From: overhung@dontemailme.com   
      
   In article <9L-dncpoxLWquO_dRVn-jw@texas.net>, firstinitiallastname@texas.net   
   says...   
      
   >If you ever have a custom pair made, you'll be ruined for store-bought.   
      
   I mentioned earlier having known the man, Tony Lama,   
   in my youth. My first pair of boots were custom made   
   by him - if custom made can be construed to mean he   
   measured my foot and made a pair of boots that I had   
   to return and pick up when they were ready.   
      
   Today there are factory outlet stores, at least in   
   El Paso, where one can still buy a fine pair of   
   discounted Tony Lama boots. Custom fitting would   
   probably mean sending to China for them though.   
      
   One of the largest chain outlets selling "custom made"   
   boots, and other "western wear" is SHEPLAR's.   
      
   OTOH, not long ago I read an article about a "real"   
   custom boot maker still doing business somewhere in   
   Texas. His boots are sought after by the monied folks   
   who can afford them. I feel sure there are still other   
   custom makers who look at boot making as an art form.   
   Not too long ago someone was showing me a pair they   
   had "custom made" in Juarez and they were made from   
   tanned leather, unlike those made in that town in my   
   youth. Not sure you'd save money by trading in Mexico   
   though. Used to be the big tourist draw - going to   
   Mexico to shop for "cheaper" goods. Not so today. And   
   especially not so since NAFTA. Most Juarenzes now   
   shop at Walmarts on the El Paso side of the river.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)