Wakefield: Sarah Guerin, owner of Saboteuse Bespoke Western Boots, combines traditional techniques with contemporary design in her compact workshop. With a focus on customisation, her handcrafted boots take up to 14 months to create, reflecting a unique and personal footwear experience starting from over $6,000.
In the current fashion landscape, western boots are experiencing a resurgence, but for one Massachusetts bootmaker, they have always remained a staple. Sarah Guerin, the owner of Saboteuse Bespoke Western Boots, operates from her small workshop in Wakefield, Massachusetts, which measures just 11 feet by 14 feet. The workshop is a space where history merges with contemporary craftsmanship, as Guerin employs traditional techniques and tools dating back to the 1890s to create custom-designed cowboy boots.
Guerin explained her process, stating, “I make boots from scratch.” This meticulous approach allows her to handcraft one-of-a-kind boots tailored specifically for her clients. She described the experience of wearing bespoke boots, saying, “They’re either the most comfortable boots you’ve ever owned, or they’re not comfortable at all because of the fit.” Her journey into footwear began in childhood but crystallised after she graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a degree in architecture. It was through a mentorship with a western bootmaker that Guerin honed her skills, having first attended shoemaking school.
In her bespoke crafting, Guerin starts by taking precise measurements of her clients’ feet, which are used to create a “last.” She elaborated on the significance of this wooden mold, noting, “If I cast your foot and build a boot around it, it wouldn’t fit. It would hurt. This is a foot in motion.” Following this, clients can select from an array of exotic leathers, hanging in her workshop, including cow, lizard, stingray, shark, and kangaroo leather. Guerin emphasised the uniqueness of the bespoke experience, noting, “It’s such a unique experience that most people will never get to have. To pull on a pair of shoes or boots that fit your feet, that were made for your feet.”
The production of these bespoke boots is a lengthy process; Guerin indicated that it can take up to 14 months to complete a pair. The premium price reflects the bespoke nature of her work, with starting prices exceeding $6,000 for cow leather boots, with the average cost around $8,500 depending on the materials selected.
Looking ahead, Guerin will soon take on the role of artist-in-residence in Salem, where the public will have the opportunity to observe her crafting process. In addition, some of her bespoke creations will be featured in an exhibit at the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto, providing further exposure to her craftsmanship and the artistry involved in making custom footwear.
Source: Noah Wire Services
