The Wild Story Behind San Antonio’s Massive Cowboy Boots

Just off Loop 410 on the north side of San Antonio, visitors will find a pair of boots at the entrance to the iconic North Star Mall.

However, these are not a normal pair of boots; these are big.  Like, REALLY big.

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The History of the Large Boots Sculpture

Towering above the frontage road are the larger-than-life cowboy boots created by Texas artist Bob “Daddy‑O” Wade.

These oversized sculptures, often called the “World’s Largest Cowboy Boots,” have become a beloved local landmark, blending Texas flair with public art.

How and Why the Boots Were Created

If you've ever seen the boots in person, some visitors can get an overwhelming sense of "Little Man Syndrome".

The boots are ridiculously big, serving as a quick reminder of how small we are.

The narrative commences in Washington, D.C., in 1979, when Wade was commissioned by the Washington Project for the Arts to design a Texas-themed public sculpture.

Wade selected the cowboy boot as a symbol of Western style and constructed the oversized pair from tubular steel and foam, finished to mimic ostrich skin.

After their stint in D.C., the boots were purchased by the shopping-mall developer that owned North Star Mall at the time, for about $20,000.

After a lengthy transport that required three large flatbed trucks, the boots were installed and unveiled at North Star Mall in 1980.

Cultural Icon and Local Landmark

Though originally a quirky piece of public art, the boots have become woven into San Antonio’s identity.

They’ve appeared in commercials, postcards, movies, songs, and as a visual cue for “you’re in Texas.”

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Even if you’re just passing by on Loop 410, the boots are hard to miss.

For visitors or fans of roadside oddities, they’re a must-see slice of Texas's larger-than-life fun.