Just thought this was interesting for those of you who wonder about what Texas Tech's mascot wears? Justin of course and these were made especially for the 2009-2009 masked Rider Ashley Hartzog. They are a black Justin Belly ostrich with a 14 inch black soft kipskin soft top with the Double T embroidered on them. Her jeans are Cruel Girl Brand and her shirts are by Wrangler. Go Ashley! Go Texas Tech! Guns Up! 

These very special boots are provided to Texas Tech by Boot City and Justin Boots. Each year Justin Boots makes a special pair for the Masked Rider. These boots are not sold in retail outlets and there are very few in existence. Wouldn't every Texas Tech fan love to get their feet in a pair of these.

Justin has been famous for their roper boots for as long as I can remember and this little boot, Justin 3112 is the cream of the crop! The ropers are popular for their shoe heighth heels and yes they are great looking with dress pants. My husband was a presenter at the Addi Awards not too long ago and he was worried about footwear to go with his tux. You guuessed it he ended up wearing the tried and true Black Lizard ropers. These boots are available in a variety of widths, B, D, E, and EE and they are single stitched with a J-flex comfort system. Made in the USA!

 

For those of you who demand the most from your dress boots these are AWESOME! These are made by Justin and they are the most beautiful brown color! Antique Brown actually and they have an orange goatskin top. These have a J-Flex comfort package and they have single stitched soles. The beauty of the ostrich leather is that for it to be as soft as it is it is also very durable! The square toes are very popular in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico right now! Review Justin Boots

 

There is something new about to hit the market place...they are the Justin workboots called Hybred. These boots are so loaded with comfort you almost don't know you are working! They have a Dual density sole that is injected so that it is easy to bend even when they are brand new and they are lighter in weight! The heels have a plug that is EVA injected so you can jump off that fence or the back tailgate without worries! The Hybred has a steel shank and toe...they hit all of OSHA'S requirements.This boot has a defined heel which makes climbing those ladders a breeze! They have a pull out moister wicking insert that can be washed in the washing machine. The sole is non-marking so that will keep Momma happy. Keep your eyes on this little boot she has the latest and greatest technology that is out there! The style #'s are WK4870-WK4871-WK4875-WK4876-WK4880-WK870-WK871-WK875-WK876-WK880 - You can buy all your justin boots at bootcity.com or visit Justin.com for more information about Justin Boots

This little Justin Boot is a real jewel! This boot includes the J-Flex comfort system. The leather is calf but it has been vat dyed ...so what that means for you is  the leather is going to be very easy to break in and easy on your feet! This is my pick for dancing the night away or working all day! 

 

This is from the Justin Website - we support this effort and we thought we would give it a little plug here so our readers could know about this effort ---

-- Justin Boot Company Content starts here ---- 

Rodeo is truly a dangerous business. In fact, it is considered America's original extreme sport. With each ride, the rodeo athlete risks losing more than just the next opportunity to compete and win. He or she can also lose the ability to meet the mortgage payments or the ability to feed and care for his or her family. With no guaranteed salaries or injured reserve provisions in the sport, these professional athletes are often left with no place else to turn when faced with serious, sidelining injuries and the accompanying financial hardship.

Recognizing that serious injuries can be traumatic enough in themselves, without the additional burden of financial worries, the Justin Boot Company formed a partnership with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and the Women's Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) in 1989 to establish the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund (JCCF). The JCCF was formed on the premise of lending a helping hand to professional rodeo athletes and their families in the event of catastrophic injuries. Thus, filling the void created by financial hardships when the inevitable serious injury interfered with the careers of those who have dedicated their lives to the sport.

By May of 2006, the JCCF's running total of disbursements surpassed a whopping $4 million in financial assistance to more than 600 individuals and their families. Assistance awards are based on the severity of injury, number of dependents and the applicant's financial situation. The Fund also takes into consideration the individual's involvement in and/or contribution to the sport of professional rodeo.

Unique among today's numerous charitable organizations, the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund stands apart from the rest by dedicating 100% (+) of all contributions received for disbursement to eligible applicants. This uncommon trait for a charitable organization is made possible by the joint commitment of the Justin Boot Company and the PRCA to underwrite all administrative costs associated with managing the JCCF, leaving all monies received through contributions (as well as investment earnings) to serve their intended purpose.

Top Montana contestant Chuck Simonson was among the first JCCF recipients. The former National Finals Rodeo qualifier in both bull riding and bareback riding has received assistance since a 1989 bull riding wreck in Caldwell, Idaho, left him paralyzed from the waist down. The JCCF has helped Simonson help himself by providing a specially equipped truck with full hand controls and having a custom saddle made for him. Additionally, the JCCF helped in literally getting Simonson back on his feet by providing a set of leg braces that enables him to occasionally leave his wheelchair behind as he tends to his fledgling bucking horse business. Currently, the JCCF is assisting Simonson in pursuing a computer education program.

