Meet Chris Conrad | Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Conrad and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Creating a brand means focusing in on the core attributes of your target and working hard to not stray from those. I created Republic Boot Co as a quality centric brand that would encompass the long-standing traditions of this iconic cultural item, the Texas Cowboy Boot. We would bring in the best craftsmen and not cut any corners. We would brand the company in a way that was “real Texas” and would identify with the ‘every day Texan’, not as a stuffy pretentious product. Its too easy these days to use manufacturing short-cuts and low quality materials (especially if you can’t see it). There are many boot companies out there hitting the boot entry market, but we went after the harder segment of the market and established ourselves as one of the leaders in custom boots. For our brand, we stay true to the old time Texas boot making traditions of quality, but we have fun with our styles and unique hides. Our love for Texas Music and giving back to the community make it a rewarding time as well.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m biased but I think we have the best team in the world. Again, the construction of the boots is uncompromised and the materials are the best on the market. There is a very particular way all of this is put together and this is in the hands of our master bootmaker Raul. We let him take charge of this critical step. The design of the boot is an art. We have a great team that can design boots and we take cues from what the customer wants. Sometimes the customer knows exactly what they want, but most of the time we guide them through the process. My partner Brad does a great job of blending design aspects to make a beautiful boot. His artistic drawing ability help us to create unique stitch and cording designs, harkening back to traditional boot making styles. The rest of our team does an incredible job at designing as well. I’ve always loved artistic design and the balancing details of color, structure, and aesthetic. I grew up with my Mom as an architect and my Dad as an engineer so I’ve always been engaged in both of those fields. I’ve been traveling the world most of my life and lived in Europe for a good amount of time, so as a proud Texan I strive to have Republic Boot Co design works of arts that are admired the world over.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
They would come to the Boot Shop of course (4222 San Felipe, Houston TX). We have everything you need. This is the true Texas Experience with boot making classes. live music, adult beverages, Texas history and much much more!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This is dedicated to the People of Texas. All our work and inspiration is based on the hard work that Texans before us put forward. Texans are renown around the world for their straight-forward attitude and no nonsense get-it-done mentality, we try to apply that daily.

Website: www.RepublicBootCompany.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/republicboot1836/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RepublicBootCo