Ponder Boot Company, Ponder, Texas

Ponder Boot Company, Ponder, Texas

DESTINATIONS

PAUL McCOY, 40, IS AN INteresting fellow. He owns a motorcycle, a well-burnished Nighthawk 650. He's a past national judo champion. He's set two powerlifting world records already this year. He has a master's degree in political campaign management. And seven years ago, he gave up a fasttrack lifestyle to move out to the country and make cowboy boots.

Much to the surprise of the 200 or so residents of Ponder, Texas, a small community that straddles Route l 14 about 30 miles north of Fort Worth, the Ponder Boot Company ([817] 479-261 l ) was an immediate, rousing success. Today doing business out of an old bank building that legend says was Bonnie and Clyde’s first victim, McCoy and two master bootmakers

pound out about 15 pairs of completely handmade boots a week. And these are no ordinary stirrupfillers: Prices start at $425 and go up rapidly, with a gold-inlayed set holding the record at $7200. Past clients include a U.S. president, state governors and celebrities, though a number of working cowboys—after saving up all year—wear McCoy’s boots.

The ride itself to see McCoy’s shop is reason enough to pass through Ponder. Journey along the loping highways that wander though the flat Texas countryside, and you’ll get a glimpse of Texas in the 1940s, a place of small-city squares, faded pickup trucks and homey general stores. Stop and visit with Paul McCoy and you'll think the trip well worth it. Even if you’re not in the market for a pair of hand-tooled cowboy boots.

David Edwards