Cowboy Boot Restoration | Nocona Boots Get a Makeover

[@jmatt4life]

Nocona and Tony Llama are classic, well-known, boot brands in Texas. We love our boots!!!

[@terryhaygood7499]

It’s awesome to see how you repaired my boots. They are 8EEE, and I cannot get that size anymore. I can’t wait to wear them

[@freliaz]

Terry Haygood good looking pair of boots!

[@laurabagley3115]

I can’t imagine how exciting it is to see your own boots worked on by such craftsmen! Lucky guy!

[@tomasalexander2275]

I wear 9.5 EEE, that size is hard to find also, Nacona was the only westren boot maker that didn't have them as custom boots

[@ajohnson153]

Nice call on the toe plates. I really think they look great.

[@poppiarlin5612]

Like I said I could never wear them they look so good. Everything they do is classy and perfection

[@glenmartinez9785]

I was raised about an hour away from Nocona Tx. Several of my family members have worked there over the years. Boots, belts, wallets, just about anything leather you name it. Glad to see the repair on those boots.

[@kevinstephenson3880]

The most comfortable pair of boots I own! Nacona has been in business for over 100 years. Not too many can say that!

[@jmatt4life]

I could not believe that you guys were not familiar with the Nocona brand! I love Nocona, Tony Llama and I’m fixing to try Tecovas. When I die, I will be buried in my boots. AWESOME JOB!!!

[@dufus2273]

I have owed a half dozen pairs of Nocona boots over the years. I currently owe a pair of lizard and a pair of ostrich. They always hold up well and are very comfortable. the calf portion always had a little wider opening adding to the comfort. Miss Enid Justin was the daughter of H. R. Justin.Founder of Justin Boot Co. She carried on her daddy's tradition in the town he so dearly loved, Nocona ,Texas. Hence the name. My boots were purchased in Nocona Texas. Don't know where they are made now. Excellent renewal of those boots. They are quality made. back when quality meant something.

[@ironheadbill]

Made in China now along with Justin etc..

[@meandthexj.2500]

Nocona's are the first pair of cowboy boots I ever owned. My Dad bought them for me when I was 14. 30 Years later, after a resole, and 8 more pairs of cowboy boots now in my collection, they are still my favorite. Broken in like an old friend, they fit so well.

[@armondedge8840]

Beautiful video, informative and without idle chatter and awful music to distract the viewer. For me, it is a pleasure to watch people who are good at what they do, doing it. Thank you.

[@cbcalk]

Nocona Boots, from Nocona, Texas has a great history for those that are interested. I always enjoy your videos

[@allengibeaut5083]

Do you have a video on it

[@garyburgmylifeandtimes6354]

What's not to like about QUALITY hand craftsmanship. Love it!

[@TrentonHeath]

Gary Burg thank you very much!

[@jeffowens2051]

My great grandfather was a cobbler. Started in NYC, moved to Sonora Mexico, then to Ruston WA. I have prints at work in TN of his shoes on his life long client, George Herman (Babe) Ruth. Nice to see that folks are keeping the tradition alive. Too many otherwise good shoes/boots get tossed because the neighborhood cobbler is pretty much a lost art.

[@trainmanmills]

Nacona is located in Nacona, Texas----not only do they make foot but are the only manufacturer of baseball gloves in the USA

[@TrentonHeath]

trainman Mills Thanks for the info! Yeah, I was wondering if they were the same Nocona, as the baseball glove manufacturer, since the names are spelled differently.

[@PeterTX]

To be totally accurate, while both companies were/are based in Nocona, TX, they are not the same manufacturer. The Boot company was founded by Enid Justin in 1925, and the The Glove company was founded by Cad McCall and T.B. Wilkes in 1926. They probably took advantage of the leather tradesmen in the area and just made different products. To this day, the Nokona Glove company works as an independent, American made/Owned operation, and the Nokona Boot company is a subsidiary of the Justin Boots Corporation.

[@NJ-Cathie]

They make great gloves. I have bought a few for my sons. Nicona gloves are made to last a lifetime.

