Vintage 1950s Nocona Cowboy Boots – Men’s Size 9 D
Brand: Nocona Boot Company
Era: 1950s
Size: Men’s 9 D
Color: Black with tan leather lining
Material: Premium leather upper, shaft, and sole
The Boots
Step into a piece of true Texas history with this exquisite pair of vintage 1950s Nocona cowboy boots in a men’s size 9 D. Crafted from rich, supple black leather, these boots feature a striking six-petal floral or leaf medallion stitch pattern adorning the front and back of the shaft, an elegant hallmark of mid-century Western boot design. The meticulous top-stitching is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship that defined the era.
The interior is fully lined with soft tan leather, ensuring comfort that has stood the test of time. Inside the pull tabs, the iconic woven cloth label proudly declares “NOCONA BOOT / NOCONA TEXAS” in black lettering on a golden-yellow background. The boots are finished with a classic pointed toe, a stacked leather heel, and a durable leather sole equipped with a rubber heel cap marked “Nocona.” The natural patina, gentle creasing, and rich wear patterns on the leather tell a story of authentic use, adding undeniable character to this remarkable pair.
The Nocona Legacy
These boots were born during a golden age of Western wear, produced under the watchful eye of one of the most remarkable figures in Texas business history: Enid Justin.
The story of the Nocona Boot Company is deeply intertwined with the origins of the cowboy boot itself. Enid Justin was the daughter of Herman Joseph “Daddy Joe” Justin, who began making boots for cowboys on the Chisholm Trail in Spanish Fort, Texas, in 1879 [1]. When the railroad bypassed Spanish Fort in 1887, Joe Justin moved his family and his burgeoning boot business to the town of Nocona to take advantage of the shipping lines [2].
Enid grew up in the shop, learning the trade from the ground up starting at the age of twelve. When her father passed away in 1918, the family business continued successfully. However, in 1925, Enid’s brothers made the decision to move the Justin Boots operation to Fort Worth, lured by the Chamber of Commerce [1].
Enid firmly believed her father would have wanted the business to remain in Nocona. Demonstrating extraordinary independence and grit, she stayed behind. Borrowing $5,000 and retaining seven employees, she founded the Nocona Boot Company in 1925 [2]. Despite facing local prejudice against a woman running a manufacturing business, Enid’s company thrived. The 1926 oil boom near Nocona created a massive demand for durable, 16-inch lace-up work boots, cementing the company’s financial foundation [1].
The 1950s Era
By the time these specific boots were crafted in the 1950s, the Nocona Boot Company had weathered the Great Depression and World War II, emerging stronger than ever. Enid Justin had served as president since 1934 [1].
These boots were manufactured in the company’s “new” 30,000-square-foot plant, which opened in 1948 just east of Nocona on U.S. Highway 82 [1]. The 1950s brought a general slump to the Western boot industry, but Nocona pushed through by introducing improvements in bootmaking and advanced designs [1]. This era produced some of the most beautiful and structurally sound boots in the company’s history, characterized by the “Hand Lasted for Better Foot Comfort” philosophy proudly advertised during the decade.
Owning this pair of 1950s Nocona boots is not just about owning exceptional vintage footwear; it is about holding a tangible piece of Enid Justin’s legacy—a testament to a woman who defied expectations to build an empire in the heart of Texas.
