1990s • Austin Hall • “Lucky Horseshoe” Inlay Boots • Men’s 8 D

1950s • Stewart Romero • Bucking Bronco Boots • Women’s 5 M

Why we love them

Boots like these are why Stewart Romero remains a name whispered with reverence among collectors. Hand-cut and hand-lasted in New Mexico in the 1950s, these cowgirl boots are walking art. The shafts feature chocolate-brown inlays of a bucking bronc and rider against golden leather, framed with heart and scroll motifs that capture the playful romance of the West. A rare piece of Western heritage, made by one of the few Mexican-American bootmakers to etch their signature style into mid-century cowboy culture.

Spec Card

• Maker: Stewart Romero (New Mexico bootmaker, active mid-20th century)
• Era: 1950s (construction & design)
• Upper: tan cowhide with chocolate inlays (cowgirl rider, bronc, hearts, and scrollwork)
• Vamp: polished chocolate leather with natural patina
• Construction: hand-lasted, pegged leather outsole
• Toe: squared cowboy toe
• Heel: tall cowgirl underslung heel
• Size: Women’s 5 M

Heritage Notes

Stewart Romero was known for his elaborate inlays and bold storytelling on boot tops—cowboy and cowgirl scenes, hearts, stars, and borderland motifs. His work blurred the line between functional gear and art object, carried proudly by ranch families and performers alike. Very few pairs survive in wearable condition today, making these a museum-grade find.

Condition

Beautiful vintage shape with expected scuffs and wear, but remarkably well-preserved for a 70-year-old pair. Soles show honest use, uppers remain strong and supple, stitching intact.

1960s • Acme • “Garden Party” Floral-Inlay Shorty Boots • Women’s 6.5

Why We Love Them

Mid-century showboots with a neon-poster palette. Emerald shafts bloom with marigold petals and embossed terracotta flowers; caramel vamps flash flame stitching. Shorty height, snip toe, and that unmistakable ACME swagger. 

Spec Card

• Maker: Acme Boot Company
• Model: “Garden Party” Floral-Inlay Shorty (pee-wee height)
• Era: 1960s
• Size: Women’s 6.5
• Upper: Emerald green shafts with yellow and terracotta floral inlays, cream piping, deep-V scallops, blue ACME pull tabs
• Vamp: Caramel brown leather with flame/leaf overlays and contrast stitch
• Toe: Snip
• Heel: Western underslung, stacked leather with later rubber caps (~1¾”)
• Lining: Full leather
• Construction: Stitched welt, leather soles with lemonwood pegs
• Details: Multitone inlays, bold color blocking, classic mid-century silhouette

The Story

In the ’60s, Acme leaned into graphic inlay work that borrowed from border-boot tradition and honky-tonk flash. This pair captures that spirit—garden-bright shafts over hot-rod vamps—equal parts cowgirl and rockabilly.  

Nashville Booted Notes

From our Mid-Century Inlay Archives. Clean, supple uppers with honest wear at the toes and counters; soles show moderate use with plenty of life. Inlays are secure and stitching is tight. Conditioned and ready to roll.

1970s Tony Lama Red-Black Eagle Inlays — Women’s 7.5 M

A striking pair of late-70s Tony Lamas, built in that unmistakable era of bold color, crisp inlay work, and unapologetic Western flair.

Era & Build

• Maker: Tony Lama
• Era: Late 1970s
• Construction: All-leather build, pegged leather soles, stitched welt
• Design: Red vamp + counter with black eagle-wing inlays and star bursts
• Toe/Heel: Snip-toe with a classic mid-height Western walking heel
• Pulls: Matching black leather pulls

Size & Fit

• Tagged: Women’s 7.5 M
• Fit notes: Typical for ’70s Lamas — medium width, slightly low instep, true-to-size for most modern 7.5M

Condition — Vintage A

Solid, clean, and ready to wear with only honest age.

• Light surface creasing on vamps
• Minor sole wear, plenty of life left
• Inlay work remains sharp and vivid
• No structural issues

Why We Love Them

A flash of Americana at its boldest — red vamps, black eagle cuts, and that unmistakable ’70s Tony Lama swagger. These are statement boots that carry the spirit of vintage rodeo posters and neon-lit Texas dancehalls. True standouts in any collection.

1970s • Tony Lama • “Desert Stitch” Western Boots • Women’s 6.5 M

Warm-tone Western perfection — a refined two-tone Tony Lama from the 1970s that balances buttery tan shafts with rich brown lizard-print vamps and white whipstitch detailing.

Era & Build

• Maker: Tony Lama (El Paso, Texas)

• Era: 1970s

• Construction: All-leather soles, stitched welt, stacked underslung heel

• Height: 11”

• Toe / Heel: Snip toe, cowboy underslung heel

• Upper: Smooth tan leather with classic Western stitch pattern

• Vamp: Chocolate brown lizard-print leather with white whipstitch piping

Size & Fit

• Tagged women’s 6.5 M

• Standard width, comfortable instep typical of 1970s Tony Lamas

Condition Grade: Vintage A–

• Light surface wear and minimal sole use

• Heel caps and stitching solid

• Interior clean and supple, light patina from age

• Ready for wear or collection

Why We Love Them

The whipstitched vamp sets these apart — a 1970s Tony Lama hallmark that channels pure Southwestern flair. A perfect blend of polish and grit, they capture the desert tones of the decade in a timeless, wearable form.

Notes & Care

Conditioned with Bick 4; store with shapers and avoid prolonged sunlight.

Nashville Booted — iconic by nature.

1980s • CODE WEST • “BLACK FLAME” INLAY BOOTS • WOMEN’S 6 M

Black leather shorties with bold white flame inlays — classic ‘80s cowgirl edge with a refined, sculptural profile.

Era & Build

• Maker: Code West
• Era: 1980s
• Construction: Leather soles with pegged heels
• Height: ~9” pee-wee shaft
• Toe/heel: Snip toe · cowgirl underslung heel

Size & Fit

• Tagged 6 M (Women’s)
• Runs true-to-size; vintage instep, slightly narrow through ball

Condition Grade: Vintage B

• Clean uppers with light creasing and a few rub marks at toes
• Original soles show honest wear with metal toe taps intact
• Stitching and pulls tight; ready for years more life

Why We Love Them

Code West nailed the cowgirl silhouette — that striking black-and-white flame design channels honky-tonk nights and neon-sign swagger. A true mid-century revival piece that pairs as well with denim as it does a stage dress.

Notes & Care

Condition with neutral leather balm; store with boot trees to preserve shape.

Nashville Booted — iconic by nature.