Ariat boots are well known for their fashion-forward styles and functionality. They are the company that brought a durable, safe rubber out-sole to the equestrian world. Their rubber soles are made from patented Duratread rubber – you might recognize this name from Duratread tires – and that is where it comes from. I have found that these soles outlast the full grain leather on the top. They also have a few different comfort technologies that are integrated into all of their footwear. Many newer aged riders are very familiar with Ariat and their technologies. Ariat is determined to stay at the top of the ‘boot chain’ and they continue to bring comfort to you in the form of boots, shoes and sandals.

Justin Boot Company has been bringing you traditional western boots for many years, but they will not let other companies get far out of reach. Justin has also created many new technologies, including safe rubber out-soles. They offer the JFLEX comfort systems in many of their boots, which generates return energy to keep your feet comfortable all day long. Justin is well known and endorsed by people like George Strait, the King of Country Music and a full-time cowboy. You will not get less than the best from Justin Boots.

If you are going for hand made classics, you will find Lucchese at the top of your list. These boots are hand-made in Texas, making them very unique and a bit harder to find than most of your traditional boots that are manufactured in bulk. Does this mean that you have to go to Texas to find them? No, it simply tells me that if I find a pair that I like it’d be wise to get them while they’re in your hands! Along with being made by hand, these boots are generally made from all leather and your feet just melt into them as you wear them in. You will find many cowboys and western enthusiasts that ride in their Lucchese boots, and many that keep their Lucchese’s for those special occasions.

There are many other great brands, including Dan Post, Tony Lama, Durango, Double-H, and Boulet, that live in that fashion-forward, functional world, just as these brands do. All of these brands, as you will see, are coming out with new styles that keep the functionality of the traditional Western boot, but puts a unique spin on the style. Many of these changes stem from the fact that riding has more understanding behind it. Saddles are being made to be more functional, allowing changes in other areas. Many of these new looks include a broad square toe (one of my favorites) , lower heels, and fashionable stitching on the shaft. So whatever your style may be, remember to wear your boots and don’t let your boots wear you out! Feel as good as you look in one of these great brands that we have to offer to you!

With that said, we do have many deals out for the Holidays. So many gift ideas sometimes it’s hard to know where to start! That is why we also added Gift Cards to our website. In the past, gift cards were not able to be used on Bootbarn.com. Now, we have made gift cards available for use on the website by calling our customer service line. A gift card is such a great gift because it takes the guess out of buying a gift for someone. No more offensive sizes; your friends don’t have to pretend to ‘love’ their gifts any more – they can pick anything they want from the website or our stores. Want to pick out something other than a gift card? Visit a Boot Barn near you and one of our knowledgeable staff can help you find what you need.

I try to say it as much as possible, but thank you again to those who have helped us to build a better business! Thank you to those as well who have helped our country to allow us the opportunity to have this wonderful business!

Back to my boots…I decided to wear my Tony Lamas because they keep my feet nice and dry. Since my boots are a pull-on style there are no holes for the water to get into. Along with that, they are leather. Leather is naturally water-resistant, meaning that it can withstand rain, walking through puddles, etc…but if I were to stand in a puddle of water for long enough I will eventually have wet feet. I know it was popular many years ago for people to saturate their boots in water and then wear them until they were dry to create the ‘perfect fit’ with their boots. We have come a long way from that time.

The first problem that I have with saturated boots: not all types of leather will look the same after they are wet. There are some types of leather, i.e. rough-out, that don’t look the same after they are wet and chances are you bought that specific boot because of its looks. In that case, the best thing to do with that type of boot is get it home and spray a water and stain protector spray on it ASAP. The second problem I have with this method is that many boots these days are made with leather as well as other materials. These other materials may not be able to be seen, but they cannot withstand water to the extent that leather can, thus causing it to fall apart. The third and probably biggest problem I have with this method: boots should fit well when you first purchase them! Of course – like any other type of footwear – after a few wears they are more comfortable, but they should not be painful when you first put them on!

The easiest way to prepare any pair boots for the rain – water and stain protector spray. Once you’ve found the perfect fit boots, remember they are a great choice for the rain!

Anyway, I know that it takes a lot of time and knowledge to become a rodeo queen. It’s not all about looks. As part of being a queen, they have to be very public. Get themselves out there for people to see and understand; for others like myself to learn what being a rodeo queen is all about. With that being said, those who were in our Paso Robles Boot Barn last week probably saw or met  Miss Rodeo California 2011. Her name is Brittany Slaton and not only is she Miss Rodeo CA 2011, but she was also Miss Rodeo Salinas in 2009. In this competition, she competed against five other young women from California who also hold titles from rodeos. To get a bit more technical, the contest was three days and it consisted of Horsemanship, Speech, Modeling, Personal & Horsemanship Interviews, Personality and Appearance. WOW!

With the weekend also comes a new month! Oh how I love October! Not only is it the beginning of the holidays but you are showered with candy in preparation for Halloween.  More importantly, October signifies a month full of pink for many of us. That’s right, it’s breast cancer awareness month! Too many of us are battling, have battled, or know someone that is battling cancer. According to the Susan G. Koman for the cure website, a woman dies every 69 seconds from breast cancer. Scary, huh? Many companies have pulled together to raise money for a cure. From saving yogurt lids to sleeping in, there are many ways to help find a cure. Because so many people in the western world have been affected by breast cancer, you will see many companies, like Wrangler for example, that support the cure. ‘Tough enough to wear pink’ is a well known slogan that you will find throughout the year, but especially this month. My goal this month – make EVERYONE aware of how many people are affected by breast cancer and how easy it is to help find a cure. Don’t let cancer steal second base! I wear my pink for my grandma, my great aunt, and Terri. Who do you wear your pink for??

BootBarn.com Homepage

BootBarn.com has gone full circle and now we have launched a brand new site. It has been a very long time coming and we wanted to launch with a bang. Check out the new functionality and all of the new products we have on the site. It is definitely an improvement in user experience and customer service. Please check out our latest selection of Western and Work Wear.

We want to thank all of our partners out there who made the launch possible. They truly made it happen and it means a lot to the Boot Barn family that they were able to help us get through this. There were definitely bumps in the road, but we made it happen and we are going to fight to improve everyday. Thanks again to everyone who contributed to our new beginning! YeeHaw!!!

Ed from Boot Barn shows you the different styles of western hats and how you can pick your own. Find a huge selection online at bootbarn.com or at your local Boot Barn location. Thanks!

Justine from Boot Barn goes over the different types of western heels for your cowboy boots. She helps you decide which one will work for you. Be sure to check out our selection of boots at bootbarn.com or at your local Boot Barn location.

Stinkiest Boots Contest

Come check out bootbarn.com as we present our 1st Annual “Stinkiest Boot” contest. Enter to win a free pair of Justin Boots. Just submit a picture of your stinkiest boots and we’ll find out who has the worst pair. Everyone who enters will save $5 off of a purchase of $50 or more, $10 off of a purchase of $100 or more and $25 off of a purchase of $200 or more. Get your pictures in today! The contest runs from August 1st through August 31st. No purchase necessary, but you have to submit a picture! Let’s see those Stinky Boots!