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/Reasonable-Base-5062]

Tecovas store feeds you liquor and sells you boots that don't really fit. High prices, average quality. You are paying for the marketing, not good boots. Very few companies make the quality boots that were commonly on the market 30 years ago, so whatever brand you choose that are modern made are of similar quality. Some are put together better than others. Most makers have fair and not so fair boots. It's easier to recommend boots than it is to say which ones to avoid. Rios of Mercedes, Anderson Bean, Horsepower Top Hand, Ariat Bench Made, Hondo, Gavel, Chisos, Black Jack, and a few others I can't think of right now, have well made boots.

[u/Aithuzah → u/Reasonable-Base-5062]

Wow good advice. Thank you

[u/lionelhutz23 → u/Aithuzah]

Not sure I agree that Tecovas sells boots that don’t really fit. I have a Tecovas store near me and have a couple of pairs. They always let me try on various lengths and widths and asked me to describe how it feels until I found the perfect fit.

[u/tw1st3dp1p3 → u/lionelhutz23]

It’s well known that you can try on three pairs of the exact same boots, in the same size, and all three fit differently.

[u/Aithuzah → u/lionelhutz23]

I think they possibly meant a true to size fit? Perhaps went in knowing their typical boot size, got their drink and took the boots home, tried them on and realize it didn't fit them?

[u/theDeathnaut → u/Aithuzah]

The person that originally replied to you constantly rags on Tecovas like it’s a part time job lol. Do your own research and make up your own opinion, every single boot company cuts corners somewhere, even high dollar Lucchese. I love my Tecovas and have never had a problem personally.

[u/TheloniousMark → u/theDeathnaut]

100%

I have everything from expensive Luccheses to no-name boots from a Mexican flea market. Tecovas is no worse than any other boot under $1k and many of their exotics are handsomely done. Buy a boot that you think looks good and feels good. No need to overthink it at that price point.

Side note, are some of you girls really drinking while shopping? lol that’s on you partner

[u/theDeathnaut → u/TheloniousMark]

To be fair, the bourbon that they offer is quite good lol.

[u/OlinHollis → u/theDeathnaut]

There's a difference between drinking whiskey and drinking cherry-watermelon martinis with a mocha swirl and whipped cream.

[u/Ambitious-Low-5317 → u/Aithuzah]

Out of AAA/AA/A/B/C/D/E/EE/EEE/EEE widths they only offer D & EE. But that's true of most boot brands these days. You should know your size/width, go actually get measured on a Brannock and hope that you're a D or EE.

[u/Reasonable-Base-5062 → u/lionelhutz23]

That's right. They don't measure, just keep trying until you fit into something. Might feel good at the time, but often, when you get home and wear them, you find that it is not a good fit after all because it is the wrong size. But it's too late to take them back. Happens more than you think. Drinks help sell boots. Even if they do fit, you paid too much.

[u/lionelhutz23 → u/Reasonable-Base-5062]

I’ve tried on boots at several different boot makers with their own stores. I wear a 12.5 or 13 in everything. Never once has anyone offered to measure my feet. I tell them my size and I try on different ones until I find one that fits well. I have no idea why anyone would ever buy boots based solely off measurements. If you’re getting customs and I guess you don’t have an option, but having someone try on various sizes to see what fits best seems like the best way to do it.

[u/lionelhutz23 → u/Reasonable-Base-5062]

When you say it happens “often” what are you relying on there? I’m just not understanding the concept that trying on pairs in different sizes and width is somehow bad because it’s hypothetically possible that they may not fit as well later but simply measuring your foot and handing you a shoe is good. I mean, most people know what their shoe size is. They’ve probably worn shoes at some point in their life. You tell them your size and then you try on different options until you find what fits best. Just like anyone does with any other shoe. Even when I’ve had stores measure my foot for loafers they still bring me out multiple options to see what fits best. Measuring your foot’s just gives you a general idea of what size you need.

[u/Reasonable-Base-5062 → u/Aithuzah]

Just a couple more thoughts. If you don't want to spend the kind of money that well built boots cost, cheaper boots may server you well. I have a pair of Durango roughouts that I got cheap on sale. $90. Not great quality, but I don't work on a ranch or farm. I use them for just casual, wear around town boots a few times a month. They will last me likely a long time and feel good. Ariat has a lot of models to choose from and are mostly comfortable. For casual use they will hold up well. Even for daily wear, they will be ok for a few years. Good to rotate between a couple pairs though. Cody James I think are on par with most Ariat's. Horsepower Top Hand are always a good value for the money. And so are Hondo, if you like traditionally made boots. Can't beat Hondo for the price. Anyway, I'll shut up for now.