[@alans.4167]

Different companies. Nocona boots was started by Justin's daughter. When he died the boys moved Justin to El Paso and the girl started a new boot company in Nocona. Eventually Nocona boots was bought out by Justin and moved to El Paso. After the ball glove company had their factory burn down they moved into the old boot factory.

[@jimlyles53]

Nocona

[@danbanham728]

Its midnight and I'm watching cowboy boots being repaired but I'm not disappointed, I'll continue watching.

[@kingkong7617]

Nocona is a good boot, well made and you made them even better with your repairs. I have watched several of your videos and there is no doubt that you do quality work and it shows in the end results.

[@ivorybow]

Watching your work this morning with my coffee, I felt my inner anthropologist awakened. I was struck by what a beautiful example this restoration is of the complexity and elegance of human culture. You have a large number of very complex machines which which have been developed over decades, possibly even centuries, of cobbling. And the work involves a vast number of different kinds of materials, all of which also have been developed over decades, or possibly centuries. And yet every single step you take involves the use of the human hand and the opposable thumb, the interaction of the brain and the hands. This video really made me aware of how amazing we humans are. Thanks for your great love of your craft. It shows

[@AndyMcPandy]

I need to know the brand of coffee you drank 😉

[@DougHinVA]

Well-said ...and similar things occurred to me (the 2 men are continuing an art and skill of cobblers). The vids are educational for those who will watch and learn how their craft is done.

[@chuckboyle8456]

Outstanding demonstration of the cobbler’s skilled hands. Very impressive videography technique showing excellent details of each step of the restoration. Probably your best shoe repair video ever. Your new shop looks amazing. Thank you, keep up the great work!

[@TrentonHeath]

Chuck Boyle thank you very much! You’re too kind.

[@clairebear7936]

That’s fascinating, I had no idea the cork went in as a kind of mushy mixture. I just presumed it was a solid that was cut into shape. Thanks for sharing your videos, there’s always something new to learn in them.

[@TrentonHeath]

Claire Bear You can use either type. The soft cork, such as this, or the harder cork. We use both.

[@hotwax9376]

It looks like crunchy peanut butter to me, especially the way it's spread on there like you'd spread said peanut butter on a slice of bread. :)

[@aidenlin9878]

@@hotwax9376 omg same

[@ElPasoJoe1]

I had a pair of Nocona work boots years back. Many years back. Switched to Tony Lama's cuz I lived in El Paso. Have nothing but really good to say about the Nocona's. Your job on these really pops!...

[@TrentonHeath]

Joe Burks thank you very much!

[@omgleatherworks3253]

I can't be the only person that really enjoys the sounds of the leather being worked. That's one of the reasons I started leatherworking myself.

[@chevyman8784]

Don't know how I ended up here watching but definitely satisfying to watch these guys put new life to old boots. Excellent craftsmanship !

[@TexanUSMC8089]

I was told that Justin Boot Co started in Nocona Tx. The family split up, one side had Justin and the other side started Nocona boot co. Both were still in Nocona Tx back then. Both boots were made pretty much the same way.

[@paulsheffield4729]

I really like the toe clip. Definitely looks nicer with it. In all honesty, my favorite part of all your videos is the cutting and pulling sounds. So relaxing

[@themightyparthos]

A gentleman's touch on a workman's shoe, kinda classy. Not afraid of a shot of whiskey nor a cup of tea.

[@susanrussell8195]

So glad I found this channel. I feel like you are hometown boys even though I live in rural Southern Illinois halfway between St. Louis and Nashville. When we go to the city, Nashville gets our money. I love The Cheeserie. I’m going to share your channel with my kids. When my daughters heel feel off, I told her to go to a shoe repair shop. She looked at me like I was crazy. So many younger people have no idea this work is done. Thanks for keeping it alive and spreading the knowledge.

[@TrentonHeath]

Susan Russell thank you very much for the kind words!

[@hotwax9376]

Nashville has some great music (and great cobblers, apparently), but St. Louis has some pretty good food as I understand. My younger cousin is currently attending Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and is set to graduate at the end of this coming year. (Right now he's doing his vicarage in Phoenix.) I hope to attend his graduation if plans work out and COVID has slowed down sufficiently, and maybe try out some of the food in and around St. Louis while I'm there.

