I'll need to comb through this thread for the next time I'm in Houston. I have a hard time finding good fitting footwear because of my wide feet.

Do they do repairs as well? I bought a pair this summer from Matt and my heel already tore through the weak ass liner inside the boot. I'm guessing a piece of leather, or at least something sturdier than cloth will need to be sown/glued in.

Edit: Called Matt today and he said he would get me fixed up.

Cromagnum said:

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Do they do repairs as well? I bought a pair this summer from Matt and my heel already tore through the weak ass liner inside the boot. I'm guessing a piece of leather, or at least something sturdier than cloth will need to be sown/glued in.

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I need to stop by and check on repairs as well soon. Just noticed the leather sole on one boot has a hole in the middle showing the insert and the other boot is about to do the same thing. I think I've had these a year and wore about 2-3 times a week. First pair of leather sole boots so not sure how long soles should last. They are very comfortable though.

Just bought my 2nd & 3rd pair of boots from Safari Exotic Leather!!!

Anyone have any experience with Tecovas?

https://www.tecovas.com/

They look really good, good prices, and are direct to consumer.

The Milkman said:

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Anyone have any experience with Tecovas?

https://www.tecovas.com/

They look really good, good prices, and are direct to consumer.

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I've got a pair. They're alright.

They are what you pay for. A step above a generic Justin or Ariat roper, but not a high end Lucchese or a $3500 pair of Parker customs.

They're comfortable and look nice, but nothing super eye catching and special. Perfect to wear to the office a few days a week and nice enough to wear out with some jeans.

Anyone know if Safari Exotic Leather is still around? Phone disconnected. Did they move or open up under different name?

Ag_07 said:

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The Milkman said:

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Anyone have any experience with Tecovas?

https://www.tecovas.com/

They look really good, good prices, and are direct to consumer.

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I've got a pair. They're alright.

They are what you pay for. A step above a generic Justin or Ariat roper, but not a high end Lucchese or a $3500 pair of Parker customs.

They're comfortable and look nice, but nothing super eye catching and special. Perfect to wear to the office a few days a week and nice enough to wear out with some jeans.

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I agree. I've got a pair of Black Ostrich. I did add another liner to mine with a little more cushion. I want a pair of the Pecan Ostrich. I've noticed they have gone up in price by $100 since I bought my last pair from them.

That's a good looking boot.

FWIW I have a buddy in the custom boot business and he preaches all the time about how the quality of Lucchese has dipped drastically in recent years.

I agree. IMO all the brands out there these days are all about the same quality. I wore nothing but Anderson beans for years and I've slowly gotten away from them and moved to tecovas. For the price and comfort they are hard to beat vs a more established brand. Unless you're going completely custom it's all about a wash these days.

Ag_07 said:

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FWIW I have a buddy in the custom boot business and he preaches all the time about how the quality of Lucchese has dipped drastically in recent years.

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I have two pair of Lucchese and while they are good, I paid similar for a pair of Rios that blow them out of the water.

Ag_07 said:

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FWIW I have a buddy in the custom boot business and he preaches all the time about how the quality of Lucchese has dipped drastically in recent years.

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That's a shame. I have some that are 20 years old and they are the best most comfortable boots I've ever put on my feet. They are just well made boots. Sad to hear they aren't what they used to be.

Lookin at pulling the trigger on some boots. Want to get a pair of caimans. Problem is I'm 14 or 15 depending on makers. Is there one brand that typically has more selection larger sizes?

I have the same issue, and found it very limiting on selection and fit with off the shelf offerings. Also, finding caiman skins large enough for the size might be an issue.

Have you considered any "made to measure" options? You will get a better fit and specify options. Besides size, I find off the shelf makers don't adjust the other proportions on upper end sizes so that can be accounted for in a made to measure boot.

You will have to seek this option out and educate yourself. There are some makers that claim to be "custom" and charge as such, but in end they are MTM.

I have not purchased from these guys, but I've been to their factory, they make a solid boot and were recently bought by a high end retailer, JB Hill.

DamageDone said:

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Anyone know if Safari Exotic Leather is still around? Phone disconnected. Did they move or open up under different name?

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As far as I can tell they are no more. I would love to hear that they moved or changed names.

Republic Boot Company has stock boots which are much cheaper than their custom boots. Not sure what they have in 14 and 15 but they've got quite a few in stock.

They also have a custom design option where you can pick different uppers, toes, and heels I believe. They're not true custom boots as they're built to their standard sizes but offers a lot of flexibility.

I don't have a pair so can't speak to their fit and durability but I know the owner is passionate about making boots. He's an Aggie and I got to hang out with him at the store a couple of months ago through a friend.

They're at 11th and Studewood so might be worth stopping by just to see.

https://republicboothouston.com/collections/republic-mens

The guy moved to Dallas and retired.

Consider giving Jesse a chance. Great boots, very affordable. He's in S. Houston.

https://www.jessesshoerepair.com/

He carries this Los Altos boots if you don't want custom. They are made in Leon, Mexico. Good quality for so much less than the big names.