Frank's Boots

Founded by a veteran of the Pacific Northwest bootmaking industry, Frank's Boots continues the region's heritage of handcrafted leather work boots. The company manufactures boots entirely by hand using classic tools and techniques, offering extensive customization options for professional workers who rely on durable, comfortable footwear in challenging environments.

Frank's Boots was established in 2016 when Frank Petrilli, after over two decades of experience in the boot industry, decided to start his own company. Petrilli had previously spent more than 20 years in various roles at Nicks Boots, gaining comprehensive experience in production, custom fitting, sales, and service. During a six-month break from the industry, he found himself missing the customer interaction and the craft of custom boot fitting, which prompted him to launch his own venture.

Several skilled craftsmen from Nicks Boots joined Petrilli in founding Frank's Boots, bringing over 60 years of combined experience to the new company. The business joined Spokane's established bootmaking community, which has served as a major hub of Pacific Northwest bootmaking for decades alongside brands like White's Boots and Nicks Boots.

Frank's Boots manufactures handmade, custom-fit boots at its facility located at 3805 North Market Street in Spokane, Washington. The construction and repair of all boots is performed entirely by hand using classic tools including nippers and lasting pliers. Each boot is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, reflecting the company's commitment to quality over quantity.

The company emphasizes performing custom fits with the highest precision, maintaining traditional bootmaking methods in their locally-owned shop. Frank's focuses on building customers one boot at a time with careful attention to individual fitting requirements and craftsmanship standards.

Frank's Boots specializes in work boots designed for demanding professional environments. The company serves wildland firefighters, construction workers, loggers, mechanics, warehouse workers, ranchers, farmers, plumbers, linemen, carpenters, and factory workers. Primary customers include those requiring tall boots, with some models reaching up to 16 inches in height for field work protection.

Key product models include The Patriot, The Wilshire, Fire Commander, and Type 1 Commander. Many styles are available with steel toe, soft toe, or composite toe options to meet various safety requirements. The company offers more customization options online than any other handmade boot manufacturer in the United States, with a "Design My Own Boot" feature allowing customers to make a-la-carte modifications.

Frank's Boots constructs its footwear using 7.5 to 8-ounce full grain water-resistant leather. The company employs different sole specifications for various models: The Patriot features a 3/4-inch thick sole for flexibility, while the Fire Commander incorporates a 1-inch thick sole with Vibram Red X Fire-rated NFPA lug sole construction.

Specialized safety features include high-strength Kevlar fire-resistant thread for protection from heat exposure. The boots incorporate higher heel and arch support designed to balance body weight for maximum comfort during extended wear. Construction methods prioritize durability and professional-grade performance while maintaining the handcrafted quality that defines Pacific Northwest bootmaking tradition.