Lucchese: The King of Boots
Recently, I had a group of women shopping in the store. Being fairly new to western wear, they all were trying on several styles of cowboy boots... having the best time. They were a fun group.
One asked me, "What is the most expensive boot you have in the store?"
After telling her the price, her eyes got big and she wanted to know why anyone would spend that much on a pair of boots.
I said... "Come with me, and I'll show you."
Once we walked over to our Lucchese collection, I told her to not just look at the boot but to feel it and examine it. Right away, she understood... and she was impressed.
Lucchese is known as THE KING OF BOOTS.
The renowned Texas-based footwear company maintains its leading position in the industry with its iconic cowboy boots deeply embedded in American culture.
Situated in El Paso, Texas, the company's factory buzzes with the expertise of hundreds of craftsmen, many of whom boast decades of experience in the intricate art of boot making.
The meticulous process begins with a simple sketch, eventually evolving through an 18-day cycle on the assembly line, where each boot is handled by nearly 150 skilled artisans.
Once the leather is selected from a room of nearly every conceivable animal skin like ostrich, American alligator and even elephant, it travels to a plethora of stations. Every step in the process is carefully considered.
These boots come with a price tag ranging from around $500 to as much as $16,000.
That's not a typo... the most expensive pair is the Baron, which retails for $15,995.
Baron stands as a paragon of luxury footwear, meticulously handcrafted from the finest American alligator leather. This premium material undergoes a rigorous tanning process, encompassing nearly 100 individual steps, ensuring both its exceptional quality and durability. Tanned entirely in the USA, each piece of leather is center cut, chosen for its unparalleled quality and texture. These full top and bottom alligator boots are painstakingly assembled by Lucchese's most skilled artisans, transforming them into more than just footwear, but a form of wearable art. Designed for the most discerning clients, the Baron Boot is an heirloom-quality masterpiece, embodying the pinnacle of American craftsmanship and elegance.
To many, these boots are truly a work of art.
And we have several customers that collect them.
My dad... owner Larry Allred... said he's been carrying Lucchese boots here at Jack's for more than 20 years. He had customers requesting them. They wanted a high end exotic boot.
And this appreciation is being shared from generation to generation.
Even my nephew, Andrue, has started his own collection at just the age of 17.
But the story of Lucchese goes back way beyond 20 years.
Lucchese was founded in 1882 by Salvatore Lucchese, an Italian immigrant. So the company has been at the forefront of cowboy boot craftmanship for more than a century.
Even in the very beginning, Lucchese quickly gained a reputation for quality and durability. Back in this time, the boots weren't just for show. The long shaft... blocked heel... stylized toe shapes...straps... and top stitching... they all served a practical purpose, helping cowboys withstand the rugged terrain of the Wild West.
Today, Lucchese continues to uphold that tradition, creating cowboy boots that not only pay homage to their storied past but also stand as a testament to their commitment to quality and craftmanship.
So if you're looking for a piece of American history you can wear on your feet, look no further than Lucchese cowboy boots.