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April 27, 2005
One of three technologies that Ariat uses in their boots is ATS, Advanced Torque Stability Technology. Most of Ariat’s shoes use this technology. ATS incorporates a Duratread or Crepe outsole with a PU filler for durable, lightweight cushioning. Their patented Duratread outsole is longwearing and provides superior traction. The carbon-fiber shank is shaped like the human foot so it’s wide through the arch and forked at the end to provide maximum stability and support. It also provides three times the stability of a steel shank and doesn’t rust. This reduces foot fatigue and provides better support for the legs and back. Ariat uses a sorbathane gel insole under the heel and forefoot that conforms to the feet for extra support and provides exceptional shock absorption. It is also moisture absorbing and fast drying so your feet stay dry all day long! Ariat uses nothing but full-grain leathers, soft and supple, and some shoes are water and acid resistant. The heel counters are made of thermal-plastic that molds to the heel from body heat to support the foot.
The Cobalt Technology goes one step farther to meet the rigorous demands of the professional horseman. Similar to the ATS, Cobalt technology also uses a Duratread or Crepe outsole to provide exceptional comfort, support, and durability. This technology also incorporates a composite fiber forked shank to provide maximum stability and support and reduces foot fatigue. The leather-cushioned insole is moisture-absorbing and fast drying. The shoes are also lined with Drilex material that is breathable and wicks moisture away. The Cobalt technology incorporates a SKYDEX ™ Smarter Cushioning™ heel system, and their exclusive Cobalt footbed, with EVA strike pads and gel molded heel springs to reduce foot and lower back fatigue. The cobalt footbed includes an orthotic, heat-sensitive footbed and heel cradle, and their Cobalt gel cushioned forefoot and heel.
Ariat was founded by two riding enthusiasts who wanted to create the world’s most advanced riding boots. Using the most sophisticated performance and comfort technology, Ariat boots were made for riders, by riders. They were the first boot company to use podiatrists in their boot design, so it’s no wonder that their boots speak for themselves. “Get Ariat boots on customer’s feet – so they can experience Ariat comfort for themselves!” Following this philosophy, one can’t deny the comfort of an Ariat boot.
See The Most Recent Ariat Boot Line at BootBarn.com
Posted by BootBarn Moderator at 01:58 PM | Comments (0)
April 17, 2005
Looking for a Good Motorcycle Boot Style?
What makes a good Motorcycle Boot?
What makes a good motorcycle boot for you? Buying boots are a lot of times as much about fashion as it is about function. Everyone is different on their boot needs, so thankfully, there are a lot of brands and styles out there for everyone. If you’ve looked at bikers on the road, you’ll likely to see many of them wear different footwear. We’ve seen riders wearing everything from tennis shoes to combat boots to MX Pro Racing boots. Yet, we’ll start off the discussion focusing on your typical good quality leather boots from brands like Harley Davidson, Chippewa and Durango and some cross over brands like work boots by Caterpillar and Justin Boots.
Below, we’ve listed a little about different motorcycle boot attributes and features.
Color
Black leather seems to be the color choice for most riders, especially men. Yet don’t forget about brown! On of my personal favorite motorcycle boots are chestnut reddish brown by Frye boots. Some of the top selling women’s styles nationwide are shades of brown or distressed brown, but many of these are usually worn as a fashion or walking boot. See the great Frye Women’s style 77300.
Height
Usually most riders prefer a style that is at least 6” tall. This way the style provides some ankle protection. You may want to look for 6-inchers that offer an added ankle pad.
For added layering against cold wind, taller styles 12”, 15” and 17” are sometimes preferred. The height of the boot often is a good indication on how heavy the boot will feel overall as well. Some riders prefer a lighter feel for riding short distances (6” or 8” tall), while other riders prefer a heavier boot, giving them a little more stability and weight when riding (10 to 17” tall).
If you’re likely to be walking long distances when out riding, many riders prefer a shorter style that adds to walking. A heavier soled short style many times is a good compromise between tall and shorter styles.
Another consideration for taller styles (10 inches or taller) may help protect you as well. For example, covering up to your calves will offer some protection against flying pebbles and stones, bugs, and exhaust pipes.
Outsole
Almost all motorcycle styles come with rubber, durable outsoles that give riders traction and slip resistance protection. This is to give the rider extra footing in oil or stand or when coming to a complete stop so they do not tip over. Logger or Lug styles giver extra protection and Justin’s new Harness Boot comes with Kevlar outsoles (which is the same material they use for bullet proofing).
