Rocketbuster Handmade Custom Boots

I just found out today how ignorant I am about El Paso....did you know we have a Guinness world record holder for the world's biggest boots here in El Paso? They just happen to be in one of fashion's most celebrated artisanal boot maker's workshop right here in El Paso (which is apparently also the boot capital of Texas). I present to you Rocketbusters. I read about them thru a business journal about apprenticeships and how they mentor young folks in trade crafts. I had been up til then, saving up pennies to visit Heritage Boot Co. in Austin, since I only heard about them making custom boots. I can't believe we have our own artisan boot maker's here as well! Duh me, right? ‍As soon as I found out, I messaged them to visit and they told me to call. I was able to get a last minute appointment and they were gracious enough to show me the process, their workshop, and some of their beautiful works of art. Their building is in downtown and I've actually been in their parking lot for the farmer's market, so it's a cool area. We walked up and saw a huge horse on top (ask them about it) and doubles as a weathervane! The workshop is super cool, they have some really cool art as well as the beautiful boots on display to show off their work. You can touch, smell, and see the master artisan's work in the designs. The world's largest boots (real boots with leather, sizing, etc) are also on display and even their restroom is cool! They showed me samples of the designs that they did for charity, movie stars, celebrities, etc and each had a cute backstory. My host was kind and very knowledgeable. The things that they can do to leather is incredible! They also had a huge display of all sorts of boots, mules, and even children's boots, all custom made. Prices start at $1200, which is eye opening, but considering the work put in and the lifetime of the boots, it's actually a deal. Why the cost? They start by hand measuring your feet, since no foot is alike, this is crucial to having a custom fit. I didn't get to do it since it was so last minute to squeeze me in. They then discuss the design and the creative process begins, some designs can take 2 months, some 2 years, depending on the customer and if they like what is being designed for them. They hand draw, cut, and paint the leather designs...some like the mermaid, will have over 50 passes of paint and dyes! It's meant to soak into the leather and have staying power over the lifetime of the boot. That's quality you can see. Some of the designs were so intricate, it looks like actual wood! They train local artisans and keep them on as a full hire should they want to stay. I love that the traditions and expert knowledge gets passed on in hands on training. Come out if you're interested in supporting artisans in our backyard. People from all parts of the world order from them, but we can actually see the process, feel it and see our custom order locally! I know what I'll be saving my pennies for in the next couple of years! #supportlocal

Wow! I'm impressed that this place doesn't have any Yelp reviews yet! I visited this place in downtown El Paso last month, and thought it was one of the most unique and coolest places I visited on my trip there! I called the day before my planned visit to request a tour. Rocketbuster Boots prefers that visitors who want a tour request one ahead of time, just to make sure that someone is available on the day and time of your planned visit to give the tour. Didi provided me with a fantastic and free tour that lasted about an hour. She was so awesome and friendly!! She provided me with the history of how Rocketbuster Boots started, explained the process of how clients decide to order their custom handmade boots, introduced me to some of their seasoned designers and also to some of their interns who were diligently working, and then took me down to the basement where the boots are polished and sanded down, then hung to dry. Although the tour is free, I still gave Didi a tip for taking the time to show me around, especially since she was taking time away from her lineup of boot orders to provide the tour. Didi even introduced me to Nevena, a super kind lady who owns Rocketbuster Boots and makes sure that their operations run smoothly on the weekdays. I was astounded to learn that celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger have bought at least 80 pairs of boots from here!! How can anyone wear that many pairs in a year? Apparently, he is one of their biggest customers! I got to see and touch some of the really cool boots that were already made! A pair starts anywhere from $1000 and as high as $4000! I can't afford any of these! But they are really nice to look at! Some of the really fancy boots even have Swarovski crystals embedded in them! If you're ever in El Paso, I would highly recommend you to check out this place! You will be very amazed and learn a lot!! There are so many cool and fun photo ops, too!! And everyone here is really friendly! Rocketbuster usually has their own private parking lot for visitors and customers. However, on the day I visited, the lot was blocked off for repaving and renovation. So I had to park in one of the independent parking lots about a half block away, next to a courthouse. The independent parking lot was alright because it cost only $3 for at least a couple of hours. And it's better to park there than to risk getting a ticket from parking in timed or restricted areas.

I love Rocketbuster Boots! I met Nevena C and DiDi a while back when I ordered my first pair of custom made western boots. They were so gracious and helpful. Nevena translated my ideas right on to my boot shafts. I was hooked! Each time I flew to El Paso, I came back with two pairs of boots. And now that I live in Texas, I plan on driving down to say "hi!" And who knows, more boots may be in my future!So my rather big feet and 16" calves are totally comfortable in my RB tall boots...and that is one of the benefits of custom boots. I love wearing my personalized one-of-a-kind tall boots and my custom short boots. I get tons of compliments and don't have to worry that I'm going to see someone in the same style.Pricey...yes, but you get what you pay for. And when it comes to my feet, well, did I say hat I have four pairs?!!

Gorgeous. Divine. Work of art. These are all words used to describe my rocketbuster boots. I have 2 pairs of custom made boots courtesy of Nevena's artistry. First pair was designed based on my love of dragonflys and Texas. They are one of a kind and I get ooh's and ah's everywhere I go. The intricate design and execution onto the boots is dreamy. Plus they feel like butter on my feet. My second pair are all my favorite flowers hand-tooled on my boots. It is no easy task to make a peony come to life on a boot but you can almost smell the flowers as I strut in my boots. I can't wait to get pair 3. I will post my beauties. My wish is for everyone to share the joy that these boots bring. #lovemesomerocketbusters