[@susanrussell8195]

HotWax93 You definitely need to go to The Hill for some great Italian food. There is a lot to choose from else where in the city too.

[@jimhuskins8506]

Another excellent repair video. Thanks so much. Hard to believe that anyone has not heard of Nokona. They are a cowboy classic. I especially appreciated the focus on making welt. Would love to see a detailed video on welt making. Dimensions, what leather to use, where to cut stitch groove, and so forth.

[@RatdogDRB]

Always heard good things of Noconas... nice to see some solid construction techniques used to make them. Beautiful rebuild, would've also enjoyed the visual of finishing after the wooden pegs were clipped. Nice work gents.

[@mookie714]

oh man, the owner of these boots is going to be doing some serious new boot goofin when he gets these bad boys back!

[@lancephillip6836]

Lol underrated comment

[@EatMyNads]

I'm just goofin

[@stan31222]

3 payments

[@wolfguardian8312]

Serious boot goofin.......Laughs hysterically....good line.....

[@smitty1952]

Not only is your craftsmanship impeccable, I'm really impressed with the quality of your videos. Works great with the both of you each doing your part. Thanks Guys and keep them coming!

[@TrentonHeath]

smitty1952 thank you very much!

[@abeloth7188]

I appreciate how much of this process was done by hand and why thanks so much

[@TrentonHeath]

Abeloth Prime Thank you! Glad you enjoyed.

[@manderpandersalamander9977]

I’m always so impressed with what the oak dowel does to the soles! 💕

[@mattbrown9484]

What exactly does it do? It went over my head.

[@scottcooksey5284]

@@mattbrown9484 burnishes the leather.

[@sea2side]

Its Fathers Day down here in Australia, as I wait for the family to get up i am enjoying your hard work and lessons, thankyou, enjoy your holiday with your families. Chil

[@TrentonHeath]

sea2side thank you so very much for watching!

[@waynerichardaves5375]

I love watching skilled boot makers doing this type of work, it's the way all boots should be made. Mass produced machine made boots are just not the same

[@mf9309]

I love watching true craftsmen apply the skills of their trade, and you two never fail to impress! You’ll always get a thumbs up from me! I and so many others really appreciate you. Thank you, and keep up the great work and videos!

[@uckedinhats]

Normally I would never watch such a show... but you fellows are entertainers after master craftsmen ... I was fun watching your knowledge flow out on the screen as well the strength in skill

[@kevinstewart4579]

Another fantastic video! These in-depth refurbishment videos are a wonderful showcase for the skills that you both have. Well done gentlemen

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you so much, Kevin!

[@Coladita52]

Gentlemen you both are true masters at your craft, it is a pleasure to watch you work.Thank you for doing what you do in. Disposable society.

[@markaschaefer]

11:10 my heart skipped a few beats. Fantastic as always, gentleman.

[@TrentonHeath]

Mark Schaefer thank you very much!

[@intothebluemr]

I was thinking, "Watch your thumb, watch your thumb! WATCH YOUR THUMB!"

[@jasonwalker4293]

One of the most satisfying videos I have ever watched! Beautiful craftsmanship. Favorite part was the cork 🤠

[@Smorans]

Those boots were badass! So interesting to see how they’re constructed. I could listen to you guys talk all day! 😊

[@TrentonHeath]

emokidsij thank you very much! 😉

[@toro5280]

A fascinating process. Beautiful boots too, simple and plain enough for my taste, not too pointy, not too square, not too tall, not too short.

[@j4jools292]

Love your channel. If I'm stressed, I come and watch one of your videos. I don't know what it is, but I find watching you work VERY therapeutic. Your commentary is always just right and I get to learn a lot about footwear brands, the good and the not so good ones, and how to take care of/clean leather uppers Thanks for sharing your knowledge, it's invaluable. As a side note, your content warrants way more subscribers than you currently have!

[@TrentonHeath]

J4Jools thank you very much for your kind words!

[@tomasalexander2275]

I owned a pair of Nacona boots 30yrs ago, best pair of cowboy boots I ever owned, till some POS broke into my home and took them, I paid $150 for them about 1995, so if they're only about $200 or so now, that's not bad, unfortunately I can't wear cowboy boots anymore 😕, it is what it is, just love watching you guys work on foot wear! Keep up the good work!