Another attribute that you will probably consider when looking at the outsole is thickness. Sometimes a deep, thick outsole can help absorb some vibration.
Leather
Leather boots can provide much greater protection than fabric tennis shoes or sporting shoes. Leather uppers may also help deflect flying debris and prevent burns. In small or minor accidents, leather boots may offer some protection for your feet from impact and abrasion.
Construction & Toes
Usually motorcycle boots are either square toed or rounder toed. Both are a matter of individual preference, with rounder toes providing a small amount of more room at the toe. Some styles even offer steel-toe protection, just like work boots.
The actual construction on how the top portion of the boot is attached to the bottom (or outsole) of the boot gives the boot its form and flexibility. Welted construction gives a rider a boot that is a bit stiffer and more stable. This construction will require a little break-in before a long ride. Cemented construction will usually give the boot more flexibility, allowing it to easily bend and flex in the middle of the boot.
Putting the Boots On
Many motorcycle boots offer different features for actually putting the boot on. For example some boot styles offer zippers, laces, buckles and even Velcro attaching. Options such as these offer some venting for your feet, but also give the rider the flexibility in fit tightness. Slip-on or zippered boots without laces are preferable for some riders so they avoid snagging their feet on a motorcycle part. Yet, others prefer zipper or laces to give them the flexibility to get the boot on and off and adjust the tightness.
Some Examples of Unique or Top Selling Current Styles
Motorcycle Boot with Flames
Logger Lug Sole Style Boot
Western Looking Biker Boot
Top Selling Harness Boot
Top Selling Engineer Boot
Top Comfort Style Motorcycle Boot
Visit BootBarn.com for our full range of current styles
Men's Styles
Women's Style
Posted by BootBarn Moderator at 12:18 PM | Comments (7)
April 15, 2005
Ariat Interview
Ariat Interview
Ariat Boots and Footwear is one of our favorite brands. A great feature about Ariat is that they are known for extra foot comfort, cushioned insoles and a very good general fit. If you are new to western boots, they are a great place to start! Ariat's other lines, such as clogs, sandals, work boots, etc. are also tremendously comfortable as well and work well for those that are on their feet for long periods of time. For example, their sandals are truly known as “walking” sandals, that customers can walk long durations for in!
Recently we sat down with John Grant from Ariat International. John has been a sales account manager at Ariat for many years and has work directly with many, many customers.
To start out, we asked generally, “What makes Ariat special? What separates it from other brands?”
Ariat was created with one main goal in mind. “To create the worlds most technologically advanced riding boots for the worlds greatest equestrian athletes.”
The residual affect is that you do not have to be one of the “worlds greatest equestrian athletes” to enjoy the features and benefits of the brand. Ariat incorporates the equestrian lifestyle technology to all categories, including casual styles for everyday wear. In reality, Ariat is an equestrian athletic shoe or boot that gives the user performance, comfort and durability.
Ariat is the most comfortable boot you can buy. Ariat features orthodic insoles that mold to the foot. There is gel on the ball of the foot and heal to absorb shock from walking, running and jumping. The insoles wick away perspiration moisture and keep the foot dry for a more comfortable experience. Ariat’s “ATS” and “Cobalt Pro” technologies utilize a carbon fiber forked shank that stabilizes the foot and gives the foot a wide foundation to prevent rollover. The outsoles are made of a rubber carbon compound that is up to 8 times longer wearing than leather. The soles are barnyard acid resistant, non-marring and help grip the stirrup plus keep your feet in position while riding. The soles are designed to release from the stirrup when needed, do to a specially designed tread pattern. Ariat uses the finest leathers available from all over the world to create the best quality and value in the boot industry.
What are some of you current top styles nation-wide?
Heritage Roper, 35525, distressed leather brown color. This is a boot that the user can ride in, walk in, work in and wear as a casual style with jeans every day, day in and day out. It features ATS technology with a carbon fiber forked shank, gel footbed, rubber-carbon outsole and oiled distressed leather that is good around the barnyard, on the job sight, or just plain knocking around.
Sedona Western, 34625 and 34601, distressed leather brown and black smooth. These styles offer a steel shank, 4LR technology and comfort insole in a traditional western toe pattern. This style can be worn as a jeans/casual style or work western style. Thousands of consumers have found this boot to be their every day boot for working, riding and casual wear.
