Handcrafted western and equestrian boots — born in León, now planting its flag in Fort Worth.
The company first ran its U.S. operations out of San Diego before announcing plans in 2022 to relocate to Fort Worth, Texas — where it also operates a flagship store in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, the heart of cowboy-boot country.
Same quiet-luxury, craft-first sensibility — follow any to widen your alerts.
For most buyers, yes, particularly if you want a boot that doubles as a statement piece. Owners frequently praise the handcrafted construction, the comfort that often feels broken-in from day one, and leather that holds up well over months of wear. As with any handmade product, quality can vary pair to pair, so it's wise to inspect stitching and finishing before you commit.
Both are handcrafted Western boots, but they aim at slightly different tastes. Old Gringo leans into artistic, fashion-forward design, the kind of boldly colored, embroidered, eye-catching pair you wear to be noticed. Lucchese tends toward classic, understated elegance. If you want a wearable piece of art, Old Gringo is the more expressive choice; if you want timeless restraint, that's Lucchese's lane.
Old Gringo boots are made in León, Mexico, which has long been a center of fine leather and footwear craft. The brand was founded there in 2000, and that Mexican manufacturing heritage is central to its identity as a handcrafted Western and equestrian footwear label.
Old Gringo Boots was founded in 2000 by Ernie Tarut and Yan Ferry in León, Mexico. From those origins it grew into a recognized name in American Western and equestrian footwear, blending Mexican bootmaking craft with a distinctly fashion-driven sensibility.
Old Gringo is an American Western and equestrian footwear brand, best known for cowboy boots that read as wearable art. The house built its reputation on handcrafted construction and expressive, decorative designs rather than plain workwear, which is why its boots tend to stand out in a crowd.
The brand operates a flagship store in the Fort Worth Stockyards, a fitting home given Fort Worth's deep Western heritage. Old Gringo announced plans in 2022 to relocate its U.S. headquarters to Fort Worth, so the city has become a natural hub for seeing the boots in person.
It's both, in a sense, which is part of the appeal. Old Gringo is described as an American Western and equestrian footwear brand, with its U.S. presence and a flagship in the Fort Worth Stockyards, but its boots are made in León, Mexico, where the company was founded in 2000. The result pairs American Western styling with Mexican craft.
Treat them like the leather investment they are. Keep them clean and dry, condition the leather periodically so it stays supple, and let them rest a day between wears so they can air out. Decorative details such as embroidery and inlays reward gentle handling, so avoid harsh scrubbing and store the boots upright to hold their shape.