This weekend, friends and family will gather to celebrate Independence Day with picnics, BBQs and parades. When day drifts into night, revelers will oooh and ahhh as the sky crackles with splashes of red, white and blue. But the Fourth of July is more than just a day off to enjoy fireworks; it’s a celebration of America’s freedom. This 240th anniversary honors our independence and signifies our heritage.
Lucchese values American heritage for the same freedoms we all do, but also because of a storied history behind the handmade manufacturing process that began on American soil in 1883 and continues growing today.
PATRIOTIC HEART AND SOLE
Way before Lucchese adorned the famous feet of Johnny Cash and many American presidents including lifelong fan, President Lyndon B. Johnson, this 133-year-old bootmaker found fame crafting utilitarian-styled riding boots for soldiers in the U.S. Cavalry.
As luck would have it, the Lucchese brothers, sons of an Italian shoemaker, settled in San Antonio near Fort Sam Houston where hardworking soldiers needed hardworking apparel. Lucchese answered the call by crafting protective riding boots, which military graduates were required to purchase. In a way, Lucchese effectively crafted the pre-cursor to the cowboy boot since soldier duties demanded durable materials for riding and protection. As word of their impeccable fit and quality spread, Lucchese became the go-to bootmaker for officers (and ultimately cowboys) across the country and beyond.
Lucchese’s famed lieutenant boots, inspired by these humble beginnings, remain a core offering among varied looks that range from traditional riding boots and ropers to intricate western styles.
Lucchese continues expanding its western boot catalog, but the foundation remains rooted in cowboy boots and the classic Lieutenants that shaped Lucchese’s true “heart and sole” heritage.
FOURTH OF JULY MARKS LUCCHESE'S ORIGINAL STOREFRONT
In light of this festive holiday, it’s only fitting to look back on memorable American moments in Lucchese’s history. On July 4, 1898, just 15 years after Lucchese began crafting the military boots, the 1st Regiment Texas Volunteer Cavalry marched past the Lucchese Bros. store on San Antonio’s East Houston Street.
The soldiers, clad in their Lucchese crafted boots, rode together as part of the Fourth of July parade. A photographer captured the momentous occasion on film, which happens to be the first visual recording of the original storefront complete with Lucchese outfitted soldiers. This historic photograph hangs on display at the University of Texas in Austin and the painting of this iconic moment (shown above) welcomes visitors at the entry to the Lucchese showroom in Dallas.
On this special holiday, take the liberty to enjoy a safe and fun Independence Day with friends, family and fireworks.