Boots Galore

Monday, 19 April 2010 23:00

Everyone knows their shoe size. Some might even remember, as a kid, stepping on that silver metal foot to get a measurement. Few, however, have experienced getting their shoe custom-made to fit perfectly on each foot.

This is a common occurence at Stewart Boot Manufacturing Company:

The plethora of leather and heels, the colorful, aged machinery, and the hardworking craftsmen all contribute to the fascinating ambiance of Stewart Boot Manufacturing Company of South Tucson, 30 West 28^th Street.

Victor Borg, president and owner, bought the boot manufacturing business from the original owner, Ronnie Stewart, in 1970, with no knowledge of the artistry of boot making.

Stewart showed Borg his method of constructing boots, but Borg, an engineer, decided to approach the process in a different, more unique way.

“He knew nothing about boot making, but he did know he wanted to do it with his own method,” Borg’s wife Linda said. “There were some bumps and bruises along the way, but he got it eventually, and it really works.”

Borg, a New York native, is a graduate of the University of Arizona and worked for NASA before deciding to purchase the company. According to Linda, he was tired of working for other people and was eager to take on a new venture.

At one point, Stewart Boot’s was a multimillion-dollar business and Borg was distributing his boots to over 150 stores around the world.

“The boots are popular, and even with the downfall of the industry, we still have our client’s coming in,” Linda said.

Today, Borg sells Stewart Boot’s in about 10 stores throughout the country, but all of his custom work is done in Tucson.

Inside the modest, worn building, some of the most intricate and unique boots are produced. The complicated and lengthy boot making process starts with Borg tracing the clients’ foot, discovering their preferences in style, and choosing the leather. From there, it goes to assembly.

In addition to doing the fittings, Borg acts as production manager and oversees the entire assembly process.

“It starts with Victor and ends with Victor,” Linda said. “A pair of boots is not complete until he does a final inspection and gives it his stamp of approval."

Borg may allow for the operation to run smoothly, but the loyal employees are imperative to the process as well.

Ten men, all from Mexico, work diligently to construct the boots on a daily basis, Linda said. Some of the “faithful workers” have been working for Borg for 30 years.

“Victor even learned to speak Spanish fluently so he can communicate with the workers,” Linda explained.

Borg, his employees, and the customers work collaboratively to create the comfortable custom boots. The process can take up to three months, but customers are willing to wait once they understand the work that goes into it.

“Sometimes people come in and think their boots will be done in a week or two, but then we show them around and let them see the process and they understand why it will take a few months,” Linda said.

Once the boots are completed, the customer can pick them up and enjoy them for upwards of 25 years.

“On average, our boots can last up to 35 years, but we are happy to do any repairs along the way,” Linda said.

The custom boots start at $350 and can end up costing thousands of dollars depending on the stitch patterns, the leather and other details.

 Boots may be the signature product at Stewart Boot’s, but they also manufacture purses, knife sheaths, belts, and other leather items.

“We just really enjoy being here,” Linda said. “People can come in and get a good fit, learn about their feet, and get the boots they really want.”

See How Stewart Boots are made and see some FAQ's by Clicking here!

Here are some other custom boot makers in Arizona:

Paul Bond Boots – Located in Nogales, Ariz., this company has been around for over 50 years making custom boots for women and men. Some of their notable customers include Clint Eastwood, Frank Sinatra, Reba McEntire and Johnny Cash.

915 West Paul Bond Drive

Nogales, AZ 85621

520-281-0512

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PK Bootmaker – Paul Krause, the artist behind PK Bootmaker, started studying and practicing bookmaking at age nine. In addition to making custom boots, belts and knife sheaths, Krause also creates sculptures and picture frames using leather. The shop is located in Prescott, Ariz.

600 Miller Valley Road

Prescott, AZ 86301

928-442-1213

Espinoza Boot Maker - This company has a limited choice of leather, design and heel size compared to Stewart Boot Co., but they are still hand-made-to-order. The boot maker and founder of the company, David Espinoza, prices his custom boots at $599. He also gives the option of adding a star design for an additional $75.

4409 North 16th Street

Phoenix, AZ 85016

602-263-8164

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Written by Jacquelyn Valerie Smith You are reading Boots Galore articles