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.

Inseaming

Posted on May 15, 2024 by customboots

I woke up yesterday and my thumb was hurting, which always sends me into an instant spiral of worry and sadness. But it feels better today and still feels fine after inseaming! I want to finish this pair by next … Continue reading →

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Slow progress

Posted on May 8, 2024 by customboots

The soles are on the Wake Robin boots and every day I promise myself I’ll inseam the Satan Is Real boots and every day I don’t get to inseam. I didn’t manage to pry myself loose from the computer until … Continue reading →

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Inseaming

Posted on May 2, 2024 by customboots

Inseaming is sewing the narrow strip of leather welt to the boot through the insole. This is done with a heavy cord that tapers at the end so it can be attached to a bristle. The bristle guides the thread … Continue reading →

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“Satan Is Real”

Posted on May 2, 2024 by customboots

You may observe that sometimes I say a boot “fights back” when I’m trying to last it, but I want to make it clear that whenever I say this it’s due to one of two things: I either patterned it … Continue reading →

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Satan is real

Posted on April 30, 2024 by customboots

The Satan Is Real/Louvin Brothers boots are side-seamed and turned right-side-out. They’ll begin looking like boots soon!

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Afternoons with satan

Posted on April 25, 2024 by customboots

I’m making progress on the “Satan Is Real” boots. The next step is sewing the side seams and then adding the boot pulls.

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Success

Posted on April 18, 2024 by customboots

Success! Goodness I’m tired. (But also, don’t they look good?!?)

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AUUUUUUGGGGHHHHHH

Posted on April 18, 2024 by customboots

The measure of a successful boot maker is knowing when to quit, and by that metric I am a very successful boot maker. I have to leave early today so I wet these boots down at 11am and thought I’d … Continue reading →

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Insoles

Posted on April 17, 2024 by customboots

This is the fitted last for the beige/jade ostrich boots. You can see how I trim and prepare the insole for inseaming later.

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Side seams

Posted on April 15, 2024 by customboots

Side seams are done and the pulls are stitched on. I guess I need to fit the last now and put an insole on it.

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