Square Toe Harness Boots

[Leo Tanner]

I've owned several pair of Durangos throughout the years.  I love em an they suit me 100 percent.  I was wondering if any of you knew when this style of boot first appeared and what type of fella would've been likely ta wear them.   

I know that western stores out here don't carry them and I have always had to order mine from back east.




Leo

[St. George]

While there's a longer thread somewhere in this forum - I'll give you an answer in short form.

The square toe boot was most common from the Civil War onward - essentially because one side fit the other.

The common boot of the era was far taller, though - especially for riding men - so you'd see the shorter version as pictured (sans decorative 'harness') being worn by teamsters, bullwhackers, blacksmiths and other townfolk who weren't wearing lace-up brogans.

Incidentally - 'Dexter' made a taller version that was quite popular in the early '70's.

Slice off the 'harness' and wear your trousers over the tops, and you'll fit into any of the working man impressions easily.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Harve Curry]

I think I seen them from time to time in the mail order catalog outfits like
Sportsmansguide.com  or
cheaperthendirt.com

[Black River Smith]

The first pair of boots that I wore for CAS, in 1990, were my original 70's just like these.

I cut the harness and the toes were already beaten down.  They looked good and then I found, from pictures, that they were correct.

Miner's wore the shorter version of boot tops.

[Leo Tanner]

Thanks Pards.
     Still wonderin where the harnesses came into play.  Are they supposed ta be mock stirrups?  The leather is very thick and they do give extra ankle support compared to other western boots I have owned.  From the above replies they are sounding to be a 20th century addition.


Leo

[St. George]

The harness boots you have are 'definitely' a 20th Century idea - the 'harness' was designed to look like spur straps, and definitely not as any type of ankle reinforcement.

When these were first made popular - there was a lot of non-functioning and unnecessary metal decoration being worn by the kids of the era, but the boots were comfortable and the style lived on long after the Hippies cut their hair and joined the Society they once scorned.

probably had something to do with eating on a regular basis...

Scouts Out!

[Leo Tanner]

Thanks Saint George. (My favorite paytron)
     I had a feelin that was the deal.  I'll gladly slice the things.  Kinda like the "cockroach killers" they try ta sell ya for the pointy toes.  Had a guy down in Tijuana follow me for an hour tryin ta get me ta buy some after he saw the new water snake boots I'd just bought.  I'll shoot a pic of the modified square toes after surgery.


Leo

[St. George]

Just be neat and cut as close to the sole as you can - then dye or polish the raw edge, and your boots will look fine.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!