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July 29, 2005

Tony Lama: Commitment to Comfort

Tony Lama, the most recognized boot brand in the world in Western Boots, has combined hand-crafted boot making know-how with contemporary technology to give their customers long lasting quality and undeniable comfort. Tony Lama started making boots back in 1911 and today they are known for their traditional cowboy boot making ways, producing some of the finest boots around with high quality leathers and designs.

Tony Lama first started learning about boots at the early age of 11. After being apprenticed to a shoemaker in Syracuse, New York, he went on to become a premier boot maker in the boot industry. After joining the U.S. Cavalry as a cobbler, he realized the importance of a good fitting pair of boots. So after he completed his tour of service, he settled in El Paso, Texas, and set out to make only the best, most comfortable boots around. His boot business started out slowly and the majority of his business consisted of repair work but it didn’t take long for the popularity of his boots to spread like wildfire. Soon his boots started making a name for themselves. Cowboys, ranchers, and cavalrymen from all over the Southwest were lining up for a pair of Tony Lama boots.

In the 1930’s demand for his boots were growing and western stores began stocking Tony Lama’s boots. To meet these growing demands, Tony Lama invented new ways to mass produce his boots that still retained all the quality and hand crafting intricacies that his first boots had. 30 years later, Tony Lama expanded and moved into larger accommodations and what started out as a 20 pairs a day business soon evolved into 750 pairs of boots a day.

Every one of Tony Lama’s boots has more than 100 steps that are overseen by skilled craftsmen. They use only top grade leathers and all leather construction. Every boot has special features such as a shank, a heavy gauge double ribbed steel strip that supports the arch, providing customers with the utmost comfort. Their cushion comfort system makes Tony Lama boots easier than ever to slip on and wear all day.

After Tony Lama passed away in 1974, his children took over the business and continued their father’s legacy. Like their father, they are still dedicated to making the most comfortable hand crafted boots around and combined with today’s technology, Tony Lama boots have definitely set the standard. To this day, Tony Lama’s commitment to quality, handcrafted, and most importantly, comfortable boots lives on.

To view our selection of Tony Lama boots, click here

Posted by BootBarn Moderator at 11:54 AM | Comments (0)

July 19, 2005

Wolverine: Footwear That Won’t Quit On You

The company later known to the world as Wolverine World Wide, was founded by G.A. Krause, in 1883. Twenty years later in Rockford, Michigan, he and his sons built a shoe factory that produced 300 pairs of shoes a day. Later, they built the Wolverine tannery and the Wolverine brand name was chosen to represent the shoes that were made of this tough and durable Wolverine horsehide leather. After national advertising efforts, Wolverine gained rapid popularity and the business began to grow. Even during the Great Depression, Wolverine pushed forward and maintained their shoe production for better times. In 1976, Wolverine Shoe & Tanning Company officially became Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

Technology
Wolverine is known for comfortable work boots that meet the demands "on the job" since 1883! Utilizing the most advanced footwear technologies, Wolverine boots are designed to withstand the toughest jobs and the harshest environments. In an effort to combine a comfort system with work boots, Wolverine designed different technologies to provide customers ultimate comfort and utility. Wolverine Compressor Technology has a patented 3-zone aero-space lining that lifts moisture so the feet stay dry. The DuraShocks insole has polymer pads to cushion the entire foot. The compression system has two layers, the first layer has a built in shank for stability and the second layer has compression chambers to absorb 50% more shock and return 30% more energy in each step. Wolverine MultiShox Technology has individual compression pads to respond to you, advanced polyurethane which is 30% lighter, heavy-duty construction, full grain leather that molds to the feet, comfort flex arch to support feet, rubber outsole that’s slip, oil, abrasion, and heat resistant, and a comfort gel insole for cushion. Wolverine Fusion Technology has a 360 degree side stitch that attaches the welted upper to the DuraShocks comfort system. This permanently locks the direct-attach outsole to the welted upper. Wolverine DuraShocks technology is made with lightweight dual-density construction that weighs one third as much as rubber but absorbs four times the force. It also has compression pads, closed-cell polyurethane footbed construction, and dual-density polymer pads. And the Wolverine DuraShocks slip resistant boots have compounds in the outsole lugs to increase traction. The tread design has a high surface area of contact and directs liquid away from the surface area.

When G.A. Krause founded Wolverine in 1883, he was believed to have said, “There is some opportunity here.” Well, he was right because today, Wolverine is definitely a leader when it comes to work boots. They are on the leading edge of technology and their boots are ready for any challenge. Worn by workers all over the world, Wolverine boots are designed to be tough, powerful, and most importantly, comfortable enough to make it through any work day, no matter how long it is.

To view our selection of Wolverine Boots, click here

Posted by BootBarn Moderator at 10:31 AM | Comments (1)

July 08, 2005

Frye Boots: Stepping Into History

Frye Boots come from a long line of tradition. The company is the oldest continuously operating shoe company in the United States. The Frye Boot Company was founded in 1863 by John A. Frye, a shoemaker from England. He ran the company by himself for almost 50 years until his death in 1911. After his death, his family continued his legacy and took over the company until 1945.

Frye boots are deep rooted in history. They were worn by soldiers from America’s Civil War, soldiers in the Spanish-American War, and by Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders. And when families from New England headed west to the new frontier in the mid and late 1800’s, many of the pioneers were wearing none other than Frye Boots for the long journey. In 1938, John A. Frye’s grandson agreed to make a pair of Wellington’s for a U.S. Navy Admiral because he had a difficult time finding the style he liked. After that, orders started pouring in for the same pair of boots and Frye continued to fulfill these orders through the Second World War. During this time, Frye supplied thousands of their Wellington’s, known as Jet Boots, to the soldiers in the army. Even General Patton wore a pair of Frye Boots.

For over 140 years now, Frye Boots has been dedicated to quality, craftsmanship, and tradition. From harness to western, traditional to fashion, 1863 to 2005, Frye Boots have stood the test of time. Known for their classic looks and fashions, Frye is often the choice of stars and celebrities. You'll see Frye Boots in many of the latest fashion and interest magazines like Men's Health and Vogue....and for good reason. They were the boots of choice in the past and they remain the boots of choice in the 21st century. Frye Boots have embedded themselves into American culture and were also chosen to represent the America of the 60’s at the Smithsonian Institute. They’ve made their mark in the past as pioneers in footwear history, and now, history repeats itself.

To view our selection of Frye Boots, click here

Posted by BootBarn Moderator at 02:28 PM | Comments (0)