Texan opinions needed! (Fort Worth, Nocona, Justin: high school, cost, store)

[hamjeepr]

Well, I've finally worn out my boots and decided to look at something a little nicer. I'm debating between elephant or (smooth)ostrich. I work on ranches in W.TX and need something to stand up to the abuse and still look nice when I wipe them down. My cowhide looked pretty bad after the first month. Which one is better?

[southeasttexas]

Elephant, for sure! My gray pair are 25 years old, and admittedly, I don't were them everyday, but they have held up great through the years. I don't even give any special care, just a wipe with a damp towel ever so often, and they look great.

[blueskies49]

I'll bet bellestar could tell ya, too! My ex once had ostrich which looked good but I don't know how well they've held up for him.

[achtungpv]

i actually used to work in a leather factory in high school. Elephant was the toughest leather to cut and work with. Ostrich is very soft and supple. I doubt it would hold up well to abuse.

[hellpaso]

i have some ostrich which are very soft and comfortable. i doubt they'd hold up very well for work--for me, they do great @ the H.E.B. on saturday afternoon.

[Trainwreck20]

Elephant is incredibly durable, and I have heard that stingray is, as well, but has a very 'unique' look. A friend of mine made custom boots (and belts) years ago, and he would not make stingray more than once or twice a year due to the strain it put on his hands due to the tough material. Elephant is almost indestructible, but will cost you a buck or two more than about anything else.

Ostrich is great for dancing, it is very supple and comfortable.

[BobTex]

Shark ... 2nd tuffest hide out there!

[lonestar2007]

Elephant by far. I had a pair of Tony Lamas that I wore for so many years I lost count. I had them resoled 3 or 4 times. I wore them everywhere and in all conditions. To me, they're nice enough to pass for dress as well as work/everyday. I've always considered ostrich for just dress wear.

[car957]

Ditto on Elephant. I have a pair of elephant Justin Ropers that I've put at least 5 pairs of soles and heals on over its life.

For everyday, it's a pair of brown Justin Ropers made from cow hide.

Anyone remember going to the Justin plant in Fort Worth, or better, the Nocona Factory outlet store in Nocona for boots? Damn NAFTA provisions.

[neddy]

We use Elephant out at the ranch and it holds up great. My dad has had the same pair for years and they get really..shall we say "mucky" for lack of a better word!