“Kicks 66” boot sculpture takes shape ahead of Route 66 centennial

A new Route 66 landmark is taking shape in Oklahoma City, with the “Kicks 66” sculpture offering a bold tribute to the highway’s 100-year legacy. 

City leaders and partners got a preview of the piece last week at G&S Sign Services, where the 35-foot-tall, illuminated cowboy boot is being fabricated ahead of its installation in May. 

Created by local artist Cameron Eagle, the sculpture draws heavily from Oklahoma imagery, combining a bright red boot with a prickly pear cactus, a plant native to the state that often surprises visitors. 

The design also incorporates lyrics from Route 66, tying the piece directly to the cultural legacy of Route 66. 

Built in partnership with G&S Sign Services, the aluminum structure will weigh roughly six tons and feature lighting designed to stand out along the corridor, creating a new visual anchor for travelers. 

Funded through MAPS 4, the project is part of Oklahoma City’s broader investment in placemaking and tourism as Route 66 approaches its centennial in 2026. 

Once complete, the sculpture will be installed outside the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, positioning it as a high visibility stop for visitors exploring the historic route. 

The installation will also include a time capsule element, allowing visitors to submit postcards reflecting life in 2026. The capsule is set to be opened in 2126, connecting future generations to the milestone moment. 

For Oklahoma City, “Kicks 66” is designed to do more than mark an anniversary. It adds a lasting, photo-ready landmark that blends public art, history and a sense of place along one of the country’s most iconic roads.