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You should do a comparison of leathers! No boots needed, just swatches. Cowboy boots love all sorts of crazy leathers. You could test them for stretching, flexibility, breathability, abrasion resistance, puncture resistance, crease resistance, etc. Cow, goat, deer, ostrich, kangaroo, gator, croc, caiman, lizard, buffalo, arapaima, shark…. Etc.

Lemonwood pegs are traditionally used in cowboy boots because they swell and contract at the same rate as the leather sole. This means that even when you get the boots wet they will still hold tight.

A smooth leather sole makes it easier to regain your stirrup if you lose it while riding. Might keep you from getting dragged by your foot through rocks and brush too because it allows your boot to slide out of the stirrup if you fall. The stacked heel of a cowboy boot (and the long nail fastener) is designed to be the part that grips. I've seen them called a "roper heel". Literally, if you're roping an animal you can lean back onto your heels and keep your footing if you're on the ground. Or you can hook the heel into your stirrup for bracing when you tie off the rope on your saddle. I did a little ranch work and still ride but mostly learned from watching people with a lot more skill than I'll ever have. Thick rubber soled cowboy boots aren't meant to be used in the saddle. They're a much better fit for someone working on their feet all day or someone who likes the style in a work or dress boot. Just my opinions. Can't wait to see more in this series. Thanks for the inside look!

I think a lot more people than you’d expect will like this! More of your viewers probably wear cowboy boots than you’d guess. Big thumbs up.

Love the cowboy boot series. Definitely have to look at Lucchese. Maybe Justin and Ariat too.

I am a retired footwear examiner in Arlington Texas and had the privilege of touring the Justin boot company in Fort Worth before it moved. Among the things I learned was that the heal leather used to be made from scraps but is now made of ground leather board material because the material is more durable and the thickness allows for more consistent heal height. A strong metal shank is needed because riders stand up in the stirrups and the soles would split if not backed by a strong steel shank. They were experimenting with synthetic soles at the time and their endurance test was performed by an employee who rode a motorcycle and was very rough on boot soles. If a sole lasted more than six months on his feet it was deemed good. A new set of boots set on a smooth surface should have a slight curve to the sole that lifts the front of the heel off the surface just far enough to slide a U.S. nickel under the front of the heel. The boot will flatten out once it is broken in properly. Also, it is not uncommon for cowboy boot companies to test the market with only 1 or 2 dozen pairs of boots in a test pattern. So some uppers are very rare patterns while others are very common.

I've worn Tony Lama boots since I was a kid in the 80's. I would love to see an older boot from the pre-justin era cut in half and see if they have changed.

Growing up on a cattle ranch and Cowboy’n most my life I’ve worn many brands of boots. Most durable longest lasting was the Nacona and Double H. My least favorite were Ariat and Justin. Best dress boot definitely Lucchese. Tony Lama’s we’re good before Justin got a hold of them. Olathe Boots were solid boots also. Love your content. Keep up the good work.

What id like to see is the difference in quality from the made in Mexico Tony’s vs USA made ones..

Love and admire the variety of this channel that it slowly become one of my favourites on yt, never stop thanking you for the awosome free quality content learning so much stuff thanks to you: from the shank, passing to the quality of leather the sneakers gimmicks, materials and construction overall

The best off-the-shelf cowboy boots in the industry is Rios of Mercedes, which is very well made. The issue with Justin or Tony Lama, other than having synthetic heel counter, synthetic shaft lining, blade style shank rather than a 40 penny nail, and etc. is that, the vamp is not crimped. Crimping the vamp allows the leather to lose stretch memory so the boots won't grow larger as you wear them. Also, lemon wood pegs are used because they expand and shrink in the same fashion as the leather outsole and insole. Brass pegs are not, so they might fall off as time goes by. As for having pegs piercing in the foot arch, that's not gonna happen because all cowboy boot makers would sand the inside of the boots (the insole) so those pegs would become smooth. When it's brass pegs, they are nailed in and will kinda bend and hook the insole, not piercing into your feet. If you want custom cowboy boots, check out: Lisa Sorrell, Lee Miller (Texas Traditions), Tex Robin, M.L. Leddy, James Leddy, Duck's Heritage Dustin Lauw, Wallis Custom Boots, Little's Boots, J&M Custom Boots, and so on.

