How to Design Your Own Cowboy Boots

Design a pair of cowboy boots that fit well and also depict a particular interest or favorite subject. Use the expertise of a boot maker and create a boot that will wear longer than a store-bought pair. Originally worn as a riding boot, now an icon of the American West, cowboy boots are a canvas for making a visual statement.

Things You'll Need

• Design magazines, books and photographs

Instructions

1. Locate a boot maker that includes custom designed boots as part of their services. Look at the boot maker's selection of standard boot styles and ask to see a portfolio of custom designs. Boot makers will often specialize in a certain stitching pattern, inlay technique or theme, called a motif.

2. Follow the boot maker's directions for measuring the feet or make an appointment with them to have your feet measured professionally. Without the proper measurements, the boot will not fit correctly and will either be too loose or too tight. The boot maker will build a last or model of the foot from which to build the boot around.

3. Choose the style of boot from the boot maker's selection. If another style is desired, bring a sample or find a photograph of what you want. Drawing your own design is another option---ask the boot maker for the dimensions in which the design will be placed and design within them. Use simple shapes and patterns and communicate directly with the maker in order to achieve what is desired.

4. Make final choices for all needed boot elements by asking the boot maker for leather samples, thread colors, toe bug patterns, heel shapes (including their angles and widths) and toe shapes.

5. Ask for a mock-up drawing from the boot maker to ensure the look and style has been conveyed correctly.

6. Sign the boot order with the boot maker. Custom boot orders should list each element and choice clearly. Make sure the order is understood as it will be referenced if possible mistakes are made.

Tips & Warnings

• Self-measuring the foot is ill-advised and will distort the measurements, causing a poor fitting boot to be made. Always have someone else do the tracing and measuring.

• The last (model of the foot) created by the boot maker can be used repeatedly to build more pairs of boots as requested.

References

• Caboots: Taking Measurements for Custom Boots
• "Cowboy Boots"; Tyler Beard, Jim Arnt; 2004

Resources

• Cultured Cowboy: Parts of the Boot