A Boot Collector Feature
Chris Liggett apprenticed sixteen years under founder Mike Kirkendahl before taking over this Houston shop in 2016.
Tejas Custom Boots was founded in Houston in 1984 by Mike Kirkendahl. Chris Liggett joined straight out of high school in 2000 and spent sixteen years apprenticing at Kirkendahl's bench before taking over the shop when Kirkendahl retired in 2016. Liggett has continued learning since, studying under respected San Angelo bootmaker Gary Tucker. The shop today operates from Westheimer Road in Houston, building every pair entirely on-site alongside master boot makers Ramon and Daniel, with business partner Austin Gandy.
Fully handmade custom cowboy boots, built one-of-a-kind at a faster turnaround and more approachable price than some of the bigger custom houses, with a track record Liggett points to directly: the shop has never had to issue a refund. The business also doubles as a rare example of a direct master-to-apprentice handoff, carrying Kirkendahl's original shop forward under new ownership rather than letting it close.
A 1984 Houston shop, carried forward by its founder's own apprentice.
Pairs from smaller, custom, or long-closed makers rarely come up for sale, so this search may not find anything. It’s worth checking back now and then.