Custom western boots in LA?

[centaursam]

I’m just now getting into western riding and I’m looking for a pair of western boots which would be my first pair.

I went to 3 Boot Barns and couldn’t find a single pair that felt as if they fit well. Size 8 boots were too big. Size 7 were too small. Size 7.5, which they had a very small selection of just didn’t feel right. Some fit well in only certain portions of my foot but the other portion didn’t feel very secure.

I’m thinking perhaps I should get a custom pair of boots. Anyone know of anyone in the Los Angeles area who does custom western boots?

[Scribbler]

@centaursam

I’m just now getting into western riding and I’m looking for a pair of western boots which would be my first pair.

I went to 3 Boot Barns and couldn’t find a single pair that felt as if they fit well. Size 8 boots were too big. Size 7 were too small. Size 7.5, which they had a very small selection of just didn’t feel right. Some fit well in only certain portions of my foot but the other portion didn’t feel very secure.

I’m thinking perhaps I should get a custom pair of boots. Anyone know of anyone in the Los Angeles area who does custom western boots?

Someone else may chime in, but IME Western riding boots have never been that comfortable for walking. They have slip in the heel. Also, insoles are your friend.

[jvanrens]

My Justin Roper’s are very comfortable for walking in, though they did take about a week for my feet to think they were broken in. I used to wear them to work all the time, walking city streets to the bus stop to and from work. My daughter loved hers too, almost lived in them at the barn (and we have mostly STB racehorses, so not a lot of riding was being done), but unfortunately didn’t take as good of care of them as she should have, so they didn’t last as long as mine. Wash stalls are hard on leather.

[Scribbler]

@jvanrens

My Justin Roper’s are very comfortable for walking in, though they did take about a week for my feet to think they were broken in. I used to wear them to work all the time, walking city streets to the bus stop to and from work. My daughter loved hers too, almost lived in them at the barn (and we have mostly STB racehorses, so not a lot of riding was being done), but unfortunately didn’t take as good of care of them as she should have, so they didn’t last as long as mine. Wash stalls are hard on leather.

Yes there are Western style boots that are more like workboots in the fit, Ariat makes some. Also I picked up some packet boots on a whim at a closeout sale and they could be walking or riding.

[jvanrens]

My Ropers aren’t like work boots. They’re like actual riding boots. I have actual work boots, to be worn on construction sites, much different than my riding boots.

[centaursam]

I couldn’t get past the heel slip. I was told that your heel should move about an inch every time you take a step but it definitely felt like my heel was slipping much farther than that on almost every boot it tried. No way were my feet snug and I’m assuming that as the leather stretches, it will only get worse. I feel like my only option is a custom boot. There has to be a western boot with minimal heel slippage.

[Scribbler]

I would try the Ariat or Justin ropers. You can also get silicon heel pads for shoes if your heel just happens to be narrow.

[jvanrens]

My boots definitely have minimal slippage. I guess I never got the memo that my heels were supposed to slip. Been riding western for more years than I care to count (over 40 I think) and never noticed that my western boot were much different than dress boots or hunt boots.

[centaursam]

That would be the ideal scenario. I want minimal foot movement, like my dressage boots. I do want a boot that I can use for work around the barn as well as riding.

@Scribbler I tried multiple shoe inserts at boot barn and none of them helped the heel slippage issue. Perhaps specifically a heel insert, but I just don’t like to stick stuff in shoes.

[jvanrens]

Have you tried the Ariat lace-up ropers? Your foot shouldn’t move much, if at all in those. I like my regular Justin Roper’s better comfort wise, but you might like them.

[Scribbler]

@centaursam

That would be the ideal scenario. I want minimal foot movement, like my dressage boots. I do want a boot that I can use for work around the barn as well as riding.

@Scribbler I tried multiple shoe inserts at boot barn and none of them helped the heel slippage issue. Perhaps specifically a heel insert, but I just don’t like to stick stuff in shoes.

Western boots do not fit like dressage boots. And real Western boots should never be worn for barn work. I mean the gorgeous inlaid colored leather soled classic boots.

