My boots are deteriorating

[Willow]

I looked down and noticed one of the seams on my right boot was opening.  Closer inspection revealed there were holes working through and rough leather loosening around the rear soles.  I reached down and was able to put my finger through the gap in the seam.  Those boots are only a few years old, but I do wear them almost every day.

I've noticed lately that I am more often miss shifting between first and second.  Does anyone know whether failing boots can contribute to this issue?

[Chrisj CMA]

Oh absolutely, sure it must be….blame the boots 

[Oldfishguy]

Well . . . since it is your right boot . . . ummmmm.

But it does remind me of these walking boots.

https://youtu.be/SbyAZQ45uww?si=ISmxR9MLX0VPALcQ

[f6john]

Maybe we can get Trump to bring quality shoe manufacturing back to America!? Most of what I have bought in the last 20 years or so look good/ok but they won’t hold up to regular use. Clothes in my closets are approaching vintage status. The only riding apparel I own specifically is a pair of CruiserWorks boots. I bought them because of their “waterproof” claims and mostly they were but they were not comfortable walking around boots for me. I suppose I should get them back out and give them another shot, they’re only 24 years old!

[h13man]

Straight up Army issue blacks are extremely comfortable and definitely waterproof though the fit is tight on the Valk with 9.5's. What surprised me was they didn't require any break in. Oiled them up and wore the past 16 yrs. These boots are made by Bellville in Illinois and they have quite a selection.

[f6john]

Straight up Army issue blacks are extremely comfortable and definitely waterproof though the fit is tight on the Valk with 9.5's. What surprised me was they didn't require any break in. Oiled them up and wore the past 16 yrs. These boots are made by Bellville in Illinois and they have quite a selection.

Haven’t thought about them in a long time. In the seventies we all favored the Jump Boot style, pretty sexy compared to the regular issue. Most drill sergeants wore them when I was in.

[Rams]

Seems applicable here.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/24482205298080006

Rams 

[LadyDraco]

And  I still have  boots  that are 20, 30,50 yrs old.
That I still wear.

[Jess from VA]

I also have some bike specific boots (Alpinestars) that are completely waterproof and comfortable riding, but absolutely kill my feet when off the bike walking around (right away, and just get worse).  I never wear them anymore and they are thrown behind the water heater.  They ought to be thrown in the trash.

My top of the line 8" Danner Acadia combat boots are Goretex waterproof, have fantastic riding traction, and I can walk in them all day in comfort.  To keep them nice, they only get used riding.

[f6john]

And  I still have  boots  that are 20, 30,50 yrs old.
That I still wear.

You have still have your baby booties and they fit?!!!

[Willow]

Straight up Army issue blacks ...

Until I went with the last pair I went to the surplus store for what matched Marine Corps issue boots.

This last pair I bought at Walmart for a little over twenty dollars.  They were soft tan leather.  I had to have a hard leather patch sewn on where my shifting point is on the left boot.

My replacement pair is also Walmart but for forty dollars and black hard leather.  They do strongly resemble the Marine Corps boots to which I was accustomed.

For those who have had boots for twenty or more years, there is a difference.  I wear mine every day except when I am dressed up in an outfit that seems to call for non-boot shoes.

[Rams]

For those who have had boots for twenty or more years, there is a difference.  I wear mine every day except when I am dressed up in an outfit that seems to call for non-boot shoes.

I do have lace up military boots, don't remember if they were Marine or Army but, don't wear them very often.  Believe this or not, the additional weight really bothers my knees after about an hour or two.   I've also got a pair of Industrial Leather Safety Boots with steel toes and shanks.   Can't wear them more than half an hour.   It is, what it is.

Rams

[John Schmidt]

I'd love to have a pair of lace up boots but can't wear them due to a rather large scar going up the back of my left ankle. That came from a snapped...shredded...achilles tendon many years ago. Strangely enough I can wear cowboy boot without discomfort, lace ups fit too snug against that scar and I'm good for about 30' before they have to come off. I can wear hi-cuts like brogans or work boots, they barely touch the bottom of the scar but I do have to keep that section of the boot very supple.

[3fan4life]

These are my current boots:




I bought this pair from Amazon for about $150.00 in 2023.

Thorogood makes a good quality boot, my last pair lasted 5 years before they weren't waterproof enough for me any longer.

These are waterproof, side zip and steel toe.


I found them to be comfortable right out of the box.

The "break-in" time is very minimal.

They aren't 100% waterproof if you get caught riding in a frog strangler, but they do very well at keeping your feet dry in most conditions.


I've worn EMS type duty boots for decades, I'm very comfortable wearing them.

They're my favorite style of boots to wear.

[Farside]

  These were the best Harness riding boots that I've ever had and sadly they have been retired Bought them from J&M thinking in 11-13-2016 retired 4-1-25. Had new full soles maybe 6 -7 different  times, heels probably as many. They were the best fitting boots that I ever had and I only wish J&M would bring them back. You can see where the hatch-it penetrated the leather and then the blood. That was about 6 years after I bought them. If these boots could talk.    I have bought 2 pairs to find something close but nothing yet. No, I can't say that these boots contributed to bad shifts. 

[Jess from VA]

I have a very decent pair of H & H West harness boots I never wear anymore (can't do tall heels).

I'll give them to you but I'm only an 8 1/2 D.  

[LadyDraco]

And  I still have  boots  that are 20, 30,50 yrs old.
That I still wear.

You have still have your baby booties and they fit?!!!

 

[Willow]

It must've (not must of) been the boots.  I haven't miss shifted since putting on the new boots.   

New boots squeak.   

[Alien]

One of the biggest causes of seam failure is dirt/grit in the thread itself.   It acts as an abrasive and wears the thread away.  

On the advice of my cobbler who resoles my boots, every 6 months or so, I have a "boot maintenance weekend."  This is the process I use to keep my riding and work boots in good shape:

1. Remove laces and soak in a bowl of Dawn dishwashing detergent and water overnight
2. Brush off heavy dirt/dust
3. Clean boots (leather and stitching) with saddle soap and a small brush.  
4. Wipe dry, repeat wash process and allow to dry overnight.
5. Rub in several light coats of mink oil (rub it in good like you're rubbing lotion into your hand.)
6. Wipe off any excess and allow to dry completely.
7. Rub in 2 light coats of neat's-foot oil.  Allow to dry completely.
8. Buff to desired shine with a horsehair brush.
9. Rinse laces and allow to dry completely.
10. Relace and enjoy.

You'll be left with brand new looking boots.

I'm a Red Wing guy and this works great.   Obviously if your boots are not leather, you could skip everything except cleaning the stitching.

Ride Safe,

Alien

[Jess from VA]

I have a very decent pair of H & H West harness boots I never wear anymore (can't do tall heels).

I'll give them to you but I'm only an 8 1/2 D.  

Since Farside never answered, does anyone want a free good pair of western workwear harness boots... in 8 1/2 D (wide).  They have good nonslip rubber soles and heels (not slippery leather).  Few scuffs.

Jess