I was just thinking the other day that it wish y’all had a cowboy boot series. I’m definitely here for it. If you’re still taking requests, I’d love to see some of these direct to consumer handmade boots like Tecovas or Chisos on the chopping block.

Definitely a difference between the older Tony Llamas than this new one from personal experience.

Been watching Rose Anvil for awhile and enjoy your channel. Bought a pair of Tony Lama’s for $125.00 probably about 45 years ago. Like the saying goes, “they don’t make them like they used to”.

SO excited for this series! Can't wait to see the rest of the cowboy boot videos.

I retired my beloved Tony Lamas. Replaced them with some Red Wing Nailseat 1155s. More cowboy boot-adjacent than cowboy boot, but I love them.

This got me PUMPED for the cowboy boot series!

I’ve had my Tony lama’s for 7 years. First 4 years were for going out on the town or formal occasions, last 3 have been used as work boots/every day use. They have held up really well with minimal maintenance. Mine are a more expensive pair though. The last year or so they’ve been on their last legs.

If you're looking for suggestions I'd love to see Tecovas included. They seem like the Thursday boots of the western boot world

In my experience leather soles are best suited for going out two stepping. Most people working outside will opt for the rubber sole.

I’ve worn cowboy boots off and on for most of 57 years. Best pair I have ever owned is pair of Tony Lamas in ostrich. Had them for 17 years and still comfortable and in decent shape.

I used to work in a machine shop when I was younger, and worked around band saws a lot. I seen what happened at about 9:21, all I have to say is you're really lucky. You really should use a push stick once you get close to the end of the cut. It'll save you from a nasty cut, or worse.

I have a pair of Tony Lama dress boots (pointed toe, lizard vamp and counter) from somewhere around fifteen years ago. I haven’t worn them hard, but I just got them resoled this summer and they’re good as new! I also have a more ordinary cowhide pair that I got from Goodwill, so I don’t know how old they are. But they have needed no repairs or anything so far, just normal conditioning.

I’ve been waiting for the cowboy boot series, would love to see some Double H with the ICE outsole cut in half

Bought my first pair of Tony Lama boots (first cowboy boots, period) about 35 years ago on the advice of a friend who owned multiple pairs of TL and wouldn’t wear any other brand. I was amazed at how comfortable they were and wore them a lot. My son now has them, as my feet have gotten wider, and I’ve picked up a couple more pairs over the years. Maybe they’re not made quite as well now, but I still love them. Thanks for the dissection!

My father just recently gave me a pair of his "new-old stock" Tony Lama's from back in the early to mid 80's, and these things are a BEAR to break!!! I mean a real test of will at times, but they are comin a long. These are a pair of "work-wear" Tony's, w/ a half inch thick V-bar rubber outsole, underneath all that leather construction. Solid as a Brinks armored truck, and um proud to have em'.

This'll be an interesting series. I recently retired a pair of Ariats that I got almost ten years ago.

Rose Anvil, long time viewer, was wondering if you could do more cowboy boots, a lot more. Ones I'd like to see soon are Ariat and Tecovas. Thank you, love all your videos!

I have owned, at least, 3 pairs of Tony Lamas, during the 1970s and none of them needed to be broken in. Pure comfort from the first time I put them on. The last pair I bought, in the early 2000s, didn't impress me at all.

I have been watching your videos for a while now, and I am more keenly interested in this cowboy boot series than anything else you have done so far. Thank you for doing it! The best quality boots I've had are Noconas, and I tend to wear them for dressy occasions. However, the most comfortable everyday boots I have are Ariats. I hope you test these brands, so I can see how they stack up against other brands I might want to try.

