He started with repairs but word quickly spread of the new talent all throughout the Southwest. Soon many clients arrived at his doors carrying different types of hides. All of them were asking Tony Lama for custom-made boots. In his first year as a boot maker, he made 20 custom-made boots with the help of only one assistant. Cavalrymen, ranchers and cowboys were his first clients and later on when the army no longer needed the services of the cavalry, Tony Lama focused his energy on making Western boots. These boots became the epitome of quality at the time and by the 1930s, shoe stores started asking for Tony Lama boots. Tony Lama had to meet the growing demand for his boots and later on developed a method to produce more boots without sacrificing comfort and quality. 31 years later, 5 decades after his fist store, Tony Lama’s company moved to a larger space and began making around 800 pairs a day.

The great boot maker passed away in the year 1974 and his sons and daughters inherited the boot making company. Traditional boots made with quality handcraftsmanship was the key to Tony Lama’s success and his children continued making the same quality of boots. Tony Lama boots are still very popular today making Tony Lama’s story a symbol of the American dream.

Buckaroo from Tony Lama

 Tony Lama has been dressing folks’ feet since 1911 and is proud to offer footwear for men, women and kids. The proprietor began his career as a shoe apprentice in New York. From there, Lama joined the cavalry and ended up in El Paso. While in the West Texas desert, he began crafting boots.  Dress, casual and work boot lines are now offered by Tony Lama.

Constructed of the finest materials, all cowboy boots feature pull straps and a Goodyear welt, as well as fine vamp fitting, wrinkle and outsole stitching.

Did you say rodeo? The company endorses rodeo greats Tyler Magnus, Jake Cooper and Bobby Mote, just to name a few on Tony Lama’s exclusive list.

You’ll be in good company while wearing the boots — Brad Paisley and Aaron Watson love their Tony Lama’s, too.