For Joshua Bingaman, who grew up in Oklahoma, boots were simply a functional way of life. But, in 2012, after owning a shoe store with his brother in San Francisco and living and working in Istanbul with his aunt (who was importing and exporting fabrics for brands like Anthropologie), he decided to launch his own creations—Helm Boots. Three years later, his Austin-based company is rapidly becoming one of the most desirable designs in the business.

Made like a work boot, but fashionable enough to be worn as …