Olsen-Stelzer

Olsen-Stelzer is the made-to-measure custom tier of the Bespoke Western house. Its story starts in Nocona, Texas in 1900 with Carl Olsen, a Norwegian immigrant shoemaker, and runs through the Olsen-Stelzer Boot and Saddlery Company of Henrietta, Texas, formed in 1934. Today every pair is built to the customer's measurements and ordered directly from Olsen-Stelzer.

Who is Olsen-Stelzer?

Carl Olsen worked for H.J. "Big Daddy Joe" Justin in Nocona from 1900, where he met Julius Stelzer, Justin's production manager. Olsen opened his own shop in Henrietta; in 1934 Stelzer joined him. By 1939 the shop made 500 pairs a week, with Olsen's sons Norman and Harry in leadership. Gene Autry's Olsen-Stelzer "Bluebird" boots, made in 1942, are in the Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles. The company's records credit boots for John Wayne, President Eisenhower and President Truman. The Texas Tech Southwest Collection holds Olsen-Stelzer company records from 1935.

What does Olsen-Stelzer make today?

Custom, handmade boots, made to measure. You choose the hide, toe, heel, top height, stitching, inlays and initials; Olsen-Stelzer takes your measurements and returns an exact price and delivery date. Delivery is stated as 8 to 12 weeks. Collector Editions revive 1930s and 40s designs: the Bronc Buster, Eagle, Oil Derrick and Bluebird. Olsen-Stelzer also builds custom-fit boots donated through the Boots For Warriors Foundation.

What do Olsen-Stelzer boots cost?

Olsen-Stelzer publishes "Starting At" prices (read September 8, 2026; reference values, every pair varies): cowhide, shoulder, goat or buffalo from $1,500; kangaroo or French calf from $1,750; smooth ostrich from $1,750; full quill ostrich $2,000 to $3,000; caiman belly or Nile croc from $2,500; alligator belly from $4,000. Initials are $40 each; inlays $100 to $1,000. A 50 percent non-refundable deposit starts a pair. Military, law enforcement and first responders receive a 10 percent discount.

Where does Olsen-Stelzer fit in the house?

Every Bespoke Western brand feeds the custom tier. Start with an Alvies or Hevias pair off the shelf; when you want one built to your foot in the skin you choose, Olsen-Stelzer is the route. Ordering runs through Olsen-Stelzer, not the Bespoke Western cart.

Where to go next

Sources: olsenstelzerboots.com/our-history; olsenstelzerboots.com boot pricing page (read September 8, 2026); Autry Museum of the American West; Texas Tech Southwest Collection; bootsforwarriors.org.