1960s Acme Thunderbird Inlay Cowboy Boots — Men’s 9 D

A seriously sharp mid-century Acme pair with standout thunderbird inlays, rich brown leather, and a classic narrow western profile.

Era & build

• Maker: Acme
• Era: 1960s
• Brown leather uppers with turquoise and cream thunderbird inlays
• Traditional western construction with leather soles
• Medium height shaft
• Narrow square / snip-style western toe with underslung walking heel

Size & fit

• Tagged size: Men’s 9 D
• Standard medium-width men’s fit
• Should work well for a true 9 D in vintage boots

Condition grade: Vintage A

• Immaculate overall condition
• Uppers present beautifully with only light, honest signs of wear
• Soles show use but remain strong and sound
• Heels are solid with heel caps in place
• Inlays are crisp and exceptionally well preserved

Why we love them

• The thunderbird motif gives this pair real character without overdoing it
• Great balance of wearable daily boot and collector-worthy design
• Clean, handsome, and hard to improve upon for a vintage Acme of this era

Vintage Dan Post Black Caiman Cowboy Boots
Size: Men’s 10 D
Maker: Dan Post Boot Company
Material: Genuine Caiman (Hornback) Vamps, Black Leather Shafts
Condition: Good Vintage Condition

The Boots
A bold, handsome pair of vintage Dan Post boots featuring genuine black caiman vamps with tall black leather shafts and striking white-and-grey flame stitchwork. Dark, glossy, and full of presence, these are a true exotic statement boot — equally at home with jeans, a suit, or anything in between.

The caiman vamps are the star. Finished in deep glossy black, the skin displays the unmistakable raised, pebbled scute pattern of genuine caiman — rows of bumpy, dimensional tiles that catch the light and give the boot rich texture and depth. The exotic skin extends from the pointed toe up over the instep and around to the heel counter, wrapping the entire lower boot in premium caiman.

The tall black leather shafts feature elaborate flame-and-scroll stitchwork in white and grey thread — dense, flowing patterns with pointed flame motifs and a diamond accent that pop dramatically against the black leather. Pull straps sit at the collar, the pointed toe and stacked Western heel complete the silhouette, and the interior is leather-lined. The leather soles and rubber heel caps carry the “DAN POST” maker’s stamp, confirming the pedigree.

Dan Post & Caiman
The Dan Post Boot Company built its reputation on quality exotic leather boots, and caiman has long been one of their most popular offerings. Caiman — a member of the crocodilian family — is prized for its bold, textured scale pattern and its durability, making it both eye-catching and hard-wearing. The classic all-black caiman-and-leather combination is timeless: dressy enough for a night out, tough enough for everyday, and always commanding attention.

Condition
These boots are in good vintage condition with honest wear. The caiman vamps are intact with the scute pattern well-defined and the glossy finish largely preserved; there is some honest wear and surface marking consistent with age and use, including scuffing at the toes (see photos). The black leather shafts are supple with the white/grey stitchwork fully intact and crisp. The leather soles show wear from use but remain solid with the Dan Post stamp visible, and the stacked heels show wear with the branded rubber heel caps intact. The interior is clean. Overall a well-cared-for pair with plenty of life left.

The Bottom Line
Dan Post. Genuine black caiman. Bold flame-stitch shafts. Men’s 10 D. This is a classic exotic cowboy boot in the most versatile colorway there is — all-black caiman goes with everything and never goes out of style. A great pickup for the exotic boot lover or anyone who wants a statement boot with genuine crocodilian texture and dependable Dan Post construction.

Measurements
• Boot height: 13 1/4 in
• Heel to toe (sole length): 12 in
• Sole width: 4 1/8 in

Vintage Paul Bond Mule Ear Cowboy Boots — Black & Red
Size: Men’s 10 D
Maker: Paul Bond Boot Co. (Nogales, Arizona)
Era: Late 1980s / Early 1990s
Condition: Good Vintage Condition

The Boots
Made by a legend, built to be noticed. These vintage Paul Bond cowboy boots combine tall black pebbled leather with bold red inlay panels and dramatic mule ear pull tabs — a striking, old-school design from one of the most revered custom bootmakers in American history. Everything about these boots speaks to the artistry and showmanship that made Paul Bond a household name among cowboys, rodeo champions, and Hollywood stars alike.

