New member Username: Bronbo Post Number: 622 Registered: 1-2004 |
Daniel, Tex beat me to it. I met Paul Bond at the first or second Round-Up in Wichita Falls, he is just as you and Tex describe him. Did Paul inspire you to make boots? | ||
| Daniel Gordon (Danielg)
New member Username: Danielg Post Number: 299 Registered: 10-2004 |
Mark, You can bet your boots he did! Daniel | ||
| Gary Cunningham (Gcunning)
New member Username: Gcunning Post Number: 219 Registered: 1-2004 |
Well I'll weigh in on my Paul Bond meeting. He came to the house about 4 years ago. I had asked him to be a board member. I was shocked when he called and said he was stopping by. He just wanted to come over and chat about the roundup. We discussed his and his wife’s ranches, very surreal. Actually I think it is cool to be able to sit around and talk with the legends that come to the roundup. | ||
| Tex Robin (Tex_robin)
New member Username: Tex_robin Post Number: 1087 Registered: 1-2004 |
Mr Bond was at one or more of the first Roundups in the old Breeder Feeder barn in Burnet. But I know he was at one...Lee should remember that. He may have been there. I think Jack worked for him at one time. I know they were friends..TR | ||
| Lee Miller (Lee_miller)
New member Username: Lee_miller Post Number: 173 Registered: 1-2004 |
Tex is right. I met him in Burnet and he was real nice. I was thrilled to meet him. All the bootmakers in Ok. generally had two catalogs that they looked at. Paul Bond's and Blucher, and so he was an inspiration to us. | ||
| Mark W. Fletcher (Bronbo)
New member Username: Bronbo Post Number: 623 Registered: 1-2004 |
Perhaps we ought to tell Eddie and Kathy we need a dress code, bootmakers must have cowboy boots to enter the Round-Up! Maybe charge them extra (just kidding). Since I am not a maker, I spend a lot of time at the Round-Up watching what other people have on their feet. You would think that a lot of people, whether it is bootmakers, saddlemakers, or even the suppliers, would have cowboy boots on. Many of them don't. They will have a cowboy hat, buckle, jeans, and tennis shoes, Red Wings or Justin Chukas. I went to the Ft Worth Stockshow and saw the same thing. I think that people in the business should support the business. | ||
| Brian C. Thomas (Brian_c_thomas)
New member Username: Brian_c_thomas Post Number: 587 Registered: 1-2004 |
Lee, I remember that too at OSU/Okmulgee 1976-78 era, both Paul Bond and Blucher both had catalogs and were at the top for production handmade boots. Now Smitty, OSU class of 1978 is Blucher Boots and he always admired Blucher boots. Smitty worked for Jay Griffin at Blucher in Fairfax, OK and Dixon in Wichita Falls, TX. "Brand Information" Brian C. Thomas | ||
| Gary Cunningham (Gcunning)
New member Username: Gcunning Post Number: 231 Registered: 1-2004 |
Robin I unfortunately still have some boots that are Justin or Nocona. I only use them to work in. I usually work in places I don’t get seen by people. I would rather mess up junk boots than a pair of my boots. But my teacher Carl Chappell makes a good point: when I do meet people in the factory boot (and it happens) it does not look good on me (even though I'm a hobby bootmaker). So being the cheap skate that I am I re-lasted an old pair so they were “kind of” mine. Again still not the greatest option. It would be hard for me a as a customer to pay for a custom pair from a man that is seen not wearing his own boots. | ||
| Tex Robin (Tex_robin)
New member Username: Tex_robin Post Number: 1163 Registered: 1-2004 |
Gary, I agree with Carl Chappell and that is a very thin excuse for wearing factory boots. . Hope you have about 10 lbs of hamburger meat for Brian. Hey, Oct is getting close...TR | ||
| James Ross (James_ross)
New member Username: James_ross Post Number: 18 Registered: 12-2006 |
I believe that if a boot maker is gonna wear boots they otta be his own, less you are welding or pouring concrete or something like that. But that dont mean a boot maker has to wear just boots. I have a pair of mocs i wear to work in and kick around but when its time to cowboy or go to town u can bet i am wearing my boots. And know lots of guys that spend all day working and come home and put on the tennis shoes to go work in the boot shop. But i dont wear factory boots either. | ||
| James Ross (James_ross)
New member Username: James_ross Post Number: 19 Registered: 12-2006 |
Goin back to the post eariler about James Owens and Mark stated he would like to ask James why he wore Red Wings. I was told the other day by his son Jim that somebody asked him that very thing and he responded by, "My boots are too damn expensive for me to buy. You forgot that i just build boots for a living." Thought that was kinda comical and thought i would share it. | ||
| Lee Miller (Lee_miller)
New member Username: Lee_miller Post Number: 203 Registered: 1-2004 |
Robin, I'm glad you're enjoying the postings that we're doing. In regards to a bootmaker wearing sneakers, Julia wears her boots 99% of the time. The day that Carrlyn took the picture she just happened to be wearing her running shoes. I wear my running shoes only when I run. I do think that if you're a bootmaker you should be wearing your own boots. Customers do look at you, and if you're not wearing your boots they will surely wonder why not. I know that my boots fit better than anything else that I have. | ||
| Tex Robin (Tex_robin)
New member Username: Tex_robin Post Number: 1168 Registered: 1-2004 |
Lee, I agree with you 100%. I further believe that a bootmaker has no excuse to not have boots to wear and they should fit better than anything he has...After all the maker has years to perfect his fit....TR | ||
