One of the most recognizable sounds in Texas culture—the rhythmic thump of cowboy boots—just found a new home on the NFL sidelines. Republic Boot Company, Houston’s premier custom cowboy bootmaker, is now the official performance boot provider for the Houston Texans Cheerleaders, outfitting the squad with handcrafted boots designed for high performance, dazzling style, and unmistakable Houston heritage.
Republic Boot Company hand-crafted performance boots for the Texans Cheerleaders (photo courtesy of Matthew Rood / Republic Boot Company)
The partnership was formally unveiled on June 6 at a celebratory event marking the 100th anniversary of Republic’s flagship building in the Heights—a historic 10,578-square-foot retail strip that the company recently purchased and restored. The evening was a fusion of past and present: a tribute to legacy, a toast to craftsmanship, and a spotlight on the future of one of Houston’s most unique businesses.
A Partnership That Celebrates Houston Roots
Republic Boot Company hand-crafted performance boots for the Texans Cheerleaders (photo courtesy of Matthew Rood / Republic Boot Company)
“We are absolutely thrilled for this new partnership with the Houston Texans Cheerleaders,” said Chris Conrad, owner of Republic Boot Company. “This partnership is a natural fit, celebrating our shared Houston roots and a commitment to excellence. We look forward to outfitting the squad with boots that reflect both their dynamic performances and the unparalleled craftsmanship Republic Boot Company is known for.”
The collaboration will see the Texans Cheerleaders donning custom-designed Republic boots during gameday performances, official appearances, and community engagements. Each pair is a product of hours of meticulous work by Republic’s local bootmakers—crafted with precision, premium leathers, and a passion for keeping Texas traditions alive.
More Than a Boot: A Brand on the Rise
The announcement is just the latest in a series of strategic, high-impact moves by Republic Boot Company, which has become as much a cultural ambassador as it is a footwear brand.
Alison Sewell, Chris Conrad, and Coach at Republic Boot Company’s 100th Anniversary Party for the company’s historic flagship building on June 6, 2025 (photo courtesy of Matthew Rood / Republic Boot Company)
Earlier this year, the company finalized the purchase of its longtime retail space at 1133 E. 11th St. in the historic Heights, a move that ensures permanence in a rapidly changing neighborhood and adds stability for expansion. “Taking ownership of our flagship location not only represents a significant milestone but also pays homage to my father’s legacy,” Conrad said at the time.
Republic Boot Company’s historic flagship building in the Heights (photo courtesy of Matthew Rood / Republic Boot Company)
That same commitment to legacy, family, and authenticity informs everything Republic does—from outfitting professional athletes and celebrities to crafting burial boots for veterans and developing immersive customer experiences like their exclusive Gator Hunt Experience, where clients harvest their own hides from the bayou to transform into custom boots.
The company also recently completed a custom order for legendary Houston rapper Paul Wall.
From the Field to the Bayou—and Everywhere In Between
Republic Boot Company’s appeal lies in its ability to weave high craftsmanship into meaningful narratives. Whether it’s designing boots for rapper Paul Wall or creating custom pairs for young patients like honorary Secret Service agent Devarjaye Daniel, the brand marries quality with purpose.
The Gator Hunt Experience, for example, isn’t just a marketing gimmick. It’s a fully curated journey, from the swampy marshes of Anahuac to the stitching tables inside Republic’s Heights workshop. “We try to make it a special experience and do it right,” Conrad said.
It’s that attention to story—alongside the precision of engineering and artistry—that has attracted a wide and growing fanbase, including celebrities, business leaders, and now, the Houston Texans organization.
A Perfect Fit for the Spotlight
The Texans Cheerleaders’ new boots will be equal parts functional and fashionable. Designed to withstand the athletic demands of NFL performances while reflecting the team’s signature style, the custom pairs will carry the distinct aesthetic of Republic Boot Company—bold, elegant, and distinctly Houston.
Each pair of boots for the cheerleaders is handcrafted using premium materials and time-honored techniques that have earned Republic Boot Company its reputation among discerning customers, celebrities, and athletes alike. The partnership continues the brand’s strategy of blending deep Houston heritage with dynamic, high-visibility collaborations.
For Conrad, a fifth-generation Houstonian and former energy executive, the Texans partnership reinforces what Republic Boot Company has always been about: preserving and celebrating what it means to be Texan.
“It’s not about selling boots,” Conrad often says. “It’s about educating people on our culture, on craftsmanship, and creating something they won’t let go of.”
Republic Boot Company 100th Anniversary Party for the company’s historic flagship building on June 6, 2025 (photo courtesy of Matthew Rood / Republic Boot Company)
As Republic Boot Company continues to expand its reach—from the football field to fashion-forward hunts in the bayou—its foundation remains firmly rooted in the Heights, where the smell of leather and hum of machinery greet every customer who steps inside.
For Conrad and his team, the partnership with the Texans Cheerleaders marks a new chapter—one that combines visibility, legacy, and purpose in front of tens of thousands of fans each week.
For more information or to begin your own custom boot journey, visit www.republicbootcompany.com.