Watch Steve Moran Tell Us About Moran’s Custom Leather & Boot Shop
In this video, Steve Moran of Moran’s Custom Leather & Boot Shop in Downtown Miles City, Montana, introduces himself and his work as a lifelong leather craftsman specializing in custom boots, saddle making, saddle repair, and a wide range of handcrafted leather goods. Speaking directly from his shop at 508 Main Street—located in the historic former Furstnow saddle building—Steve gives viewers an inside look at the services he provides and the type of work customers can bring to him. His shop is built around traditional craftsmanship and hands-on leatherwork, serving ranchers, riders, and community members who need durable, functional gear built or repaired to last.
Throughout the video, Steve explains the range of work available at Moran’s Custom Leather & Boot Shop. This includes custom-made saddles built for specific needs, saddle repair and rebuilding for well-used equipment, and fully custom boots designed and measured for each individual customer. He also discusses additional leather goods such as belts and other custom items, emphasizing that nearly anything made from leather can be built, repaired, or restored in his shop. His approach is rooted in practical craftsmanship—focused on function, durability, and fit—while still maintaining a high level of detail and artistry.
Steve highlights his custom boot-making process, explaining that each pair is built entirely by hand from scratch inside the shop. Customers are carefully measured so that every boot is shaped specifically to their feet, resulting in a personalized fit that cannot be shared or worn by anyone else. He also notes his commitment to traditional construction methods, including the use of wood pegs rather than nails, a time-tested technique designed to improve strength and longevity when the boots are properly maintained.
In addition to new builds, Steve also emphasizes repair work as a major part of his business. From rebuilding worn saddles to restoring broken or aging leather gear, his shop provides practical solutions for keeping valuable equipment in service rather than replacing it. This focus on repair and longevity reflects both the heritage of cowboy craftsmanship and the needs of working ranch life in eastern Montana.
Overall, the video presents Moran’s Custom Leather & Boot Shop as a full-service leatherworking shop built on experience, tradition, and practical skill. Steve Moran’s work continues to serve the Miles City community with custom-built, repairable, and long-lasting leather goods designed for real-world use.