Cowboy boots

[Rusty1960]

Was fitted this summer for a pair of boots while in Texas. Delivery is expected by the end of the year. They spend a lot of time measuring and having me try on a number of boots to confirm sizing. Given that they have my last, is it poor taste to share designs from other makers or Tyler Beard’s books? Ostrich leg has caught my eye. I don’t have the time to travel to the other makers. Thanks for your input.

 

[gnatty8]

Was fitted this summer for a pair of boots while in Texas. Delivery is expected by the end of the year. They spend a lot of time measuring and having me try on a number of boots to confirm sizing. Given that they have my last, is it poor taste to share designs from other makers or Tyler Beard’s books? Ostrich leg has caught my eye. I don’t have the time to travel to the other makers. Thanks for your input.

I would think "inspired by" will be very different from "carbon copied" if you catch my drift. Personally I wouldn't have a maker produce an exact copy of a boot designed by another maker, but if I wanted him to pull together inspiration from various elements, I personally wouldn't think that'd be frowned upon. Assume a good maker probably would decline to make a perfect copy anyway.

 

[troika]

Hairy boys check

 

[SixOhNine]

I would think "inspired by" will be very different from "carbon copied" if you catch my drift. Personally I wouldn't have a maker produce an exact copy of a boot designed by another maker, but if I wanted him to pull together inspiration from various elements, I personally wouldn't think that'd be frowned upon. Assume a good maker probably would decline to make a perfect copy anyway.

This^^

 

[Rusty1960]

This^^

I solved my problem by contacting the maker of the boot I liked. Flying out in a few weeks to get fitted for it. Simple. Looks Like I may be getting a few pair made. Thanks.

 

[DWFII]

Was fitted this summer for a pair of boots while in Texas. Delivery is expected by the end of the year. They spend a lot of time measuring and having me try on a number of boots to confirm sizing. Given that they have my last, is it poor taste to share designs from other makers or Tyler Beard’s books? Ostrich leg has caught my eye. I don’t have the time to travel to the other makers. Thanks for your input.

For one thing, although it may not be immediately evident to the 'untutored' eye, every maker develops his own style... almost unconsciously. I can near-as-nevermind recognize the work of a particular maker of a boot (although I never set out to) just by looking at the way the tops sit on the last or the way the quarters and counters come together. The shape of the heel, the way the boot is treed or the finish on the outsole. I have my own look as well.

For another thing, it is rare to see a stitch pattern or a combination of inlay and/or overlay that is unique. As much as we might try to create original patterns (and I was almost obsessive in that regard), they are always derivative of something we've seen or of something in Nature.

And most of these 'patterns' have been around for ages...enough time to enter the 'public domain,' if nothing else.

Who came up with the Adelaide? Or broguing or the toe medallion? Are they protected? Is it unethical to make an Adelaide without contacting the original designer? (Seance, maybe?)

Ostrich leg has been around for as long as ostrich leather. No maker has an exclusive right to it nor even the right to use it in a particular way.

Beyond all that, no maker worth his salt would directly copy another maker's designs. Not even with permission. I was 'given' a number of patterns and design ideas from my mentor (long gone now)...expressly. I changed nearly every single one of them. I wanted what I was offering/doing to be mine and to 'own' it. I suspect every maker has that impulse to one degree or another.

So don't overthink it.... xD

 

[edinatlanta]

For one thing, although it may not be immediately evident to the 'untutored' eye, every maker develops his own style... almost unconsciously. I can near-as-nevermind recognize the work of a particular maker of a boot (although I never set out to) just by looking at the way the tops sit on the last or the way the quarters and counters come together. The shape of the heel, the way the boot is treed or the finish on the outsole. I have my own look as well.

For another thing, it is rare to see a stitch pattern or a combination of inlay and/or overlay that is unique. As much as we might try to create original patterns (and I was almost obsessive in that regard), they are always derivative of something we've seen or of something in Nature.

And most of these 'patterns' have been around for ages...enough time to enter the 'public domain,' if nothing else.

Who came up with the Adelaide? Or broguing or the toe medallion? Are they protected? Is it unethical to make an Adelaide without contacting the original designer? (Seance, maybe?)

Ostrich leg has been around for as long as ostrich leather. No maker has an exclusive right to it nor even the right to use it in a particular way.

Beyond all that, no maker worth his salt would directly copy another maker's designs. Not even with permission. I was 'given' a number of patterns and design ideas from my mentor (long gone now)...expressly. I changed nearly every single one of them. I wanted what I was offering/doing to be mine and to 'own' it. I suspect every maker has that impulse to one degree or another.

