Author Archives: customboots

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About customboots

I'm a custom cowboy boot maker. I own a business, Sorrell Custom Boots, and I create bespoke cowboy boots using vintage machinery and hand tools. I also own www.sorrellnotionsandfindings.com, a company that specializes in tools, supplies, and leather for the boot and shoe making trade.

Working hard

Posted on June 20, 2024 by customboots

I finished the toes on the fire fighter boots this morning and inseamed them this afternoon; now I’m going home!

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Old and new

Posted on June 19, 2024 by customboots

What should I do while waiting for toe boxes to dry? Start another pair of boots, of course. Here’s a close-up of the new boot project. I made up this technique but so far have failed to also make up … Continue reading →

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One piece tops

Posted on June 14, 2024 by customboots

I’m in the middle of completely re-footing this pair of boots that I made in 2002 for a firefighter. These boots feature a one-piece top; instead of a seam up each side of the boot there’s a single seam up … Continue reading →

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New Book!

Posted on June 3, 2024 by customboots

Edited to add: I forgot to note that the book is 10% off until June 23! “Uppermaking for Bespoke & Orthopedic Shoemakers” by Hartmut and Dustin Seidich is now available for preorder. This is a book of patternmaking for footwear, … Continue reading →

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Completed!

Posted on May 26, 2024 by customboots

Introducing: “Satan Is Real” These boots will be in Nashville next week and I’ll probably be carrying them around like an awkward proud mother so if you want to see them let me know.

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Dogs and boots

Posted on May 24, 2024 by customboots

The “Satan Is Real” boots are completed and on the trees for the weekend, with a puppy in the background saying, “Can we please go home now?!?”

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Pleased to meet you

Posted on May 23, 2024 by customboots

Introducing: “Ain’t No California”

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On the trees

Posted on May 20, 2024 by customboots

I’ll let these boots sit on the trees overnight, or possibly a day or two, but soon I’ll take them down, polish them, sand smooth the pegs that are sticking up through the insole, and they’ll be done! The soles … Continue reading →

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Feeling accomplished

Posted on May 17, 2024 by customboots

Cowboy boot soles layed, stitched, and pegged When you put the soles onto the boots, they’re “layed.” Stitching the sole to the boot through the welt is the “stitched” part, and then after you put in a double row of … Continue reading →

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Memories

Posted on May 16, 2024 by customboots

It always makes me a little bit happy and a little bit embarrassed when these boots appear online. Here’s the story: I started working for legendary boot maker Jay Griffith when I had just turned 21. I had no experience … Continue reading →

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