Jenny L.
Yelp
I just found out today how ignorant I am about El Paso....did you know we have a Guinness world record holder for the world's biggest boots here in El Paso? They just happen to be in one of fashion's most celebrated artisanal boot maker's workshop right here in El Paso (which is apparently also the boot capital of Texas). I present to you Rocketbusters.
I read about them thru a business journal about apprenticeships and how they mentor young folks in trade crafts. I had been up til then, saving up pennies to visit Heritage Boot Co. in Austin, since I only heard about them making custom boots. I can't believe we have our own artisan boot maker's here as well! Duh me, right?
As soon as I found out, I messaged them to visit and they told me to call. I was able to get a last minute appointment and they were gracious enough to show me the process, their workshop, and some of their beautiful works of art.
Their building is in downtown and I've actually been in their parking lot for the farmer's market, so it's a cool area. We walked up and saw a huge horse on top (ask them about it) and doubles as a weathervane! The workshop is super cool, they have some really cool art as well as the beautiful boots on display to show off their work. You can touch, smell, and see the master artisan's work in the designs. The world's largest boots (real boots with leather, sizing, etc) are also on display and even their restroom is cool!
They showed me samples of the designs that they did for charity, movie stars, celebrities, etc and each had a cute backstory. My host was kind and very knowledgeable. The things that they can do to leather is incredible! They also had a huge display of all sorts of boots, mules, and even children's boots, all custom made.
Prices start at $1200, which is eye opening, but considering the work put in and the lifetime of the boots, it's actually a deal. Why the cost? They start by hand measuring your feet, since no foot is alike, this is crucial to having a custom fit. I didn't get to do it since it was so last minute to squeeze me in. They then discuss the design and the creative process begins, some designs can take 2 months, some 2 years, depending on the customer and if they like what is being designed for them.
They hand draw, cut, and paint the leather designs...some like the mermaid, will have over 50 passes of paint and dyes! It's meant to soak into the leather and have staying power over the lifetime of the boot. That's quality you can see. Some of the designs were so intricate, it looks like actual wood!
They train local artisans and keep them on as a full hire should they want to stay. I love that the traditions and expert knowledge gets passed on in hands on training.
Come out if you're interested in supporting artisans in our backyard. People from all parts of the world order from them, but we can actually see the process, feel it and see our custom order locally! I know what I'll be saving my pennies for in the next couple of years! #supportlocal