story by Naomi Loomis, WSRRA Representative
“I make boots for the working cowboys,” stated Kelly Martin when asked about what type of boots that she makes, Martin & Co. pride themselves in making a boot that is tough, and ready for a long work day.
Kelly is a second generation boot maker from Battle Mountain, Nevada. Her father, George Martin saw an opportunity in 1971 to buy a shoe repair shop, and in 1982 he starting making boots. “I grew up in the boot shop helping dad, “Kelly explains. I made my first pair of boots in 1990, and I would guess that I have made 100’s of them to date.” Making a pair of handmade boots is an art that Kelly prides herself in, she continues to work hard at the art of boot making.
Along with making boots, you can find Kelly making custom cowboy gear, i.e. headstalls, chaps, chinks, shoes, and anything else for the cowboy
cowgirl. “I am grandma and love making things for my grandkids. I am passing this on to the next generation,” Kelly says.
Kelly has been involved with the Western States Ranch Rodeo Association as a vendor WSRRA NFR and numerous ranch rodeos in Nevada; you will find Kelly at many events that neighbors and customers attend. At the 2014 WSRRA NFR, Kelly was a judge for the WSRRA Queen contest, and at the 2015 WSRRA NFR, Kelly and Martin & Co. donated a custom pair of boots to the 2015 WSRRA Women’s Division Top Hand, Monel Shelley, of the 2015 Women Division WSRRA World Champion team, Flying M Ranch.
“I’m very grateful to have won them!! There is only one Kelly Martin!!” ~ Monel Shelley, 2015 WSRRA NFR Women’s Division Top Hand, and World Champion
Recently Kelly and Martin & Co. have opened a second boot shop in El Paso, Texas making a second outlet for her custom boots and cowboy gear. Kelly and Martin & Co. are always looking for new ideas and better ways to make a better custom boot for their customers. As a women breaking into the custom boot industry, Kelly has found it to both rewarding and challenging. After meeting other custom boot makers Kelly says, “they are a very tight knit group.” “We exchange ideas and advice with each other to help promote the art of custom boot making.” –K.M.
2016 looks bright for Martin & CO. “Exciting things are coming to Martin & Co., I wish I could tell you more please watch for more details in the future.” –K.M.
If you are interested in talking to Kelly about a custom pair of boots, or cowboy gear please visit her website: http://www.martinhandmadeboots.com .
On behalf of the WSRRA, Thank You
Martin & Co. for supporting our association.
