If Not Cowboy, Why Cowboy Shaped?

These boots have been attached to my feet since October 2024. Work, play, lounging around the house, travel, and running around outside with my kids. These boots have done it all.

These were a prototype boot that I saved from being tossed into the trash, so I had no idea how these would hold up. We think the leather is from the 1990’s, belly cuts were used on the right boot, and the top was ripped a little bit. But this old Seidel leather really held up and showed how awesome it is. It got a little darker, picked up some indigo crocking, and developed a nice little shine. I’m really impressed with it. I think I cleaned and conditioned them 4 out of the 6 months. The more they got scratched up and dirty, the cooler the looked. But I gave them a nice clean and conditioned to celebrates the end of the competition. Break in was a breeze,

This was a dead stock leather from what we think is the 1990’s. is. It got a little darker, picked up some indigo crocking, and developed a nice little shine. I’m really impressed with it. I think I cleaned and conditioned them 4 out of the 6 months. The more they got scratched up and dirty, the cooler the looked. But I gave them a nice clean and conditioned to celebrates the end of the competition. Break in was a breeze,

These were kind of tricky to fit. They were my length but they were three sizes too wide. After a few days of experimenting with insole and sock thicknesses, I had them feeling like my normal size. These were my first pull on boot, first cowboy boot, and my first boot on the 55 last, so it took a week or two to figure out how to walk in them. I’m not sure how I’m supposed to go back to a moderate arch after experiencing The 55 last.

Back in 1990, my Uncle Joe came up from Utah to visit. While he was here, he asked if I wanted a pair of cowboy boots like his. I laughed and said no way. I was a teenager—there was no chance I was getting caught in cowboy boots. That was true… right up until I saw the Palouse. Unlike my uncle’s boots, the Nicks version doesn’t have showy leather, exotic skins, or flashy inlays. Just a solid, heavy-duty western-style boot. No bells, no whistles. Just built tough, built to work. Perfect for someone who wants that cowboy vibe without bringing attention to their feet.

No problems with the sole or heel. It did what it needed to do.

This is my favorite heel on old boots that come in for repairs, but I’ve always been afraid to wear it. I’m all in on the packer heel now. It’s awesome!

Here are a few things I’ve learned wearing these boots: 1. Cowboy boots aren’t as intimidating as they seem—anyone can rock them. Seriously, just go for it. 2. These are my first slip-on boots, and I always thought the sizing process would be tricky. Turns out, it wasn’t! Even though these were three sizes too wide, an insole and slightly thicker socks fixed it. 3. The 55 high arch last has me hooked. I won’t be able to go back to the moderate arch unless a DeltaArch is in the boot. If you’ve been afraid to try a western boot, don’t. They’re not as intimidating as they look. I’m the most non-cowboy guy in the world and I rocked them. You can too!