| Gary Cunningham (Gcunning)
New member Username: Gcunning Post Number: 232 Registered: 1-2004 |
James my "real" job is I teach welding. I wear a leather rockport type shoe for that. Tex, I'm getting hungry as a type. As always I look forward to that day. LEE and CARRLYN YOU NEED TO COME! | ||
| Brian C. Thomas (Brian_c_thomas)
New member Username: Brian_c_thomas Post Number: 668 Registered: 1-2004 |
Gary, no excuse! I have a customer who teaches high school AG, welding and college welding, and he is wearing my "Handmade" bull hide boots with a sole guard. "Handmade boots for the Brand" Brian C. Thomas | ||
| Gary Cunningham (Gcunning)
New member Username: Gcunning Post Number: 234 Registered: 1-2004 |
My degree is in Ag Ed. so I can say this with much confidence. There is a very different amout of welding involved in my program than in an Ag Mechnics welding class. Which generally is a 55 minute class and only one period a day. If I taught all the subjects and had to be in all the lots,pens and places an Ag teacher is I would wear boots. I teach welding all day long. I run through about a pair of shoes a year. Now the pair of Justin that I foxed roughout buffalo and waxed lasted ok. Even though they repelled pretty good they still had spatter holes in them. Would they last longer than shoes? yes. But I can't stand the thought of working to make myself a pair that I'm going to burn up. BTW I teach a welding class for Midwestern State University. College classes generally do not build things and therefor a teacher would not get as much spatter on themselves. | ||
| James Ross (James_ross)
New member Username: James_ross Post Number: 21 Registered: 12-2006 |
I am working towards my degree in Ag Ed at West Texas A&M but I am a Red Raider at heart. Wreck 'em Tech! | ||
| Tex Robin (Tex_robin)
New member Username: Tex_robin Post Number: 1169 Registered: 1-2004 |
Gary, Get busy and make yourself a pair of good boots to wear to classes and keep your old junky Justins in the welding shop and put them on when you weld...How long have you had your shop now...It has been long enough to have some good boots made. What are you waiting on, retirement? We are tired of hearing your excuses ....TR | ||
| Brian C. Thomas (Brian_c_thomas)
New member Username: Brian_c_thomas Post Number: 669 Registered: 1-2004 |
Gary I agree, I did fail to mention that he is not welding in mine, he has another pair he puts on in the class room to weld in. "Correction for the Brand" Brian C. Thomas | ||
| Gary Cunningham (Gcunning)
New member Username: Gcunning Post Number: 235 Registered: 1-2004 |
Oh the truth be told NOT WELDING IN YOURS. Tex I went to school in 2000. What can I say I'm slow but sure. It will take me a while to get through the three pair I'm working on. NO I probably will not be through by the time the show gets here. But at least everyone can give me welcome pointers on them when they come. I do have a pair of Bison to work in and have worn them to school. I just don't wear them when I know I'm going to be doing much welding. | ||
| Gary Cunningham (Gcunning)
New member Username: Gcunning Post Number: 236 Registered: 1-2004 |
I do have a question to ask you all. I will make all my boots like these Bison. They have very short tops because of my calfs. I rode for about 6 hours yesterday working cattle and I wore the skin off each side of the bottom of my calf. I'm talking so bad and painful I may go to the doctor tomorrow. The boots are smooth and very rubbed down at that point. Now the problem is I have had boots (factory) that gave me some irriation before but never like this. Any suggestions?? | ||
| Tex Robin (Tex_robin)
New member Username: Tex_robin Post Number: 1170 Registered: 1-2004 |
Gary, You are the one that is going to have to figure that one out...Were your legs rubbing the stirrup leathers or is it the pull straps that are rubbing your legs. This may be one of the reasons that most cowboys wear tall tops....TR | ||
| Lee Miller (Lee_miller)
New member Username: Lee_miller Post Number: 207 Registered: 1-2004 |
Gary, Try tucking your jeans in the boots and I expect your rubbing problem will be gone. Lee | ||
| John Stumpf (Jclleather)
New member Username: Jclleather Post Number: 13 Registered: 3-2007 |
Just Thought I'd Add a little bit here. I have been wearing hand made boots for years. I started wearing factory boots at 5 yrs old, mostly Tony Llama's, we used to be a repair center. When my foot quit growing about 18 yrs old I graduated to Hand made boots, and have never turned back. I work in a steel mill for my full time job, as a working supervisor, Salary Roller. I am required to wear Steel toes. I have worn H & H, Red Wing wellingtons, Recently I found a work western with a steel toe, Chippewa, Back to my western boots finally. Can't talk Dad or anyone else into lasting a steel toe, I've Tried!!! When I am in Dad's shop or working around the house, or anything else I am always in a hand made boot. A pair of Bull Hide, most of the time, with a cowboy Vibram, 2nd set of soles in 4 months, pays to be the son of a bootmaker!! I would be lost without a set of boots on my feet. The only time I can see a bootmaker not wearing boots is for medical reasons. Any other reason is just an excuse!! As far as working on concrete that is BS, if a boot fits and is leveled properly it doesn't matter what surface you are working on. Last them so you can put an orthotic insole if need be. I buy my Chipewa's a half size big due to the fact I work on a steel and concrete floor at the steel mill, and I insert a ortho insole. Also you have to make sure for comfort you have a stacked Leather Heel base, not plastic or anything else. John |