If you’re in Austin, don’t miss out on Rodeo Austin’s Cowboy Breakfast tomorrow at Auditorium Shores. It starts at 6am, and it’s FREE! The Cowboy Breakfast is the official kick-off to the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo. Just don’t forget to wear your cowboy boots: Tomorrow is also Dress Western Day in Austin.

The fun starts bright ‘n’ early at 6am, and attendees can park free at the Palmer Events Center Garage. What’s more is that in addition to free food, there will be plenty of free entertainment, including live music from Andrea Marie and the Magnolia Band, dance lessons from the American Academy of Music and Dance, and trick roper Kevin Fitzpatrick.

The Cowboy Breakfast sure does sound like a fun way to end the week and celebrate the kick off of the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo. Here’s what’s on the menu:

• Biscuits and gravy
• Brisket wraps
• Sausage wraps
• Pancakes
• Donuts
• Milk, juice, and iced tea

Everyone is welcome to take pictures with “Cowboy” the longhorn, watch chainsaw artist David Cox, and enjoy Camp Cookie and the Texas Trio. Kids and parents will love T-bone the Longhorn’s puppet show, too.

This is a fun family-friendly event, and we’re so proud it’s happening right here in Austin, Texas. See you there!

Remember, the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo happens March 12-27, 2010. The fairgrounds are located at the Travis County Expo Center at 9100 Decker Lake Road in Austin.

When it comes to buying cowboy boots, the right boot fit couldn’t be more important. Get the wrong size, and you’ll feel it soon enough — you could get blisters and corns from wearing the wrong size. Cowboy boots should be comfortable and fit snug to the foot, and fitted boots don’t require time to be “broken in.” Additionally, they should not be too tight or too loose.

One of our favorite quotes about cowboy boots is one by Sam Lucchese, Jr.: “In making a pair of boots for a man, we have to be aware that our product is his foundation.” We love to think of cowboy boots as the wearer’s foundation. If you’re on your feet all day, you’ve got to have comfortable footwear on.

When you stop by one of our stores, we’ll be glad to help you find the right fit for your new cowboy boots. In the meantime, here are some guidelines to ensure proper boot fit:

Instep and Boot Fit

The instep is very important, since it’s the only thing a cowboy boot has to hold it securely to the foot. So the instep must fit properly, as it determines whether a boot fits. Is the boot’s throat too tight? Go to a wider width. Is the boot’s throat too loose? Try a narrower width.

Ball

The ball of your foot is the widest part, and you bend it when you move, walk or run. So it’s easy to understand how important it is for cowboy boots to fit the ball of the foot. Ideally, the ball of the foot should fit in between the widest part of the boot. If a boot is too short for the foot, the ball will sit too far forward, forcing the toes into the front of the boot.

Heel

Cowboy boots will slip some in the heel, but as you wear them, you’ll break in the leather so that it moves with your heel and conforms to your heel. Once that happens, the slippage should disappear.

Boot Fit Tip

To help protect against blisters and corns and to ensure maximum comfort, Allens Boots suggests wearing Western Boot Thorlo socks. The thickness of your socks affects boot fit, so keep that in mind. You may want to try on cowboy boots while wearing these socks.

Our Facebook friends were the first to know about some new cowboy boots we have at Allens Boots: the Swarovski Crystal boots! These eye-catching women’s boots from Old Gringo are unique and feature a gorgeous embellished design made out of Swarovski crystals. So are they on your Christmas list?

Swarovski is an Austrian company famous for its beautiful crystals, which are found in everything from jewelry to chandeliers to the star that tops the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in New York City.

Everybody wants the Old Gringo Elvis Swarovski Crystal boots, and who can blame ‘em? These are some fancy women’s boots that can go with just about anything, from sundresses to comfy Wrangler jeans. Thanks to the crystals, these boots are an easy way to dress up any outfit.

Though the Swarovski crystals are the main focus of these cool boots, we can’t forget the actual boots — their vintage, worn look is a stylish contrast to the crystals, and they complement each other well. Ready to buy them? Add them to your cart, or stop by one of our Austin stores (you’re welcome to stop by even if you’d just like to marvel at ‘em!).

