As a former sales associate for a western store, I understand the struggle and anxiety that comes with picking out new boots. You walk into the store and BAM you are hit wall to wall boots, with various colors, designs, and shapes. I have seen how some people, men and women alike, can spend up to an hour or two looking at the walls and having no idea where to begin. So, I decided to share my knowledge on specific boot brands so that you can have a little bit of background knowledge to help speed up the boot-picking process. And as a disclaimer, no boot brand contacted me to promote their brand. Just trying to help you find what works best for you.
Justin: The name Justin is one of the most iconic in the boot world. They are known to be tough, durable boots that will last a long time. Their price is modest compared to the boot brands with fancier designs, but you are sacrificing the fancy designs and studs. But for those looking for a good work boot, Justin is right for you. Trust me, I had a pair of Justin Gypsy's (Their Round Toe Line) and they endured for 5 years with many pig chore mornings under them. Side note: I find their women's boots tend to run a little big so you might be safer getting a half size smaller.
Ariat: As a sales associate, I don't think there was a brand I talked more about than Ariat. Like Justin's, they are a very durable brand. I have two pairs myself. One is from their Fat Baby Line (Another Round Toe Line for Women) that replaced my Justin's for 4 years and another dressier square toe pair that I bought three years ago. When I compare the Ariat and Justin boots, it's in my opinion that the Ariats are a little more dressier and some have fancier designs. The cost is very similar to the Justin brand, and I definitely think you are paying for a high quality pair of boots.
Corral (pronounced like a holding pen for cattle not the color): For those girls who like to show off their boots in cute little sundresses or are attracted to shiny things, Corral boots are for you. They come in a variety of V toe, Snip Toe, and Square toe, and are decked out with studs, rhinestones, and swirls galore. I own a pair of square toe Corrals, and they are my definite go to boot when I go out and about. They are more expensive than Justin and Ariats, and I would not recommend wearing them everyday working cattle or other sorts of the liking. They can be a little tough to get on, but below you will find my boot care tips to help you out. Corral also has a cheaper brand called Circle G which is basically the same boots with less pizazz. Many women get Corral's, Circle G, Tanner Marks, and Ferrinis to wear on their Wedding Day.
Ferrini: I have a love/hate relationship with Ferrini. Some customers (like my dad) absolutely love their Ferrini's, while others loathe them. If you are looking for the Print look like gator, camian belly, sea turtle etc. without paying for the Print Price, I would recommend this brand. They are also another brand that comes with the perks of pizazz and design. The comfort is sub-par along with the durability, so again another brand I would not recommend wearing to work in for long periods of time.
Tin Haul/Cinch Edge: Now these are technically two different brands, but I grouped them together because they are very similar. These are the crazy designed boots with the smooth rubber bottoms that also have some designs that are out there. I own a pair of Cinch Edge boots and I am absolutely obsessed with the brand. They are a very durable brand and are kind of considered part of the "high fashion" of the boot world right now. There is some give and take with these brands. First, they are much more expensive than most other brands, and the slick bottoms can be kind of risky when it is wet or snowy outside. But, I still love them and my feet never get sore when I've worn them all day. Again, I would say these are a little bit too fancy to be a work boot.
Dan Post: For those looking for actual Print boots, I would definitely recommend the Dan Post Brand. They are well known for their high quality Print boots. Yes these will be the most expensive boots in the store, with some costing up to $500+, but you are getting real animal print, which many claim are the most comfortable and durable boots you'll ever own. I'm a broke college student so I have never had the luxury or owning a pair of these boots myself, but from the reviews I've heard from customers, these are a nice brand of boots with very little complaints.
Twisted X shoes and boots: Another brand that is well represented in my closet is Twisted X. While I do not own any actual boots from Twisted X, what I have heard and seen is that they are very similar to the Ariat Brand, with very similar pricings and fits. I do own 4 pairs of the Twisted X shoes and absolutely love them. They are like walking on clouds, and I do wear them more than I wear my actual boots. They match any outfit, and my feet never hurt even when I wear them for long hours. These shoes have boomed in popularity for livestock people and the comfort really explains why. They are much cheaper than actual boots too. Warning, they tend to stretch quite a bit so buy them tight. I would highly recommend the Twisted X shoes.
Durango: These boots are kind of like Justin's but a little cheaper and the leather quality is a little iffy. These are a very plain boot, that are excellent for someone who is looking for a pair of comfortable work boot. I don't own a pair of Durango's because I don't care for the chunky, plain design, but my roommate does own a pair and has nothing but good things to say about the brand. Not fanciest or most expensive boot, but they do get the job done.