The tall shafts are crafted from rich black pebbled leather, with large scalloped panels of vibrant red leather set into both the front and back. The red panels are framed by elegant black leather scrollwork borders and filled with flowing leaf-and-feather stitchwork in cream/tan thread — the kind of intricate, hand-guided stitching that defines a true custom boot. The contrast of the deep black against the bold red is dramatic and timeless.

The standout feature is the mule ears — the long, pointed leather pull straps that extend down the front and back of each shaft. Beyond their striking visual appeal, mule ears are a functional, traditional design element that makes these tall boots easier to pull on. They’re a hallmark of classic, old-style cowboy boots and a detail rarely seen on modern production footwear.

The black leather vamps feature a clean round toe, and the boots sit on a tall stacked leather riding heel — the kind of heel built to hold a stirrup. The interior is lined in golden tan leather. These are genuinely tall boots with serious presence.

The Paul Bond Legacy
Paul Bond (1915–2012) was one of the most legendary custom bootmakers in American history. Born into a New Mexico ranching family, he apprenticed to a bootmaker at age 14, became a rodeo bronc and trick rider, and opened his first boot shop in 1946 before establishing his iconic Nogales, Arizona, shop in 1955.

Over the decades, Paul Bond crafted boots for an extraordinary roster of legends — John Wayne, Gene Autry, Steve McQueen, Clint Eastwood, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley among them. His connection to the rodeo and film worlds made him “bootmaker to the stars,” yet he treated every customer the same, whether they were a Hollywood icon or a hard-scrabble working cowboy.

Paul Bond boots have always been made the old-fashioned way: handcrafted and hand-sewn with premium components, right down to the stacked leather heels and lemon wood pegs in the arch. The company — still operating today at the same Nogales shop on Paul Bond Road — was inducted into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame and named “Bootmaker of the Year” multiple times by True West Magazine. A pair of Paul Bond boots is a genuine piece of Western craftsmanship from a name that defined the trade.

Condition
These boots are in good vintage condition. The black pebbled leather is supple and shows honest creasing and wear consistent with use. The red inlay panels remain vibrant and intact, with the cream stitchwork crisp throughout. The mule ear pull straps are solid and fully functional. The leather soles show wear with the original pegged construction visible at the toe. The tall stacked heels show wear and scuffing at the base, with intact rubber heel caps. The interior golden lining is clean. These boots have been worn and enjoyed, and they carry the kind of broken-in character that only comes with quality leather and years of wear.

Vintage Fox Pre-Ban Sea Turtle Cowboy Boots
Size: Men’s 10.5 D
Maker: Fox (Made in Mexico)
Material: Genuine Sea Turtle Vamps, Cognac Leather Shafts
Era: Pre-Ban Vintage
Condition: Good Vintage Condition

The Boots
A handsome and increasingly rare pair for the exotic collector. These vintage Fox cowboy boots feature genuine sea turtle vamps — an exotic leather that has been completely banned from commercial trade for decades — paired with rich cognac leather shafts in a classic two-tone Western design. Fox built a reputation for high-quality, handcrafted boots out of Mexico, and this pair showcases exactly why.

The sea turtle vamps are the star. Finished in a deep, glossy chocolate brown, the skin displays the unmistakable texture of genuine turtle: large, distinct cellular scutes with raised, rounded centers and defined borders, creating an organic, almost geological surface pattern that no other exotic leather can replicate. The natural variation in the scute pattern — larger plates toward the center, smaller toward the edges — confirms the authenticity of this remarkable material. The high-gloss finish brings out incredible depth in the brown coloration, shifting from near-black to warm mahogany as the light moves across it. The sea turtle extends from the pointed toe up over the instep and wraps around the heel counter for generous exotic coverage.

The shafts are crafted from warm cognac/tan leather featuring elaborate gray scroll stitching — flowing, symmetrical patterns of interlocking curves and flame motifs that fill the entire shaft from the V-notch collar to the ankle. The two-tone combination of the dark turtle vamps against the lighter cognac shafts is timeless and handsome. The interior is lined in a pale buttercup leather, and the boots retain their Fox label inside the shaft.

The pointed snip toe and stacked leather heel complete the classic cowboy silhouette.

Fox: Quality Mexican Craftsmanship
Fox earned a solid reputation as a maker of high-quality, handcrafted cowboy boots produced in Mexico. The country has a deep and storied bootmaking tradition, and the finest Mexican makers — Fox among them — produced exotic leather boots that rivaled their American counterparts in both construction and artistry. Hand-lasted, leather-soled, and built with quality exotic skins, these boots reflect serious craftsmanship at a level that has become increasingly hard to find.

