The Difference Between Hand Made vs. Machine Made Cowboy Boots

www.fmlight.com What is the difference between a hand made boot, and a boot made by a machine? Learn the difference from Darel Kesner with Dan Post, and F.M. Light's Del Lockhart.
Hand Made:
A hand made boot is made completely of leather. This includes a leather outer, interior, stacked heel, sole and heel counter. The shank of the boot is held in place by pegs - this keeps it together.
Machine Made:
A machine made boot has only a few leather components, and this is the outer foot of the boot. The upper is composed of a man-made material, as is the inside, which is designed to wick away moisture.
What are the pros and cons?
A hand-made boot will last you forever. Whether you're a cowboy out in the heat and grime, or a businessman who likes western wear, this boot will wear well and will conform to your foot. Because of this durability, the price is higher.
A machine made boot offers the comfort and look of a cowboy boot, but will not last as long. Thus, the price is lower.
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[@mdnky]

Very Misleading title...this should read "The difference between synthetic and all-leather boots".

[@johnjohnsen7420]

My point was look for quality, I don't make boots anymore so it was not an advertisement for people to seek me out. I do however have a problem with companies cutting back on the quality that they once took great pride in and those companies no longer are owned by individuals whose name is on that boot and reputation is at stake.

[@seriouskaraoke879]

What a dumb distinction. I make shoes and I make them by hand. Every single step is performed by myself using only hand tools. I don't even use a sewing machine. It doesn't matter what materials I use, THAT is a hand made shoe. If I were to make a shoe out of polyster canvas, that would still be handmade shoe. The difference between handmade and "machine made" doesn't hinge on machine or hands, it's whether it is made by one skilled person or many unskilled persons, i.e., an assembly line. Wherever there is an assembly line there is also a lot of machine assisted assembly.

[@davesnothere8859]

I would still call it a hand made boot if you used a sewing machine, all leather hand made boot doesn't mean the same thing in Spokane.

[@inforapint]

Dan Post is a machine made boot... only custom bootmakers such as myself make boots that are hand made and take eight to ten week to make. The mechanics in this video of the boots anatomy is correct. But I disagree with saying that post 1985 Dan Post boots are not of great wearing quality. good custom made boots will run you about $750 to start and will last depending how much you abuse them ten to twenty years and can be resoled up to six times before the welt needs to be replaced...

[@Punk-Jw]

I wear cavalry and harness boots, which frye is the leader in, hands down, however 95% of the fryes from around 1994 to today are not what they used to be. You can still buy handmade artistans but, it isnt the same. New fryes arent lined, theyre rubber soled full welt with a flat square heel and base. Older fryes had a taller shaft, leather lined, 3/4 welt leather soles, stacked heels (or mademade base and cap) but western style. The stacked heels where a little taller, but not as tall as the stacked campus boots and not squared off the back. Those to me, are a much better boot, also newer fryes just dont fit like the older ones.

[@jayshriver3933]

Did he say $50 to $70 more for a hand made boot VS a factory made boot? How about $500 to $700 difference in price - minimum!

[@Prosecute-fauci]

Jay Shriver you are referring to a custom boot. That is a completely different catagory

[@randycurtis1176]

bill bixby Please post a link or info on handmade boots or shoes for $200. Even close to that figure.

[@andrewfarley5127]

Y'all are both wrong

[@jeffleblanc8850]

Randy Curtis handmade means a boot made with machines using hands then ther is custom handmade all done by hand with the older tools none of these machines that stitch the uppers of a boot you can get a handmade dan post on sale if you look for prob 250 but that’s not custom a custom boot is measured and cut by hand the carve the sole by hand they don’t use a machine dan post uses machines for all ther work they are not stched by hand as is some custom boots also handmade custom is a little shop usually not a big factory

[@firstlast-gs7dl]

Not a vast difference in price? 60-70 buck on a 175-200 dollar boot is about 40% or more over the first price. Personally, i get not having the money or having a boot that is less important to you, although they are a few to several hundred dollar shoes (boots) if 60 bucks is what is stopping you, you might be looking at the wrong thing. Boots just go up from there.

[@johnshrader1655]

I once worked for an art gallery owner who priced a painting high to help the consumer judge it superior to others.

[@inforapint]

Dan Post is a machine made boot... only custom bootmakers such as myself make boots that are hand made and take eight to ten week to make. The mechanics in this video of the boots anatomy is correct. But I disagree with saying that post 1985 Dan Post boots as well as other top brand named boots are of great wearing quality. good custom made boots will run you about $750 to start and will last depending how much you abuse them ten to twenty years and can be resoled up to six times before the welt needs to be replaced... I do have a pair of Dan Post from 1980 that I still wear they were made in Spain not the USA.