More Ladies’ Old Gringo Boots

Ladies’ Old Gringo boots are the perfect gift for her this Christmas. Allens Boots is proud to offer a great selection of Old Gringo boots, including Mad Dogs. Remember that we’re offering free shipping on orders of $100 or more within the contiguous United States until Christmas!

Thinking of putting some cowboy boots under the tree this year? Allens Boots is proud to offer free shipping (within the contiguous United States) on all orders over $100 until Christmas! No special code is required — the free shipping will automatically be calculated when you place an order over $100.

This deal isn’t just limited to cowboy boots: Get free shipping on orders over $100 that include anything else we have in stock, like Cruel Girl shirts, cowboy hats, Wrangler jeans, children’s Accoutrements gifts and more.

Cowboy Boots Make Great Christmas Gifts

We admit that we may be a little biased, but we have a hard time coming up with a cooler Christmas gift than cowboy boots. Great for women, men and kids, cowboy boots come in all kinds of styles and colors. Let your loved one pick out a pair at one of our stores, or surprise them. Some of our most popular women’s cowboy boots include the Frye Harness, which come in tan, black or dark brown. These stylish, durable boots have a cushioned Poron insole and were made in the USA. For men, Lucchese Mad Dog boots are a favorite. For little cowgirls, it doesn’t get much cuter than pink Ariat Heritage cowboy boots.

Another Christmas gift idea: cowboy hats. Classic, stylish and oh-so-useful, cowboy hats are an essential part of any cowboy or cowgirl’s wardrobe. They’re perfect away from the ranch, too — cowboy hats come in useful here in Austin during hot summer days and even during the Austin City Limits music festival. You just can’t beat cowboy hats, and we’re proud to carry a diverse selection of ‘em. Don’t miss Stetson hats or our selection of children’s cowboy hats.

We sure do hope this holiday season is wonderful for you. Remember, up until Christmas, orders over $100 will get free shipping within the US — no checkout code required. Thanks for shopping Allens Boots!

It’s common for a wedding to have a theme — a barefoot beach wedding with the groom in a white linen shirt and rolled-up khakis and the bride in a casual dress, a Vegas wedding officiated by Elvis — the possibilities are really endless. Perhaps our most favorite type of wedding is a country wedding, or rural wedding, set on a family farm or in a gorgeous empty field. Fresh wildflowers, a rustic barn and simple accents typically contribute to the charming feel of a country wedding. And brides in cowboy boots make it a truly country wedding!

There’s just something special about brides in cowboy boots. Maybe it’s because tradition dictates a long, ivory gown with matching high-heels underneath, and when cowboy boots instead appear, it’s just plain cool. Brides in cowboy boots make a huge statement and show off who they are — that’s a great thing.

Cowboy Boots with Wedding Dresses

Skip those high-heels and satin flats and go for cowboy boots! There are a ton of different styles to choose from, and you can even pick a colored pair of boots to make more of a statement. We love the idea of bright red cowboy boots with a wedding dress like the Ladies’ Old Gringo Diego Patent Red boots or the Ladies’ Lucchese Red Goat boots. But if you’re looking for cowboy boots that are more traditional in appearance, consider the Ladies Ariat Heritage Western J-Toe Brown Bomber boots, which feature contemporary styling with Western influence as well as exceptional comfort. And we can’t forget to mention the very popular Frye Harness boots — you’ll want to wear these with everything.

Brides, Get Your Cowboy Boots!

We’re proud to offer an impressive selection of cowboy boots here at Allens Boots. With styles for men, women and children, you’ll be able to find cowboy boots for everyone in your wedding party, from the groom to the flower girl. Start shopping online, or stop by one of our Austin stores!

Great news for Garth Brooks fans: the country singer has announced that he’s coming out of retirement. And at 8am this Saturday, October 24, tickets will go on sale for his show at the Wynn resort in Las Vegas. Starting this December and going through the end of February, he’ll be performing three nights per week at the resort’s Encore Theater. He made the announcement last week with Steve Wynn, both of them dressed in cowboy boots.

