Duke Roper Boots

The Duke Roper Boots are built using Goodyear welt construction with a 270-degree storm welt, allowing the boots to be resoled by skilled cobblers. The construction employs heavy single, double, and triple stitched sewing throughout. The boots are made on the John Lofgren #170 Last in D/medium width, available in sizes ranging from US 5.5D through US 12D depending on the retailer.

The design features an extended vamp with multiple rows of decorative stitching, creating the characteristic roper aesthetic. Twin pull-tabs at the shaft opening facilitate easy wearing, while the unlined shaft maintains the boots' traditional western profile. The roper-shaped calf shaft stands approximately 10 to 12 inches in height and features a rolled top edge. The stacked leather heel measures 1.25 inches in height, providing moderate elevation while maintaining stability.

The Duke Roper Boots have been offered in two primary leather options. The natural roughout version uses Horween Chromexcel cowhide with the reverse or suede side facing outward. This full-grain leather is dye-free and develops patina quickly with wear. The timber brown version features Shinki Hikaku horsebutt leather, sourced from the Japanese tannery known for dense, durable horsehide.

Hardware and structural components include Japanese-made steel footbed shanks for arch support, stacked leather heels, and embossed padded leather heel pads. The outsoles are USA-manufactured Vibram #269 "Western" soles paired with Vibram #700 heels, both made in the United States. The Goodyear welting uses USA-made storm welts, combining American and Japanese materials in the construction.

The Duke Roper Boots carry lot number LK-030 in the John Lofgren Bootmaker production system. Shaft height varies by measurement method, with official specifications listing 10 inches while some retailers note approximately 12 inches total boot height. The stacked heel adds 1.25 inches to overall height.

Sizing recommendations from retailers suggest ordering 0.5 size smaller than Brannock device measurements. The thick, sturdy leather requires several weeks of wear to break in, after which the boots mold to the wearer's foot shape. Each pair includes Japanese-made John Lofgren Bootmaker packaging consisting of a branded box and dust bags.

The Duke Roper Boots are sold through the official John Lofgren website and authorized retailers including Standard & Strange and Lost & Found. Pricing varies by retailer and leather option, with the roughout version listed at $1,100 USD on the official website and Standard & Strange. The Shinki Hikaku horsebutt version was priced at CAD $1,560 at Lost & Found's Canadian retail location.

Availability fluctuates with size selections selling out at different retailers. The boots are manufactured in Japan by John Lofgren Bootmaker artisans, with production following made-to-order and pre-order cycles rather than continuous stock availability.