From West Texas to the Top 50: The Legacy of M.L. Leddy’s

A Texas bootmaker with more than a century of history has stepped onto a national stage.

M.L. Leddy’s, a family-owned Western wear and custom boot shop, was recently recognized by The New York Times as one of the 50 Best Clothing Stores in America, a distinction that highlights independent retailers with deep cultural roots and lasting influence.

The Times praised M.L. Leddy’s for its craftsmanship, breadth of selection and role in preserving Western tradition, noting its handmade boots crafted from leathers ranging from classic calfskin to exotic hides. The store’s inventory spans generations, from custom boots for working cowboys to miniature pairs designed for children.

Founded in 1922, M.L. Leddy’s has become a fixture of Texas heritage, operating locations in the Fort Worth Stockyards and San Angelo. The company is widely known for custom bootmaking that blends old-world techniques with personalized design, attracting customers from across the country and abroad.

The New York Times list is not a ranked compilation but a curated selection intended to spotlight standout clothing stores nationwide that reflect regional identity and enduring quality. Inclusion on the list places M.L. Leddy’s among a select group of retailers recognized for shaping local culture through fashion and craftsmanship.

Store representatives expressed gratitude following the announcement, calling the recognition a point of pride not only for the business but for Texas craftsmanship as a whole.

For more than 100 years, M.L. Leddy’s has remained committed to handmade quality and Western authenticity — values that continue to resonate well beyond the state’s borders.