[@jacobthurston8901]

ok im sure dan post has made a couple if handmade boots and this guy has been in the boot business for 30 years hes not stupid...

[@inforapint]

So then why does he push and inferior product if he knows better?

[@jacobthurston8901]

In the 1960's, Dan Post Boots was created to offer a better boot to everyone who wanted authentic western boots. They made cowboy boots for real cowboys. Dan Post Boots innovated the western boot industry by committing themselves to building comfort into every pair of Dan Post Boots. The brand quickly became known for "Handcrafted Cushion Comfort." Dan Post Boots started that trend then and continues it today by looking for the most comfortable materials on the planet.

[@joeygonzo]

jacob thurston Fiberglass shank?

[@inforapint]

plastic

[@jacobsebastien3910]

That fake cowboy tho 😂

[@FMLightandSons]

Nice! Those are great brands. Cowboy boots are definitely the best footwear! :-)

[@johnshrader1655]

Speaking as a bootmaker, I say the hand made boot with the 3/4 welt and shaped and pegged shank is beautiful and the machine made boot is not so pleasing to look at. And the power inherent in leather makes the all- leather boot radiate life.

[@jeffleblanc8850]

I’ve seen hand made machine boots that are shit then ther is a custom handmade boot but usually start at a few thou

[@WolfRanger2008]

I particularly liked how Darel Kesner answered ALL questions asked AND answered them straightforwardly.

[@wildbillharding]

I like Lucchese boots from El Paso. They're tough and well-made, mostly by hand.

[@jeffleblanc8850]

And the soles don’t fall apart like dan post

[@joshwilcox8941]

After 8 "oks", I'm out

[@HBButler01]

Love my Python Dan Post Boots!

[@randycurtis1176]

This sounds like a used car salesman or a politician. Either way he's making distinctions that don't exist while ignoring distinctions that do exist. This isn't the same as the difference between made to measure vs. bespoke.

[@deadpresident78]

I would never consider even looking at a pair of boots that are not all leather. I even scoff at inserts. Dan Post is well known to use inserts and so does Elderado boots. I like the full leather experience. Why buy the fake ones. The amount people spend on fully fake tennis or basketball shoes is amazing. Spend the extra cash and get a full leather boot.

[@Febeleh]

The guy seemed to be quite technically knowledgable, but talked in circles and never fully answered a question. I understand there is more nuance, but for the sake of a quick video he could have been more to-the-point.

[@gaylecheung3087]

Oh my, boots and boots themselves Aaron Henry to suffer I don’t care boots like the winter boots appear in Canada in Igloo land, burr - let’s talk Custom made boots for crying out loud!

[@tikiduck]

I have an old pair of Post boots. No problems at all with them.

[@itandeuigallaga7432]

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[@kirkmcknight113]

Like others have said the silver haired dude, the one doing all the explaining, sounds more like a car salesman more than a boot salesman. The difference in the prices he quoted on the 2 different boots was a joke, only new buyers Might buy into it. I personally would not buy a pair of any kind from this guy!

[@yassinelaouar5614]

I like this kind of shoe very much as I like the American dress ...

[@grandpa7278]

"You get what you pay for", never a truer statement uttered! Tony Lamas covering the lower extremities, best fit I've ever experienced! In fact, feels like magic boots.

[@sheet-son]

I just got a pair of frye's :)

[@teamestaves1333]

Still wearin my Olathe boots, the best boots available.

[@jeffleblanc8850]

I have a pair of dan post sidewinders that is 3/25 welt and the sole is junk I have a pair of tony lama 3/25 welt and have wore the same amount of time about 6 months each and the tony lamas a far superior also the sole came apart on the dan post I’m not happy with dan post boots I pay a lot of money for my boots and the dan post soles fell a part I’m very upset about it cause dan post makes a good looking boot but I will not waste my hard earned money on dan post or Laredo they say they have special sole it is suppose to be more comfortable but it fell apart and I’ve heard other people have had the same prob with ther boot a pissed off customer

[@TheJwdude]

What is up with people and man making stuff these days I completely understand it's a cheaper way too go if buying shoes or boots but but man made shoes and boots is not always good for the human feet

[@michaelhorn4540]

I'll take my Dan post boots over any other boot anyday

[@benbaldwin3676]

Neither are true handmade. And neither are high quality.

[@stuarticles]

bought me a pair of tecovas good price point for what they stand behind. even though they aren't american made

[@gerardoesparza8650]

Lol he is like give my boot it’s mine…. He even hugs it..😂

[@everettamador9885]

good boots are always hard to find...But well worth the product once found...

