Bootmaker
Giovanni Meraz
Giovanni Meraz runs American Boot Company in Amarillo, Texas, which he opened in 2016. Born in Chicago, he moved to the Texas Panhandle at 14, learned bootmaking from his grandfather, and later developed his own style; nearly 70 percent of his business comes from outside the Amarillo area.
Known for
American Boot Company, Amarillo, opened 2016
Biography
History
Giovanni Meraz runs American Boot Company in Amarillo, Texas. Born in Chicago, he moved with his family to the Texas Panhandle at age 14, graduated from Highland Park High School, and started making boots in part to help pay for college while studying criminal justice and considering police work. His grandfather, whose name is not printed in this account, is described as a lifelong bootmaker who taught him the basics of the craft, which he then developed into his own style; his parents ran a western-wear store.
He rented his current shop space, on Westgate Parkway West in Amarillo, in 2016. A 2025 profile notes that nearly 70 percent of his business comes from outside the Amarillo area and that he has made boots for residents of the nearby Boys Ranch.
Sources
Identification and markings
Maker-specific markings guidance has not been documented yet. Preserve the complete stamp and compare it against dated sources.
Sources and references
Historical references are cited with the history above. Each catalog record includes its own supporting evidence.
Encyclopedia references: CowboyBootsDB and maker archives linked where available. Historical dates and attributions can vary by source.