1987 Austin Hall Handmade Cowboy Boots — Grey with Turquoise Stitching — Women’s 8.5 M
A tall, elegant pair of handmade Austin Hall cowboy boots in dove grey leather with striking turquoise and white contrast stitching. Dated August 1987 on the interior, these boots were handcrafted during the peak years of Austin Hall’s production — a small El Paso maker known for building high-quality, handmade boots with beautiful proportions and fine leatherwork.
The entire boot is constructed from a single shade of smooth, soft grey leather — a cool, sophisticated tone that reads almost silver in certain light. The leather is supple and high-grade, with the kind of natural grain and drape that only comes from quality hides. The shaft is tall — approximately 13 to 14 inches — giving these boots a leggy, dramatic silhouette that was a signature of Austin Hall’s women’s line.
The shaft stitching is the star of the show. Executed in light turquoise and white thread, the pattern features a large, flowing floral or tulip motif on both the front and back panels. The design is bold and symmetrical — sweeping leaf-like shapes radiate outward from a central stem, with looping curves and pointed tips that fill the shaft from top to bottom. The turquoise thread pops beautifully against the grey leather, while a secondary row of white/grey stitching outlines and shadows the design, adding depth. The same turquoise stitching continues onto the vamp with a small decorative toe wrinkle pattern — a delicate touch that ties the upper and lower boot together.
The collar features a subtle scalloped dip at the front and back with a clean piped edge. Small pull tabs sit at the top of each side. The interior is fully lined in natural tan leather — a hallmark of handmade construction — with the original Austin Hall “Handmade” label in black and gold still intact inside the pull strap area.
The heel is a pronounced, stacked black Western heel — taller than a standard walking heel, likely around 2.5 inches — giving the boot a fashion-forward, leggy profile that was popular in women’s boots of the mid-to-late 1980s. The heel is slightly underslung with a squared base. The sole is leather, showing moderate wear with darkening across the ball and toe area. The heel caps show use but remain solid and functional.
Overall condition is strong vintage. The grey leather has developed natural creasing across the vamp and lower shaft from wear, and there is minor scuffing at the toe tips and heel edges. The leather remains soft, the structure is solid, and the boots stand tall on their own