Cascade style 37180 in sunshine color. This style is a work boot with Ariat’s ATS technology, featuring a carbon fiber shank for stability, a thicker outsole for heavy duty work related use, a moisture wicking comfortable footbed to keep the feet dry and comfortable all day. This boot is good for working in farm and ranch environment as well as construction or medium to high abrasive related jobs. It also looks good after the day’s job is done and the user wants to wear it with jeans.
We excited to hear directly from our customers. Have a comment? We’d like to hear from you, especially if you are a current Ariat customer!
To view our current line of Ariat Footwear (click here)
To visit Ariat International (click here)
Posted by BootBarn Moderator at 11:27 AM | Comments (4)
April 11, 2005
Lucchese Exclusive Series
Lucchese started in 2004 with a new line called the exclusive series. These are usually part of the "1883" collection of handcrafted styles. The difference is that with these "exclusive styles" Lucchese makes a limited production run. Each style comes out for only a 2-3 month period, is produced usually less than 100 pairs per size and provided to a very limited amount of retail stores. Needless to say, once the style is gone, it is gone. If you're one of the lucky ones to grab a pair, rest assured, chances are you'll be one of only a very few worldwide.
This year Boot Barn is happy to become on of Lucchese exclusive retailers. We are one of the only online providers of Lucchese exclusive line. To view our latest selection you can visit us by clicking here.
Some months you might go wow! Other months you might pass. But overall, these styles blend the vintage western design and patterns with Lucchese's careful craftmanship that takes over 260 individual steps to produce each boot! Generally referred to as the Cadalliac of western boots down in El Paso, these exclusive styles provide the proof. For instance, the exclusive pattern this month is the "shooting stars" series for women. This style combines an artistic blend of black soft leather with a python snake tip. Certainly unique!
Boot Barn joined the exclusive program because of the extreme quality and western tradition these boots provide. But, we are largely joining the program because our customers have voiced their concern that they would like to see more Lucchese products on our online store.
Do you have a comment about Lucchese? We'd like to hear from you.
To see our entire current Lucchese line click here
Posted by BootBarn Moderator at 04:04 PM | Comments (2)
The Make-Up of a Boot
The Make-Up of a Boot
Regardless of the style, boots are far from simple. Boots have a lengthy construction time, often necessitating dozens (if not hundreds) of individual steps until they are fully made. For instance high quality hand crafted leather western boots can have about 300 individual steps from the time the leather is cut for the boot until the boots are inspected and boxed. This can mean dozens and hundreds of people are often involved in the production of every single boot. From stitching up vamp (front) of the boot to the counters (back) of the boot to attaching the outsole (bottom) of the boot: boots take teams of specialists. This can make the labor costs of producing a boot quite high. But, the cliche "you get what you pay for" really applies when it comes to western boots. The same is true for work, motorcycle, casual and fashion boot styles. If you'd like to learn more about what goes into the making of a western boot we recommend reading Art of the Boot by Tyler Beard and Jim Arndt.
Material
Leather is often the choice of material for boots. Because leather is known as a luxury material, leather boots and shoes are considered high quality, durable products. These aren't tennis shoes! Thus, the brands found on BootBarn.com take their product quality and functionality very seriously. Leather is prepared in a number of different ways from suede to distress to rough out. Each prepared style gives the boot quite a different look and feel. Add on to the obvious fact that besides cowhide, leather can come from a variety of sources from pigs to snakes to birds to elephants.
Main Boot Components
Outsole
The Outsole is simply the bottom of the boot and gives your feet some "grip". The occasion that you wear boots and the style will greatly influence what type of outsole is on the boot. For western boots, you generally have leather or rubber-like outsoles. Leather outsoles are for traditionalists and are good for dancing. The general trend for western boots is heading more and more towards rubber. Two reasons are rubber generally tends to last longer and it is making the boots less expensive. Don't forget the new cushy crepe outsoles of which the material allows extra comfort for standing and doesn't slip as much when riding on horses.
On work and motorcycle boots the outsole will likely be a rubber material that has special trends and properties depending on your needs. For instance a work boot may have an outsole that is specifically designed not to track mud and dirt or it can be designed to be slip and oil resistant. There is no standard tests that brands use to determine if a boot is slip resistant, oil resistant, water resistant, etc. Generally, brands use their own standards to determine if a boot meets one of the above requirements.
