00:01The cowboy boot. For some people, these boots represent a way of life. For others, a flair of fashion.
00:07Whatever way you wear them, it's safe to say few styles of shoe are as iconic.
00:12But where did this style come from, and why are they distinctly tied to American fashion?
00:20The exact origin of the style is contested, but many agree that the style we think of today has a
00:26surprising origin in Hollywood.
00:28Before Western blockbuster stars like John Wayne, these boots were, well, just boots.
00:34A simple style and cut for working in the stables and riding horses.
00:38Flash forward to the 40s and 50s, and suddenly the cowboy became synonymous with American style.
00:45The basic concept of the boot stayed intact, but the focus shifted from a purely practical mindset to fashion.
00:53This first step might ruffle some feathers.
00:56Traditionally, cowboy boots are made from hides of animals, like goat or cow.
01:01This particular boot is made from ostrich skin.
01:04A stencil is placed on both sides and outlined in chalk.
01:10Time to cut.
01:12This machine uses 10 tons of hydraulic pressure to slice through even the toughest material.
01:17This is the material that will be used on the outside of the final boot for a show-stopping look.
01:23The lining, meanwhile, is more understated and is labeled with size, style number, width, and date manufactured.
01:30The finishing touch is the logo.
01:37Cowboy boots are known for their intricate patterns that decorate the sides.
01:41The process to achieve this look is called cording.
01:44Glue is applied to a template and a thin bit of twine is delicately laid on top.
01:49Then the leather pieces are stuck together.
01:52Off to be stitched.
01:54Each piece of the boot is placed in a tray that is fed into a machine that stitches the design.
01:59The cord in between the leather is adding dimension to the design, raising the pattern up to stand out from
02:06the stitching.
02:10All the pieces have been sewn together inside out.
02:13This is done so that the seams of the boot can be rolled down.
02:17You know that rubbing feeling you can get when you put on a new pair of boots?
02:20By rolling down the seams, they won't irritate your leg while you wear them.
02:26The boot is then placed on this tube which sucks the boot in and turns it right side out.
02:32But hold on, these boots clearly aren't made for walkin' quite yet.
02:39These are called lasts and they come in all shapes and sizes depending on the style of the boot.
02:44The insole of the shoe is attached to the last with staples
02:49and then attached to the leather outside of the boot in a process called lasting.
02:54The leather is dunked into a bucket of water and stretched over the plastic last.
02:58Nails are then hammered into the sole.
03:01This process is crucial for the shape and feel of the boot and takes incredible skill.
03:08Finally, the boot is ready for the toe to be shaped and lasted.
03:13Square, round, pointed, the toe of the boot is a crucial style element to any shoe.
03:19Time for a little heat.
03:21Wet from the lasting process, the boots are taken to a hothouse where they sit for 24 to 48 hours.
03:26This room is like a large boot oven and is heated to 120 degrees, ensuring all the water evaporates
03:33and the boots are left dry for the final leg of their journey.
03:37Pegging is a traditional method used to connect the leather insole to the outsole.
03:42Holes are hammered along the arch and lemon wood pegs are expertly hammered into place.
03:48Some brands have opted to replace lemon wood pegs for metal nails, but any boot lover will insist that lemon
03:53wood pegs are the only way to go.
03:55The reason?
03:57Lemon wood absorbs water at the same rate as leather.
04:00So, if you walk in water or your foot gets a little sweaty on a hot day, the sole will
04:05shrink and expand at the same time, helping the boot stay intact.
04:09Metal nails, on the other hand, would slowly be pushed out of the shoe over time.
04:16The sole is painted over with a staining varnish and buff to polish the bottom.
04:25Then, things get a little hot again.
04:28Boots are placed on individual hot ironing boards that stiffen and steam the sides of the boot.
04:33This step ensures that your boots have that tall and straight appearance right out of the box.
04:38Next, an open flame is brushed across the leather.
04:41Besides looking really badass, this process removes any stray threads.
04:48Once they're all spiffed up, the boots are packaged and shipped to your closet.
04:56Whether you're going to a rodeo, shindig, or just rocking them in your own personal way,
05:01these boots might be the style statement you have been waiting for.
05:05So, do you remember?
