It’s rodeo time! Well, not yet, but it is definitely time to think about spiffing up those boots. It will be here before you know it! Even though you won’t be working in the rugged environment of the arena while bull riding or roping, you’ll want to be sure your boots are looking good as well as being comfortable as you walk around seeing cowboys in action, the carnival rides, the exhibits and the musical entertainers of the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo. Good boot repair focuses on key areas that include the soles, heels, stitching, and leather conditioning. Proper boot repair can extend the life of the boot while maintaining the durability for the many steps you’ll take and the stylish appearance that will complement your rodeo attire.
Importance of the Sole and Heel of a Boot
We can all agree that the sole and heel are the main components of a boot and are extremely important. While a pair of boots can be functional, they can also be an attractive accessory. Together, the sole and heel contribute to the comfort, performance, and style of a boot, with variations depending on the specific purpose of the boot. Following are some of the reasons for their importance.
The sole of a pair of boots provides support and cushioning. Because it is the bottom part of the boot that comes in contact with the ground, it should provide support of the foot and well as cushioning to make it comfortable to wear while walking or standing. The sole also provides traction if it has treads or patterns that help prevent slipping on a variety of surfaces. For example, rubber soles can grip the ground surface while leather soles are designed for more smooth surfaces. If the sole is made of quality materials, it can absorb the impact of each step while reducing strain on the foot, ankle, and leg. The material in the sole can also withstand wear and tear which is crucial for the overall longevity of the boot. Soles may be designed to allow flexibility, depending on the intended use of the boot.
Now for the heel of a boot. The elevation of a heel can enhance posture and balance. Heels vary in height, and the added elevation can offer comfort for the wearer by shifting the body weight slightly forward. Arch support is another function of the heel and is important for long-term foot health and comfort. The style of a pair of boots regarding height, shape and design will influence the overall look of the boot, from casual to formal or rugged. As with the sole, a sturdy heel helps absorb impact and provide stability while walking, particularly on uneven surfaces. In some cowboy boots or riding boots, the heel is higher and is designed to keep the foot in a stirrup while riding.
Repairing and Restoring the Parts of a Boot
For a quality heel repair of a boot, a cobbler will inspect the heel to determine the extent of the damage, whether it’s just the heel cap that needs replacing, or if the entire heel is damaged. Also, they will check to be sure the heel and sole are still attached and not loose or cracked. These damaged areas can be fully repaired or replaced ensuring proper alignment and reinforcement to extend the life of the boots. It is also important that the look of the heel is consistent with the original design and material.
Depending on the type of material and the extent of the damage, the toes of a boot can be restored. A scuffed or worn leather toe can be buffed and polished if the damage is mainly surface-level scuffing. Some minor scratches can be covered with a leather conditioner or cream to repair the surface damage and make the leather more supple. Cracked or torn leather in the toe of the boot may be repaired with leather filler or if the crack is too large, a patch can be applied. Punctures or holes in the toe can also be repaired. A cobbler may add a small patch inside the boot to reinforce the toe area puncture and fill in the hole with filler. If damage has affected the boot’s toe box structure, the lining inside the boot can be opened and repaired and then resealed. Sometimes a full toe replacement is necessary for major damage. That is accomplished by cutting out the damaged section and sewing in a new piece of leather or material that matches the boot’s original texture and color.
Sole protectors are typically added to the entire bottom of the boot when the original sole is still in good condition but showing signs of wear, or when the customer wants to protect a high-quality leather sole from damage. The cobbler selects the right type of sole protector based on the type of boot, how it will be used, and the customer's preference. Sole protectors can extend the life of the boot, give better traction and help with waterproofing. Building up a sole is also a good way to increase the thickness, correct imbalances or improve durability of the boot’s soles.
A full sole replacement involves replacing the entire bottom of the boot, from the heel to the toe. It is ideal for boots with severe wear or damage. A half sole replacement involves replacing just the front part of the boot’s sole, from the ball of the foot to the toe. This is typically done when the forefoot area is worn out, but the heel and back part of the sole are still in good condition. It is a quicker and more economical repair than a full sole replacement.
Stretching a boot is a common service provided by cobblers to make boots more comfortable by giving them extra width, length, or adjusting certain pressure points. The process can help with boots that are too tight or don’t fit properly due to stiff material, typically leather. Selection of a stretching method is based on the type of boot and the amount of stretching needed. Leather is the most commonly stretched material because it is natural and responds well to the process. Suede can also be stretched, though it requires more care. There are different kinds of mechanical boot stretchers for different parts of the boot: toe box stretcher; instep stretcher and shaft stretcher.
Sometimes after continual wearing, seams of the boots need to be stitched. Split, torn, loose or frayed seams can be reinforced or replaced by careful stitching in the same colors and materials as the original. Zipper or stretch panel seams can be re-stitched. If your boots are getting too hard to pull on, zippers can be installed on the inseam of the boot shaft for easier wear.
Summary
Don’t wait until the last minute to get those boots refreshed or repaired for rodeo season! As the examples above demonstrate, there are many ways to keep those much-loved boots in good condition for another year of wear.
Let San Antonio Shoe Boot & Luggage Repair Get Your Boots Rodeo-Ready
To get your boots ready for the rodeo, drop them off at San Antonio Shoe Boot & Luggage Repair Shop at either location. Whether they need repairs or just a good cleaning and polishing to make them shine, you can count on our reliable and experienced cobblers and craftsmen. We are proud to have served San Antonio and the surrounding area since 1997. We have two convenient locations to serve you: on Broadway Street and on Bitters Road.
