The American Royal spent 2024 celebrating its 125th anniversary, rounding out the year by announcing a partnership with another KC institution: Hyer Boots.
Hyer Boots, the Kansas City brand credited with inventing the original cowboy boot out of a cobbler’s shop in Olathe in 1875, went about designing and crafting a limited-edition boot just for the American Royal’s special milestone.
“I grew up attending American Royal events, from rodeos to livestock shows to the legendary barbecue,” says Zach Lawless, CEO and great-great grandson of C.H. Hyer, the original boot maker. “The American Royal has always played a significant role in our community, and it’s an incredible honor to create the 125th anniversary boot.”
The cutter-toed and latte-hued boot has traditional embroidered cowboy boot detail in the red and blue colors of the American Royal, but with the AR’s crown insignia and monogram displayed front and center. The special boot collaboration honors a shared history between the two brands in the Kansas City Western and livestock scene dating back to the 1800s, says Ken Wagner, chairman of the American Royal board of directors.
This moment brings things full circle, says Lawless. “Both Hyer and the American Royal have deep roots in the Western heritage of Kansas City, and it’s incredibly gratifying to reunite the two to celebrate the longevity and resilience of the Royal,” he says.