"The Fund focuses on those individuals who make professional rodeo their career and who dedicate their life to it," said Tom Feller, Director, Event Marketing for Justin Brands and PRCA Board of Directors member " That includes contestants, announcers, clowns, bullfighters, judges and specialty act performers. Generally speaking, recipients receive monthly living expense stipends to keep life as stable as possible during their recovery period, which helps defer any loss of assets or other financial troubles."

Of course, the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund does not limit assistance to just PRCA and WPRA members. In addition to helping PRCA and WPRA members, including several past world champions, the JCCF has provided assistance to professional rodeo athletes from a number of other associations. As you might expect, this includes a host of Professional Bull Riders (PBR) contestants, since bull riding is the most dangerous of all rodeo events. In fact, bull riders have been the recipient of some 65% of the millions of dollars in assistance awarded to date.

Individual contributions make up the bulk of the donations received by the JCCF, according to Feller. PRCA rodeo committees also make a significant impact with either direct contributions or monies donated from fund raising activities such as cowboy golf tournaments or celebrity events. Through its annual Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Style Show an Luncheon, the Pro Rodeo League of Women makes annual contributions which total over $750,000 to date

For additional information on the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, please call 888/662-JCCF (5223), or you can e-mail the Fund at jccfinfo@prorodeo.com.

Tax deductible contributions to the Fund may be made by downloading the donation form here or by mailing a check or money order to the following address:

Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund
attn: Cindy Schonholtz
101 Pro Rodeo Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
888/662-JCCF (5223)

JCCF Board of Directors:
Don Andrews, Justin Sportsmedicine Team
Charlie Daniels, Recording Artist
Jymmmy Kay Davis, President, WPRA
Troy Ellerman, Commissioner, PRCA
Dr. Pat J. Evans, Justin Sportmedicine Team
Tom Feller, Director, Event Marketing, Justin Brands
Walt Garrison, Former Dallas Cowboy
Bryan McDonald, PRCA Bullriding Representative
Nolan Ryan, Baseball Hall of Famer
Randy Watson, President & CEO, Justin Brands

 

At the cowboy boot review, we love music from George Strait, and we just learned that Justin Boots is a big fan as well. Justin has launched a line of boots with the George Strait stamp of approval 

They teamed up with George to bring you a collection of Men's Boots and Women's Boots designed for every aspect of the western lifestyle. A lifestyle that George Strait embraces and one that just wouldn’t be the same without Justin Boots.When George wanted a signature line of high quality, performance boots he teamed up with Justin Boots. This brand new, technologically advanced collection takes George Strait from ridin', ropin', and working the Ranch to going out on the town. Strait Up with George Strait! There are 6 categories within the George Strait Collection and there is something for everyone.
The Categories are

• Gruene Hall,
• Cotulla,
• Bandera,
• Lace-Rs,
• Cowboy, 
• and 3.1!

The Gruene Hall Boot Collection takes its name from the famous Gruene Hall it is Texas' oldest Dance Hall! Including George Strait ? Ace in the Hole, Jerry Jeff Walker, Lyle Lovett, Joe Ely, Robert Earl Keen, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Hal Ketchum, Bruce and Charlie Robison, and many more. Click below for a  partial list of folks who have played Gruene Hall. If you are looking for something new to kick up your heels in... look no farther than the George Strait Gruene Hall Collection.
The Cotulla Boot Collection was named after the South Texas Town that just a stone throw away from George's ranch. The name makes perfect sense! These boots are made for Ranch Work, these work boots have a performance rubber outsole with a functional spur ridge and fullgrain cowhide leather uppers and leather lining!History in a Pecan Shell The town was named for Joseph Cotulla, a Polish immigrant from Panna Maria  who gave land to the International-Great Northern Railroad in order to induce them to stop on his land. In 1882 the depot was built and Joseph sold lots in the new town he modestly named after himself. http://www.texasescapes.com/SouthTexasTowns/CotullaTexas/CotullaTexas.htm

Nocona boot company has a fascinating back story. I am a big fan of strong women,  we have a great example of a strong western woman in Sarah Palin, the 2008 VP running mate of John McCain for President. The west has a history of producing strong, independent and successful women. Once such lady started the Nocona boot company.

In 1925 Miss Endid Justin started the Nocona Boot Company with a simple yet lofty goal,  carry on her father's tradition of making quality western boots in the town he loved. 

Ended Justin was part of the rich tradition of the Justin Boot Company. She dropped of school in 8th grade and began to learn the trade from H.J. "Daddy Joe" Justin.

