| Some people buy them for function and comfort | | | | is time to individualize your new boots. |
| on the job. Others get them for individual style | | | | Consider the height of the boot next. Find a |
| and flair. But whatever your reason, there are a | | | | comfortable height in between your ankle and |
| few things you have to know before you begin | | | | knee. Unless you're going to be riding horses, you |
| creating your new favorite footwear. So where | | | | may find a lower height more comfortable. Then |
| to begin buying custom made cowboy boots? | | | | choose a toe design. Pointed toes are used by |
| 1. Find a Boot Maker | | | | horsemen to slide their feet into slippery stirrups, |
| Location is key; it's easier to find an old-timer | | | | while rounded toes are used by calf ropers who |
| ready to make the perfect pair on the plains of | | | | need to run. Lastly, choose a heel. Riders use a |
| Texas than downtown New York. The local | | | | higher heel, again to help keep their feet in the |
| western store is sure to know someone, and | | | | stirrups. |
| may even have staff that can do the work for | | | | 3. The Perfect Fit |
| you. You could also ask someone you know that | | | | You'll want to have your feet measured for |
| owns pair where they got theirs. Or go to a | | | | fitting. This can be done by the boot maker or |
| function someone knowledgeable about boots will | | | | even a local shoe store. When finished, they may |
| be. Country western bars or even bull-riding | | | | feel a little snug. Don't worry, this is normal. |
| events are sure to have someone who'd be glad | | | | Leather in particular will stretch when worn, and |
| to tell you a story about buying custom made | | | | the most common mistake people make when |
| cowboy boots. | | | | buying custom made cowboy boots is going to a |
| Finally, you could do what you did to find this | | | | bigger size rather than allowing a little time for the |
| article; search the web! Most online retailers will | | | | material to soften. You may even need to use |
| have prices comparable to others since their | | | | boot hooks to put them on and a boot jack to |
| business model is based partly on internet sales. | | | | take them off at first. If they are still too snug, |
| Both methods will work fine and connect you to | | | | try one half size larger and a rounder toe to |
| the best person for the job. | | | | prevent your feet from slipping around inside. |
| 2. Designing Your Boots | | | | Since this is an important purchase, make sure |
| The material used will have the most impact on | | | | and agree on a time and place they will be |
| the final cost of your purchase. Cowhide is the | | | | delivered. If this is an online purchase, make sure |
| most commonly used skin, and is resistant to | | | | to use a secure payment method. These are the |
| wear and tear. But some will prefer the style of | | | | most important things to consider before buying |
| snake, crocodile, ostrich or even eel skin. What | | | | custom made cowboy boots. Now they're yours. |
| designs and decorations would you like? There are | | | | Get out there and enjoy them! |
| a wide variety of colors to pick from as well. This | | | | |