You need a hybrid. Honestly I’ve ridden in a Western saddle with my Ariat twin gore paddock boots (they look like Blundstones) that are my all around English and barn work boots. Super super comfortable walk all day boots. Under boot cut jeans they look just fine as Western boots.

If you wanted more shaft I’d suggest one of the Ariat Western boots because their boots trend so comfortable. Here is their women’s fat baby western boot.

Wait on the authentic high end Western boots until you need them to compete

Fatbaby Saddle Western Boot

[Belmont]

I don’t know of any custom boot makers out of LA specifically.
However, the Hollywood Charity is coming up at the end of the month in Burbank, and if they have vendors it might be a good place to go.

Outside of that, I have a pair of Azulado’s that aren’t custom but that I do like. They replaced my Ariats.
My SO has a pair of Rios (OTR) and Serna (Custom). He likes the Serna’s better.
I’ll probably be getting custom Serna’s after my new saddle.

There is apparently a Fenoglio retailer in Van Nuys according to their website called Country General Store - might be worth a shot.

Also, if there is a big HJ show coming up and DeNiro is on the vendor list, you can go there and get measured. They have an entire custom western boot line that’s pretty lovely, and I loved DeNiro’s in the HJ world. I might break down and get a pair of these instead of Sernas, if I can justify the price difference. LOL

[centaursam]

@jvanrens I’ve shied away from Ariat over the years. My first pair lasted 8 years. My second pair, which I paid $350 for, has all but fallen apart after 4 years. Laces ripped apart, giant holes in the leather, seams busting. Maybe I’m cheap but that’s not exactly something I would expect after 4 years and $350.

@Scribbler My desire to go custom isn’t for fancy ostrich-alligator-suede-jewel-encrusted boots. I actually want just a basic, simple boot with no designs but I want one that fits prefect and will be durable and last many years. I’m okay with a hybrid boot, I’ll look into that.

@Belmont Thank you for all the recommendations. I just found Country General Store so I will visit them over the weekend. I will look into Azulado and DeNiro.

[BrownDerby]

I asked a friend for you. She buys only from Tecovas in Rancho Cucamonga.

[jvanrens]

@centaursam

@jvanrens I’ve shied away from Ariat over the years. My first pair lasted 8 years. My second pair, which I paid $350 for, has all but fallen apart after 4 years. Laces ripped apart, giant holes in the leather, seams busting. Maybe I’m cheap but that’s not exactly something I would expect after 4 years and $350.

Understand completely. Mine are holding up quite well, but they haven’t had heavy wear, though they have seen some mud. My Justin’s have held up much better and I find them a lot more comfortable for walking around in. They took a year or so of downtown concrete quite well, even in the winter with snow and salt exposure, and I have feet that don’t take pounding on anything well.

Good luck with your search!

[centaursam]

Thank you! I’m in Rancho Cucamonga once a month so I can swing by when I’m there.

[pluvinel]

@centaursam

I’m just now getting into western riding and I’m looking for a pair of western boots which would be my first pair.

If you want custom, try Stallion Boots

This is a pretty basic boot in their collection

Their LA retailers are

Routier Leather Goods

Los Angeles, CA
phone [(323) 632-6493](tel:(323) 632-6493)
www.routierla.com

West

9528 S. Santa Monica Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
phone [310 470 9063](tel:310 470 9063)
www.westbh.com

[centaursam]

I’m resurrecting this thread as I’m in need of some guidance once agan.

I tried Tecovas and a number of Ariats and they were all too big.

A cattle rancher I worked with recommended I try Beck boots so I ordered a pair and after over a dozen different boots, these fit my feet perfectly. They feel just as comfortable as my dress boots, casual boots, etc. with minimal heel slippage.

There’s just one problem…taking them off is an intense workout. I’ve yet to try a boot puller but just with my bear hands I have to exert a substantial amount of effort to get them off. I was wearing thicker socks when I tried them so maybe I’ll try some thinner socks but is this a bad fit?

[Scribbler]

Just get a boot jack where you put your heel in the end and hold down with your other foot.

[centaursam]

I’ve ordered one and I’m awaiting it’s arrival. I’m really hoping it works as overall the boots are amazing, it’s just a herculean effort to take them off.