I went through a cowboy boot phase, but never tried Tony Lamas. I wore Noconas, Justins, and Lucchesed. In general, I found them all surprisingly comfortable, durable, and affordable. Thanks for taking a closer look. Love the channel.

Really like my made to order Cobra Rock boots. Clean designs, quality materials, and handmade in Texas...

Great video! I love my old Tony Lamas. Glad to see they still have a veg tan insole! Looking forward to seeing more vids like this

Love the cowboy boot series. I recommend doing the Chisos brand #2 boots. They seem to be amazing, and will be my next pair of cowboy boots!

There is a tradition that the first cowboy boot makers used a flattened nail as the shank and the pegs helped keep it in place.

Yes, want to see a cowboy boots series. Please compare these against Ariats and Justins.

I'm starting to learn from this channel that boots made in Mexico are pretty damn good!

I would like to see tecovas.

This is the series I've been waiting for!

Looking forward to the cowboy boot series, so many brands and unique leathers.

I wore Tony Lama’s back in the late 60’s early 70’s - best boots I ever owned and at that time the best priced - loved my Tony’s from Oklahoma

I bought a pair of smooth ostrich Tony lamas 6 years ago , and they have been worked very very hard , from walking through thick brush , gravel, dirt, rolling around on concrete , getting completely soaked many times…. And they finally ripped on the 6th year … super comfortable and durable

I sell western boots and this video will help me have talking points to explain to customers. So thanks man.

THANK YOU for finally doing a cowboy boot series. You let us know what is really inside these boots and shoes we’re buying and now we’ll have that insight. I hope you get a wider audience, too.

I'm surprised and not at the same time. I've owned/still own a pair of Tony Lama for about 10 years now. They have been every day wear and horse riding. They have been in the all weather muck and yuk. I have no separation no cracked leather. They have held up very well

I've only owned Tony Lamas from before the 90s (antique store boots) and they're my favorite older boot to wear. Very durable especially considering they've all been worn by someone for at least a couple resoles

I’m glad you’ve done this. I have a pair of black Tony Lama’s that I’ve had for about 30 years. They have been resoled once. The only cowboy boots I buy are either Tony Lama or Justin. Lately I’ve been buying Justin Work Boots with Safety Toes. I love the Scottsbluff and am enjoying the Cappie. The Joist was a waste of money. I recommend buying the Made in USA products. They are better fitting and last longer. The Joist was made in the PRC and never fit right and didn’t last a year. The Scottsbluff has lasted 3 years and the Cappie I’ve worn for 8 months and is very comfortable. Also, whenever I was in El Paso, I’d alway stop at the factory that was just off of I-10. There used to be a corrugated tin store attached to the side of the factory. If you tried on a pair and one didn’t fit right, they used to just go to the factory floor and get you one to try on. Just amazing back then. Just my two cents. Thanks.

I bought a pair of Tony Lamas in 1985, been wearing every since then and still going strong.

Lemonwood pegs are actually used because they expand at the same rate that leather does when it gets wet so they don't fall out.

Nice job! Grew up around TL’s and Ariat’s, but my favorite cowboy boots were a pair of custom Stewart’s Hand Made Boots. Amazing fit, like Nick’s for cowboys. Stewart’s was contracted to outfit the movie CITY SLICKERS. Great movie, great boot!

I think Rose Anvil needs to get a bunch of rattlesnakes to test how much leather puncture resistance is needed to stop a rattlesnake bite.

New leather is slick. Once it’s scuffed up it’s not bad, not rubber, but not bad. I like it on boot soles. Like the video, too.

