Tony Llama Lizard Boots

May 9, 2025

In 1975, I had a gorgeous, blonde, cowgirl girlfriend. She worked at a store in Yuba City, CA called Freddy Fast Pants. Up until this time in my life, I wore Levi 501 button jeans, logger boots and work shirts. My new girlfriend had other plans for me. She hooked me up with stylish Lee and Wrangler boot cut jeans and Western shirts with shiny buttons. One day she suggested we go to Sacramento and get me a pair of boots. That was fifty years ago!

In those days, the screen actor, Slim Pickens owned a western wear store in Sacramento. It was called Slim Pickens Western Wear. That day was the first time I heard about Tony Llama boots. The salesman fitted me up with a beautiful pair of Tony Llama Lizard skin boots. I don't remember how I was able to come up with $150.00, but I did. I remember thinking that I just spent $75.00 apiece for cowboy boots. In today's dollars, that was about $750.00. That was a lot of money for a 21 year old kid in 1975. I always kept them for dressing up, and never worked in them.

It was not long until my cowgirl girlfriend left for greener pastures. My western style lasted for several years thereafter. I guess it really changed when I got married and had kids. My style got more traditional. The style got even more traditional when I began my career in business. More slacks, flat loafers, oxford cloth shirts and blazer jackets. Not all of the time, though, I was always a hands-on business owner. Work cloths were likely very casual and likely covered by Tyveks, coveralls and rubber boots.

Today is the memorial service for my Mother. I decided to dress a little retro. I put on a nice casual shirt and boot-cut Wranglers, my Stetson "Open Road hat, and donned my Tony Llamas. I don't think I have had them on my feet since my first wedding in 1978. They fit like a glove. Who would think that something made from animal skins would last for 50 years. I am taking a spare pair of boots with me, just incase they decide to disintegrate when I walk in them.