In 1928, Landis Shoe Shop opened its doors for business. Originally located downtown on Main Avenue (where Francisco’s currently resides), the family owned business has been helping Durangoans stay on their feet for 83 long years. Today, the nonchalant storefront on HWY 160 East is still the scene of a bustling business. Leather shoes and boots pile high along each wall,  employees utilizing traditional hand tools and age-old techniques. Here’s a no-frills up-close glimpse of a real workers’ workshop staying true to its boots, er, roots.

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  A web of dried glue clings to a glue can.

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  Mervin Stilson stitches a client’s shoe with a vintage Adler patch machine.

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  Corky McIntyre pulls the rubber sole from the heal of a leather boot.

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  With a pair of handmade Tin Haul Co. Mexican boots, who can lose?

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  Stilson adds a touch of glue to a high heal.

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  Spools of colorful thread await the next project.