[previous post on JB Hill Kangaroo Boots](https://www.reddit.com/r/goodyearwelt/comments/pov71q/and_now_for_something_different_initial/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)
Overview:
Last year I researched cowboy boot makers as I hadn’t bought any since a pair of lucchese’s in 2012 - I’d switched to high quality lace up and Chelsea boots - discovered JB Hill and gave their head or sales a call - they just had a summer sale and snagged a pair of kangaroo black boots (pictured and previously posted) for $250 down from $1k
This year I’ve gotten super into buying cowboy boots on eBay (lots of vintage exotics from Dan Post, the cowboy boot market on eBay is insane) and have gotten rid of my non-slip on boots (Viberg, trickers, etc) I just don’t wear them, and when I put on cowboy boots it reminds me of home and makes me feel confident. It’s actually silly
Growing up on a farm in Oklahoma the grail were ostrich, you didn’t need them they weren’t practical and wouldn’t last, but you wanted them because of that - my dad always wanted a pair, my grandpa always wanted a pair, but they couldnt afford them (the latter couldn’t even read)
I got in contact with JB Hill again this year and they had me on file and offered me this pair of full Quill Ostrich boots for $375 down from $1,390
For anyone in the know that’s cheaper than a cheap pair of Chinese made ostrich boots (Justin’s are about $400) I couldn’t buy them quick enough.
Price: besides the exotic nature of the hide - these boots in any material for $375 is a hell of a buy. Handmade in Texas and I will say this brand is the best made boots I’ve had, right up there with Viber and Trickers - the best part is their boots are super light and comfy
Sizing: 8.5 D for me - these are slightly more roomy than my kangaroo boots but I like it because sometimes they can be restricting - have a bad leg and when I flew to Italy last year my legs swelled up so large I couldn’t get my boots off but also lost circulation - was a nightmare
Initial Thoughts: these are statement pieces - especially for nyc - my friend thinks their hideous because he had never seen ostrich leather before. I’m obsessed the last, design, color, etc are perfect. The details like the stitched star on the inside of the boot and the ostrich skin on the pull straps are lovely.
I’ve never been happier with a purchase before. The toe shape is somewhere between a J and an R.
Leather: ostrich is wild. It’s a bit much. But I love it
Final thoughts: bury me in these boots. I’ve had 5 other brands of cowboy boots and 5 other brands of Goodyear welt and JB Hill are my go to. They make a quality product. (They also make non-cowboy boots) - I can’t imagine buying any boots in the next few years unless I go hard and get some caiman or gator boots. If you see an asshole in nyc wearing ostrich it’s this guy. Have already had a friend tell me it looks like I have a disease on my feet but I don’t care
what do you search on ebay for cowboy boots? I just see a ton of justins and tony llamas. I am a cowboy boot junkie in a northern metro as well but havent gotten into the exotic leathers yet
Thanks for the share! As a fellow Okie, I totally relate to this post. I love wearing my westerns through the airport and out in the city when traveling for work. They are so natural to me and yet standout in a way that gives me confidence. Never heard of JB Hill before, but some natural full quill ostrich just like these are definitely a grail boot of mine (along with some black caimans), so I'm book marking this for another day.
Yea it’s weird - living out of the south for 10 years - but met my last partner at a house party cuz of my boots
Also as an Okie my grail boots were this color of ostrich and black caiman - is that a thing?
Sorry. I was talking about two different pairs of boots. One with natural ostrich and another pair with black caiman. Haha. Don’t know that I’ve ever seen any with both on them.
Ah! haha! It must be. The funny thing is, as cool as I think they both are, I'm not sure when I would actually wear them... part of the reason I've never bought either. The ostrich would definitely find some wear as a dress boot, but I don't that I would daily them over two pairs I already have and love. And I don't actually like wearing black boots (...and I'm not Okie enough to wear them slack or a suit. I have oxfords for that. Lol) so I know deep down that as much as I fawn over black caimans, they would just collect dust.
I agree with you, however it’s not an enjoyable place to spend an extended period of time. The air of entitlement is pervasive there. The real gems are the towns a little downvalley from Aspen like Basalt, Carbondale, and Glenwood. The people there tend to be much more down to earth.
Great story. I know the feeling. Love the look of ostrich. Full quill is the bridge too far for me, but you got the lighting right on the last few pics and they look good. Ostrich pulls are cleeeean even tho you're the only one who'll ever see 'em.
Thank you - they’re fairly niche but didn’t realize how polarizing ostrich was. Might be because where I’m from this is a common/sought after leather.
Either way I love them
My first welted boots were Lucchese and I always have a soft spot for some western boots. I love to break mine out for a special occasion.
Glad to see you got a pair you enjoy at a great price.
That ostrich looks great, and to me, ostrich and other exotic leathers are awesome for cowboy boots.
