A week after arriving in Montana, I am now properly shod -- thanks to the used cowboy boot dealer on the side of the road in Lolo, Montana. 

South of town, along Highway 93, he had put up a sign and parked his flat bed truck, the platform of which was covered with pre-owned cowboy boots at a price that couldn't be beat --  $5 a pop.

It wasn't clear to me where exactly the used cowboy boots came from, even though I twice asked the question. From used cowboys, I guess. He just said he was trying to reduce his inventory, which fills two storage units.

It seemed a good idea to me, recycling cowboy boots. There's less waste (fewer cows, alligators, lizards and snakes have to give their lives) and -- best of all -- they're already broken in. The worst part about cowboy boots is always the breaking-in. These, I figure, have already been through that -- not to mention possibly some rough-and-tumble adventures, or even a barfight or two -- and were ready to go.

There were newer boots as well, perhaps even some brand new ones, off to the side, but those ran as high as $20. I opted for the $5 pairs on the truck, and bought two -- one for casual times, and one for fancy affairs.

The ones I'm wearing today, the fancy ones, were a little snug at first, but now they are on the verge of being almost comfortable.

Still, I can't help but wonder about their previous occupant, and how what are now my boots got from him to the used cowboy boot man.

I only hope he didn't die with his boots on, or of a fungus infection.