Because the track goes “blame all of it on my roots, I confirmed up in boots / and ruined your black tie affair” – properly, right here in San Antonio, we all know that boots are welcome all over the place, from black tie occasions to rodeo grounds. Wherever you’re going to put on them, boots are huge enterprise.
The Rodeo involves city each February, bringing with it a full two weeks of excuses to don your boots and unleash your internal cowboy or lady. However western boots are for all times, not only for the rodeo, and are a closet staple in just about each Texas man or gal’s wardrobe.
I purchased my first pair of shoes – Lucchese, dimension 8, calf leather-based, in chestnut – on my first go to to San Antonio, nearly a decade in the past. They continue to be one in all my favourite pairs, although my assortment has grown fairly a bit since then. As a non-Texan I admire the flexibility and persona they lend to my closet, although I’ll admit that consolation (at the least, for strolling lengthy distances) doesn’t at all times appear to be the precedence for boot makers. My son was solely taking his tentative first steps when his Gege, my father-in-law, stepped in prepared to purchase him his first pair. He’s since worn and sized out of a number of pairs, however we’re at all times prepared for pre-school Rodeo day and day-to-day life in boots.
Whether or not it’s your first pair or your fiftieth (my husband is unquestionably getting there) there are many locations to seek out western boots in San Antonio. I’ve made an inventory of locations that promote boots for all of the household – so whether or not you’re native and wish one thing to don for the rodeo, or coming from out of city and in search of the last word memento – you’ll discover one thing that fits your fashion.
A Few Phrases to the Smart…
Making an attempt on western boots is significant! You possibly can’t assume that your common dimension will match (I typically dimension up 1), or know whether or not you’ll want a large slot in some kinds, like snip toe.
There may be enormous selection in sizing and magnificence between one model and one other – solely if you’re assured in your dimension from a sure model must you ever try shopping for on-line.
Shopping for boots is enjoyable! Go along with an open thoughts and by no means low cost a method (whether or not due to the material, toe, or any ornamental components) with out making an attempt it on. It’s possible you’ll shock your self.
Boots could or will not be snug straight out of the field – I’ve had a few pairs which have been, however the overwhelming majority take a while to break-in.
Western boots supply little or no – if any – arch help, which is why they are often uncomfortable to start with. Bear that in thoughts when shopping for children boots, as their rising ft want extra help than ours (particularly if strolling lengthy distances).
Boots don’t have tread, as a result of they’re designed to suit simply right into a stirrup. For that motive, they aren’t nice in moist climate, snow and ice (not one thing we have now to fret about an excessive amount of in San Antonio)…
1. Lucchese
255 E Basse Rd #800, San Antonio 78209 (Quarry Market) – new retailer deliberate for La Cantera, anticipated Could 2024
Let’s begin with my first boot shopping for expertise, Lucchese – a bootmaker with its roots proper right here in San Antonio. Based in 1883 by Salvatore (Sam) Lucchese and his brothers, their first clients have been navy officers stationed at Fort Sam Houston. The enterprise was handed down between members of the identical household, counting amongst its distinguished shoppers President Lyndon B. Johnson, former Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe, Bing Crosby, and Zsa Zsa Gabor. The corporate transferred its headquarters from the Alamo Metropolis to El Paso within the mid ‘80s, however continues to provide its signature kinds with prime quality supplies and cautious craftsmanship
Lucchese make boots for each women and men, and costs range significantly from a pair hundred to 1000’s of {dollars}. These are the masters of bootmaking, with a variety of leathers, unique supplies (crocodile, ostrich and extra) and extremely ornamental kinds out there. Do you know that the ornate stitching you see on Western boot shafts initially served two functions? Firstly, to assist preserve the boot from sliding down the leg, and secondly, as a result of the ladies stitching the boots bought paid primarily based on the variety of stitches they made – in order that they made loads!
For me, the perfect Lucchese boots are their traditional kinds, in leather-based and suede, with out an excessive amount of detailing. They’ll outlast just about any boot, and are a refined and complex expression of Western fashion. On the lookout for a really particular present for a graduate? Try their line of collegiate boots, together with UT and A&M.
