Gokey Boots

Tipton, Missouri

Gary Fitzjarrell

Anyone who knows me knows I like to spend part of my time in the past. That time where the food was better, air cleaner, and when we made things with pride. Wood and steel, the tools of our passions that can and will be handed down the generations. Objects were made on cast iron behemoths, in factories strewn about this land, that stitched the fabric of what in part made this country great. For me, and many of you, it's refreshing and almost exhilarating to discover these places still exist.

I have sought to find these places and report back to you, of their continued existence and production. To me there is so much history in this country that centers on shooting, hunting, and fishing. My hope is to give the reader a little more insight into these fixtures and, hopefully, bring some hidden gems to other sportsmen like myself.

In this inaugural article, I found myself in Tipton, Missouri, just 30 minutes south of Columbia, right off the interstate. Pulling up to the factory you first notice a very unassuming to the point sign, reading: “Gokey Boots.” I remember this building from my childhood, coming down with my father for him to be measured for their trademark pull on quail boot. I don’t remember a time when there wasn’t this style of boot by the door. My father, like many bird hunters, swore by this boot and Gokey was the outfit that would make you a custom pair. I was in need of lightweight boots for my next safari to South Africa and Namibia, and after careful deliberation I had settled on Gokey like many before me.

The anxiety of being late, coupled with a heavy accelerator foot, often puts me to appointments early. As per normal, I found myself way early at Gokey. Stacy Doss, the plant manager, greeted me on arrival and we were off. In a world of big box stores and one size fits all, their ethos is the first thing that sets Gokey apart. This is a handmade and hand fit company! Make no mistake, this is old school from the first step to the last, there are no shortcuts with Gokey. After a quick history of what made Gokey famous we discussed their signature snake boot and its involvement with the famous rattlesnake roundup in Sweetwater Texas. The historian in me will always love the lineage of this make, Roosevelt, Eisenhower and Hemingway are just of few of the famous users of this brand. And why not? This brand had been around since 1850 when Noah Gokey first founded it in New York. So, it stands to reason that in following 170 years, those involved with our passion have preferred this brand to all others.

Through this next set of doors was what sold me entirely. I had forgotten about much of this plant from the time that we ventured here occasionally in my youth, to get my father’s boots made. After rounding the corner, it all came flooding back. The 100-year-old machines and the lack of modern automation. Absolutely amazing. Stacy took us through every step of the process. A tour that he had given countless times, but with much pride was happy to do again.

As we made our way through the various dies used to shape and form, we found ourselves in the totally custom aisle. BOOT MOLDS!! Gokey does not play fast and loose with the moniker of “custom made,” It is apparent at this point to the uneducated that they are all about providing a one-of-a-kind boot to the wearer. Once the process of custom fitting is complete you have your mold on hand anytime that you need another pair. Just like a custom stock maker, your molds are there when needed. Stacy was nice enough to show me no job was too out of the ordinary. A man who wore a brace on one foot and regular size on the other was one of their many custom fittings. At this point, to anyone that for the price of their basic hunting boot, Gokey is a value. It’s not just a boot off of the shelf, it is yours!! Not only the fit, but style of sole can be custom tailored to the user. With 11 different soles, it is uniquely yours. 4 days from start to finish. That's what I was told and I believe it. With Stacy’s dad Jerry on the final step, this is by far an exceptional product.

I could expound on the intricacies of the process, the waxed stitching the wet leather start and the plethora of subtleties of what goes into the process, but that is not me. My interest lies somewhere in the beauty of the craftsmanship and the history of this marvelous company. In a world where the big box stores are where the cookie cutter sportsman gets their kit, Gokey boots are in a league of their own. There are not many hunting boots out there that can boast a hand-made boot but a lifelong repairable product. With Stacy at the helm, I feel that this company will be around when it’s time for my son to buy his first pair. If you find yourself in the Tipton area stop in and check out this historic company and buy yourself a pair. You won’t be disappointed.