Post by oldchopperguy on Dec 7, 2013 13:56:41 GMT -5
I've worn nothing but Western boots for more than 50 years.
The old-school Western Cowboys and Mexican Vaqueros came up with a timeless design for comfort, protection and general horseback use. And it translates beautifully into riding our "motorized hosses"... LOL! I also like the high riding heels as they give me an inch extra leg-length for stability (I have short legs).
Recently though, I've noticed many riders wearing heavy-duty construction/combat-style lace-up boots. Also a good choice for riding, I would think. With that in mind, I shopped around for some to try.
I was amazed at the MAJOR variances between brands and styles. I found some of the best-quality ones just felt "wrong" to my old feet, having virtually no heel. They felt like my heel was lower than my toes. (Many folks would prefer this, but not me).
Searching eBay, I found a well-used pair of CATERPILLAR branded monsters that somehow looked "just right". I got them (cheap, and a PERFECT fit!) and I couldn't be happier! These things take "heavy-duty" to a whole new level. They appear to be made of "bullet-proof" horsehide, with thick lugged-rubber soles containing a "spine" of yellow hard material down the center to virtually stop any wear. Punji-sticks: NO PROBLEM! They were obviously loved, worked hard for years, and STILL have a great deal of working-life left in them! They now have a good new home, and easier life in Texas...
These size13 EE bad-boys weigh nearly 6 pounds, and are DEFINITELY not "Hello-Kitty girly-booties"... LOL! These are OLD, gnarly, well-USED and still show only minor honest wear. They are COMFORTABLE, and INDESTRUCTIBLE, with a somewhat unique system of hook-lace design that allows more than the usual adjustments for fitting to individual feet, ankles and insteps. You can easily adjust how stiff, or how supple you want your ankles, for your style of riding.
Slip into these puppies, and you're no longer "Joe Citizen" scooting to Wally World for cat litter... Suddenly you're Indiana Jones, looking to take on a convoy of Nazi thugs... These boots look and feel like they're made to walk through molten lava, snake-pits and bear traps... Or, kick-start a bulldozer... Or even take out the garbage on cold nights...
If you're looking for some VERY rugged, VERY adjustable and VERY comfortable riding/working boots... I'd suggest you include the CAT Diesel brand in your shopping. Judging by these old boots, they are made to last, and get the job done. Just be careful the macho-factor they exude doesn't prompt your 50cc pony into the local biker-bar, and tempt you to growl "Ya got a PROBLEM with scooters, Pilgrim?" Nope. Probably not a good idea... LOL! HeHeHe...
Leo (leavin' the toilet-seat up) in Texas
The old-school Western Cowboys and Mexican Vaqueros came up with a timeless design for comfort, protection and general horseback use. And it translates beautifully into riding our "motorized hosses"... LOL! I also like the high riding heels as they give me an inch extra leg-length for stability (I have short legs).
Recently though, I've noticed many riders wearing heavy-duty construction/combat-style lace-up boots. Also a good choice for riding, I would think. With that in mind, I shopped around for some to try.
I was amazed at the MAJOR variances between brands and styles. I found some of the best-quality ones just felt "wrong" to my old feet, having virtually no heel. They felt like my heel was lower than my toes. (Many folks would prefer this, but not me).
Searching eBay, I found a well-used pair of CATERPILLAR branded monsters that somehow looked "just right". I got them (cheap, and a PERFECT fit!) and I couldn't be happier! These things take "heavy-duty" to a whole new level. They appear to be made of "bullet-proof" horsehide, with thick lugged-rubber soles containing a "spine" of yellow hard material down the center to virtually stop any wear. Punji-sticks: NO PROBLEM! They were obviously loved, worked hard for years, and STILL have a great deal of working-life left in them! They now have a good new home, and easier life in Texas...
These size13 EE bad-boys weigh nearly 6 pounds, and are DEFINITELY not "Hello-Kitty girly-booties"... LOL! These are OLD, gnarly, well-USED and still show only minor honest wear. They are COMFORTABLE, and INDESTRUCTIBLE, with a somewhat unique system of hook-lace design that allows more than the usual adjustments for fitting to individual feet, ankles and insteps. You can easily adjust how stiff, or how supple you want your ankles, for your style of riding.
Slip into these puppies, and you're no longer "Joe Citizen" scooting to Wally World for cat litter... Suddenly you're Indiana Jones, looking to take on a convoy of Nazi thugs... These boots look and feel like they're made to walk through molten lava, snake-pits and bear traps... Or, kick-start a bulldozer... Or even take out the garbage on cold nights...
If you're looking for some VERY rugged, VERY adjustable and VERY comfortable riding/working boots... I'd suggest you include the CAT Diesel brand in your shopping. Judging by these old boots, they are made to last, and get the job done. Just be careful the macho-factor they exude doesn't prompt your 50cc pony into the local biker-bar, and tempt you to growl "Ya got a PROBLEM with scooters, Pilgrim?" Nope. Probably not a good idea... LOL! HeHeHe...
Leo (leavin' the toilet-seat up) in Texas