Why Pre-Ban Sea Turtle Matters
Sea turtles are protected under international law, and all species are listed under CITES, making any commercial trade in sea turtle products illegal. No new sea turtle leather can legally be produced or sold. Every pair of sea turtle boots in existence today is pre-ban vintage stock — a finite, irreplaceable supply that will never be replenished.

Among exotic boot collectors, sea turtle sits in a rarefied tier alongside elephant and anteater — far rarer than alligator, ostrich, or python. The distinctive cellular scute texture is instantly recognizable to those who know exotic leathers, and genuine pre-ban sea turtle boots are actively sought after by serious collectors who understand that this material can never be made again.

Condition
These boots are in good vintage condition with honest wear. The sea turtle vamps are intact with the scute pattern clearly defined and the glossy finish well-preserved — there is some minor surface crazing/fine cracking visible at the toes consistent with the natural aging of turtle skin, but no major losses or structural issues. The cognac leather shafts show creasing and natural softening from wear. The gray scroll stitching is fully intact. The leather soles show significant wear. The stacked heels show wear and scuffing. The pointed toes show scuffing at the tips. The interior is clean with the Fox label present. These boots have been worn and enjoyed, and they retain both their structural integrity and their collector appeal.

Vintage Rios of Mercedes Blue Stingray Cowboy Boots
Size: Men’s 10.5 D
Maker: Rios of Mercedes (Mercedes, Texas)
Material: Genuine Blue Stingray Vamps & Heel Counters, Navy Blue Leather Shafts
Condition: Good Vintage Condition

The Boots
A stunning pair of genuine stingray cowboy boots from one of the most respected names in Texas bootmaking. These Rios of Mercedes boots feature full blue-dyed stingray vamps that extend generously from the toe through the entire lower foot, wrapping around the heel counter for maximum exotic coverage. The matching navy blue leather shafts feature elegant chevron stitching — clean, understated lines that let the extraordinary stingray skin command all the attention.

The stingray skin displays the unmistakable pebbly texture that makes this exotic leather so distinctive — thousands of tiny, glass-hard calcified denticles that catch the light and shimmer with a subtle iridescence. Each vamp prominently features the “crown” — the white diamond-shaped cluster of larger denticles at the center of the ray’s back, considered the hallmark of genuine, full-hide stingray. This is the mark that collectors look for, and both boots display it beautifully.

The interior is fully lined in Rios of Mercedes’ signature golden tan leather, with the classic woven “Rios of Mercedes / Mercedes, Texas” label on the pull strap. The boots feature a traditional round toe and a classic Western riding heel.

Rios of Mercedes: The Bootmaker’s Bootmaker
Rios of Mercedes has been handcrafting cowboy boots in the small South Texas town of Mercedes since 1853 — making them one of the oldest continuously operating boot companies in the United States. Located in the Rio Grande Valley, just miles from the Mexican border, Rios has maintained a quiet, no-nonsense reputation built entirely on quality rather than marketing.

While flashier brands chase trends, Rios of Mercedes has remained steadfastly committed to traditional handcrafted construction. Every pair is bench-made by skilled artisans using time-honored techniques passed down through generations. Among boot collectors and working cowboys alike, Rios is considered the “bootmaker’s bootmaker” — a brand chosen by people who know boots and care about construction above all else.

Their exotic leather work is particularly revered. Rios sources premium hides and handles them with the expertise that only 170 years of bootmaking can provide. A pair of Rios exotics represents the pinnacle of South Texas craftsmanship.

About Stingray Leather
Stingray (shagreen) is one of the most durable exotic leathers in existence. The calcified denticles that give stingray its distinctive pebbly texture are essentially the same material as teeth — making stingray leather virtually impossible to scuff, scratch, or puncture under normal wear. It is fire-resistant, water-resistant, and will outlast virtually any other leather. Ancient Japanese samurai used stingray skin to wrap sword handles for its unmatched grip and durability.

Blue-dyed stingray is particularly striking and uncommon. The dye penetrates the denticles to create a rich, deep blue that shimmers in the light, while the natural white crown remains as a dramatic focal point.

Condition
These boots are in good vintage condition with honest wear. The stingray skin is in excellent shape — the denticles are intact and retain their blue coloration and natural shimmer. The navy leather shafts show creasing and natural patina consistent with age. The leather soles show moderate wear, and the heels show scuffing. The interior golden leather lining is clean and intact. These boots have been well worn and well loved, and they have plenty of miles left in them.