"Daddy Joe" was not just another boot maker, he took his handcraft very seriously and he was a perfectionist with every aspect of his trade and business. In Daddy Joe's day the salesman didn't travel, the customer did. So Daddy Joe Justin would wait for the cattle drive to come through town, he would measure the cowboy's for boots on their way through, and they would pick the boots up on the return trip. 
In 1887, things were changing and the railroad came through Nocona, Texas, just south of the town of Spanish Fort. With expansion in mind Joe Justin moved his boot factory to be close to the train and improve his shipping facilities.

Eddid Justin worked with her father for the 12 years learning the fine points of making hand crafted boots, and building a passion for the craft and honing her business skills. These 12 years would pay off when After "Daddy Joe" died in 1918, other members of the family moved the business to Fort Worth, TX in 1925. Justin Boots is still there today.

Miss Enid felt so strongly that Daddy Joe Justin  wanted his boot company in Nocona that she stayed behind got a loan and started Nocona Boot Company. It wasn't easy, but when you learn from the best your confidence can get you through some tough times. During those first years, Miss Enid had to turn her home into a boarding house, she took a job as a sales clerk, shipping clerk, stenographer and credit manager to make ends meet. In the beginning some men didn't like the idea of buying boots from a lady boot maker,  but when the quality is there and the price is right people get over their biases, it is the beauty of the old west and capitalism. Nocona boots began to make a name for itself.

The discovery of oil near Nocona brought a slew of new customer's to Miss Enid's young company. Nocona made a 16 inch "lace-up" boot that the wildcatters loved. The boot was tough enough to stand-up to the oil fields and the workers kept coming back for more.

Endid Justin did a lot of smart things with her business, her catalog included a measuring kit, so folks who got the catalog could measure their own feet. One her best marketing stunts was to sponsor a Pony Express race from Nocona to San Francisco. Fourteen cowboys and one cowgirl took off at 9 AM on March 1,1939, from Nocona, Texas and the first rider reached San Francisco at 2 PM on March 24th. This 'race' gave Nacona more national exposure and helped fuel future growth.

In 1981, the Nocona Boot Company merged with Justin Industries, parent company of the Justin Boot Company, bringing the boot making histories of the two family companies full circle.

Miss Enid Justin retired as president and chief executive officer in September, 1982 at the age of 88. She continued to serve as honorary chairman of the board and consultant until her death in October, 1990.

Miss Ended Justin, we salute you and your Nocona boots.  Here is what our customers have to say about their Nocona boots

There is a lot of debate out there about who makes the best boot, I don't want to enter into that debate, I just want to give you a little information about the company called Justin Boots. -

This is from the history of Justin Boot

The Justin Boots story began in 1879, when H.J. Justin left Lafayette, Indiana to start a new life in Spanish Fort, Texas. Initially a boot repairman, H.J. soon began his own boot company working out of his home making sturdy boots. Read the history on Justin

When a railroad was built in Nocona, Texas in 1889, H.J. moved his family and business there to capitalize on the bigger market opportunity.

In 1908, John and Earl came to work for their father, and the company was renamed H.J. Justin and Sons. The company expanded very quickly and by 1910 you could buy a pair of Justin boots in 26 states, as well as in Canada, Mexico, and Cuba. The best part was you could pick up a pair of this fantastic boots for only $11 a pair, now that is a bargain.

John, Earl and Avis Justin took over the Justin Boots after their father's death in 1918. In 1925, the brothers moved the the Justin Boots headquarters to Fort Worth, TX just west of Dallas..

In 1948, John Justin, Jr. purchased controlling interest in the company. It wasn't long before H.J. Justin & Sons was growing again. In 1968, the company made a deal with Acme Brick, another Fort Worth, TX company with strong  pioneering roots, to form Justin Industries. In 1981, looking to expand the boot Enterprise, John Jr. purchased Nocona Boot Company from his aunt, Enid Justin.  Three years later, Chippewa Shoe Company was added to the Justin family of brands and the growth of the Justin Brand continued. In 1990 Justin Industries made a monumental move and  purchased Tony Lama Boots, now 3 of the strongest boot brands were under one roof.

In August of 2000, Justin Boots was purchased by Berkshire Hathaway, managed by Warren Buffet. With strong financial backing, a lasting tradition of quality, and a talented management team, Justin Boots today is stronger than ever.

You can buy Justin Boots and most online retails, justin does not sell thier boots direct to the consumer, yet.... if you are interesed in reading what other boot buyers are saying about Justin Boots, you read the 50+ Justin Boot Reviews

Justin claims that it takes 100 steps to make each pair of boots, they also say that 16 square feet of leather go into every pair of boots. That is a lot of work and a lot of hide, making Justin Boots a good value, even if they are not still selling for $11 a pair.