The Semiquincentennial

Paul Bond has been building boots in Nogales, Arizona for over 75 years. This one marks something specific: the 250th anniversary of American independence, expressed the only way we know how — through the materials, the stitching, and the construction. The foot and vamp are cut from American alligator — belly hide, sourced domestically, in a deep midnight navy. It's one of the most durable leathers available, and one of the most distinctive. The shaft is smooth navy leather with a hand-stitched wing pattern in silver thread, the kind of detail that takes time to do properly. White stars run across the top of the boot. The pull strap carries a hand-embroidered "250" in red on a contrast alligator tab. The toe is round — classic, functional, and the shape that working cowboys have always preferred. The sole is leather. The heel is stacked. Nothing about the construction is decorative; it just happens to look good because it's built right. Details Foot & vamp: American alligator belly Shaft: smooth calfskin navy leather, silver-thread wing stitching Top band: white star inlay Pull strap: alligator, "250" handstitched inlay in red Toe: Rancer Sole: leather outsole, stacked leather heel Construction: hand-welted, hand-lasted Made to order in Nogales, Arizona