Now forty-seven years old, Garth Brooks retired in 2001, giving the explanation that he wanted to spend more time with his family. What apparently helped him decide to come out of retirement and perform at the Wynn was their agreement to buy him a private jet so that he can easily and quickly travel to and from home. Since the shows are going to be Friday through Sunday, he’ll still be able to be back home to Owasso, Oklahoma in time to take his three daughters to school on weekday mornings and taking them to activities like soccer practice.

Fans are no doubt excited about seeing Garth Brooks onstage in his cowboy boots and cowboy hat, hopefully performing favorites like “Friends in Low Places.” A story in the Las Vegas Sun talks about how Steve Wynn and Brooks made the announcement last week, both of them dressed in Western wear. Wynn was the one who asked Brooks to perform, and he said in the Sun that since seeing The Rat Pak in 1965, he hadn’t seen “an artist create such a love for an audience” — until he saw Garth Brooks at a private performance earlier this year.

Though it took several months of negotiating, Garth Brooks is now signed on to do the show. Plans are to have him perform with just a guitarist and no band, and there may be special guest acts.

No word yet on whether Brooks’ alter-ego Chris Gaines will be coming out of retirement as well. To get tickets to his Las Vegas show, call 702-770-7469 (again, they go on sale at 8am this Saturday).

Okay, okay — so it’s not even October yet. But each year, we feel like Halloween just sort of creeps up, and before we know it, we’re scrambling to put together a decent costume. So by planning ahead this year, we were hoping to put together the Perfect Cowboy Costume this Halloween. After all, going as a cowboy is fun, and it makes use of some great gear that can be worn all year ’round. It’s a great Halloween costume idea for boys, girls, men and women of all ages, really.

First things first: If you’re going to be a cowboy, you’ve got to wear some cowboy boots. Ariat, Lucchese, Justin, Frye — these are all nice choices for your cowboy costume. But, like we mentioned, these cowboy boots can be worn all year long. Heck, we’d hate to think such quality footwear were only enjoyed one day of the year. We’re pretty sure you’ll want to make cowboy boots a part of your “everyday costume” once you get a pair. Those who know, know: cowboy boots are just plain awesome. Whether you want a classic-looking pair like the Lucchese 1883 Mad Dog boots, or get playful with the women’s Justin Black Vintage boots, Allens Boots has something for you.

Next up: a Western shirt. There sure are a lot of Western shirts to choose from at Allens Boots, both men’s and women’s styles. These comfy long-sleeve shirts are great for fall and winter weather, too, and look incredible paired with jeans. Don’t miss women’s Cruel Girl Western shirts or men’s Southern Thread Western shirts.

Didn’t think we’d leave out cowboy hats, did ya? ‘Course not! Cowboy hats are absolutely essential to any good cowboy get-up. Come to Allens Boots, pick out your favorite and wear it proudly. Western headwear is stylish and ultra-cool. Find cowboy hats from Stetson, Resistol, Bailey, Southern Thread and Montecarlo. You just can’t go wrong with a cowboy hat.

Happy early Halloween! We sure hope this has inspired you to put together the perfect cowboy costume for Halloween! And not only that, but maybe pick up some quality Western wear to show off all year ’round. Visit one of our Austin stores, or shop online at Allens Boots today.

We just love the San Francisco Chronicle’s recent article, “Round Up Your Inner Cowboy — or Girl,” which mentions five great Western-inspired destinations. If you ever have the opportunity, visiting these places sounds like a great time. Just be sure and wear your cowboy boots!

First on their list is Gene Autry’s Museum of the American West. Located in Los Angeles, California, the museum has a lot to offer visitors — television show and movie props, the Colt firearms collection and more.

Next up is in Bly, Oregon: the Aspen Ridge Resort. The article describes this as a “rustic-yet-comfortable resort.” So just what makes it a great cowboy destination? Aspen Ridge Resort is a working cattle ranch, and you can go hiking, fishing and horseback riding. Resort guests can even “pitch in with real ranch duties.”

Another destination that made its way on the list is the Wild Horse Sanctuary in Shingletown, where the article says you can witness the “true ‘wild’ west” by taking a multiple-day pack trip. On these pack trips, which can last two or three days, you get to see wild horses. They note that on Wednesdays and Saturdays, Wild Horse Sanctuary is open to the public, so if you’re not planning on doing a pack trip, this is a good opportunity to view the wild horses.

