The Last Cowboy Boot Masters of El Paso

In El Paso's Segundo Barrio, experienced bootmakers Jose Contreras and Victor Rodriguez continue a dying tradition at CABOOTS, a family-owned boot company. Their skills, learned over decades, represent the craftsmanship of "Agujas de oro," or Golden Needles, artisans who create boots the old-fashioned way. El Paso's bootmaking history is deeply rooted in its proximity to cattle drives and the Mexican Revolution. The city once boasted numerous bootmakers, but now faces a shortage of skilled artisans. Large boot companies utilize automated processes, impacting the demand for handcrafted boots. Despite this decline, some younger women are entering the field, bringing fresh perspectives to the art of bootmaking. However, the number of young men choosing this craft remains low, threatening the future of this tradition. At Rocketbuster Boots, another El Paso shop, skilled artisans like Pedro Sarmiento and Raul Chavez keep the tradition alive, passing down their expertise. The unique, handcrafted nature of these boots, often taking months to complete, continues to attract customers, including celebrities. The future of El Paso's renowned bootmaking legacy remains uncertain, dependent on the willingness of younger generations to embrace this time-intensive craft.