Role Club: Handmade to Perfection

When we arrived, Brian—the owner of Role Club and a true master bootmaker—was standing by the door to greet us, gazing at his iconic oversized yellow boot. There was a serene contentment and a sense of beauty in the moment that was truly enviable.

The building we stepped into isn’t just a workshop; it’s where Brian’s dream of becoming a bootmaker first took shape. Every corner tells the story of his craft.

Inside, the space is a mix of organized chaos—a place that might look messy to the untrained eye, but for boot enthusiasts, it’s nothing short of a sanctuary. The air carries the rich scent of leather, and the workbenches are covered with tools, lasts, and machines, each bearing marks of years of dedication. Every scuff, every scratch, every oil stain is evidence of countless hours spent bringing boots to life.

Brian treats his materials and tools with the same care and affection a musician might show to their prized instrument. The leathers, carefully sourced, are stacked neatly, ready to be shaped into something extraordinary. The wooden lasts—each customized to a client’s measurements—are lined up like loyal companions. Every machine, no matter how old, is maintained like a family heirloom.

Brian is also a very kind and grateful person. He deeply appreciates his teacher, because it was his teacher’s guidance that made him who he is today. Even now, with his business thriving, he never forgets to express his gratitude. This is Role Club’s newly designed shoe box, and even from the box design, you can see the gratitude he holds toward his teacher.

This is not a place built for retail foot traffic. In fact, Brian rarely accepts walk-ins for orders. Most of his clients book appointments, and when they arrive, he measures their feet using an old-fashioned wooden foot gauge—an intimate, precise process that’s almost ceremonial. It’s this attention to detail and personal connection that makes Role Club boots more than just footwear; they are wearable works of art.

Over the years, Brian has shaped the space into more of a working atelier than a traditional store—a place where creation comes first, and commerce second. It’s quiet here, save for the rhythmic hum of machinery, the snip of scissors, and the faint thud of leather being shaped.

Brian clearly loves what he does. You can see it in the way he talks about a boot in progress, or in the way he smiles when describing a finished pair destined for a customer halfway across the world. This workshop is his haven, his livelihood, and his passion, all rolled into one.

Brian excels at crafting workwear-style boots, from his iconic engineer boots to his newer, more creative designs. He has a remarkable ability to achieve perfect proportions and aesthetics while ensuring a comfortable wearing experience.

And now, an exciting new chapter is about to begin. Brian is preparing to open a larger, more accessible location in downtown Los Angeles—a space where people can see his creations more easily and experience the beauty of his craftsmanship in a setting designed to showcase it. We can’t wait to see it come to life.

Brian will be holding a one-day custom event at our store on September 13. Just like last time, we will be releasing a limited-edition shoe, and additional styles will also be available for customization.

Spots are limited. To make a reservation, please contact us at: info@brogueshop.com