Our story
About Us
Our mission
BootBorrow exists to make premium western boots accessible for life's biggest moments. From Texas weddings and galas to game days and weekend gatherings across the country, BootBorrow delivers authentic craftsmanship right to your doorstep. Based in Dallas, we offer seamless local event fittings and rentals shipped anywhere in the continental US. We believe in building something bigger than ourselves—one pair at a time—guided by the conviction that carried us from our first conversation to our first pair shipped. "For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7
How we started
On April 11, 2025, Jess stopped at a Buc-ee's on the way to San Antonio when a friend wished aloud that she could go country dancing that night—except her boots were back in Dallas. Drawing parallels to bowling shoes and ski rentals, a spark caught fire: why wasn't anyone renting authentic western boots? Through prayer, market research, and countless conversations, the idea evolved into a clear calling. Jess and Markus partnered to bring luxury boot rentals to life, officially founding BootBorrow LLC in July 2026 and launching public bookings that August.
The faces behind BootBorrow
Jess Silverstein
Co-founder
Jess graduated in May 2026 from SMU with a B.A. in Fashion Media, alongside studies in business, advertising, and Italian. Passionate about style and western heritage, Jess is based in NYC leading brand direction and creative curation. At SMU, she was an active leader in Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Kappa Psi, the SMU Water Ski Team, and campus ministry.
Markus Mortenson
Co-founder
Markus graduated from SMU in May 2025 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and is currently completing his dual M.S. in Mechanical Engineering and MBA at SMU. Leading operations and engineering at BootBorrow, Markus previously served as founder and president of the SMU Water Ski Team, Student Representative to the Board of Trustees for External Affairs, and a leader in Beta Upsilon Chi and Student Senate.
Year by year
2026
Ideas turned into action. BootBorrow LLC was founded in July 2026, followed by our launch party in August. From celebrating our first wedding over Labor Day weekend with Charlotte & Stuart Pittman to outfitting SMU game days and launching nationwide doorstep rentals, 2026 marked a new western tradition.
Featured boots of 2026
Contact the founders
Questions, ideas, or a partnership in mind? Send us a note — it lands straight in the founders' inbox.