Western wear and cowboy boots, in particular, have seen a resurgence in the past few years. What many think of as a costume or something that can only be worn for specific events has made its way into mainstream fashion. Recently, brands like Louis Vuitton and Ralph Lauren created entire collections inspired by the American West, making cowboy boots fashionable footwear worldwide.
Zephan Parker, a Houston native and the owner and founder of Parker Boot Company, doesn't follow trends. He believes that a quality product should speak for itself. His passion for the cowboy lineage from his mother's side of the family led him to a career shift. He decided to immerse himself in the cowboy boot industry, learning everything he could about it.
He began his journey in 2011 as an apprentice for Jass Boot Shop in Lampasas. Since then, he has studied under several notable bootmakers, including Dave Wheeler of Wheeler Boot Company, Ray Jones of Jass Boot Shop, and Kimmel Boot Company, before opening his shop in 2014. Parker Boot Company quickly gained a cult following by everyone from doctors to lawyers to fashion bloggers because of the craftsmanship and quality of its products.
Founder and Master Bootmaker of Parker Boot Company, Zephan Parker. Photo courtesy of Parker Boot Company
Recently, Parker decided to make a bold move, do away with all mass-produced inventory, and focus exclusively on bespoke, custom-made boots. Parker Boot Company just launched its Made-To-Order Collection which focuses on two distinct silhouettes: the Caldwell and the Kent. The Caldwell offers a choice between a Western box toe or round toe, a ten-inch top, and a resolute Western heel, while the Kent focuses on a modern cowboy with a Western urban lifestyle.
"Houston is a special city with unique tastes, desires for expression, and personal style," Parker tells CultureMap. "From the dining scene to the second largest western rodeo in the world, we like things that give us more variety. With this desire to be different comes the need to build something bespoke and custom. The Made-To-Order option gives the client the steering wheel in design as we motor them along."
Parker Boot Company boots are hand made by artisans and bootmakers in Houston. Photo courtesy of Parker Boot Company
Starting at a price point of $995 to $1895 and with a lead time of between 6 to 8 months, each silhouette in the Made-To-Order Collection can be personalized in black, navy, or brown. Clients can also choose from an array of premium leathers ranging from calfskin to exotic skins.
"Our commitment to a handmade process and individuality is at the heart of everything we do, and I am proud to be a part of the community who looks to make made-to-order mainstream," said Parker. "Bespoke represents more than just a piece of clothing; it embodies a narrative of quality and value — an ethos we are eager to share with a wider audience through our bespoke program."
Photo courtesy of Parker Boot Company
Parker Boot Company recently launched its Made-To-Order Collection.
