These Companies Are Saving Southern Classics

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These Companies Are Saving Southern Classics

The Cowboy Boot

Makers: Sharon and Duane Little, of Little’s Boot Company
Locale: San Antonio, Texas

Lucien Little started his shoe shop in San Antonio in 1915, and before long he and his son Ben were making boots for ranchers and cowhands. Then a sort of artistic warfare broke out among the premier boot makers in San Antonio as to who could craft the most extravagant designs. Next, the boot collectors showed up, ordering pairs lavished with colorful cacti, thistles, and roses. Four generations later, the Littles are still at it—Lucien’s great-grandchildren Sharon and Duane now run the workshop. There’s a seven-month lead for their custom-made work—easily worth the wait. littlesboots.com

photo: Alice Gao