American Made Boots

[Bub]

This is an interesting article about the American made boot industry.

https://www.asildastore.com/blogs/news/american-made-boots

You would never guess who owns what

 

[Zeno Marx]

Cool article. I wish Nick's would have been included. I had no idea White's had been absorbed.

 

[Bub]

This is an update on Alden and Allen Edmonds:

http://www.aldenshoe.com/DrawOnePage.aspx?PageID=2

https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2016/12/13/caleres-buys-allen-edmonds-for-255-million.html

 

[Bub]

Another interesting boot site

https://www.stitchdown.com/

 

[Corncobcon]

I used to buy Durango boots, Georgia Boot Co. They were made in their shop in N.C. They used to be inexpensive and fit great. The last pair I purchased, when I got them home, noticed that they were made in China, not in N.C. like my old ones. I was so pissed I returned them! The store clerk would not take them back because they were on sale, so I made a bigger stink and spoke with the manager. He finally agreed to give them to me at half of what I paid. So I did that. I wasn't happy, but I took them anyway. I don't shop there anymore, and told him so as I left.

 

[eggman]

Darn it after looking at those sites I really want a pair of red wings chukka boots.

 

[Carlos]

I have three pairs of Red Wing boots. All of which are about 45 years old. Two pairs have been resoled. I don't wear them as often now. Probably should. Two pair are their mocs, and one pair a Vibram soled pair.

 

[Ranger107]

Interesting article, but he missed a few boot makers. Nocona and Tony Llama boots are still made in El Paso Tx. And Tecovas are made in the US, Oklahoma I believe. I have owned and worn all 3. I love Noconas because they fit me like a glove. Currently have 2 pairs. Also bought a pair of Tecovas ostrich last year and they fit well also. I wear the Noconas at the ranch several times a week. They take a beating but have held up well. Will definitely buy again.

 

[Slowalkintexan]

I wear Western boots, period!!..I think I bought my first pair of Nocona’s right at the factory when ‘Mama’ Nocona was still runnin’ the place. Lost count of how many I have. Only buy American, though there is a small boot factory, if you’d call it that, in northern Mexico that turns out a real good boot too. Well that’s almost in the US>

 

[Tbradsim]

Yep, Red Wing steel toes for over 30 yrs at Exxon, Exxon bought you 2 pair a year, till some son Of a you know what started selling his. Always a no count. Good boots, I used to wear Justin Alligator, got a new pair in the closet , never wore.

 

[Ranger107]

I wear Western boots, period!!..I think I bought my first pair of Nocona’s right at the factory when ‘Mama’ Nocona was still runnin’ the place. Lost count of how many I have. Only buy American, though there is a small boot factory, if you’d call it that, in northern Mexico that turns out a real good boot too. Well that’s almost in the US>

Hey, you're from Texas, what else would you wear, lol? I think I bought my first pair of Noconas in 1973 from Dicks western wear in Omaha. They were the sort of reddish colored Tejano lizard. Wore the damn things for almost 20 years before they gave in. Had numerous others over the years. Now have 3 pairs. I forgot that the black dress boots I wore with my Ranger class A' uniform are Noconas. Try the Tecovas. I think you will like them.

 

[Slowalkintexan]

Are Tecovas’ American made?

 

[RSteve]

Are Tecovas’ American made?

No, made in Mexico.
Tony Lama, Justin, Nocona, Dan Post and Lucchese all contract out some production of their leather soled boots to factories in Mexico.
Tony Lama, Justin, Dan Post, and Lucchese all have divisions in China that manufacture their boots with one piece synthetic sole/heel combination. They are easily identifiable by the filled fabric lining.
I've collected Western boots for decades. My older daughter has now sold over 60 pair of my collectibles on Ebay.
Poor feet and sensitive skin on my legs can't really handle boots anymore. Most of the time, I'm wearing Allbirds, made of wool felt.

 

[Ranger107]

Interesting. Regardless of where they are made I like my Tecovas. They have leather soles and neoprene heels. Have had boots with leather heels and they just don't hold up. Per their website Noconas are still made in El Paso Tx.

 

[Mikem]

My problem is I can't find Western boots in my size that are affordable. I wear a size 10 1/2 6E.

 

[RSteve]

Per their website Noconas are still made in El Paso Tx.

Tony Lama, Justin, and Dan Post boots that are U.S. made are all made in the same factory and the brands are all owned by the same conglomerate. Much of the leather soled production of those three brands is made in Mexico. Lucchese is now in its third ownership group; no longer owned by the Lucchese family. I believe all Ariat boots are Chinese made.
Nocona, to the best of my knowledge, still makes all leather soled boots in El Paso. I'm not sure about their boots with one piece composition sole/heel. Every pair of Nocona boots I've owned have had superior leather and construction. Typically, the higher grade Noconas have exceptional calf or kip skin uppers designed to mold to the owners feet, with less break-in. Even with my lousy feet, I've kept one pair of Noconas, although I may never wear them again.

 

[Niblick]

Yep, Red Wing steel toes for over 30 yrs at Exxon, Exxon bought you 2 pair a year, till some son Of a you know what started selling his. Always a no count. Good boots, I used to wear Justin Alligator, got a new pair in the closet , never wore.

Went to the red wing store yesterday for a new pair of metatarsals work boot. They were out of my size and instead of buying something else I had the salesman order them for me and mail them to my house for $182.00. They are worth every penny. I've worked in the steel industry for 37 years now and have only worn 3 other different makers of boots other than Red Wings and regretted it all 3 times. They buy us a pair a year unless you can show a pair is needed sooner. If your feet aren't happy, you won't be either.

 

[eggman]

Well, I did it. I bit the bullet and pulled the trigger on a pair of redwing heritage copper rough and touch. I waited and waited for redwing to have them in stock so since I'm a member at zapos I ordered from them, same prise as reducing with free shipping. I'm planning on wearing them everywhere around except mowing the lawn but do plan on wearing them when go glamping at Natchez tate park in tn next weekend. Hopefully, after that, a trip to Nathan Bedford Forrest or David Crockett state parks.
Great boots felt good out off the box

Guess I should have added they were chukkas. They've been great right out of the box.

 

[Ranger107]

Back when I wore work boots I looked at Red Wings, but being the cheap *** that I am, could never justify the cost. Usually bought mine at Sears. They had good boots that fortunately fit me very well and I didn't have issues with my feet. For years I bought H&H western work boots. They fit great and looked nice. Very comfortable. Now my best fitting boots are Naconas, bought from Boot Barn for $130.