[@raymonddaye1706]

Your shop is immaculate, reflective of your workmanship.

[@ianmedium]

Yay, Cowboy boots! I would love for you both to do a video on the best brands of cowboy boots at various price points, low, medium and top of the line, I think that would be very valuable. I don´t know what modern Justin boots are like but I own a pair of vintage 1980´s made in the USA custom order boots in full quill Ostrich and the quality is outstanding and also comfort!

[@jennypaxton8159]

I’d love to see that too. I have a pair of smooth ostrich Justins: my first pair of cowboy boots! They’re from something like 2005, and they’re due a second resoling sometime soon. Comfy as slippers, tough enough to shrug off being stepped on by a horse! I’ve heard Justins have gone down in quality recently, but I’d like to know. A cowboy boot comparison of maybe Justins, Luccheses, Tony Lamas, Ariats, Anderson Beans, Noconas, etc would be invaluable!

[@1endell]

That's a piece of art! So much work on this boots and final result is awesome. Thank you for sharing. Cheers from Brazil

[@TrentonHeath]

Wendell Mendes thank you very much!

[@christ186]

Don't know why its so satisfying to watch these gentleman do these repairs. Interesting and relaxing Great job!

[@e.macdonaldoutdoors7825]

I have several pairs of Nocona boots and love them. I, have wondered if they were put together well. Your video showed me the "inner workings". Thanks for another informative and enjoyable video...from a Montana rancher.

[@TrentonHeath]

MacDonald Outdoors thank you very much!

[@davidmiller8823]

An interesting video. The amount of skill and handwork was incredible to watch. Awesome attention to detail and craftsmanship here.

[@kbrett2004]

Top notch as always gents. Man, I love it when you guys burnish the soles like that, looks killer. The toe plates were a great idea, took em to another level.

[@TrentonHeath]

Brett Patrick thank you very much!

[@engrcumins9809]

Reminds me of my boyhood trips to "Tom & Tiddle" Shoe Shop in Enid, Oklahoma with my father. Ah, the smells I smelled in that shop. Watching your work, they all come back. It is wonderful to witness Artisans practicing their craft. Thank you

[@staguar]

The color/patina on those soles looks amazing. The more I see you putting toe caps on shoes, the more I really like it.

[@TrentonHeath]

staguar thank you very much!

[@TrentonHeath]

thank you very much!

[@jackdillon4467]

Wow!!! I have at least 10 or so western boots and this s the first time I saw a restoration. You are a true artisan and these boots look amazing!! Thanks for a great video as I learned so much from watching!!! I live on Long Island NY and could only wish I could find someone like you and your expertise!!!

[@decomposingman]

Excellent craftsmanship as usual. I enjoyed the additional detail that you included in the beginning but it tailed off toward the end. For example, what were those pegs in the arch of the sole? Wood? Plastic? How did you shape the arch? Love your videos, but I would just offer my opinion that they do seem to get a bit rushed toward the end. I have no problem watching a much longer video on shoe repair. You guys make it all enjoyable.

[@brookeggleston9314]

Lemonwood, I believe, and they rebuilt (I think!) the *fiddle* that was there in the first place. I'm sure they will either correct me or confirm my belief! Stay safe and healthy! Blessings . . .✨🌠🐬🌙🌊 ⚡🔥🌊✨💙✨🌊🔥⚡

[@TrentonHeath]

decomposingman thank you very much!

[@Bellaandkelly]

what a beautiful book. look at that leather....like fine art that has been ingrained with history.

[@shanke300]

Master craftsman at work. Fantastic finish. I do really appreciate such fine workmanship. Much respect to you and your team. My fav kind of show is the western cowboy boots. It's got soul and personality.

[@ericmorton2274]

Great to see This! I have two pairs of Nocona boots, one of which is black lizard. They are excellent boots. I'd love to see another video with boots that have "doggin" heels. It would be cool to see how you create that tapered, undercut heel shape.

[@wgterry73ify]

Very nice, I remember seeing a cobbler in my home town as a kid. Good to see guy's still using these skills.

