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Boot Barn: Western Wear Retailer

In This Article

Boot Barn is the go-to destination for authentic cowboy boots, offering an extensive selection from top brands like Ariat, Justin, and Lucchese for both men and women.

Boot Barn Cowboy Boots

With a wide variety of styles, materials, and sizes available, Boot Barn has the perfect pair of western boots to suit any taste or occasion.

Top Brands for Men's Cowboy Boots

Some of the top brands for men's cowboy boots include:

Whether you're looking for a timeless design, a rugged work boot, or something more fashion-forward, these top cowboy boot brands have you covered with their wide range of styles and commitment to quality.

How to Properly Fit Cowboy Boots

When trying on cowboy boots:

  1. Ensure the ball of your foot sits at the widest part of the sole for a comfortable fit

  2. The instep should feel snug but not tight

  3. Your toes should have room to wiggle without being cramped

  4. Walk around to confirm proper heel lift - about 1/8 inch is ideal for a new boot (the leather will soften and conform to your foot over time, eliminating heel slippage)

  5. Wear appropriate socks, as they impact the fit (try boots on with the same socks you plan to wear)

  6. If between sizes, size down as cowboy boots tend to stretch slightly with wear

Exotic Skins and Styles

Exotic skins add a unique flair to cowboy boots, with popular options including:

Other exotic leathers used include stingray, shark, pirarucu, and more unusual choices like walrus, whale, and sea turtle (though some are now banned). These premium materials are often paired with classic western embroidery, intricate stitching, and various toe styles like snip, square, or round to create truly one-of-a-kind boots that showcase individual style.

Brand Spotlights

Ariat: Performance and Comfort

Ariat focuses on delivering innovative technologies for optimal comfort and support, such as:

With cutting-edge designs and a commitment to blending modern shoe technology with traditional western boot craftsmanship, Ariat provides comfortable, durable footwear options for both men and women.

Lucchese: Handcrafted Excellence

Founded in 1883 by Italian immigrant Salvatore Lucchese, the company has been handcrafting boots in El Paso, Texas for over a century. Lucchese artisans blend traditional techniques with modern innovations to create boots that are both timeless and contemporary, using only the finest leathers, from supple calfskin to exotic skins like alligator, ostrich, and python.

Every Lucchese boot is handmade by skilled bootmakers who have dedicated their lives to perfecting their craft, with signature techniques like:

While Lucchese's roots are Italian, its spirit is thoroughly Texan, embodying the state's ethos of hard work, independence, and rugged beauty. Today, Lucchese continues to operate out of El Paso, offering a range of classic and contemporary designs that honor its heritage while embracing the future of luxury western footwear.

Tony Lama: Western Heritage

Tony Lama has been crafting high-quality western boots with intricate stitching and detailed craftsmanship since 1911. They offer a wide range of styles for men, from traditional designs to more modern looks, all made with premium leathers and exotic skins sourced globally. Tony Lama's commitment to quality and tradition is evident in their boots proudly made in the USA, which combine time-tested designs with dynamic details that stand out from the crowd.

Alligator and Crocodile Boots

Alligator and crocodile boots are highly sought-after for their distinctive texture, durability, and luxurious appearance. Alligator boots often feature either the hornback (ridged portion) or belly (softer, more pliable section) of the alligator skin, with intricate scale patterns that create a visually striking effect. Crocodile boots, including those made from caiman, offer a similar look with slightly smaller scales.

Brands like Lucchese, Black Jack, and R Watson are known for their high-quality alligator and crocodile boots, which are available in a range of colors from classic browns to eye-catching shades of blue or red. These boots can be dressed up with dark jeans for a sophisticated yet rugged look that turns heads. While genuine alligator and crocodile boots come at a premium price point, their unique beauty and long-lasting construction make them a worthwhile investment for those seeking to elevate their western style.

Ostrich Leather Styles

Ostrich leather is a popular exotic material used in high-end cowboy boots, known for its unique texture and durability. The leather comes from the ostrich leg and features a distinctive pattern of raised points or bumps, called quill follicles, which create a visually striking and tactile surface.

Ostrich boots are available in several styles:

The leather is often finished in a variety of colors, from classic browns and tans to bolder shades like blue or red, allowing for a range of style options. Ostrich leather is prized not only for its beauty but also for its strength and suppleness, making it one of the most comfortable exotic skins to wear. Its unique properties and luxurious appearance make ostrich leather a popular choice among fashion-forward cowboys and western enthusiasts alike.

Python Skin Cowboy Boots

Python skin cowboy boots are a popular choice for those seeking a bold and exotic look. The distinctive patterns and colors of python skin make these boots stand out from traditional leather options. Brands like Dan Post, Wild West Boots, and Black Jack offer a range of python skin boots in various styles, from classic western to modern designs.

Prices for python skin boots typically range from around $300 to over $700, depending on the quality of the skin and the craftsmanship of the boot. Some popular features include snip toe or square toe styles, intricate stitching, and 13" shaft heights.

It's important to note that python skin boots cannot be shipped to California due to regulations on the sale of exotic animal products. However, many retailers offer in-store pickup options for those located in states where python boots are legal to purchase.

When shopping for python skin cowboy boots, look for high-quality construction, genuine python leather sourced ethically, and comfortable interior features like cushioned insoles and leather lining. With proper care, a well-made pair of python boots can last for years and develop a unique patina over time.

Women's Western Boots

Boot Barn offers a wide selection of stylish and comfortable cowgirl boots for women and girls. Their collection includes top brands like Shyanne, Idyllwind, Ariat, Corral, and Dan Post, with prices ranging from around $35 for girls' boots to over $300 for premium women's styles.

Boot Barn's cowgirl boots come in a variety of toe shapes, from classic round to trendy snip toe, and feature fashionable embellishments like embroidery, studs, and cutouts. With a focus on both style and quality, Boot Barn's cowgirl boots are designed to take you from a day on the ranch to a night out on the town.

Breaking in New Boots

The break-in process is essential for new leather boots to ensure a comfortable, long-lasting fit:

  1. Start by wearing the boots around the house with thick socks to allow the leather to stretch and conform to your feet

  2. Apply a leather conditioner like Obenauf's Oil to soften the material and speed up the process

  3. Wear the boots for gradually increasing durations, bending and flexing them to loosen up the leather

  4. Avoid methods like soaking or heating, which can damage the leather

With patience and proper break-in techniques, new boots will mold perfectly to your feet over time without causing discomfort.

Richard Sutherland

 RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.org

Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.