[@brendaleetv]

I just noticed on my I guess machine made Ariat boots, they are all leather exept, the strip that joins the front to the back on the calf area, I dont know what its called, but its vinyl and it has started to come apart. I was so pissed!

[@jeffleblanc8850]

Made in China ariat I have expensive 800 dollar boots that have a plastic cord that’s the onley thing I don’t like is a beatiful pair of boots and they put plastic in them and it’s barely any leather in the cord at all I don’t get it

[@davidallen346]

$500 vs $150 difference 👢👢🤠

[@buckscountyparanormal]

i had my pair of olathe since 2009 and their still holding up really great

[@MrJasenstewart97]

How are ferrini boots? I've had my eye on a pair of em

[@josearisteu9558]

Ola data 27.01.2018 de Franca SP, Otimas Botas

[@camillez.7535]

Very helpful; thank you..

[@idiridir2746]

thank you i love this boots

[@rush2124u2]

I'm in the market for good handmade boots. I watched this video but I still have no good names to search for? Does anyone know of any good boot makers? I'll spend up to $1800 US

[@jmurph2124]

Sam G Lucchese

[@rush2124u2]

Thanks, The Lucchese Tan Lizard is one fine boot $945

[@kronkodile]

Sam G - M.L. Leddys boots in Fort Worth Stock Yards, I've bought 3 pairs from them ranging from $450-$1200, have not been disappointed

[@bnvboots]

For a custom, all leather, and truly hand made boot, built to your specs (personalized with inlaid logos, initials, etc if desired) give us a try. We build your boots and accessories in El Paso, Texas from any legally obtained leather, per your specs. [e-mail], any questions, quotes, pictures, no obligation. Botas Nueva Vizcaya

[@kenowens7954]

I love my Larry Mahan...look tailored ...comfy...LOVE THEM! Sorry they dont make them anymore! Dont like the CLUNKY BOOTS!!

[@SolomonsWisdom]

Im willing to bet my Ariats will outlast any handmade boot

[@Prosecute-fauci]

Mr Laggerton I bet you they wont

[@griffinreynolds297]

I've been through three pairs of ariats.in the last 3 years. I like but the quality isn't all there. there comfortable and look good but just fall apart over time. I'm gonna get a pair of Tony lamas next.

[@crowvelle]

Arkansas Woods Tony Lama & Lucchese are pretty much all I’ll wear. They are excellent. Ariats & Justins have really gone downhill. I think Justin’s at least have different tiers & you could find a good pair, but when I think “Ariat”, quality is not the first thing that comes to mind.

[@istinklikebutt45]

Arkansas Woods you might be disappointed then. I’ve had Ariats outlast Tony Lama. I still prefer Tony Lama style though.

[@istinklikebutt45]

CrowVelle I’ve got a $150 pair of Justin Stampede boots that 6 years old and still in excellent condition. I’ve got some U.S. made Justin’s too.

[@jacobsebastien3910]

Ok ok yea

[@theinsolentlynx]

Thanks I learned a lot!

[@spartacus6436]

can cowboy boots protect from a snake bite?

[@Solobuddy]

If they're thick boots yes

[@nyahhbinghi]

excellent video

[@romanzakharchenko4431]

Cheap boots are cheap used. If you don't want to pay much for your boots that buy Boulet, Hondo, Olathe. Much better than crappy Dan Post

[@FMLightandSons]

We're sorry you feel this way about Dan Post boots.We have a lot of customers who love them. We wear them often in our store and have found them to be quality. But, everyone has a preference when it comes to cowboy boots - we hope you find a pair you like!

[@jeffereyhopkins750]

@@FMLightandSons I really like my Dan Post boots. I think they are very good quality.

[@kittywilloughby]

Thanks for posting! I am shopping for my first pair of "really good" cowboy boots and am leaning towards a beautiful pair of Old Gringo Bonnie boots. Thanks for helping me make my decision!

[@FMLightandSons]

We're so glad to have helped! Old Gringo makes absolutely stunning cowboy boots. We hope you found a pair you love. A good pair of handmade boots will last you forever!

[@jeffleblanc8850]

These are a awesome boot that are hand made using some machines

[@Wrc650]

@@FMLightandSons Can we just replace the upper?

[@Byronw]

Thoughts on Sendra?

[@thejasonbischoff]

Byron Wilson I have a pair of Sendra boots and highly recommend them for the roughly $500 category. Handmade in Spain.

[@jeffleblanc8850]

I have I think 12 pairs of sendra all are awesome boots

[@williamhoover1992]

dan post and ariat are my favorite brands.

[@jeffleblanc8850]

Ariat are mostly made in China and dan post well ther sole system sucks fall apart within 6 moths