[@westerpher8561]

Love my Nacona boots and my Nakona baseball glove too. Great to see that much awaited cowboy boot video.

[@brantfurr986]

Thanks for taking the time to share your videos... I'm sure it takes a lot of time and effort to film these, then edit them... It's really neat seeing the unique tools and processes of a skilled craftsman doing what they do.

[@TrentonHeath]

Brant Furr thank you very much for watching our videos!

[@troyano6548]

You guys are the best. I have no words to express my admiration for the professional job that you do.

[@kway8491]

Just made my 1st purchase of cow boots and once i get them good and well fitted in you will for sure have my business.

[@frankbiz]

Great job, it's nice to see shoes and boots re-soled and reconditioned the right way. 👍🏻

[@beverlycollins4283]

Just found your channel the other day. I have been binge watching your videos. I can appreciate an excellent quality pair of shoes. Watching you do your work is very relaxing. TY.☺

[@Samuel-ge7im]

What a fascinating restoration video I really enjoy seeing people so talented working.

[@TrentonHeath]

Samuel thank you very much!

[@tbrizius]

Great video. One tip that may help. When attaching those toe protectors, use a steel screw to attach it first ( to cut the threads and establish the hole). Then back out the steel screw and replace with the brass ones so you won’t strip out the brass screw head. Those boots look great BTW

[@TrentonHeath]

tbrizius we actually use a small drill bit.

[@wolfguardian8312]

What an excellent video depicting a total sole and heel rebuild on a cowboy boot.....Cowboy boots take alot of abuse....I know, I wear a nice sturdy pair of either Nocona or Tony Lama Buckaroo Boots on the horse ranch....I take good care of them but, use'n them in an everyday situation sometimes, beats the hell out of them....Cowboy boots are the only footwear that will stand up to the rigors of everyday ranch and cowboy use.....the work is hard on us and hard on our personal equipment....I pay $400.00 or more for a good sturdy pair of Buckaroo Cowboy Boots to use daily...When 'yer in a pair of cowboy boots 'fer 12 hours at a time....you'll be glad you got a quality boot.......People that see cowboy boots as a clothing accessory really don't know anything about this critical piece of equipment we cowboys use and depend on to keep us going on our jobs....

[@browniewin4121]

It's fascinating to watch this process and learn something that is new for me. I have old leather-top, open-toe/sandals that are in great shape except for the rubber (?) soles that are disintegrating with age, sure wish I could afford you guys to repair them.

[@pwman]

Great job and very interesting to see the "insides" of boots! Thanks for making this!!!

[@TrentonHeath]

Patrick McMahon thank you very much!

[@jimmyrider938]

Very much enjoy your videos, I had a Boot and Saddle Repair Shop, I learned Repair in Denver at Emily Griffith Opportunity School. Something that will make your job easier is to have a Strap about an inch and a half wide, sewn together to make a complete loop. Put it over the shank of boot then your foot through it, then you apply pressure to hold the boot, or shoe on the Last while you are pulling heal caps, or performing other tasks. If you do this you will never be comfortable doing another Repair without it, Best, Jim Rider

[@Shahska1]

Yes Nacona boots are really popular here in the southwest and they are good boots right up there with Tony Lama and Justin Roppers

[@lp-xl9ld]

Thanks for inadvertently answering a question I'd had for quite a while about how you'd resole boots like those (something I never saw my friends in New York do)

[@TrentonHeath]

lp2317 no problem. We appreciate you watching!

[@joaquin-jacknava2696]

Great video. Been waiting on viewing this one. Nacona boots are big here in Texas especially the older ones. Thanks for the video and have a great holiday weekend. Be safe. Thanks

[@TrentonHeath]

Joaquin -Jack Nava Thank you! You do the same.

[@thomaskraincuk9815]

Another fascinating videos guys! I kinda have become addicted to this jour fixe or regular meeting with the 2 undisputed master cobblers! Have a good week-end!

[@TrentonHeath]

Thomas Kraincuk thank you very much! Same to you.