These are not all the brands of boots in the world, but they are brands that I worked with most often. Brand is just one factor to consider while you are buying boots, but below are some other tips I find helpful when I am buying boots myself or when I used to help people pick out their own boots.
1. Pick out a style you like. For many old fashioned people, the square toe can look a little tacky, but they are the most comfortable style. Trust me, I used to be a skeptic myself. Just try them on and you'll see.
2. Not all brands fit the same, and not all styles of a brand fit the same. It's not beneficial to ask the sales associate to measure your foot, because each boot fits differently. It saves a lot more time to just start trying them on.
3. You don't want the boot to be too tight or too loose. There should be some slip in the heel, but the boot should not be falling off your foot when you walk. You don't want boots to also be too tight where there is no slip or you will blister up your heel.
4. In most cases, the cheaper the boot, the lesser the leather quality. Self explanatory. The more bling and pizazz a boot has will also increase the price of the boot.
5. The plastic bag trick: This is very helpful when trying on Ferrinis and Corrals. It can be hard, especially for girls with wider foots to get their foot into the bag. A simple trick is to take the plastic bag that comes in the box, slip it on your foot and your foot should be able to slip right into the boot. Over time the boot will stretch and you won't need the bag anymore to get the boot on your foot.
6. At the store, the boot on the shelf will be bigger than the boot in the box. This is because the boot on the shelf has been tried on a lot more and has therefor been stretched out. Over time the tighter boot will stretch out and the boots will fit the same. Many customers claimed they had two different sizes of feet, but really the boots were just stretched out a little.
7. For women size 6-8: Try on kids' boots. They are cheaper and usually have the same designs as some of the women's. I wear a 7-7.5 in women's but can fit into a kid's 5.5-6. Most of my twisted x shoes are kids' sizes since they are a lot cheaper and are basically the same quality. I wear a 3.5-4 in kids' Twisted X's so they definitely run big!
8. A little boot conditioner goes a long way. Black Rock boot conditioner is my boot's best friend. I apply every couple of months to keep the leather from drying out too much and keep the shiny look. Some boot TLC can help the longevity of your boots by leaps and bounds.
9. Stretching: Some stores will have boot stretch cream or an actual boot stretcher they can use to stretch out boots, and it's very beneficial to help stretch out the calves especially. But, if you just need to stretch out the bridge, try placing a softball into your boot for a couple days. The best way to stretch out or break in a pair of boots is simply by wearing them. I would recommend wearing them around the house for a couple days before you spend a day working or dancing in them.
10. For those awkward in between sizes, try placing boot inserts into your boots. They can help shrink the boot about half a size, so if you find a pair you love in the next size up, buy a pair of Ariat insoles and you'll be good to go. Typically, boots stretch out about half a size before they quit stretching so if you think they are getting too loose, I would recommend the insert trick. If you're buying kids boots, definitely buy a size or two bigger. You can shrink up the boot with an insole, and as your kids' feet start to grow, pull the insoles out and they can wear them longer.
I realize this post is rather long, but I think it provides a lot of important information to those on the hunt for a new pair of boots. I hope these tips and suggestions help lower the anxiety and overwhelmed feelings that can arise when you step into the boot store!
Justin: The name Justin is one of the most iconic in the boot world. They are known to be tough, durable boots that will last a long time. Their price is modest compared to the boot brands with fancier designs, but you are sacrificing the fancy designs and studs. But for those looking for a good work boot, Justin is right for you. Trust me, I had a pair of Justin Gypsy's (Their Round Toe Line) and they endured for 5 years with many pig chore mornings under them. Side note: I find their women's boots tend to run a little big so you might be safer getting a half size smaller.
Ariat: As a sales associate, I don't think there was a brand I talked more about than Ariat. Like Justin's, they are a very durable brand. I have two pairs myself. One is from their Fat Baby Line (Another Round Toe Line for Women) that replaced my Justin's for 4 years and another dressier square toe pair that I bought three years ago. When I compare the Ariat and Justin boots, it's in my opinion that the Ariats are a little more dressier and some have fancier designs. The cost is very similar to the Justin brand, and I definitely think you are paying for a high quality pair of boots.
Corral (pronounced like a holding pen for cattle not the color): For those girls who like to show off their boots in cute little sundresses or are attracted to shiny things, Corral boots are for you. They come in a variety of V toe, Snip Toe, and Square toe, and are decked out with studs, rhinestones, and swirls galore. I own a pair of square toe Corrals, and they are my definite go to boot when I go out and about. They are more expensive than Justin and Ariats, and I would not recommend wearing them everyday working cattle or other sorts of the liking. They can be a little tough to get on, but below you will find my boot care tips to help you out. Corral also has a cheaper brand called Circle G which is basically the same boots with less pizazz. Many women get Corral's, Circle G, Tanner Marks, and Ferrinis to wear on their Wedding Day.