2. Tecovas
15900 La Cantera Pkwy, #5520, San Antonio 78256
From one veteran maker to the brand new child on the block, Tecovas has quickly made a reputation for itself, changing into the fastest-growing Western put on model on this planet. Based in Austin in 2015, their boots are handmade in León, Mexico, borrowing from the wealthy historical past of boot making however including some fashionable aptitude (and wearability).
Placing my playing cards on the desk, Tecovas rank amongst a few of my favourite boots – Western or not. The standard is nice, the boots are snug proper out of the field, they’re trendy with out being too flashy, and occupy an inexpensive value level (from $250+). They provide a wide range of kinds, with ropers, cowboy boots, and horse boots for males; cowgirl boots, taller boots, and brief booties for ladies. There’s vary of supplies, too, together with exotics like crocodile, and ostrich; they usually carry out restricted version boots a few occasions a yr.
The Tecovas retailer at La Cantera is a lesson in Texas hospitality, with drinks to sip on when you attempt on boots, and a free boot conditioning/sprucing service. Because the enterprise has grown, they’ve expanded into different leather-based items and clothes, however wearable Western boots stay deep of their coronary heart. When my household came around final yr, I took my mother and sister to Tecovas they usually each discovered a pair of shoes they liked.
3. Cavender’s Boot Metropolis
3 places throughout San Antonio
Far west facet: 10673 Culebra, San Antonio 78251The Village at The Summit: 5075 NW Loop 410, San Antonio 78229San Pedro Crossing, throughout from North Star Mall: 303 NW Loop 410, San Antonio 78216
For a retailer with “boot metropolis” within the identify, Cavender’s certain lives as much as its repute. They’ve actually 1000’s of pairs of shoes on the market – for males, girls, and children of all ages – in addition to Western put on.
Based in 1965 within the small east Texas city of Pittsburg by brothers James and Pat Cavender, Cavender’s has change into the premier Western retailer for the American south and southwest. Nonetheless a household firm, Cavender’s is a one-stop-shop for a number of the most prestigious boot corporations like Lucchese, Tony Lama, Justin, Laredo and Nocona.
Whether or not you reside in San Antonio, have pals or household visiting, or are vacationing from out of city, everybody ought to go to a Cavender’s Boot Metropolis (at the least) as soon as! In case you’re in search of boots for youths, that is in all probability your only option. They’ve a extremely good collection of sizes and kinds for youths – from little western booties for the tiniest cowboys and cowgirls, toddlers, and past – so that you’ll be capable of discover one thing for the rodeo, tenting journey, or on a regular basis. Youngsters boots sometimes price wherever from $40-65, and make a terrific present, too.
4. Outlaws Western Put on
7055 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio 78216
Household owned and operated, Outlaws has been open since 2015. They’ve a big collection of boots, cowboy hats, and Western clothes for women and men, and a very good repute for offering nice customer support.
Conveniently situated close to each the airport and downtown, it is a nice choice for out of city guests who would possibly want a bit of extra steerage when shopping for boots! Although they’ve an internet retailer, the overwhelming majority of their stock is for in-store buy solely. This can be a great place if you happen to’re in search of the total Western expertise – each the hat and the cattle, if you’ll. They’ve a unbelievable collection of hats, in addition to equipment that make a terrific present or memento with a distinctly Texas taste.
5. Wandering Cowboys
849 E Commerce #377, San Antonio 78205With one other location at Base Trade at Lackland Airforce Base, 2180 Reese St, Constructing 1385, San Antonio 78236
One other small enterprise providing nice service, Wandering Cowboys is ideally situated for these visiting the Alamo Metropolis – proper within the coronary heart of downtown at Rivercenter Mall. Additionally they have a stand promoting boots, hats, belt buckles, and Western clothes on the San Antonio Inventory Present & Rodeo.
An ideal choice for youths boots and hats, Wandering Cowboys sells a terrific vary of traditional, tried and examined Western manufacturers together with Justin, Stetson, Ariat, Tony Lama and extra. Given its downtown location, you possibly can count on nice customer support – excellent if you happen to’re visiting San Antonio and wish a bit of further assist in terms of match and magnificence. In addition to serving navy personnel from their retailer at Lackland AFB, you’ll discover them at rodeos and occasions throughout Texas all year long.
