bruce19

Years ago I had a pair of Frye boots like most '60's post-college kids here in the northeast. At some point in my late 20's I started having a back problem and had to give up boots. About two years ago I gave a try with a pair of Justin round toe boots and they are amazingly comfortable. A little bit dressy so I picked up a pair of Ariat basic boots so I could use them on the Ducati. Nice but not as comfortable as the Justins. Don't know why. so, now I had two pair of brown boots, dressy and every day. For some reason a coupledays ago I got it into my head that I "needed" a pair of black boots. So, of to the Little B Barn, a local Tack shop where I bought the other boots. With a little persuasion from the owner I bought a pair of sort of dressy black Ariat square toe boots. Wasn't sure abut the square toe look but after a day these things are at least as comfortable as my Justins. Which is to say the two most comfortable shoes/boots I own. Would never have guessed western boots would be so comfortable. FWIW those Frye boots are now selling for $280. Never going to happen.

jdon

I wear Blundstone Chelsea boots. Haven't worn traditional North American western boots in years.

Dan Burkhart 

In my (much) younger days, I wore pointy toe cowboy boots, and tried hard to ignore the discomfort they caused with my extremely flat feet.
But, being a young ring tailed diesel jockey, I had to look the part, you know, the chain drive wallet, double clutch boots and 2 speed quick draw pen holder.
Then at some point, I came to my senses, and went for comfortable, supportive shoes with custom orthotics.

jdon

I was going to mention the lack of support in my Blundstone's but didn't want to admit to orthotic inserts.

ModoVincere

I loved my Frye sued boots. The wife tossed 'em and I've never gotten a replacement pair.

pgoat

Whites and similar packer boots offer a lot of the same fit/style but can be laced as needed for a snugger fit. I don't wear cowboy or Frye type boots anymore (due mostly to lack of support, but also an age-appropriate thing for me) but would wear Whites again for sure...I plan to get a new pair in the next year or two.

bruce19

Just out of curiosity what's "age appropriate?" I ask because I'm 68 and never thought of the age appropriateness of boots.

Wulf

I have a zoo full of cowboy boots. Elephant, Lizard, Ostrich, Rhino, Antelope.

pgoat

I think it's a personal thing- ymmv, for sure.

I see lots of guys older than me who can pull off cowboy boots and whatever. Maybe it's more about build, or a general sense of fitness. Nowadays, I feel okay wearing western boots that are more beefy & have lower heels and heavier soles, probably because I'm short and ...uh, husky. And wear my pants a bit looser. When I was briefly long(er) and lean(er) - which happened to be about 25 years and a lot of hair ago - I loved rockin tight Levis 517s and a nice pair of Luccheses with a pointy toe and underslung heels. I'd probably injure myself if I tried that today.

In the end maybe it's more about how you feel wearing things, rather than being worried about how something might look to others - I hate all that fashion police stuff. There are some good rules out there generally worth following (belt & suspenders: NO!) but you know what they say about rules being made to be broken...

jwarner

Back when I really worked for a living (heavy equipment operator or millwright depending on season and available work), and was on my feet all day, Whites were the only way to go. They will custom make them for you feet, and they are repairable. I've got a couple of pair (inside and outside). I've got a pair of Fry's too, but only wear them sometimes if I'm going out on the town.

bruce19

I agree and that's what blew my mind......so damned comfortable. Couldn't believe it.

pgoat

I'm really looking forward to getting a pair of the White Semi-dress, with leather soles and a block heel this time. I used to wear the Farmer/Ranchers with the composite sole and under-slung rubber heels...fantastic work boots & worth every penny. Great on the motorcycle, also.

The packers with laces really make a difference - if you can get a slip-on boot with a 'perfect' fit, they're terrific; but I know I went through many different brands and sizes before finding only a few that really fit well. And then, around my early 30s, my arches must have collapsed a bit because my foot got longer and wider...I was a real shoe hound and had to get rid of a LOT of shoes and boots I no longer fit into. Losing the expensive boots was hard...

Now, it's very difficult for me to wear cowboy boots, as well as loafers and other slip-on shoes - if I try a size wide & long enough to be comfortable in the forefoot, my heel slips to a degree that the shoes are unwearable... Laces are my friend.

dstrong 

Moved to Austin 23 years ago and still don't own either a cowboy hat or a pair of boots. I did however, purchase a "western" shirt a few weeks ago for a company "Western Night" event...also now own white pants and a white shirt for the "White Party". I should probably just take those things straight to the Goodwill (which is where I got the white shirt!).

Shifty

I've had a pair of these Nacona boots for years. The guy I bought them from was a fantastic fitter, so they have been extremely comfy as they broke into my feet. I still like to wear them, always a good look.
BootBarn - Nocona Men's Imperial Calf Skin Western Boots

bruce19

Ariat Legend Cowboy Boots - Square Toe - Sheplers

These are the boots I just bought. Like those Naconas btw.

Bm7b5

Love western boots and have plenty, mostly Lucchese. Have a couple Frye harness boots too. Sadly, boots and bikes don't go together very well.

GP 

Boots are tough to wear with shorts so I stick to flip flops, topsiders, running shoes and crocs. One of my buddies used to wear short shorts and boots but he's in prison now and probably has to wear plastic sandals.

Shifty

What ever boots you choose, you'll need a new shirt to complete the look. Like this one

BootBarn - Scully Men's Skulls and Roses Western Shirt

jsharr

I love my Ariat ropers. Most comfortable boots I have ever owned.

apclassic9

Last time I was in Tuscon I picked up a pair of handmade black western boots with rattlesnake skin inserts... that was in 1985. The leather's just starting to crack.

Zinger

I used to wear "Red Wing" round toed roughout boots for work boots but the Justins are put together better anymore.