Costumes, Compromises, and Cowboy Boots

[KatfishKid]

I’m a pretty reserved guy who doesn’t like to draw much attention to himself. But my wife? Oh, she’s ready to dive headfirst into cowboy action shooting, and her favorite part? The costuming! Even if it takes a while for me to get her into the shooting, she'll likely be there with me dressed the part and cheering me on.

While I’m most excited about the shooting side of things, she’s already started buying me all sorts of “cowboy” stuff. I had to ask her to slow down a bit so we can figure out a style we both like first. That said, I told her she can dress me up however she wants if it gets us doing this together...but there are two rules: no touching my hat or my boots! I’m super picky about both, and I’m not budging on those.

Now, speaking of boots, I’m looking for a good lace-up, SASS-compliant pair. Ariat Heritage Lacers popped up in my research, but I’d love to hear your recommendations. For everyday wear, I’m a Timberland, Danner, and Thorogood kind of guy, but the ones I own are heavy-duty work boots with exposed lugs, so not exactly compliant or great for “movin and groovin’” at a match.

Any tips on boots, or even some style advice for a low-key cowboy, would be much appreciated!

 

[DeaconKC]

I've worn these for years. Very comfortable and have held up well.

https://www.bootbarn.com/roper-mens-work-it-hard-lace-up-roper-boots---square-toe/2000398195.html?msclkid=81ec40bc1b6213183a0927ef34f5f20a&utm_campaign=Shopping&utm_content=boots&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&utm_term=4583382940639607

[Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L]

5 minutes ago, KatfishKid said:

I’m a pretty reserved guy who doesn’t like to draw much attention to himself. But my wife? Oh, she’s ready to dive headfirst into cowboy action shooting, and her favorite part? The costuming! Even if it takes a while for me to get her into the shooting, she'll likely be there with me dressed the part and cheering me on.

While I’m most excited about the shooting side of things, she’s already started buying me all sorts of “cowboy” stuff. I had to ask her to slow down a bit so we can figure out a style we both like first. That said, I told her she can dress me up however she wants if it gets us doing this together...but there are two rules: no touching my hat or my boots! I’m super picky about both, and I’m not budging on those.

Have her check out this forum SASS Costuming Forum - SASS Wire Forum there are lots of ideas there.

[Boggus Deal #64218]

I’ve worn Justin lace up Ropers for years. They’re the most comfortable I’ve found for me. Tractor Supply usually has them at the best price I’ve found.

[Griff]

Until I hit my '60s, I was strictly a Paul Bond working cowboy boot kinda guy.  Now they're solely for riding... walking in riding boots got too rough on the feet.  I now pretty much wear Justin crepe soled walkers... 

[Edward R S Canby, SASS#59971]

I wear lacer boots with lug soles.  Since I do not shoot in costuming categories the soles are legal.  I prefer lug soles when shooting on muddy ground.  Slipping and falling when handing loaded firearms is unsafe.  I bought my last pair of boots at Boot Barn, a local western wear retailer.  Most any western wear retailer should have the boots you seek.

 

When my wife and I compete in the best dressed couple costume contest she selects my costume.  That works because we have won a few of these contests.  She did not shoot our first two years but eventually started shooting LFC.  She now has more buckles and trophies than me (and I'm proud of her).

 

 

[Rip Snorter]

Also sometimes referred to as Packer Boots.

[The Revenuer]

I also prefer lacer boots.  Here is what I currently have and they are very comfortable.

 

[Rattlesnake Slim]

I wear the Ariat Heritage Lacers. Totally comfortable and they last an average of about five years, and I wear them for a lot more than just cowboy matches.

[Burn Through]

The tax man has a good looken boot there ,,, but you can get ya ones like you have with a stealthier sole I bet ... if ya  have enough smoke loaded in your shells they won't even be able to see your boots ha ha  .. good luck and watch the tax man he has a lot of good pointers and moves .. and his bride has almost told him most of what makes her so fast but she keeps some speed secrets from him I recon LOL

[Jack Spade]

I also am a lace up guy because I find it supports my ankles more and let's me move faster.  I wear the Twisted X lace ups.  By far the most comfortable out of the box boot I have ever worn.

https://boots-etc.com/products/twisted-x-mens-8-waterproof-cellstretch-lacer-work-boot?variant=45402489553066&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content={21879071924}-173745786367-720213451389&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA3sq6BhD2ARIsAJ8MRwVYAnP7isr6AgyyNMfDDM0qpVPQHfTHPpVBNHmlwAF52b_qO5wPETsaAhY2EALw_wcB

[Creeker, SASS #43022]

21 minutes ago, Jack Spade said:

I also am a lace up guy because I find it supports my ankles more and let's me move faster.

I wear lacers for the same reasons.

Well, maybe not the fast part, as that ship has sailed.

But a combination of too many years of football and wrestling (broke both of my ankles more than once) AND then after college of carrying too much fat around have done a number on my ankles.

 

 

[Capt. R. Hugh Kidnme]

I'm a big fan of Double H packers/lacers. I own 2 pairs - very comfortable.

[Long Fingers, SASS#56813]

You said your a work boot guy. Might look at a pair of wolverine floor hands. 
 

comfortable, lug sole, water proof if you want and under $100. I added kilties, they look as cowboy as any of the packers/ lacers I have had in the past. 
 

LF 

[Stump Water]

On 12/6/2024 at 12:40 PM, Boggus Deal #64218 said:

I’ve worn Justin lace up Ropers for years. They’re the most comfortable I’ve found for me. 

 

Ditto.

[Whitey James]

16 hours ago, Jack Spade said:

I also am a lace up guy because I find it supports my ankles more and let's me move faster.  I wear the Twisted X lace ups.  By far the most comfortable out of the box boot I have ever worn.

https://boots-etc.com/products/twisted-x-mens-8-waterproof-cellstretch-lacer-work-boot?variant=45402489553066&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content={21879071924}-173745786367-720213451389&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA3sq6BhD2ARIsAJ8MRwVYAnP7isr6AgyyNMfDDM0qpVPQHfTHPpVBNHmlwAF52b_qO5wPETsaAhY2EALw_wcB

I have a pair of Ariat lacers that are okay but have a more rounded toe box. These look like they would be more comfortable for people like me with wide feet at the toe

[watab kid]

been wearing an old ppair of ropers for a couple decades , o think its time for something new so im watchin this thread carefully 

[Mister Badly]

I wear leather mock toe lace up boots with a wedge sole. 

[Abe E.S. Corpus SASS #87667]

As others have said, lugged soles are only prohibited in the Classic Cowboy and B-Western categories.  They are legal for the other 90% of shooters.

[Equanimous Phil]

On 12/6/2024 at 6:12 PM, Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L said:

Have her check out this forum SASS Costuming Forum - SASS Wire Forum there are lots of ideas there.

 

Thanks for that link! I wasn't aware of this new sub forum until today 

[Captain Bill Burt]

I’m a fan of Whites boots.

 

https://shop.whitesboots.com/lifestyle-boots/mp-m1-half-lug/

 

Like these but without the toe cap.