Boots for Big Guys

Clarence Ironshot · October 06, 2009, 12:39:36 PM

Howdy Ya'll. I am new to CAS so I am getting my dud together. I am having a problem finding boots that fit... not in the foot that is easy but ones that fit my calf. I am a big guy and haulin' all the weight around has built up my calf muscles!!!

Does anyone know of a wide top boot other than the tall preacher boots. I prefer to wear my boots under my trousers.

thanks for the help Pards!!!

Will Ketchum · October 06, 2009, 03:44:21 PM

There will be others to answer your question, since I don't wear boots any more and have never bought custom boots in my life.

What I want to advise you is that you develop your persona of who you are going to portray before you spend a lot of money on your outfit. You will save yourself a lot of money this way. For example I am 65, over weight and way too old to be a cowboy so I became a retired Pinkerton detective. I mostly wear lace up ropers with the keltie (the fringe thing at the bottom of the laces) removed. They look period and are very much what folks other than those who worked stock or spent their days in the saddle would have wore.

The Fort over Nebraska way where Delmonico is employed sells a cathedral type boot that has elastic in the barrel and will fit those of us with a large calf.

Will Ketchum

Wymore Wrangler · October 06, 2009, 04:35:56 PM

Try the new Stagemaster boot from Work N Ranch, I've got big calves also and I've got plenty of room to spare in these boots...

http://stores.work-n-ranch.com/-strse-Mens-Boots/Categories.bok

Mogorilla · October 07, 2009, 12:22:09 PM

I think the round toed Wellingtons (leather not the rubber wellies) are also PC (someone please chime in if I am wrong on this). They come to just below the calf. Similar to Artillary boots from the WBTS. Probably would need to remove the pull tabs from the modern ones.

Doc Neeley · October 07, 2009, 01:18:58 PM

If all else fails, check CAboots. They will make any boot to your specifications for a price of course, but their reenactor boots aren't too terribly priced.

James Hunt · October 08, 2009, 08:35:00 AM

What Will said above, but also if you wish to have a pair of pull on boots that are historical you may wish to consider the issue boot of the US military until the early 1870's, they were 10 - 12 inches in height at the front with the back lower than the front. This keeps them off the major girth of your calf. I have a pair and they are dandy. As far as I know they are limited to custom makers.

As such you may wish to go to Robert Lands website to view them (and other period options) - google his address. Although these are handmade, his waiting period is not extreme (he may have a pair in stock), and given the work the price is reasoanble. I own a pair and they are great, and no one will criticize your authenticity. More than a few of these made the trip north from Texas, and they were the preferred wear of the cavalry after the CW until the taller boot design of the 1870's in response to complaints that the pant leg would not stay in the old boot when mounted.

Daniel Nighteyes · October 08, 2009, 11:48:17 AM

Quote from: Will Ketchum on October 06, 2009, 03:44:21 PMThe Fort over Nebraska way where Delmonico is employed sells a cathedral type boot that has elastic in the barrel and will fit those of us with a large calf.

Will Ketchum

I heartily agree! I have always had very large calves, and had the same difficulty you mentioned. That is, until I found Fort Western and their Old West boots.

In particular, I'm talking about their Shooter's Boots, and the shafts are already bigger than most. In addition, they have elastic gores all around the top, which allows them to go from merely "Wow" width to "Completely Gi-normous" width. I have two pairs, one black and one brown, and am completely satisfied. Here's the link: http://www.fortwestern.com/store/product.php?productid=408399&cat=216&page=1

I wear them with the mule ears tucked in, 'cause I don't like 'em flopping around. Even with my large calves I have room in the boots for boot knives -- one in each boot. After about 2 years I had those 2-inch Cuban heels changed to 1-inch walking heels. I also had those silly spur shelves ground off.

Clarence Ironshot · October 08, 2009, 09:06:58 PM

Thanks YA'll

I appreciate all the help. I should definitely be able to find a good pair of boots from all these leads.

Texas Lawdog · October 09, 2009, 10:57:50 AM

The guys at the Old West Shop at the Fort are good friends of mine and they are both knowledgeable. Glen Carman aka "Delmonico" and Terry Lane will fix you up your needs. I have a brown pair of the Shooters Boots and I really like them. The Fort carries sizes up to 14 or 15.