[@bluegrassman3040]

I own four pair of cowboy boots. Two are Justins(Snake, full quill ostrich) and the other are Tony Lama(3 piece ostrich, and shoulder leather cowhide). I’ve had the Tony Lamas for over ten years.

[@lynxg4641]

Always nice to watch skilled craftsmanship like this and nice to see stuff not just getting tossed when it wears out in one spot, that could easily be fixed. Have always been curious as to why most shoes/boots are only welted around the front portion and leave the heal area out, instead normally relying on nails? Have seen but a few fully welted.

[@richardward9183]

Another great job, Trent! Have been hoping you would do another cowboy boots video.

[@TrentonHeath]

Richard Ward yeah, we sit the videos weeks out.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you very much. We enjoy doing cowboy boots!

[@ariffinbond9485]

I really impressed the way you restore this boots just like in the factory

[@dan69golf]

Nice job, liking the boot repair, nice touch with toe plate. I'll be sending my boots in when this is needed.

[@matthewmusgrove5693]

That hand welt was seriously impressive. I always look forward to a new video. I live locally here in Franklin and can’t wait to get some shoes to you guys to work on

[@TrentonHeath]

Matthew Musgrove thank you very much for watching our videos!

[@chigitakazuhiro7835]

I just love to see this hand craft!

[@TrentonHeath]

Chigita Kazuhiro thank you very much!

[@starobaronen8284]

Man i know a lot of people would like to see the customer reactions to seeing their old boots finished. Great work as always. kind reguards subscriber from Sweden :)

[@TrentonHeath]

Starobaronen we would like to always see that as well! 😉

[@hartleyconnett5383]

Nocona Boot Co makes a beautiful. We sold them lots of kangaroo leather years past. Tough leather but very thin. Makes a great boot don’t know if it is still available.

[@adamthurman9276]

That bobbin is huge! I've never seen that pulled out of the machine before seeing this video. Man, I love your guys' work!

[@terryhaygood7499]

I have been asked about the cost & if I am satisfied with the boots. The costs are listed on the website, but I believe it was around $295.00 plus the price of the toe taps. It was worth every penny. They are working on a black pair that I sent after I got these back. They will have the silver taps.

[@eonarts]

My fav cowboy boots are Nacona and they are the same lizard (but black stove) and XX toes. These boots are so comfy!

[@ct55m1]

Great craftsmanship !!! Great to see your talent & pride you put into your restorations !!!

[@richardgrognard6394]

this kind of shoemaker no longer exists in France well done it's beautiful and good work

[@sharonh988]

Heath did a good job on the stitching.

[@josephbrassfield5764]

I noticed that too!

[@johntheo4729]

What an amazing company. A lost art. Great job!

[@OneManParade]

A thumbs up is a small ask for such quality videos.

[@TrentonHeath]

Mr. Tibbs thank you very much!

[@frankelepartners]

Great close up set ups plus added voice overs... It is interesting to listen and watch... Thanks for your consideration... 👌

[@richardspees841]

Nacona boots are great in my experience. I had two pair and they were extremely comfortable and long-wearing.

[@peggyw172]

This is fascinating! I love the craftsmanship, techniques, materials and tools you show.

[@mikeredrugger]

I can only imagine if that glue thinner finds a nick or cut in a finger/hand it feels just about as good as acetone does! Hate working with solvents for that reason! On a positive, great work as always!

[@leeh9420]

Major props to your skills and attention to detail!

[@aprilball985]

I worked for Nacona Boots back in the early '80s and the plant was in Vernon TX. It was a sister company of Justin Boots.

[@samstirling4279]

Fantastic, thank you so much for doing this one. Always great craftsmanship and that shows through in all your videos. Look forward to the next one 😃

[@TrentonHeath]

Sam Stirling thank you very much for watching our videos!

[@bldlightpainting]

I love my Nocona ostrich skin boots which I bought in Florida many years ago.

[@drd8251]

The word that comes to mind is "painstaking." You guys are artisans.

[@TrentonHeath]

Bob Duncan thank you very much!

[@20EUR20]

2:16 wondering if cutting only half of the nail and hammer it inside would help

[@nothereorthereoranywhere]

What craftsmanship! Love the channel. Thank you for educating me on how to take care of shoes and the entire process.