Austin-based Inca Boot Company, LLC, the parent company behind footwear brand Fortress Shoes (formerly Fortress of Inca), filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on September 4, 2025 in the Western District of Texas. The court documents include a detailed list of the company’s assets and liabilities. A creditor meeting will be held on October 2 at 9:00 AM via phone call.
Highlights
- Texas’ Inca Boot Company LLC’s case number is 1:25-bk-11382.
- The case will be represented by attorney Thanhan Nguyen and the case’s first hearing will be held on September 10.
- The company plans to close its Austin’s brick-and-mortar store following the filing.
Inca Boot Co. Files for Chapter 11
The idea for Inca Boot dates back to 2004, when founder Evan Streusand discovered handmade Peruvian shoes during a trip to South America. Inspired by the craftsmanship and materials, he set out to bring the tradition to the U.S.
Inca Boot launched in 2010, partnering with family-run factories and workshops to ensure quality. Its collections featured boots in a range of styles, often lined with lambskin and detailed with woven textiles and suede.
The brand also offers handbags with a mix of traditional artisan textile patterns/colors and fashion-forward cuts. The company also built a reputation for prioritizing fair wages for its employees. However, the company unexpectedly filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September.
When a company files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, it isn’t shutting down; instead, it enters a legal process that allows it to continue operating while reorganizing its finances. The Street was the first to report on Inca Boot Company’s filing.
According to Pacermonitor, the company filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11, Subchapter V. The case number is Case Number: 1:25-bk-11382. The filing, made under Subchapter V for small businesses, lists the company’s assets between $50,001 and $100,000 and liabilities between $500,001 and $1 million.
Attorney Thanhan Nguyen is representing the debtor. The case has been assigned number 1:25-bk-11382, with an initial hearing held on September 10. A 341 Meeting of Creditors is scheduled for October 2, 2025, and a reorganization plan is due by December 3, 2025. Michael G. Colvard has been appointed as the Subchapter V trustee.
Inca to Shut Down Austin Store with Sale
Following the September 4 filing, Inca Boot made no formal announcement. However, through a post on its Instagram page, the company indirectly acknowledged that its Austin showroom will be closing soon.
The brand is hosting a Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, September 13. “Help us send off our showroom with love!! Come shop sample pairs galore from both Fortress & our sister brand this Saturday,” one of the posts read.
“This sale is not one to miss, as we are closing our brick-and-mortar showroom, moving warehouses, and going fully digital,” said another post on Instagram.
Despite the filing, the Subchapter V process indicates Inca Boot plans to restructure and keep operating.
