So, while we were visiting Texas, I had been getting my Facebook feed pinged with advertising by a company called Tecovas. They were in the process of launching their first Python boots, and they had been around on the internet for awhile. I had never really thought of buying from them because, as I figured, getting fitted for boots is a pretty personal experience. Sure they offered a great return policy, but you know how disappointing it can be to wait for a delivery only to have to send it back for a replacement.
Anyways, after out first day in Austin, when we had walked around South Congress, I mentioned that evening to my wife the ads I had been seeing for this brand called Tecovas. Her immediate reply was that she had seen some men walking around earlier in the day carrying shopping bags with that name on it. I was incredulous, and immediately went to Tecovas' website. I was amazed to see that they had 2 physical stores, with one ON SOUTH CONGRESS! Now, I had already blown my budget on my first boots, but my wife was very accommodating about visiting there the next day to check them out and try on some boots.
So the next day we went to their store and went inside
The gentleman who helped us was very friendly, even when I told him how I was only there to see how they fit, since I had already bought my allotment, haha. I tried on their roper in python (since the cowboy shape had already sold out), and then I tried on their cowboy shape in alligator. I was able to dial in the exact size that fit me best, but would not be dropping another couple hundred on a second pair of boots so soon. Luckily, he assured me that they use the same lasts for all their boots of the same size, so the way that these alligator fit should match up with the way some of the other boots would fit, which is exactly what I had been hoping to hear. Now if I ever ordered some Tecovas I would know my size off the bat.
We scoped their store, and I ended up buying a cast iron bottle opener and a T-shirt. Also, while we were there, I notices their checkout counter also had a bar runner mat. I asked if they served any drinks, kind of joking, and the clerk said "Absolutely, what would you like? No charge." Have I mentioned how much I love boot shopping in Texas? The runner was decorated with a logo that said "Fistful of Bourbon", in an old Spaghetti Western font, so of course I had to get one of those. My wife doesn't like whiskey so she just got a bottle of Topo Chico (sparkling water, if you know it you know it). So I walked out that day with a new bourbon on my "to buy" list along with the knowledge I needed when I went to get some new boots.
A month or so later I was given my start date for my new job with the U.S. Navy as a civilian program analyst. This was a huge jump in pay and responsibility over what I had been making, so I decided I deserved something nice to celebrate, and to make a statement at my new job. I had been looking at the different boots on Tecovas, and really landed on their caiman cowboy boots, called the Dillon, and their pecan color, which was the boldest choice to show off the skin. So, these were my second pair of boots, and the ones I walked into my first day of government service wearing with pride:
Now I had two pairs, and could properly rotate them. It's recommended to let your boots rest for a day to dry out the moisture from your feet, so I could now make sure I had boots on every day, and now I am "the boot guy" at the office, since that is all I wear. And the hat, of course.
The exotic skins may be intimidating to wear at first, but they really up the confidence factor when you put them on. Proper care is still pretty easy, but VERY important. I will soon post what I have learned to share with you guys if you are considering becoming a "boot guy" yourself.
These boots are full grain cowhide in a cognac color, and braided cord details on the shaft and at the scallops. The leather is nice and soft, with enough firmness to also be comfortable and hold its shape. I love the way the creases and variegations in the hide come through as the boot has been worn. The color effect is pretty impressive, as the raised parts keep their reddish brown, while the creases show a much lighter color.
