Boots for a Cav officer?

[Captain Lee Bishop]

I'm looking to get some riding boots that I can use for my Span-Am Cav officer impression as well as for regular CAS and possibly Indian-War Cav stuff if I ever get some of that. I looked into it and realized that a lot of the stuff that the Cav officers used was bought out of their own pocket, so they often used civilian boots that were close enough.
Any good recommendations for a good set of boots that won't break the bank? I really don't have the money nor inclination to spend much more than into the 150 range (at the most), so please, suggesting some ultra-expensive custom boot maker isn't going to help out...

[Major 2]

Capt.

I'll stear you to Andy Fulks @ Fall Creek Sutlery

http://www.fcsutler.com/fcshoes.asp

He carries a $175 Economy boot on this page... note for your later IW/SpanAm period the Wellington Vamp (two piece front) was becoming more common and is correct .

I have worn a pair of Andy's one piece Front Officer boots for years.
I highly recommend them for fit , wear , and authenticity....

[Trailrider]

You might want to consider a pair of Wellingtons.  They are relatively inexpensive, and utilitarian as well.  While they aren't as tall as other cavalry boots, if you wear your trowser (sic) legs outside, no one will be able to tell how high they are.  Wellingtons are authentic to the period, and comfortable, as well.

Your obdt servant,

[Roy Mason]

Wild West Mercantile sometimes has them on sale.

http://www.wwmerc.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=3005&type=store&category=7100  They are having a 10% off sale now through the 31st.  It was an e-mail sale offer with code, but call them as a new customer and see if you can participate in the sale.

http://groups.msn.com/RoyMasonCowboyActionShooting/rm.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=924

[Grapeshot]

The later model boots, as worn by Mounted Officers by 1889 had very stiff tops, were worn outside the pants, especially when the trousers were cut like riding breeches, and had one piece barrels with the seam in the rear with a strip od leather covering it.

CABOOTS will make them for you, I got a pair and I like them very much.

Dismounted officers wore the leggings.