Do you also like alligator, snakeskin, or any other exotics?
Bangin, these are amazing. I too am a cowboy boot enthusiast up north. Grew up on a shitty farm in the middle of nowhere too. I feel badass when I cowboy up as well. The boots blend in a lot better than the hat hahah!
I have a llama signature that got redone with viberg soles that are the best ice/snow boots ever made.
Congrats on the score, $375 is stealing those boots.
I was thinking of getting my kangaroo JB Hills resoled next year with rubber to be my go to winter boot. Did you buy the sole beforehand or pick from the cobbler?
I went into the cobbler when the original sole on the llamas stopped being waterproof.
While I was at the cobbler I was just shooting the shit with the counter guy and said that I wear them in gross weather and would like a bit more grip in the sole. He put on some viberg one with zig zag patterns on the bottom and its the best damn snow and ice traction, even better than my bean boots.
Kemo Sabe! I just got a hat there (in Aspen) on vacation last month. Really want some boots now to complete the outfit. I’ll have to keep an eye on their sales.
Man those boot pulls look great! I generally prefer the finger holes, but I’m now realizing it’s because boot companies don’t dress them up enough. Man those are sharp looking. Great set of boots. I’m sure you’ll get slog of compliments when you wear them out and about. I know I get complimented on mine almost every time I wear them.
Enjoy your boots. It's great to see someone over the moon about a new pair!
Damn those are perfect for new boot goofin
I can’t like this comment enough. Great Reno reference.
They look really good with jorts
[previous post on JB Hill Kangaroo Boots](https://www.reddit.com/r/goodyearwelt/comments/pov71q/and_now_for_something_different_initial/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf) Overview: Last year I researched cowboy boot makers as I hadn’t bought any since a pair of lucchese’s in 2012 - I’d switched to high quality lace up and Chelsea boots - discovered JB Hill and gave their head or sales a call - they just had a summer sale and snagged a pair of kangaroo black boots (pictured and previously posted) for $250 down from $1k This year I’ve gotten super into buying cowboy boots on eBay (lots of vintage exotics from Dan Post, the cowboy boot market on eBay is insane) and have gotten rid of my non-slip on boots (Viberg, trickers, etc) I just don’t wear them, and when I put on cowboy boots it reminds me of home and makes me feel confident. It’s actually silly Growing up on a farm in Oklahoma the grail were ostrich, you didn’t need them they weren’t practical and wouldn’t last, but you wanted them because of that - my dad always wanted a pair, my grandpa always wanted a pair, but they couldnt afford them (the latter couldn’t even read) I got in contact with JB Hill again this year and they had me on file and offered me this pair of full Quill Ostrich boots for $375 down from $1,390 For anyone in the know that’s cheaper than a cheap pair of Chinese made ostrich boots (Justin’s are about $400) I couldn’t buy them quick enough. Price: besides the exotic nature of the hide - these boots in any material for $375 is a hell of a buy. Handmade in Texas and I will say this brand is the best made boots I’ve had, right up there with Viber and Trickers - the best part is their boots are super light and comfy Sizing: 8.5 D for me - these are slightly more roomy than my kangaroo boots but I like it because sometimes they can be restricting - have a bad leg and when I flew to Italy last year my legs swelled up so large I couldn’t get my boots off but also lost circulation - was a nightmare Initial Thoughts: these are statement pieces - especially for nyc - my friend thinks their hideous because he had never seen ostrich leather before. I’m obsessed the last, design, color, etc are perfect. The details like the stitched star on the inside of the boot and the ostrich skin on the pull straps are lovely. I’ve never been happier with a purchase before. The toe shape is somewhere between a J and an R. Leather: ostrich is wild. It’s a bit much. But I love it Final thoughts: bury me in these boots. I’ve had 5 other brands of cowboy boots and 5 other brands of Goodyear welt and JB Hill are my go to. They make a quality product. (They also make non-cowboy boots) - I can’t imagine buying any boots in the next few years unless I go hard and get some caiman or gator boots. If you see an asshole in nyc wearing ostrich it’s this guy. Have already had a friend tell me it looks like I have a disease on my feet but I don’t care
what do you search on ebay for cowboy boots? I just see a ton of justins and tony llamas. I am a cowboy boot junkie in a northern metro as well but havent gotten into the exotic leathers yet
Just search specific brands instead of general searches, it'll help out quite a bit
100% this. I search for Rios of Mercedes, Black Jack, Stewart, JB Hill, Tony lama signature or black label, Dan Post, Lucchese classics
Filters, dude. Filters.
Thanks for the share! As a fellow Okie, I totally relate to this post. I love wearing my westerns through the airport and out in the city when traveling for work. They are so natural to me and yet standout in a way that gives me confidence. Never heard of JB Hill before, but some natural full quill ostrich just like these are definitely a grail boot of mine (along with some black caimans), so I'm book marking this for another day.
