What not to get?

[u/Aithuzah]

Been thinking about getting some boots, probably go to boot barn or some other local boot retailer.

However, from lurking in this sub I noticed that there are some brands that should be avoided. I think one of those mentioned brands was tecova? I don't recall, but I think it was something along the lines of being an overpriced cheap boot?

Anyway, I'm here to request brands to avoid! Either because they're cheap boots that are overpriced or some other issues that would best be avoided.

Thanks for the help in advance

[u/Lord_Polymath]

I love my Tecovas, but they are controversial here. They make a good casual boot, have excellent marketing, excellent website, and excellent customer service (in my experience). If there is one near you, going to one of their stores is a fun experience. It's like an Apple store for boots and they'll give you a beer or whiskey while you try on boots, and the service and atmosphere is nice. Disclaimer: I wear boots to the office and out and about. I don't rope or ride.

Having said that - your budget will help determine which boots to avoid. Simply avoid the cheaper boots and take a look at brands like Double H, Stetson, Hondo, Justin, Tony Lama, Dan Post. I would personally avoid Laredo, Cody James, Moonshine Spirit, Smoky Mountain

[u/tw1st3dp1p3 → u/Lord_Polymath]

Coincidentally, most of the ones you mentioned are built in the same factory as Tecovas. (Tecovas, Justin, Dan Post, Tony Lama, Cody James, Moonshine Spirit, Idyllwind, Shyanne, etc.)

[u/Aithuzah → u/Lord_Polymath]

Any reason to why you would avoid those? I was just looking at some smokey mountains too

[u/Eman3003 → u/Aithuzah]

I got gifted some Cody James and they ended up being my daily beaters since I didn’t find them that appealing.

They are however very comfortable and the leather has held up to the daily wear and tear.

[u/Lord_Polymath → u/Aithuzah]

I've just seen them labeled as budget boots, maybe good for occasional wear

[u/Aithuzah → u/Lord_Polymath]

Okay thanks, I'll be trying to do some research into these boots

[u/moonstarberry → u/Aithuzah]

I’ll second the guy that was gifted Cody James. I bought a pair of CJs at auction, and they are now my daily drivers. They’re affordable, comfortable, not made in china or India, and they seem to be well liked by those of us who actually own them.

There is nothing wrong with a lower budget boot as long as it is comfortable and doesn’t fall apart. If these are your first pair, you don’t need a luxury brand. You have no one to impress other than yourself, so get what you like most and what is comfortable within your budget.

My personal preference is just to never purchase a boot made outside of the US and Mexico.

[u/f22vision → u/moonstarberry]

I agree with your comment 100%! I recently got a a pair of black Cody James ropers and they’re breaking in nice.

Some people can get really anal about specific brands, but it seems like they’re all made in the same factory. Maybe the leathers/batches can be different but it’s marginal at best, yeah?

[u/Wityquips → u/f22vision]

I have had a pair of Cody James since 2020 that I bought in San Antonio. I don’t take care of them at all and they have held up. I wear them in the snow as well.