Lucchese Boot Company

Lucchese Boot Company was established in San Antonio, Texas, in 1883 by Sam Lucchese Sr. (1868–1929), an Italian immigrant from Sicily, and his brothers.[1][2] It was then known as Lucchese Bros.[3] Their main customer was the United States Army stationed in Fort Sam Houston.[3] Sam Lucchese “stress[ed] quality, quantity and cost efficiency” in the boot-making process. He would often invest in new technology, machines and in developing new techniques in order to increase the production of boots.

In 1923, Sam Lucchese Sr. fell ill, and his son Cosimo Lucchese took over. He incorporated the Lucchese Boot Company that same year.[4]

In 1949, the company was commissioned to provide boots for an advertising campaign for Acme Boots.[5] In 1961, Sam Lucchese Jr. took over, and by 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson admitted to wearing Lucchese boots.

Celebrities John Wayne, a customer for over 50 years, Bing Crosby, James Garner, Andrew Sweet, and Zsa Zsa Gabor wore custom Lucchese boots.[6][7]

In 1970, Lucchese was sold to Blue Bell Overall Company, the parent company to Wrangler. By 1987, the company had moved from San Antonio, Texas, to El Paso, Texas, where it is still headquartered. By 1998, Blue Bell Corporation sold Lucchese to Arena Brands, a Western Apparel conglomerate that was formerly known as Hat Brands, Inc.[8]

In 2009, the Texas Legislature recognized the company's contribution to Texan culture by passing House Concurrent Resolution 226.[3] Four years later, in 2013, Lucchese launched a new consumer website.[9]

John Muse is the chairman of the company,[10] who sponsors the Lucchese Polo Team.[11]