They Blog with Their Boots On

Riding High: Getting the Perfect Fit

Riding High: Getting the Perfect Fit

When it comes to snagging either your first pair of cowboy boots or adding another trusty pair to your collection, getting the fit just right is as important as a good saddle on a buckin' bronco. 

Western boots are built tough, ready to stand the test of time, making them a solid investment for years of wear. 

They're made to brave the wildest of conditions, from rugged trails to fierce weather, making them the perfect choice for anyone who spends their days under the big sky. 

And sometimes... we just want them to look good. 

Well, either way, boots should also be as comfortable as a well-worn saddle. 

They're designed to hug your foot and offer top-notch support.  They provide stability that keeps you on your feet, whether you're riding into the sunset or kickin' up dust on the trail. 

 

Here at Jack's we have an Ariat store... 3000 sq feet of just Ariat merchandise. Ariat has a complete guide to fitting cowboy boots.

1. Put the boot on and listen for the faint “pop” as your foot slides into place.
2. Confirm the proper amount of heel lift (there should be some lift, but not too much).
3. Comfortably stand, and then place a sideways thumb between the tip of your toe and the end of the boot. This is the proper amount of space between your toes and boot end.
4. Walk around to confirm comfort, fit, and heel lift.

Put on Those Boots

The first thing you want to do when fitting a new pair of boots is to insert your foot into the boot’s shaft and firmly grasp the pull tabs or pull holes.

  • The shaft is the upper portion of the boot where your calf and shin will rest.
  • Depending on the boot, there will either be holes or tabs to assist in pulling the boot on.

Once you pull the boots past the resistance point in the arch you will hear a faint popping noise as your foot enters its resting place. The resistance point will come from the top of your foot in the arch area and also your heel inside the shaft.

Check for Slight Heel Lift

Heel lift is the gap between the insole of the boot and your heel. It is caused by a slight amount of room from the arch to the toe area of the boot. This room should not exceed more than 1/8th of an inch and is necessary for a proper and comfortable fit.

Check the Fit

Once you have the boots on it's time to make sure they fit. To ensure the proper fit for any boot, make sure the widest part of the ball of your foot rests on the widest part of the boot’s outsole.

Check the Tip of the Boot

Once your feet feel comfortable, stand up in your boots and try to use a sideways thumb to help judge the distance between the tip of your toe and the end of the boot. Your toe should rest about one thumb width away from the end of the toe box. Here are a couple things to keep in mind:

  • The toe box is the portion of the boot that houses your toes. It is the portion of the boot that starts at the base of your toes and ends at the tip of the boot. Wider toe shapes will often have a wider toe box.
  • Remember everyone’s toes are a different length so it’s always a good idea to have that sideways thumb distance from the tip of your toe to the end of the toe box.

Walk Around to Confirm Comfort and Fit

Whether you are trying boots on in-store or at home make sure you walk around in them to ensure you have the appropriate heel lift. Remember, 1/8th of an inch is the ideal room for heel lift. Anything more than that and the boots will feel large and clunky, anything less will make your boots feel too tight.

As you pull the boots on you may experience slight resistance in the boot’s arch area. This is expected as it allows your foot to get a snug fit and will ensure that your heel also has the appropriate heel lift.

Don’t forget that socks will also have an effect on the way the boot fits. We recommend using a good boot sock when trying on a boot. Remember, the sock you try the boot on with should be the same sock you will wear in the boots. A thicker sock may lead to a larger size needed or a thinner sock may feel like you need a more snug fit.

 

Continue reading

Boots, Boots & Boot Jacks

Boots, Boots & Boot Jacks

Well, partner, let me spin you a yarn and help you get those boots off!

Picture this: you’ve just rolled in from a wild ride, the sun setting behind you like a scene from a classic western. But then, just as you think the day’s a wrap, you find yourself in a tussle with your new boots!

You’re hopping around like a one-legged cowboy, face as red as a ripe tomato, and here you are—stuck with one boot still on.

It’s a sight, I tell ya!

Now, if you’ve ever faced this boot dilemma, you know it’s a rite of passage.

Sure, you might try that toe-off trick—where you use the toe of one boot to shove off the other. It’s a decent move, but it’s best left for old, scuffed boots that have seen better days. Nobody wants to scuff up a brand-new pair, am I right?

Or even have a friend try and yank the boot off!  It turns into a game of tug of war.

But hold your horses! There’s a better way to kick off those stubborn boots without all the fuss and bother.

Let me introduce you to the boot jack, the cowboy’s best friend when it comes to boot removal.

This nifty wooden contraption has been around since the 1800s, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.

Designed to help cowpokes like us deal with all kinds of boots, it keeps our hands clean and free of mud or, heaven forbid, manure.

Just imagine a cowboy, boots caked with the day’s adventures, stepping onto this trusty device and freeing himself with style!

Using a boot jack is as easy as pie.

You simply slide the heel of your boot into the U-shaped opening while your other foot stands on the flat end. With a swift pull, your foot pops right out—no bending, no jerking, and absolutely no scuffs to be found!

Now this handy device has been around for a LONG time.

A little digging revealed that the oldest boot jack patent dates all the way back to 1887.

Many of these gadgets were made of cast iron, tough enough to handle the hardest of boots.

And some? Well, let’s just say they were considered downright scandalous in their day. I’m sure the picture below will explain why.

 

But if you’re looking for a more traditional boot jack ~ well, we sell them here at Jack’s.  You can buy them in the store or online for just $17.

Now go on, partner, and ride into the sunset—boot-free and full of style!

 

Continue reading

The Return of Brushpoppers at Jack's!

The Return of Brushpoppers at Jack's!

Saddle up for the return of Wrangler Brushpoppers at Jack's Western Wear!

The long-awaited Wrangler Brushpoppers have galloped back into town, and the latest fall 2024 styles have landed at Jack's!

Originally introduced in 1979 and retired in 2003, these rugged shirts are making a triumphant comeback, and you'll want to snag one before they're all rustled up.

So, what exactly is a brushpopper, you ask?

Think of it as a cowboy who thrives in those wild, brushy terrains - brave, bold, and ready for anything.  

And just like the cowboys they're named after, Wrangler Brushpopper shirts are tough as nails. 

Designed to be water-repellent and resistant to wind, dust, and sand, these shirts feature a unique wax-like finish that gives them that classic, heavy-duty feel.  It's like having a starched shirt that doesn't require any of the hassle - now that's a win!

Don't let the thickness fool you! These shirts are as comfortable as they come. They won't cling to your skin, and they strike the perfect balance - keeping you cozy without overheating. 

Crafted to last, they give you that sturdy, stout look that's perfect for any cowboy.

The vintage-inspired Brushpopper western snap work shirt is made from soft cotton, ensuring comfort in every season. With its bold, colorful stripes inspired by the vibrant 90s, you'll be turning heads wherever you roam. 

And, of course, it wouldn't be a Wrangler without those iconic details - pointed yokes front and back, chest pockets adorned with Wrangler's signature "W" stitching, and those classic pearl snaps. 

So saddle up and head on down to Jack's to grab your Wrangler Brushpopper before they ride off into the sunset!

Check out this ad from 1992 ~ the Wrangler Brushpopper ~ Featuring Tuff Hedeman, World Champion Bull Rider ~ & Ty Murray, World Champion All-Around Cowboy

 

Continue reading
Back to top