Insole
Insoles give your feet a little cushion to add some extra comfort. Different brands use different insoles. Each brand offers the latest technology and patented designs for their insoles. Sometimes insoles will be just a light EVA pad to cushion and form to your feet or it will be a multi-layered signature system by a leading brand name. There are many who prefer not to have insoles and often remove them. We don't recommend removing a boots insoles. Just remember, insoles are not required on boots, but they do help provide some extra comfort.
Construction
Construction often refers to how the outsole is attached to the boot. Outsoles are generally either pegged (or nailed), sown or cemented onto the bottom of the boot. Outsoles that have been cemented or directly attached to the boot are generally more flexible to begin with, but often these boots can not be resoled. Often outsoles that have been welted or pegged can usually be resoled.
Shank
Shanks aren't needed in every boot. Depending on the need, boot makers insert a "shank" in the middle of the bottom of the boot to give it extra form and strength. The shank is usually a small metal, plastic or fiber piece of material that gives extra form and strength to a boot. Boots that have shanks are not as flexible on the outsoles as those boots that don't have shanks.
Heel
Adding height and style to a boot, heels range from less than an inch to many inches. On western boots cowboy heels are slightly sloped and are generally 1 5/8" in height. Roper and Walking Heels are usually a bit larger at the base and slightly smaller with a flat, uniform slope. Occasionally work boots will have an extra padded heel to prevent slipping, while fashion styles may have small treads on just the heel for the same effect.
Toe
Toes can mean style or function. For example western boots are typically either a narrow toe, medium round or wide round toe. Narrow toes give a unique style and look while wider toes offer more room or comfort. On the toe some boots can even have a small stitch pattern referred to as a medallion and can have a toe rand (metal piece) at the tip of the boot. Motorcycle boots are generally round or square-like (snoot or snip). Casual styles can be all of the above and more. When it comes to work, extra functions such as safety and non-safety apply. Some prefer non-safety toe to comfort and a lighter weight boot. Yet, some professionals need the extra protection of safety toes. Safety toes have a small steel plate or composite plate on the top of the toe region of the boot. These toes pass the ANSI test, meaning that the toe can withstand 75lb impact & compression up to 2500lb.
At Boot Barn we generally give our online shoppers the ability to search by category, down to the very boot features that we've discussed above. For example, if you are looking for a narrow toe western boot, they'll be a category (click here)
Or if you are looking for a leather outsole on a western boot, they'll be a category as well (click here)
Have a comment? We'd like to hear from you!
Posted by BootBarn Moderator at 01:50 PM | Comments (12)
April 08, 2005
Timberland’s are Tough for Tough Jobs!
In 1918, Nathan Swartz, founder of Timberland, began his career in boot making as an apprentice stitcher where he learned the craft of making quality leather boots. With almost 40 years of experience, he went on to acquire The Abington Shoe Company, and together with his sons, they made shoes for leading manufacturers and in 1973, the Timberland name was born. In the 60’s, when waterproof leather boots didn’t really exist, the Swartz family introduced injection-molding technology that fused soles to leather uppers without stitching. This technology proved successful and produced one of the first truly quality waterproof boots that is now synonymous with the Timberland name. The innovation doesn’t end there, in 1998, they launched the Timberland PRO™ series of “Work boots for the Professional.”
Timberland Pro Series work boots have been created exclusively for working professionals who need the best comfort, durability and foot protection on the job. These boots are specifically engineered to meet worksite demands. The Pro series have safety features that meet industry standards while providing the maximum comfort. These boots are built to last, built for comfort and built for work. Timberland Pros are dedicated to work. They use the finest, most durable materials for longer wear and greater comfort over the lifetime of your boots. You can count on Timberland Pro for the latest and best technology for you to "finish" and "get" the job done.
Some of Timberland’s Technology includes:
Steel Toe meets ANSI Z41 PT99 safety standards and features a roomier steel toe box than most other boots for a more comfortable fit.
Guaranteed Waterproof: Their waterproof styles feature waterproof leather and seam-sealed construction to keep feet dry. The waterproofing method permeates the leather, so it allows for greater breathability.
Insulated Lightweight, high-lofted, quick-drying, and moisture-resistant Thinsulate™ insulation keeps feet warm in any weather.
Timberland PRO® Rubber: They use a durable, specially-made rubber compound to offer high slip-resistance, abrasion-resistance and oil-resistance. The result is better traction on all surfaces — mud, wood, work floor or roof.
Electrical Hazard: Their work boots with Electrical Hazard Protection meet ANSI Z41 PT99 standards to provide protection from open circuits.
