Stepping Through Time: 145 Years of Justin Boots
Cowboys boots are an icon of Western culture, and here at North 40 Outfitters, we’re proud to carry some hard-working brands of boots like Hyer, Ariat, and Justin. Western boots date back to the 1800s - with Hyer often being credited as the original creator back in 1875. Four years later, Justin came onto the scene.
Celebrating a Milestone
This year, Justin is celebrating their 145th anniversary. We talked to them about this huge milestone and what it means for their company. “For us, 145 years in business represents a deep-rooted connection to our heritage and the traditions that have shaped us,” they said, “It’s a testament to the craftsmanship, quality, and dedication to all involved, from our founder to our loyal customers. Celebrating this milestone is far more than just marking the passage of time; it’s a profound acknowledgment of our enduring legacy and commitment to excellence, reflected in every pair of boots crafted. This anniversary serves as a moment of reflection and gratitude, especially for the support of our customers, who have trusted us to provide them with quality footwear and style for over a century.”
Started in 1879 by H.J. Justin in Spanish Fort, Texas, Justin Boots has been through an incredible journey to get where they are now. Originally a boot repairman, H.J. began his own boot company working out of his home. His first customers were cowboys passing through the area on their way up to the legendary Chisholm Trail, a major route out of Texas for livestock at the time.
According to Justin, H.J. moved his family to Nocona, Texas in 1889 when a railroad was built there and capitalized on the bigger market opportunity. His wife, Annie, developed a “fit kit” in the early 1890s, which included a tape measure and instruction chart for measuring a pair of custom fit boots. Cowboys who carried the kits on their journeys became Justin’s first traveling sales force. Annie's invention made it easier to receive mail orders.
A New Generation
In 1908, H.J.’s sons, John and Earl, came to work for him and took over the business after he died in 1918. At the time, Justin boots were sold in 36 states and five countries for only $12 a pair. In 1925, they moved the company to Fort Worth. During the 1930s, Western boots saw a growth in popularity and Justin created their first pair of women’s boots, the Western Gypsy. The company designed boots for movie stars and even President Lyndon B. Johnson.
In 1948, John Justin, Jr. purchased the controlling interest in the Justin Boot Company. He originated the classic roper boot that revolutionized cowboy boots. As the first of its kind, the boot was crafted to accommodate the needs of calf ropers. The design of the boot was a shorter height and flat, comfortable heel that offered essential grip and support, making it a favorite among cowboys.
Justin Boots was purchased by Berkshire Hathaway in 2000. John Jr. passed away in 2001.
Made in the USA
Today, Justin is headquartered in El Paso, Texas. They have a factory there, and you can find boots made in America by checking for the “Made in USA with global parts” tag on the inside of their boots.
We asked Justin about what their process looks like for creating boots at their factory. They said, “Our bootmakers take great pride in the character of our superior craftsmanship and comfort of our boots. From selecting leathers and materials to the intricate details that go into constructing our boots, every detail matters. Starting from the first step of the process, our skilled bootmakers use traditional, time-honored techniques to ensure every pair of Justin boots is truly authentic. From hand-cutting leathers to lasting by hand, our expert bootmakers put more than 130 steps into crafting each pair of boots.”
The Future of Justin
These days, they don’t limit themselves to Western boots. Among their Western and work boots, Justin makes a variety of different styles. They offer eight different heel styles and 11 different toe profiles, along with a huge range of different colors and leather types. They also offer waterproof, composite toe, steel toe, Vibram outsoles, and a variety of dfferent features to match just about anyone's needs and wants.
North 40 carries a variety of shoes, ranging from casual to work, as well as jewelry, wallets, and purses.
As they move into the future, Justin says, “We’re really excited about what lies ahead for Justin. While we honor our heritage, we’re also embracing change, focusing on offering a more diverse range of products.”
