I had no more than published my thoughts on the best dress shoes for auctioneers when I received many messages asking about [Western-style] boots.
Boot usage in the United States is nationwide, but certainly more predominate in the Western states.
Boots are more appropriate for some auction events with western themes, rural settings and/or agricultural affairs.
My prior thoughts on dress shoes can be read here: https://mikebrandlyauctioneer.wordpress.com/2015/12/20/best-dress-shoes-for-auctioneers/
In researching boots, these three boot manufactures consistently held the top spots. Here they are in order from first to third, all representing supreme quality options for auctioneers.
Lucchese holds our top spot. Salvatore and Joseph Lucchese began making boots in San Antonio, Texas in 1883. They are known for their almost entirely handmade bootmaking process producing boots of unrivaled quality, fit, comfort and style. They are sold worldwide and have been worn by U.S. Presidents and other famous politicians, prominent movie stars and notable sports figures.
Tony Lama comes in second. Tony Lama is a legendary bootmaker, making quality boots since 1911; by the 1960’s Tony Lama was making over 750 pairs of boots each day. These boots are known for their quality, style and comfort. Tony Lama is sold worldwide, and in 1990 became part of Justin Boots.
Justin Boots rounds out our top three. Justin Boot Company has been handcrafting western footwear in the U.S. since 1879 when founder H.J. Justin mastered the craft of boot-making and established this industry-leading western footwear brand. Justin Boots are an icon in western culture and are sold worldwide.
As with dress shoes, any boots should be clean and have an as-new finished condition for auction events and appointments. Too, there are different shapes, toe styles, heights, heals, and more on etiquette as noted here by Antonio Centeno (including a video): http://www.artofmanliness.com/2014/11/20/cowboy-boots/.
Mike Brandly, Auctioneer, CAI, AARE has been an auctioneer and certified appraiser for over 30 years. His company’s auctions are located at: Mike Brandly, Auctioneer, Keller Williams Auctions and Goodwill Columbus Car Auction. He serves as Adjunct Faculty at Hondros College of Business, Executive Director of The Ohio Auction School and Faculty at the Certified Auctioneers Institute held at Indiana University.
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