Came for the thumbnails, staid for the bites of history. Thanks for the great content

I very much enjoyed the WW2 Boot series. My first pair of shoes were boots. An infant in boots, only in Texas. As a Native Texan, I've always worn boots. My Dad moved us from East TX to El Paso in 1977. I lived there until 1986 when I entered the USAF. I tried on several pair of Tony's at the factory outlet store. I always ended up buying Justin or Cowtown Boots. I currently wear Beckett Simonon lace up boots to work. On occasion, I break out one of five pairs of Cowboy Boots that I purchased or received as a gift in the 80's or very early 90's. One pair needs a resole before I wear them again. Thanks for the videos!

We talk, Rose Anvil delivers! what a great job!

Would love to see a series of good leather dress shoes. You can compare makers from different countries (US, UK, Spain, Portugal, Grande, Italy). I'm sure you can get some of the brands to send you pairs for free to review.

That’s an awesome fact about the lemonwood pegs! Didn’t know that

Really excited to see a cowboy boot series. I bought a pair of luccheses' which in australian dollarydoos cost me approximately $800. Was told Luccheses are a well reputed texan brand of cowboy boot. I was hugely underwhelmed at receiving a pair of boots that are functionally just an office fashion piece. Scratched and scuffed super easily, very very thin leather shaft. Acrylic thread machine stitched. Honestly feel like I wasted my money. Spoke to an inlaw who gave me a pair of ariats. World of difference, 1/3 the price.

Your opinion is one of the few I trust out here in this wild west of fashion... Would love to see you tackle leather coats/jackets one day.

i'd like to see Twisted X boots/shoes cut up. maybe there story.

Perfect timing since I've been shopping for new cowboy boots.

Technically, you'd want to use an object with less surface area at the tip than that nail to test for snake bite tolerance. The broader tip allows a great distribution of the puncturing force across the surface of the leather, whereas a snake fang may have an easier time finding its way in (although not terribly likely). Anyway, great video!

Please do Anderson Bean boots. Worked in a boot store for a few years and in my opinion they are the most well made out of any, even Luchesse.

Back in the eighties Tony Lama used to make the cowboy belts where they put your name on the back of them and they had some bling back in the day I had a couple of them I would wear the Tony Lama boots with them

I just got my first pair of Hondo 2 weeks ago and I really like them. I'd love to see a pair cut in half!

Test some Ariats that are more riding focused. I have found them to be durable, and they have a much stiffer sole construction which is good if you are riding for long.

Love that you’re doing cowboy boots! I would say you might want to do the online heavy brands like Tecovas, Chisos, and Rujo to name a few.

Please do more cowboy boots. They are such a huge market now.

its been my own experience that learning from everywhere is beneficial. we can all learn new things pulling information from different schools of thought and I really appreciate the variety and insight you bring into my eyes, I'm learning a lot to be an informed buyer and I appreciate the craftsmanship in everything. keep it up!

I've owned several pairs of Tony's and Justins. Make a visit to El Paso and there are outlet stores where you can find good deals on them.

I just purchased the Tactile Turn pen using your coupon code. Always enjoy being introduced to new high quality products. Please continue to introduce high quality/hand made products. Thanks!

Can't wait to see a Dan Post video. I have a basic black pair from DP and I love them a lot.

25 years ago, Cabellas Outfitter series hunting boot claimed to have a leather that was from a far superior process than anyone else. You can still buy these used ones on eBay. I had a pair. Took 6 months to break in. Half day at a time, every other day. Blister that foot.

Would love to see some Montana Mexico boots. Hard to find now since they stopped selling in the US but you can find vintage pairs still

Been a fan of this channel for years, and love literally everything on it. Including the cat. Anyway, not that it's worth anything, but here's an idea for a subchannel of your mechanic dudes/dudettes next door giving us some knowledge about aspects of their business. It'd be like a spinoff more, not really like the Rose Anvil 2 channel.

I have a couple pair of exotic tony lama boots. I really like them. Fit is consistent from one to the other, an seem to be good quality.

