R. Watson ~ Walk Tall
What makes a boot heritage quality?
"A fine pair of cowboy boots is still like the cowboy himself: sturdy, dependable, and with a rugged charm." ~ Alex Via, Buffalo Jackson Trading Co.
Let me tell ya 'bout a legend in the boot business by the name of Randy Watson.
He's been stompin' around the cowboy boot world for more than 40 years, making his mark at places like Justin, Lucchese, Tony Lama and Nocona.
He's got a knack for knowing just where to find the finest leather, the most skilled craftsmen, and the best retailers to bring his boots to the folks who need 'em and want 'em.
R. Watson's salesperson Bric Conn (what a cool name, right?!) stepped into Jack's Western Wear back in 2022. Right away, my dad ~ Jack's owner Larry Allred ~ said yes. My dad says from the foundation of the boot to the fine details... it matters, and R. Watson boots look good and are made good.
* Every boot is lined with cowhide.
* Timeless 10 row stitch pattern or hand cording. This classic pattern brings the history and heritage of the Cowboy Code into the culture of today.
* A 10 iron genuine leather outsole is the foundation of their western boot. It provides durability with just enough flex to provide the comfort all boot enthusiasts desire.
* R. Watson puts both lemonwood pegs and brass nails in all of their western boots. This means that as the conditions change (wet or dry, hot or cold) this hardware is built to change with it and keep the sole attached to the boot.
* Solid Steel Shank. To provide the most stability and durability possible, they developed a solid steel shank system that you’ll find in an R. Watson Boot. The solid steel shank system is then incorporated into a 1 piece insole system so you will never get that dreaded squeak again.
Randy's cowboy story goes all the way back to when he played baseball at The University of Houston in Texas, when he was in sneakers or cleats... not boots.
He was aiming for the big leagues in Major League Baseball, but fate had other plans for ol' Randy. Back in 1980, he was finishing up his college degree when he needed a summer job. Well, he found himself at Don's Western Wear in Houston, not too far from the famous Gilley's honky tonk.
Around this time, "Urban Cowboy" had just hit the silver screen. Bud & Sissy stirred up a whole heap of fuss 'bout western wear and country music.
Randy was smack dab in the middle of it all, hustling boots and hats to men and women that wanted to get a piece of the cowboy charm.
He hadn't planned to stick around, but a temporary gig turned into long term career.
From Don's he headed to Justin headquarters in Fort Worth.
Randy climbed the ladder, cowboy hat and all, until he was sittin' high as the chairman and CEO.
After working for such cowboy greats like Justin & Lucchese, Randy decided to go out on his own. He started a new adventure where he aimed to craft boots so fine that he'd stamp his own name on them.
R. Watson: Walk Tall
And he's now doing this with folks he can truly count on... his own kin.
Randy wrangled up his son Ryan and many seasoned hands in the boot biz to rustle up R. Watson.
The business is nestled in Crowley, Texas. Run by kinfolk, for kinfolk.
These aren't just boots, partner. They're a testament to generations of know-how, with each stitch and cut telling a story of hard work and dedication.
From the tanneries where the leather is born to the skilled hands that shape it into footwear fit for a trailblazer, every step of the process is steeped in tradition and pride.
So when you slide into a pair of R. Watson boots, you're not just wearing footwear. You're stepping into history.
And with quality like this, you're getting the best bang for your buck.