The Bottom Line
Rios of Mercedes. Blue stingray. Full coverage vamps and heel counters. This is a serious boot from a serious maker, built to last generations. For the man who appreciates top-tier Texas craftsmanship and one of the world’s most durable exotic leathers, this pair delivers on every level.

Vintage Late 1990s Sendra Longhorn & Stars Cowboy Boots
Size: Men’s 10 D

Maker: Sendra Boots (Almansa, Spain)
Era: Late 1990s
Condition: Good Vintage Condition

The Boots
These are boots that demand to be seen. A stunning pair of vintage Sendra cowboy boots in a bold black, red, and white colorway featuring an iconic Western motif executed with European flair. Every inch of these boots is loaded with detail — from the red flame wingtip overlays at the toe to the longhorn skull inlays at the back, these are a statement piece in every sense.

The black leather shafts showcase an elaborate design featuring white leather longhorn skull inlays with sweeping horns, white star cut-outs, and intricate red stitched leaf patterns that cascade across the entire shaft. The collar features a dramatic red leather overlay in a bold geometric pattern with cut-out star details. At the heel counter, red flame-style inlays rise from the base, mirroring the fire motif at the toe. The sharp, elongated snip toe is classic Sendra — aggressive, confident, and unmistakably European in its proportions.

The leather soles bear the embossed Sendra “S” logo at the heel, and the boots are fully leather-lined in Sendra’s signature cream interior.

Sendra: Spain’s Premier Boot House
Sendra Boots has been handcrafting Western and biker boots in Almansa, Spain, since 1913 — over a century of family-owned bootmaking in the Castilla-La Mancha region, an area historically renowned for its leather and shoemaking traditions. While American bootmakers dominated the domestic market, Sendra carved out a legendary reputation across Europe and internationally by blending traditional Western silhouettes with a distinctly European boldness in design and color.

Sendra boots became the go-to choice for the European rockabilly, country, and rock scenes throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Their willingness to push boundaries — sharper toes, bolder inlays, more aggressive color combinations — earned them a cult following among musicians, bikers, and fashion-forward Westerners who wanted something with more edge than a standard American stock boot.

Every Sendra boot is handmade using the Goodyear welt construction method, ensuring durability and the ability to be resoled. The leather is sourced and tanned in Spain, and the craftsmanship reflects over a century of accumulated expertise.

Condition
These boots are in good vintage condition. The black leather remains supple and glossy, and all red and white inlays are intact and securely attached. There is natural creasing in the shaft leather consistent with wear. The leather soles show moderate use, and the heels retain the embossed Sendra branding. The snip toes show minor scuffing at the tips. Overall, these present beautifully and are ready to wear.

The Appeal
Finding vintage Sendras in the U.S. market is uncommon — these boots were far more prevalent in Europe, and relatively few made it stateside. The combination of Spanish craftsmanship, the bold longhorn-and-stars design, and the rockabilly attitude makes this pair a standout for anyone looking for Western boots with serious personality. These are stage boots, honky-tonk boots, Saturday-night boots — built to be noticed.

Vintage Corral Patchwork Alligator Cowboy Boots — Men’s 10.5 EE

An absolutely wild patchwork exotic pair from Corral featuring a mosaic of textured alligator panels, deep black coloration, and bold tonal stitching that gives these boots serious outlaw energy.

Era & Build

• Maker: Corral

• Era: Vintage modern era

• Genuine patchwork alligator construction throughout the vamps and lowers

• Black leather shafts with dramatic silver-grey western embroidery

• Snip toe silhouette with classic riding heels

• Leather soles with rubber heel caps

• Wide EE fit for a roomier and comfortable wear

Size & Fit

• Tagged size: Men’s 10.5 EE

• Wide fit with a comfortable instep and toe box

• Ideal for those who typically find vintage exotics too narrow

Condition Grade

Vintage B

• Strong vintage condition throughout

• Beautiful natural wear and creasing to the exotic leather

• Soles show honest wear but remain solid and wearable

• Minor edge wear and light scuffing consistent with age

• Patchwork panels remain visually striking with excellent texture variation

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1960s Hyer Black Label Stitch Cowboy Boots — Men’s 10.5 B

A razor-sharp pair of early Hyers finished in deep black leather with icy blue contrast stitching that feels equal parts honky-tonk and outlaw ballroom.