The last two destinations on the list are Old Tucson Studios (in, you guessed it, Tucson, AZ) and the Wagon Wheel Coffee Shop in Carmel Valley. A film set, Old Tucson Studios was built as a replica of Tucson in the 1860s and you may have seen it used as the background in a Western. This is a great place for studio tours, trail rides and watching shows, according to the article. Lastly, Wagon Wheel Coffee Shop is recommended for its “delicious home-style food” and great cowboy decor.

These sure are great cowboy destinations. Again, nice list, SF Chronicle! And we may be a little biased, but we think Allens Boots is another great cowboy destination. If you’re ever in Austin, Texas, be sure and stop by our store to shop for cowboy boots, cowboy hats and Western wear.

Now that it’s September, that means students and teachers have gone back to school. We can’t help but remember all the excitement that came along with back-to-school shopping — picking out the coolest notebooks and pencils, getting great clothes and new shoes and then having to wait forever until the first day to use or wear any of them. So besides stuff like notebooks and folders and paper, what are your favorite back-to-school items? We know our answer: Going back to school in cowboy boots is a fond memory, and we’re sure this is a tradition that many had or currently have.

So what are the best cowboy boots for going back to school? There’s no right or wrong answer to that question, of course. But here are some favorites depending on your age.

Children’s Cowboy Boots

Children’s cowboy boots always seem to get a lot of attention and compliments. And it’s no wonder — children’s cowboy boots are really cool. Your little cowboy or cowgirl will love showin’ off his or her new boots on the first day of school. From homeroom to the playground, children’s cowboy boots are durable and long-lasting.

Men’s Cowboy Boots

Allens Boots has an amazing selection of men’s cowboy boots. Cowboys, look no further for your next pair of boots. Whether you’re a teacher, high school student or college student, you can find the perfect back-to-school cowboy boots at Allens Boots that will also be useful when you’re riding or working. Don’t miss Lucchese boots, Ariat boots and more.

Women’s Cowboy Boots

Ladies looking for that perfect pair of back to school cowboy boots will have plenty to choose from at Allens Boots. Women’s cowboy boots from Ariat are always a popular choice, especially Frye Harness Boots, which seem to go with just about anything.

And if you’re not going back to school this fall, we’d of course still love to have you stop by one of our Austin locations or shop online for cowboy boots. Happy fall, y’all!

It sure has been hot here in Austin this summer — seems like we’ve hardly had a day where the temperature didn’t hit at least 100. But with summer weather comes summer trends, and one women’s fashion trend in particular has caught our eye: cowboy boots with sundresses. From shoppers on South Congress Avenue to fans at Round Rock Express games, it’s pretty easy to spot someone pairing cowboy boots with a sundress. And from what we’ve heard, this trend is a hit in other cities besides Austin.

Cowboy boots with sundresses is such a great summer trend. It’s fun, it’s cool and, well, we’re partial to cowboy boots worn just about any way. One of the great things about clothing items like sundresses is that you can change their look just by simply changing your accessories — like your footwear. Flip-flops make it ultra-casual, flats are casual, heels dress it up, and cowboy boots make a big statement.

You can really show off your personality when you pair cowboy boots with sundresses. From what we’ve heard, this style attracts a lot of attention and garners lots and lots of compliments and turned heads.

Cowboy Boots at Allens Boots

So you’ve got the sundress — what about the cowboy boots? We have an outstanding selection of cowboy boots at Allens Boots. Choose from women’s Frye boots, Lucchese boots, Ariat boots and more. There are all kinds of colors and styles available.

We not only carry women’s cowboy boots, we also carry men’s cowboy boots and children’s cowboy boots. Plus, there’s even more to shop for, like Wrangler jeans, cowboy hats, belt buckles, jewelry and more. And if you’re looking for gifts for that special someone — whether it’s a birthday gift, anniversary gift or just because — we’ve got those, too. Shop online, or visit one of our Austin Allens Boots locations.