Welcome to Role Club
Pride produces quality work
"If you can hand-make a pair of boots, you can make anything."
That was what my teacher told me the first day I stepped into his shop, eager to learn what it takes to handcraft a pair of boots. I cannot remember a day without working on a pair of boots ever since.
The first year, my teacher taught me how to resole/repair vintage engineer boots. That is where I found my inspiration to create the Role Club engineer boots. After resoling many vintage engineer boots, I began to envision what my grail engineer boots would look like. I started by hand shaping a shoe last with what I believe would portray an eye-catching 40's style engineer boot that can withstand a leather stacked woodsman heel. I used the traditional method to begin designing the pattern from scratch.
Weeks then months passed as I was trying to create the perfect lines, curves, and angles. I put countless hours into this project, and I was also able to create my very own Role Club half-soles and heels inspired by O'Sullivan.
The reason I used two arms with hammers on the logo is so that I will never forget the days when my teacher and I worked hard side by side. Because of him, I am able to introduce you to the 40s-inspired Role Club Engineer Boots.
I would like to dedicate this segment to my teacher, who is the reason why it is possible to present to you Role Club.
This man before you is my teacher. He has been making boots since the age of 8 in Guanajuato, Guanajuato. His family was very poor, and he had to learn to make boots to be able to support his family at such a young age. His name is Ignacio Palacios.
On November 12, 2010, I stepped into his shoe repair shop looking to buy a spool of thread. I looked over the counter and I saw workers making boots. I somehow managed to get him to agree to let me watch him work every Sunday. One of the first steps he had me do was deconstruct old boots that were lying around the shop. Little did I know those old boots would change my life. I grew a deep passion and obsession with the aging of leather and was intrigued by how a pair of boots could last so long. I then set a goal that I would dedicate my life to learn the art of boot making and produce the finest quality boots possible. I promised my teacher I would do my very best to keep his trade alive.
I created Role Club to dedicate its existence to handcrafting superior quality boots in Los Angeles, California. When people wear a pair of Role Club boots, I want them to feel the same pride I feel when I am constructing them. I definitely believe "Pride Produces Quality Work." I will do my very best to bring quality back to the U.S. one boot at a time.
Wear ' Em with Pride!