Big Feet and Custom Boots

[cenedi]

I have been mostly lurking here for a month or so, but I have a question I don't feel comfortable asking anywhere else, so it is time to stop lurking.

I am starting to build a costume for Cowboy Action Shooting, but the costume is more important to me than the competition. I know I am unlikely to build a 100% historically accurate costume, but I would like it to look at least reasonably close even when the rules for competition do not require accuracy.  You guys appear to shop at (or at least browse) the same stores I do online, so I thought you might be able to provide some useful information.

I think I can figure out most of the costume, but I am having a lot of trouble with boots.  I wear size 14 1/2 shoes (usually I just wear size 15, but the fit is not quite what I would prefer).  I want to wear cavalry boots, but any square toe stovepipe boot no taller than my knee would probably be reasonable.

The problem is that every vendor I can find selling these boots stops at size 12 or 13. I have seen plenty of vendors selling custom boots in these styles, but I hesitate to risk losing a lot of money on custom boots without any assurance that the vendor is reliable.

If any of you have purchased custom boots, I would like to hear about your experience. I'm less interested in information on who makes which styles of boots (though that would be useful, too) than I am about the experience in general.  What problems did you encounter?  How did you decide where to buy them?  Was the quality what you expected?

Any information would be useful, including pointing out historical inaccuracies in my preferences above.  I'm looking at a period between 1866 and 1880.  I would prefer to keep it as early as possible in that range, but I suspect that my choice of revolver will force me to at least consider anything before 1873.  If it was new technology in 1875 or later, It may be too late for me.

[promethium]

there is a fellow who goes by the monaker motorcowboy whom you may wish to track down. while pricey he has a good reputation and my understanding is all of his work is custom. however i would not know as i cannot afford his wares.

[HAC]

Only experience I have is with my bespoke cowboy boots.. These were pricey, but they fit like a glove. I also got to pick the hides, and design the uppers, and have the heel hight/angle as I wished..Well worth the extra simply for the comfort..with me it was the opposite of big feet, narrow, but high instep and arch.

FYi.. Ostrich lowers, kangaroo uppers..



Cheers
Harold

[WisconsinPlatt]

The best boots I've ever had made for me was in a little shop in Waegwan, Korea.  Step in, browse through the myriad of catalogs (or just bring in a picture of the boots you want).  Put your feet down on a piece of paper while Oddishe traces around your foot.  Come back in a week and $30 -$50 later walk out in your new boots.

Now...short of going back to the "Land of the Morning Calm", I can't be of much help.  Sorry.

[cenedi]

Thank you everyone. This will help a bit.

Prices were a bit higher when I was in Korea, but for the cost of a flight and some boots, I could have someone here make two to four pair or buy the materials to screw up ten pair myself before making one good set. 

That said, tracing around the foot appears to be the standard method. A few vendors claim to provide instructions to get proper measurements, but most require drawing on a template.  If you have been through the template process (I would not expect it to be any different in Korea than it is here) how accurate was it?


HAC, I would be afraid to put my feet into those even if they fit. They look almost too beautiful to wear.

[HAC]

Yeah, but they are comfy, soft as butter ostrich.  BTW, ostrich is a pretty tough leather, as long as you keep it clean and conditioned.
I wouldn't wear those riding, but they do get worn regularly. My riding cowboy  boots are a pair of butt ugly tan oiled leather, with 2" riding heels.. Ugly, but tough as nails.
Cheers
Harold