The Soul and Soles of a Texas Boot Maker

Great story Mr. Ferndandez. You have a gift for observation and capturing the eccentricities of a Texas original artisan. I did not know of RJ Boot Company before reading your story but I enjoyed the good fortune of having a pair of custom boots made in Fort Worth twenty-five years ago. Attention to materials, fit, design, and detail are the hallmarks of a great bootmaker. Rocky Carroll was clearly a great bootmaker.

Never met the man, unfortunately. Honestly, didn't know of him, but, after readiing this article I, oddly, find myself missing him.

THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS once more

coolest story in 4ever thank you

Rocky was my friend, and neighbor. I will miss his visits, he would call on the weekends and send me down the street for lunch, usually with a coupon! You captured him very well....while he did love .45 caliber, especially old Colts, he kept the .38 as his 'carry pistol' to the end. My reason to comment is to note that of course the existing patterns, and Shaggy are still there, working. Rocky's son is managing the current backlog, and like his Dad, started there, at age 5. My only pair of "Rocky boots" were a gift from him, and worn out long ago.....but, as long as the door is unlocked, you can walk in and talk to Mike or Shaggy! Godspeed Rocky. We have lost a great Texan, but I know he is standing tall in Heaven, wheel chair and all pain cast aside. As another comment noted, he did indeed "go with his boots on"!!! Love you, my brother. I need to drop over and fix the sign...the J in RJs Boots has been gone a few years...:D

Cowboy boot makers are well respected folks in West Texas, where I am from. Especially if you work on top of a horse for a living. So are saddle makers. I know many a Cowboy who sends a portion of his monthly check to his boot and saddle maker. It's that important. 'Tools of the trade', as Jerry Jeff Walker put it. Lots has been said here about rich folks and their fancy boots made of fancy skins, but give me a good handmade pair of leather that will keep you in the saddle and working longer any day. As to Texas eccentrics, well, the phrase, where I come from, is almost redundant.

As my Father (born and raised in Texas) would say, "They don't mak'em like that anymore!"

Wonderful story that warmed my heart and brought a smile to my face - a piece of poetry. How refreshing to read about Mr. Rocky Carroll, a Texan to the core.

everyone knows the finest boots in the world are stallions. el paso, tx.
i'm wearing some black nile crocodiles right now.

Rocky made me a pair of boots nearly 30 years ago. I think the dust in his shop was at least an inch thick even back then. I couldn't quite believe him when he told me he made boots for Ronald Reagan, etc., as I stood in his little shop and looked around, but I got his name from a friend who said it was the place to go for good, affordable, handmade boots. I'm very sorry to hear of his passing.

You captured him perfectly. Beautifully crafted piece...like a fine pair of hand-made boots!

Passed in the old recliner, no doubt with his boots on. Thanks for the reflections.

I was fortunate enough to visit. R. Carroll's shop several times. Even beyond his work space, I'd recognize his boots, slicked for a party or caked with mud. Much like the fellow who had reserved a skin for Carroll boots and waited too long, I also waited too long. When the gentleman - and he was one, passed, we were still talking about the endless options and I was learning what was reasonable. Having never worn Carroll's boots for more than 10-15 minutes, I already knew that he would make my boots. Or, so I thought. Rocky Carroll will be missed and I can probably own custom-made boots for half what he would have charged me. I'd still prefer to have a pair of Carroll boots; he was that good. RIP my friend. RIP.

I'm pretty proud of my two pairs of Lucchese boots. I guess I have lost my chance to move up.

This is a great story. As a native Texan and current Californian, I always enjoy stories like this that remind me of the Texas of my youth where live and let live really ruled the day. This also goes to the heart of craftsmanship that is slowly slipping away everywhere. Perhaps because my great-grandfather was a cobbler, I appreciate the intimacy of wearing something that was hand-crafted specifically for me. As a native El Pasoan, of course I'm partial to our own boot makers, and dream of the day I'll step up for another pair of custom-made boots.

Only in Texas!

Long before there was a Rocky Carroll, there was Charlie Dunn.
From big fan Jerry Jeff Walker: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_fg3y_PvUxM
"I'm writing down ol' Charlie's size
And I'm making him up a song."

stories and the myths surrounding these old time crastfmen and women are priceless peeks into the real america of hardwork and craft handed down from families. bootmaker, baker, seamstress,potter and horseshoer all bring a bit of americana into our awareness.
this story has it all! the craft and eccentric life of an old texan bootmaker, admired by many and his craft coveted by all.

Thank you for this fine piece, Mr. Fernandez. Mr. Carroll was one of Houston's own unique, larger-than-life characters. He will be missed.

I "escaped" my native Texas when in my early twenties and found that no region replaced the mix of eccentric talents that marked my childhood in Texas. Glad I came back for the last four decades - I reared some Texans that will appreciate this story. And are eccentric talents themselves.

An American worker, the likes of whom made Amercia what it is today. Pride, dedication and love or their job, pride of their craft and not looking fr protections or hand outs. Just working . We can use many more Mr. Carrolls. RIP.

Welcome to Texas!

Do not believe what you read on the editorial page. This is a wonderful state. Thanks for this story.

There are still a lot of great characters in Texas. While I like the detective and boot maker combination, it is far from the most unique dual profession I have encountered. Just the other day a colleague was telling me about the hairstylist she sees who also works as a bail bondsman (or is it a bail bondswoman?). I was incredulous, so she pulled out the business card. Sure enough, side a was the hair salon and side b was the bail bond business. In certain corners of the state, you are as likely to need a get of jail card as you are to need a hair cut.