The Gore-Tex® waterproof/breathable membrane barrier keeps water out, yet allows moisture vapor from sweat to pass through. You stay dry and comfortable, rain or shine.
PRO 24/7 Comfort Suspension™ technology is a unique comfort system that meets the most rigorous work site demands -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It helps reduce foot fatigue, support the arch and cushion every step.
We interviewed Ken Newville of Timberland, head quartered in Stratham, New Hampshire.
What makes your Brand special?
“Humanity, Humility, Integrity and Excellence are the core values that drive Timberland in all we do- how we work, how we live, how we treat others and how we contribute to the communities around us. These values are not new to Timberland. Honest and ethical conduct has been the standard practice for Timberland for over 30 years and will continue to be the cornerstone of how we operate. The real test of whether we're living up to our commitment to doing well and doing good is the real life outcome of our efforts--stronger communities, safer workplaces, a cleaner environment. We must challenge ourselves -and each other-- to work hard at continuously improving these results. By staying focused on our vision and our values, Timberland will continue to increase the impact of our efforts and further our commitment to being an ethical, responsible and committed corporate citizen.”
What separates it from other brands?
“Our commitment to doing well and doing good. Being a good corporate partner; i.e., return of investment for our stockholders, delivering on sales and marketing strategies, open and honest communication with our retail partners, high levels of customer service, everyday. Doing good in the world we live in; i.e., Our corporate and individual commitments to community service.”
Can you tell me 2 or 3 of your national best sellers in your opinion why these are top sellers?
“Nationally, 65016, our waterproof steel toe 6" boot in wheat is and will probably always be one of our best sellers. This boot is our brand icon, it was one of the original boots The Timberland Company built the brand on. This boot has always stood for rugged outdoor protection. Timberland PRO has taken this best seller and industrialized it to serve the needs of the hard core industrial heavy user. A more recent run away best seller is the Titan at Boot Barn. This boot uses a revolutionary new Titanium Alloy Toe, which is a third lighter than a steel toe, but still meets all the ANSI 175/C75 standards. It's our lightest work boot, featuring the PowerFit comfort system, with premium full-grade leather. This boot also has a Slip-resistant, Oil resistant, Abrasion resistant PRO rubber outsole, with a Polyurethane midsole which provides durable cushioning and energy return on foot strike. Try a pair on!”
Visit BootBarn.com to see the latest offering of Tough Timberland Pro Series
Posted by BootBarn Moderator at 11:37 AM | Comments (1)
April 05, 2005
Roper Boots
Ropers’ origin dates back to 1948 when its founder Sam Mandelbaum began manufacturing and selling shirts out of his 1946 Buick. In the mid 1990’s Sam’s son Gary started to look at what he termed the” Western Life Style,” a set of core principles that people identified with.
Roper footwear is unique, offering the equestrian rider such styles as the Roper Horseshoe and the new Horseshoe II both styles offer function and features the rider needs but with the style and flexibility to go from stable to school.
Roper is America's authentic western wear. No imitations. You'll find superior design and quality. Hard work, vision and a dream, that's how the west was won. That's why Roper is America's first choice in authentic western wear and everyday casual fashion styles.
Roper specializes in producing great leather footwear using unique fashion designs
We interview Tony Lythgoe who has been working at Roper for the past several years.
What makes your Brand special?
Roper Apparel & Footwear is an entrepreneurial leader in the Western Lifestyle Industry.
Roper is the leader due to its’ family friendly environment which encourages creativity and innovation. Roper has always strived to be an innovator; our products are the direct result of this atmosphere.
What separates it from other brands?
A set of core principles that people identify with, sort of like back to basic’s or as some people refer “the cowboy code”. Honesty, Chivalry, respect, doing the right thing.
The Roper brand is synonymous with these values. Roper products are of high quality at a reasonable price. This is what makes Roper products better, the commitment to going that extra mile, whether it’s Roper footwear, Roper outerwear or apparel, look for the Roper brand.
Can you tell me 2 or 3 of your national best sellers in your opinion why these are top sellers?
Roper has many other styles that emphases comfort, Roper slip-on, fashion, Roper Tuscany, function, Roper sandals, and fun, Roper chunks. The Roper brand features such diversity from Cowbabies that are perfect for the new toddler to Roper’s Aspen Collection that are perfect for that winter vacation or just to cruise the beach.
View Roper Styles at Boot Barn
Or for more information on Roper visit them at http://www.roperusa.com/
Posted by BootBarn Moderator at 12:04 PM | Comments (0)