Era & build

• Maker: Hyer
• Era: 1960s
• Black leather construction with intricate blue flame-style stitchwork throughout
• Classic narrow square / snip toe profile
• Leather soles with traditional western heel
• Made with the lean, elegant silhouette Hyer became known for in the mid-century years

Size & fit

• Tagged size: Men’s 10.5 B
• Slim vintage western fit with a narrow profile through the waist and toe
• Best for someone comfortable in classic narrower cowboy boot sizing

Condition grade: Vintage B

• Strong vintage structure throughout
• Beautiful natural creasing and patina from decades of wear
• Noticeable toe scuffing at the tips adds honest character
• Soles show wear but still have solid life remaining
• Heel caps appear newer/replaced and ready for continued wear

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1988 Paul Bond Smooth Ostrich Cowboy Boots — Men’s 10.5 D

A beautifully broken-in pair of late-80s Paul Bonds built from rich smooth ostrich with classic West Texas lines and that unmistakable handmade feel only Bond seems to get right.

Era & Build

• Handmade by Paul Bond
• Dated 1988 inside shaft
• Rich cognac smooth ostrich leather construction
• Multi-tone flame stitch pattern throughout shafts
• Traditional western toe with underslung riding heel
• Leather soles with original heel caps still present
• Hand-lasted construction with classic old-school silhouette

Size & Fit

• Marked men’s size 10.5 D
• Standard D width fit
• Nicely broken in without feeling overly worn out

Condition Grade: Vintage B+

• Strong vintage condition throughout
• Soles show honest but moderate wear with lots of life remaining
• Beautiful natural creasing and patina across vamps
• Minor scuffs and marks consistent with age and wear
• Heel caps remain solid and structurally sound

1988 Paul Bond Smooth Ostrich Cowboy Boots — Men’s 10.5 D

A beautifully broken-in pair of late-80s Paul Bonds built from rich smooth ostrich with classic West Texas lines and that unmistakable handmade feel only Bond seems to get right.

Era & Build

• Handmade by Paul Bond
• Dated 1988 inside shaft
• Rich cognac smooth ostrich leather construction
• Multi-tone flame stitch pattern throughout shafts
• Traditional western toe with underslung riding heel
• Leather soles with original heel caps still present
• Hand-lasted construction with classic old-school silhouette

Size & Fit

• Marked men’s size 10.5 D
• Standard D width fit
• Nicely broken in without feeling overly worn out

Condition Grade: Vintage B+

• Strong vintage condition throughout
• Soles show honest but moderate wear with lots of life remaining
• Beautiful natural creasing and patina across vamps
• Minor scuffs and marks consistent with age and wear
• Heel caps remain solid and structurally sound

Tecovas Black Caiman — Men’s 10.5 D

Clean black caiman with an easy everyday silhouette — a sharp pair of Tecovas that balances understated western styling with the unmistakable texture and depth only genuine caiman can bring.

Era & build

• Tecovas fine bootmakers
• Handmade in León, Mexico
• Genuine black caiman belly vamps
• Smooth black leather shafts with tonal stitching
• Leather soles and stacked leather heels
• Rounded western toe with a versatile profile built for daily wear

Size & fit

• Marked men’s 10.5 D
• Standard width fit
• True-to-size with a comfortable broken-in feel

Condition grade: Vintage B

• Nicely broken-in with attractive natural character throughout the caiman
• Moderate sole wear with substantial life remaining
• Heel caps remain strong and even
• Light scuffing and creasing consistent with honest wear
• Structure remains clean and solid throughout

1988 Paul Bond Smooth Ostrich Cowboy Boots — Men’s 10.5 D

A beautifully broken-in pair of late-80s Paul Bonds built from rich smooth ostrich with classic West Texas lines and that unmistakable handmade feel only Bond seems to get right.

Era & Build

• Handmade by Paul Bond
• Dated 1988 inside shaft
• Rich cognac smooth ostrich leather construction
• Multi-tone flame stitch pattern throughout shafts
• Traditional western toe with underslung riding heel
• Leather soles with original heel caps still present
• Hand-lasted construction with classic old-school silhouette

Size & Fit

• Marked men’s size 10.5 D
• Standard D width fit
• Nicely broken in without feeling overly worn out

Condition Grade: Vintage B+

• Strong vintage condition throughout
• Soles show honest but moderate wear with lots of life remaining
• Beautiful natural creasing and patina across vamps
• Minor scuffs and marks consistent with age and wear
• Heel caps remain solid and structurally sound