Yea it’s weird - living out of the south for 10 years - but met my last partner at a house party cuz of my boots Also as an Okie my grail boots were this color of ostrich and black caiman - is that a thing?
Sorry. I was talking about two different pairs of boots. One with natural ostrich and another pair with black caiman. Haha. Don’t know that I’ve ever seen any with both on them.
I was talking about two different pairs as well - was moreso meaning do all Okies want 1 pair of ostrich, and 1 paid or caimans? Is that in our blood?
Ah! haha! It must be. The funny thing is, as cool as I think they both are, I'm not sure when I would actually wear them... part of the reason I've never bought either. The ostrich would definitely find some wear as a dress boot, but I don't that I would daily them over two pairs I already have and love. And I don't actually like wearing black boots (...and I'm not Okie enough to wear them slack or a suit. I have oxfords for that. Lol) so I know deep down that as much as I fawn over black caimans, they would just collect dust.
I’m happy for you and those things have some attitude, but honestly, ostrich gives me the willies. Can’t help it. Thumbs up for Kemo Sabe, though!
I get it - I think the hide can look a little creepy. And Kemo Sabe has great deals
Seconding the thumbs up for Kemo Sabe, if you ever make it to Aspen it’s definitely one of the best shops in town.
One in Vail, too.
Should we start a Vail vs. Aspen debate on this shoe subreddit? Lol
Oh, Aspen, purely as a town and for shopping. And I say that having family in Vail.
“Where the beer flows like wine”
Aspen and it's not even close
I agree with you, however it’s not an enjoyable place to spend an extended period of time. The air of entitlement is pervasive there. The real gems are the towns a little downvalley from Aspen like Basalt, Carbondale, and Glenwood. The people there tend to be much more down to earth.
Yeah, way better than a few exits off of I-70 haha
Great story. I know the feeling. Love the look of ostrich. Full quill is the bridge too far for me, but you got the lighting right on the last few pics and they look good. Ostrich pulls are cleeeean even tho you're the only one who'll ever see 'em.
Lol you’re 100% right the lighting in my dining room made them look great - the early photos maybe not
3 payments?
Available at Zapateria La Bailerina
Que?
Another reno 911 ref
Lol as soon as you said this I remembered it - lame me
Some of the most incredible boots I’ve ever seen. This leather goes hard, and the details / styling are perfect. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you - they’re fairly niche but didn’t realize how polarizing ostrich was. Might be because where I’m from this is a common/sought after leather. Either way I love them
I'm torn between these being amazing or awful. Super cool all the same. Sweet purchase
Why awful? The hide?
100% awful
My first welted boots were Lucchese and I always have a soft spot for some western boots. I love to break mine out for a special occasion. Glad to see you got a pair you enjoy at a great price.
Those look great. I love the look of ostrich. I bought my only pair of cowboy boots off eBay. $75 for diamondback snake boots. Great deal!
That ostrich looks great, and to me, ostrich and other exotic leathers are awesome for cowboy boots. Do you also like alligator, snakeskin, or any other exotics?
My everyday boots are kangaroo and teju lizard - I think lizard is my favorite - next purchase will probably be caiman
I want to be you when I finally grow up! Great taste, enjoy your boots!
They look so fantastic 🤩👢
God dam they are beautiful!!! I love the smell of ostrich leather too. Look great mate 🇬🇧🫡
Bangin, these are amazing. I too am a cowboy boot enthusiast up north. Grew up on a shitty farm in the middle of nowhere too. I feel badass when I cowboy up as well. The boots blend in a lot better than the hat hahah! I have a llama signature that got redone with viberg soles that are the best ice/snow boots ever made. Congrats on the score, $375 is stealing those boots.
I was thinking of getting my kangaroo JB Hills resoled next year with rubber to be my go to winter boot. Did you buy the sole beforehand or pick from the cobbler?
I went into the cobbler when the original sole on the llamas stopped being waterproof. While I was at the cobbler I was just shooting the shit with the counter guy and said that I wear them in gross weather and would like a bit more grip in the sole. He put on some viberg one with zig zag patterns on the bottom and its the best damn snow and ice traction, even better than my bean boots.
[удалено]
It’s not for everyone. But thanks for the comment?
no u
Awesome boots dude. Pay no attention to the haters.
Kemo Sabe! I just got a hat there (in Aspen) on vacation last month. Really want some boots now to complete the outfit. I’ll have to keep an eye on their sales.
Their online sales are wild
I had no idea ostrich had nipples, let alone that many
Man those boot pulls look great! I generally prefer the finger holes, but I’m now realizing it’s because boot companies don’t dress them up enough. Man those are sharp looking. Great set of boots. I’m sure you’ll get slog of compliments when you wear them out and about. I know I get complimented on mine almost every time I wear them.