Larry Mahan Boots

History

Larry Mahan Boots was founded in 1977, capitalizing on the fame and credibility of Larry Mahan, one of the most decorated rodeo cowboys in history. Mahan won six All-Around World Champion titles at the National Finals Rodeo between 1966 and 1973, making him a household name in western culture. The boot line launched during the height of the Urban Cowboy era, when demand for western boots was surging across the country.

The brand was manufactured in El Paso, Texas, and quickly gained a following for its aggressive use of exotic leathers and bold styling. Larry Mahan boots were marketed as the choice of a real working cowboy — not just a fashion statement, but boots built to perform. The brand's heyday was the late 1970s through the 1980s, when exotic skin boots were at peak popularity. Production scaled back significantly in later decades, though the brand has seen periodic revivals. Vintage Larry Mahan boots remain highly collectible and are frequently sought out at estate sales, consignment shops, and online auctions.

Product Lines

Larry Mahan boots were defined by their exotic leather offerings. The brand was particularly known for its Elephant boots, which featured the distinctive wrinkled grain and exceptional durability of elephant hide. Full Quill Ostrich and Smooth Ostrich were also signature materials, along with Teju Lizard, Shark, and Stingray. The brand offered boots in both traditional western and roper styles, with shaft designs ranging from understated to highly decorative.

Identification Tips

Larry Mahan boots feature the "Larry Mahan" name on the outsole and a distinctive signature logo inside the shaft. Many vintage pairs include a hang tag or label indicating the specific skin type. The brand used a combination of leather colors and shaft stitching patterns that tend to be bolder than more conservative makers. On Elephant models, look for the characteristic pebbled grain pattern and thick, substantial leather on the vamp. Vintage pairs in good condition are identifiable by the quality of the exotic skin selection, which was generally excellent during the brand's peak production years. Be aware of later reissues, which may not match the skin quality of original 1980s production.

Notable Models

• Elephant Roper — Perhaps the most iconic Larry Mahan boot, featuring full Elephant vamp in a roper configuration. These are highly sought after by collectors.
• Full Quill Ostrich Cowboy — A classic tall-shaft boot in Full Quill Ostrich that showcases the brand's commitment to premium exotics.
• El Canelo — A popular western-style boot offered in various exotic skins throughout the brand's production history.
• Stingray Round Toe — A distinctive model featuring Stingray with its unique pearlescent texture.