Today we started the journey back to Wyoming from Arkansas. This week, Vic and I learned much more than just how to build a pair of cowboy boots... we learned about a craft, about a legacy and about a trade that has been largely replaced by machines. We met Floyd who is a multigenerational shoe maker (I can't remember how many generations back). He has tools from his grandfather and more knowledge than I will ever hope to learn. He starts his day around 4 am and completes more before we wake up than most people accomplish all day!
By the time we joined him in the shop in the morning, Floyd already had been at work for hours! He is a great teacher and has lots of stories about the boots he has made (and a few of their wearers), his family and dreams that he has for the new shop up with us in Wyoming.
Did I mention that? Oh yes- that was the purpose of our trip to learn this craft. We are in the process of adding a boot shop to the guest ranch this summer! Our friends Jarrod and Floyd (Broke Dog Custom Boots) are setting up a new shop (Diamond Livery) up north- in just a few months. In fact, the building has started and should be done soon.
Back to our little trip, I couldn't believe how much work goes into a pair of these custom boots! Vic probably put close to 25 hours into this simple pair of boots. Floyd said that he has ever put 200 hours into one pair. That would explain the cost but everyone I talked to assured me that once you wear custom shoes, you don't want to wear any other off-the-rack shoe.
Lydia came with us and she took to Floyd quickly! It was fun to watch their little relationship develop over the week. I wouldn't be surprised if she gets a pair of boots before I do...
I'm excited for all the possibilities that will come to fruition through this new shop. But I'm not going to lie, I cannot wait to get some of those boots for myself!