So don't overthink it.... xD

Do you have examples of any cactus-themed inlays you've done?

 

[DWFII]

Do you have examples of any cactus-themed inlays you've done?

Never was asked to do a cactus inlay. Will roses do?

Here are a few photos of some of my work. Beginning with post #315, 21Aug 2012 and continuing on the next page:

Cowboy boots

Ray, While I am sure they're out there somewhere, and I am by no means an expert on the history of cowboy boot design, I can say this: That one you posted is my first leather double sole on a working cowboy boot. I've seen a composite sole added for comfort over a stock leather sole...

www.styleforum.net

And: http://www.bootmaker.com/styles.htm (click thumbs for larger view)

Also my Instagram page (in my signature) although Instagram seems to be down at the moment.

 

[edinatlanta]

Never was asked to do a cactus inlay. Will roses do?

Here are a few photos of some of my work. Beginning with post #315, 21Aug 2012 and continuing on the next page:

Cowboy boots

Ray, While I am sure they're out there somewhere, and I am by no means an expert on the history of cowboy boot design, I can say this: That one you posted is my first leather double sole on a working cowboy boot. I've seen a composite sole added for comfort over a stock leather sole...

www.styleforum.net

And: http://www.bootmaker.com/styles.htm (click thumbs for larger view)

Really good stuff. I keep thinking next year I will get a pair made with the inlay I want. Now I need to not make other purchases first.

 

[DWFII]

Also...FYI https://www.styleforum.net/threads/cowboy-boots.1500/post-8241025 Post number #453

 

[edinatlanta]

Also...FYI https://www.styleforum.net/threads/cowboy-boots.1500/post-8241025 Post number #453

The black pair with the head dress...

Also, what are your thoughts on incorporating university imagery?

 

[DWFII]

The black pair with the head dress...

Also, what are your thoughts on incorporating university imagery?

I don't see anything wrong with it as long as there are no copyright issues...although these days no one seems to care enough about such things to make it a problem.

Something that needs to be said...just for clarity...I'm no longer taking orders or actively making boots for anyone outside of family. So my thoughts on cactii and university logos are pretty much beside the point.

 

[Rusty1960]

For one thing, although it may not be immediately evident to the 'untutored' eye, every maker develops his own style... almost unconsciously. I can near-as-nevermind recognize the work of a particular maker of a boot (although I never set out to) just by looking at the way the tops sit on the last or the way the quarters and counters come together. The shape of the heel, the way the boot is treed or the finish on the outsole. I have my own look as well.

For another thing, it is rare to see a stitch pattern or a combination of inlay and/or overlay that is unique. As much as we might try to create original patterns (and I was almost obsessive in that regard), they are always derivative of something we've seen or of something in Nature.

And most of these 'patterns' have been around for ages...enough time to enter the 'public domain,' if nothing else.

Who came up with the Adelaide? Or broguing or the toe medallion? Are they protected? Is it unethical to make an Adelaide without contacting the original designer? (Seance, maybe?)

Ostrich leg has been around for as long as ostrich leather. No maker has an exclusive right to it nor even the right to use it in a particular way.

Beyond all that, no maker worth his salt would directly copy another maker's designs. Not even with permission. I was 'given' a number of patterns and design ideas from my mentor (long gone now)...expressly. I changed nearly every single one of them. I wanted what I was offering/doing to be mine and to 'own' it. I suspect every maker has that impulse to one degree or another.

So don't overthink it.... xD

DW, Thanks for the reply. A few years ago I came across a Oxford design from a bespoke maker in Europe. He only does bespoke. I reached out to see if he ever visited the United State or was there anyway to do it remotely. Received a very nice reply that he only does in person fittings and there would be three fittings. i understand his reasons and accept it. Send a picture of the shoes to another high end maker I have bought from before. He recognized the maker immediately and said he cou

 

[edinatlanta]

DW, Thanks for the reply. A few years ago I came across a Oxford design from a bespoke maker in Europe. He only does bespoke. I reached out to see if he ever visited the United State or was there anyway to do it remotely. Received a very nice reply that he only does in person fittings and there would be three fittings. i understand his reasons and accept it. Send a picture of the shoes to another high end maker I have bought from before. He recognized the maker immediately and said he cou

I think this poaster died while typing.

Rip in piece.

 

[Rusty1960]

I think this poaster died while typing.

i am alive and pondering how I got this footwear obsession. Just glad I wasn’t in to shoes when Friedman’s had the skin room in full swing.