I made these boots in 2005 for a generous customer who allowed me to follow my own vision. I was inspired by a western shirt I saw worn by Marty Stuart, and I entered them into the Boot and Saddlemakers Roundup competition that fall. I remember they called out the winners for my category and I was disappointed that I hadn’t won, but that’s the way it goes sometimes. They’d added a new category that year called Master’s Choice, and this was awarded to the one pair of boots from any category that was judged to be the best work entered. I was so surprised when they called my name and awarded me Master’s Choice for this pair! 

The original customer is selling his boot collection now; he and his wife chose Flora to help sell the collection. It was a pleasure to see the boots again and I was hoping they’d go to a good home. This man is a banjo player who came in today to order a pair of boots from Flora. He did order a custom pair, but he spotted these and they fit him perfectly, so he bought them also. I’m delighted that they’ll be going to bluegrass festivals now, being on stage and listening to good music.

They’re titled “Boulder to Birmingham.”