Wheeler Boots (Texas Country Reporter)

A family shop that's been making custom boots in Houston for decades.
Dave Wheeler
4115 Willowbend Blvd
Houston, TX 77025
Email: [e-mail]
/ texascountry. .
Follow us on Twitter: / tcrbob
Texas Country Reporter
#1678
10-26-19

[@cameraman655]

Houston is losing so much of its "Texas" identity and its connections to its past, now Wheeler is leaving, so sad. All the best for the future, Dave.

[@teddysalad8227]

cameraman655 I agree completely.

[@noughsaid7999]

60 years of boot making!?!!? My brain almost blew up trying to comprehend that fact.

[@nancyfarmer1269]

❤ his story but sad that a part of true Texas boot making history is coming to an end. If only someone could carry it on it would be a tribute to both men who dedicated their lives to making boots that became works of art.

[@craftyclarke2514]

So, no apprentice or selling the shop to someone??

[@larryvaughn2567]

I knew Paul Wheeler. He made me a fine pair of boots many, many years ago. They are of the absolute finest quality and I am still wearing them to this day.

[@texaswader]

Myself Larry. He made me a pair when I was in high school in the 70's.

[@The1trueking1966]

Whatever

[@nancychace8619]

Wow. Respect for a venerable old family business. He needs an apprentice.

[@bobpitman4949]

It is with great sadness that we see the end of this wonderful Texas era. I will always remember the first (and only) pair of handmade Texas boots I owned. They were second skin to my feet for many years. God bless.

[@tyeamckee]

That would be such an amazing opportunity to learn how to make the shoes from him! I have self taught myself leather working from online videos. But to be next to someone who has been doing it for years would be awesome.

[@MrJoha1]

I just found this and am so sad, I’m tired of wearing Texas branded, Chinese made boots. It’s too dangerous to go to most of the Mexican border towns for a pair of custom boots. What’s an old cowboy to do...

[@redskins1120]

Buy Lucchese boots. Made in the USA.

[@JM-Blackjack]

Yep. Lucchese makes boots as close to some of the old time makers quality; closer than anybody. And do not fall for that Tecova nonsense about "handmade", yes, but dingo-level with nice materials.

[@BasicDefense]

I'd say download Poshmark they have some old second hand boots if you don't mind that. I got a great pair of Tony Lama full quill ostrich boots around 15 years old for around $200. Or look on Craigslist and always buy from older men or women they take very great care of their boots

[@donnabeem3036]

That's super sad that he doesn't have an apprentice to carry on that talent in boot making that is so sad

[@desertmulehunter]

An old old German man comes into the shop and says "vo is das veela booten"?

[@desertmulehunter]

I just don't know why he doesn't teach a new kid to take over the business. Man I wouldn't close that shop up and let that go. part of the responsibility lies and the people who are letting these businesses go also! Something needs to be said about that.

[@alvarorivera9650]

Dave, enjoy retirement, enjoy life. Amazing work and detail all these years.

[@michelleg8727]

Back when TCR was a radio show, my Grandpa (bootmaker) was featured 💖 this art is in danger of being lost😥 loved this episode

[@TXLOVER]

It's not lost in Mexico. Cowboy boots are intimate to the US South West and Mexico. Granted, it's going to be harder to find a master boot maker that speaks English, but they can do beautiful work if supplied with the correct leather from Leon.

[@glennevitt5250]

When people wanna personalize boot this where they go 😃🖐

[@glennevitt5250]

@e fred sorry

[@eliseogutierrez5307]

There’s a new sheriff in town aka Brian the Bootmaker. Check out his KZbin channel, y’all thank me later 😉

[@tonydiablo6976]

😭😭😭😭😭

[@johnjustinperano5485]

God bless you Mr Dave Wheeler. If I just have the money to travel to the great state of Texas, I'd love to be his apprentice and continue this boot making company as long as I'm able. This is a dying art and precious art if you will and knowing it'll vanish soon just breaks my heart.

[@sisleymichael]

Handcrafted boots! That is a scarce comodity these days. Cobblers go away because of glued boots. Nothing fits like a leather hand made boot. I have hell just finding a shop who can resole a boot, CORRECTLY!

[@user-sx4jb6xu9t]

Can only suggest not to purchase boots from Yeehawcowboy. The owner is happy to play the disrespectful and women demeaning Cardi B. He thinks it's funny and has no problem losing money. He told me himself. Just a half asked distribution little garage. Buyer beware. Lousy customer service. Very very bad

[@normaduenes9267]

My dad, was not a boot maker,, he was a shoe repair man, I have so many good memories, till he couldn't see, he cried when he left hes business, i know how he feels, so sad to see all this dies, but my complaints to all this men that have so much talent 😢. Thank you!!!!

[@ernestmartinez1116]

There the heart and soul of Texas and America

[@davidreynoso8907]

expect to do it right .... best comment ever reminds of my dad ww2 vetran

[@hillshepherd9444]

Shows how " PARENTS " had WISDOM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Back then of course, & no messing around discipline !!!!!

[@THE-Ayala5090]

I wish I had apprenticed

[@markwatters6875]

Another one bites the dust.

[@mimbymimby8275]

So proud🤩

[@frankmarti8984]

Wow those nice

[@romiagua2746]

São lindas emmm. 🏆👍

[@glorygracek.1841]

I hope to someday do a HUGE treat/splurge for myself and get a pair of custom boots. But at the rate things are going I will never have enough money and there will be no one to make them. I have narrow heeled feet so all shoes don't fit my feet unless they have straps/laces or a inserted heel grip (sometimes 2 or three stacked). With boot I am am used to the heel slipping up and down. Can't go by any Cowboy boot fitting guide because my feet simple can't do any of it. Never known what a pair of shoes that fit perfect feel like. Some day. I was excited when I found a pair of boot from "old west" at a local western store (that sadly closed because the owners wanted to pursue their other business of livestock trailers etc.) The boot are fashioned after vintage style boots, tan with white details. I call them my Roy Roger's boots. They are my good boots and then I have a pair of Ariat Fatbabies. Those where my first pair ever given to me by my parents for my 19th birthday. It was all they could afford, but I was ecstatic! Growing up they said they would get me a pair when my feet stop growing and they did. After over 6 years they are starting to wear out.

[@nathanclark6160]

Anybody know about that machine, 5 mins in, that reverses the boot tops?

[@nenadcubric2663]

Legend💗👍

[@russburton8517]

It's sad there was no one to keep it going. Not that I could ever afford theses boots, although I I would love e them

[@Gazooo29]

What did a pair even cost $5000 range

[@bradthomas2742]

God bless you Mr Dave,I hope the tradition of hand made boots stays alive.

[@ramiromontoya9357]

Just looked them up cause I wanted me some custom boots, but noticed they are permanently closed.

[@kraaidievoel]

Hell mate I am South African, this was great to watch

[@Chris-yt1nu]

Will keep an eye for these boots if available.

[@wesleytheepic8684]

well done

[@lauranyc4966]

Omg nooooo

[@The1trueking1966]

I'm born and raised in Texas. I hate boots

[@otracuentaperra4290]

MAN ! Awesome but Uber sad......