I love the channel, but I gotta give a little insight. Traditionally, cowboy boots had smooth leather soles. Today's boots, especially cowboy work boots have a rubber sole. Also, the smooth sole does help with sliding the boots into the stirrups, but you never go passed the balls of your feet with the stirrups. I would love to see your opinions on the more rugged work style like Ariat or Twisted X. In the oilfield, they are the most popular, comfortable and durable of western style work boots that look like a "traditional" cowboy boot.

I have two pairs of Tony Lama work boots w/ a composite toe, and they're waterproof. I love these boots I paid 150 for each pair. I get exactly what I need out of them. I know they're not super expensive but like I said they give me exactly what I want out of my work boots. No complaints here. Loved this video and love your channel.

Got my first pair of TLs the other day. I overpaid a bit but I’m liking them so far.

Good to see some boot content! as much fun as it is to see your disappointment with sneakers haha. Would love to see a video on the newer jim green boot, the African ranger

06:48 the slick sole is so you can slip in & out of the stirrup fast. The same reason for needle nose toes on the boot. I've always had the area around the welt where the toes start to curve up crack & break from too much flexing. The bottom line is, it's just a work boot. It depends on how often you wear them on how long they'll last. If I get a pair of boots/shoes to last 6+ mos., then I break even.

You could cut a pair of stetson cowboy boots. They have a few pairs in the same price range as these.

The video I've been waiting for! I think as far as Justin / Tony lama go, there is a big range of certain stuff that is well constructed and made in North America vs some stuff that is not as premier. Still great for the price but you'll find they're more consistent buying vintage ones

I have a pair of TL 3R boots with rubber outsole. I absolutely love them, actually their the second pair I’ve owned. Best riding boot, besides my custom handmade boots.

I have a pair of Tony Lama customs really great pair of cowboy boots. Love this series.

I have a pair of caiman skin Tony Lama boots that I wear fairly often and they're a bit nicer than these ones in the video but I don't have any complaints about them and I've had them for years

Do more western boots! Luchese and Ariats please! Loved the info!

Chisos, mixes elements of a sneaker with traditional boot making Ariat, I believe someone from Reebok came along and brought more comfort to cowboy boots giving ariat the recognition it has today Anderson Bean/Hondo, traditionally made boots great durability made to last and to be recrafted Lucchese, great name recognition considered high end Black Jack Boots, high end almost custom boots, former workers at Lucchese branched off to start Blackjack

You should do Tecovas next. They have some pretty cool exotic leather options at an affordable price

Have 2 older pairs of tony lama! They're my favorite boots I own

I have a pair of Tony Lama boots from the 70s, they were my dads dress boots and I’ve worn them for rodeos the quality of vintage Tony Lamas does not disappoint, I’d love to see a comparison of some vintage Tony Lama boots against the newer ones

An additional boot to add to your group. Adventure Technology [AdTec]... The Packer Boot... runs @ $140.00 . Very comfortable and good looking boot.

I always wanted a pair of cowboy boots when i was a kid they looked so cool on TV one problem I'm from Britain not much call for cowboy boots lol.

I have a titanium post sticking out my head and I can attest it’s light and super and strong I’ve put holes in the wall without even trying.

I like these cowboy boot series. I'm thinking of getting a Dan Post or Sendra boot. It would be great if you can make videos on these 2 brands. Thanks

Great video and shout out to my home town EpTx

I have some Rocky and some John Deere (!) cowboy boots, mostly for construction work. They are all rubber sole'd because of barnyard er liquids. For a while, my Rockys (along with some Sole inserts) were the only footwear that I could wear due to planar fasciitis....

I’ve had a pair of Tony Lama’s for a couple years now and they’ve been great. The outside looks similar to those except mine are black and they have a much taller calf.

If a western boot has a insole or float bed it's a cheaper boot. Tony Lama, Justin, and others do this for budget issues. I personally buy Lucchese 1883's been the best so far. And they use rose wood was told it doesn't shrink or expand as much