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.

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.

"I don't need a bunch of kids telling me how to dress! It's not about looking good! It was created to serve a purpose."

This was a comment on our video ~ The Dos & Don'ts of Dressing Western.

While there is some truth in the comment when it comes to functionality, I completely disagree that western wear can't also be about fashion.

Back in the 1800s, cowboys, ranchers and outlaws ruled the Wild West.  Cowboy gear was created to survive the landscape. Those old leather boots and cowboy hats were essential for wrangling cattle and braving the elements. 

Even so, the western style did turn heads! 

And as time has passed, cowboy fashion has evolved. What started as a humble, functional outfit is now a fashion statement that captures the spirt of the American frontier. 

Nowadays, you don't have to be roping cattle to rock a bit of western flair. 

All clothing... not just western wear... serves a purpose.  And it's okay to want to look good while wearing it!  

When we look good, we feel good! 

And when we feel good, we get s*#! done!

So whether you're a city slicker or a country dweller, there's something about cowboy fashion that speaks to everyone. 

It's a timeless style that's here to stay, no matter where the trail leads.

And in this blog... the trail is taking us next to THE KING OF BOOTS ~ Lucchese.