6. Cowtown Boots
In Wonderland of the Americas, 4522 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio 78201
Don’t let its mall location put you off, Cowtown Boots is a good (and comparatively centrally situated) choice for a wide selection of Western boots for males, girls, and children at inexpensive costs.
Their picket racks are laden with boots, conveniently organized by dimension in an effort to attempt on a wide range of kinds and shapes. With nice evaluations, you’ll be capable of get knowledgeable care and help if you’re shopping for boots, whether or not they’re your first pair, for a particular function, or constructed from unique cover.
7. Gil’s Boots & Western Put on
4803 Rigsby Ave, San Antonio 78222
A neighborhood favourite situated on the East Aspect of San Antonio, Gil’s is a spacious (10,000 sq ft!) retailer filled with Western boots, hats, denims, and small leather-based items. You’ll discover boots for males, girls, and children right here, from all the key manufacturers together with Ariat, Justin, Tony Lama, and extra.
One other household owned retailer, Gil’s is huge on customer support – employees are pleasant and useful, whether or not you’re in search of work boots or one thing a bit of extra fancy.
8. Boot Barn
The Rim: 17815 La Cantera Pkwy #104, San Antonio 78257Near Ingram Park Mall: 6201 NW Loop 410, San Antonio 78238San Pedro Sq.: 13415 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio 78216Brooks Nook: 3127 SE Navy #121, San Antonio 78223120 Empresario Dr, San Antonio 78245
With 5 places throughout San Antonio (plus one in Selma and one close to the shops in San Marcos) Boot Barn was a mom-favorite after I polled ACM readers on their favourite Western boot outlet! It’s simple to see why: they’ve a unbelievable collection of boots for males, girls, and children; in addition to a powerful variety of cowboy hats, belts, denims, and equipment. They carry a number of manufacturers, from Ariat to Lucchese, in addition to their very own manufacturers – Cody James, Shyanne, Idyllwind and Moonshine Spirit – that are constructed and bought completely by Boot Barn, at decrease costs.
You possibly can count on nice customer support at every location, with useful associates who will help you discover the right boot. That is in all probability your only option for youths boots: they’ve a big choice for girls and boys, from infants to teenagers, and their very own model boots are available at about 50% of the price of Ariat, Durango, and Outdated West.
What’s extra, as a result of Boot Barn is a sequence, their on-line retailer is spectacular and you’ll have them ship to retailer without cost. That is excellent for these occasions when they’re out of your dimension in a particular fashion, or so you possibly can attempt a brand new fashion in retailer with the ability to return or trade them immediately.
9. Billy’s Western Put on
1490 S Important St, Boerne 780061731 Sidney Baker, Kerrville 78028
Billy’s has been outfitting the Hill Nation since 1980, and this Western retailer – with outposts on Boerne’s major avenue and in close by Kerrville – has change into a vacation spot for these in search of timeless classics and extra fashionable Western put on choices.
With an enormous collection of hats, denims, shirts, baggage, bandanas and extra, Billy’s continues to specialise in Western boots. With cowboy boots in commonplace and unique leathers, work boots, and boot care and equipment; their unparalleled choice caters to males, girls, and children. Regardless of having just a few nearer choices, I’ll fortunately make the journey to Boerne to seek out new boots for my son, as their collection of children boots is broad and has some actually distinctive choices.
In case you can’t discover boots at Billy’s, it’s fairly protected to say that you simply in all probability can’t discover any.
Final however certainly not least, the last word location for getting Western boots within the Alamo Metropolis is from a sales space on the San Antonio Inventory Present & Rodeo. Hold my sensible phrases in thoughts – at all times attempt before you purchase, be prepared to dimension up, and by no means choose a method earlier than you give it a go – and you can simply end up the last word Rodeo memento this yr.
“If I can’t put on my cowboy boots, I ain’t going.” – Melinda Lubbers