Ferrini: I have a love/hate relationship with Ferrini. Some customers (like my dad) absolutely love their Ferrini's, while others loathe them. If you are looking for the Print look like gator, camian belly, sea turtle etc. without paying for the Print Price, I would recommend this brand. They are also another brand that comes with the perks of pizazz and design. The comfort is sub-par along with the durability, so again another brand I would not recommend wearing to work in for long periods of time.
Tin Haul/Cinch Edge: Now these are technically two different brands, but I grouped them together because they are very similar. These are the crazy designed boots with the smooth rubber bottoms that also have some designs that are out there. I own a pair of Cinch Edge boots and I am absolutely obsessed with the brand. They are a very durable brand and are kind of considered part of the "high fashion" of the boot world right now. There is some give and take with these brands. First, they are much more expensive than most other brands, and the slick bottoms can be kind of risky when it is wet or snowy outside. But, I still love them and my feet never get sore when I've worn them all day. Again, I would say these are a little bit too fancy to be a work boot.
Dan Post: For those looking for actual Print boots, I would definitely recommend the Dan Post Brand. They are well known for their high quality Print boots. Yes these will be the most expensive boots in the store, with some costing up to $500+, but you are getting real animal print, which many claim are the most comfortable and durable boots you'll ever own. I'm a broke college student so I have never had the luxury or owning a pair of these boots myself, but from the reviews I've heard from customers, these are a nice brand of boots with very little complaints.
Twisted X shoes and boots: Another brand that is well represented in my closet is Twisted X. While I do not own any actual boots from Twisted X, what I have heard and seen is that they are very similar to the Ariat Brand, with very similar pricings and fits. I do own 4 pairs of the Twisted X shoes and absolutely love them. They are like walking on clouds, and I do wear them more than I wear my actual boots. They match any outfit, and my feet never hurt even when I wear them for long hours. These shoes have boomed in popularity for livestock people and the comfort really explains why. They are much cheaper than actual boots too. Warning, they tend to stretch quite a bit so buy them tight. I would highly recommend the Twisted X shoes.
Durango: These boots are kind of like Justin's but a little cheaper and the leather quality is a little iffy. These are a very plain boot, that are excellent for someone who is looking for a pair of comfortable work boot. I don't own a pair of Durango's because I don't care for the chunky, plain design, but my roommate does own a pair and has nothing but good things to say about the brand. Not fanciest or most expensive boot, but they do get the job done.
These are not all the brands of boots in the world, but they are brands that I worked with most often. Brand is just one factor to consider while you are buying boots, but below are some other tips I find helpful when I am buying boots myself or when I used to help people pick out their own boots.
1. Pick out a style you like. For many old fashioned people, the square toe can look a little tacky, but they are the most comfortable style. Trust me, I used to be a skeptic myself. Just try them on and you'll see.
2. Not all brands fit the same, and not all styles of a brand fit the same. It's not beneficial to ask the sales associate to measure your foot, because each boot fits differently. It saves a lot more time to just start trying them on.
3. You don't want the boot to be too tight or too loose. There should be some slip in the heel, but the boot should not be falling off your foot when you walk. You don't want boots to also be too tight where there is no slip or you will blister up your heel.
4. In most cases, the cheaper the boot, the lesser the leather quality. Self explanatory. The more bling and pizazz a boot has will also increase the price of the boot.
5. The plastic bag trick: This is very helpful when trying on Ferrinis and Corrals. It can be hard, especially for girls with wider foots to get their foot into the bag. A simple trick is to take the plastic bag that comes in the box, slip it on your foot and your foot should be able to slip right into the boot. Over time the boot will stretch and you won't need the bag anymore to get the boot on your foot.
6. At the store, the boot on the shelf will be bigger than the boot in the box. This is because the boot on the shelf has been tried on a lot more and has therefor been stretched out. Over time the tighter boot will stretch out and the boots will fit the same. Many customers claimed they had two different sizes of feet, but really the boots were just stretched out a little.
7. For women size 6-8: Try on kids' boots. They are cheaper and usually have the same designs as some of the women's. I wear a 7-7.5 in women's but can fit into a kid's 5.5-6. Most of my twisted x shoes are kids' sizes since they are a lot cheaper and are basically the same quality. I wear a 3.5-4 in kids' Twisted X's so they definitely run big!
8. A little boot conditioner goes a long way. Black Rock boot conditioner is my boot's best friend. I apply every couple of months to keep the leather from drying out too much and keep the shiny look. Some boot TLC can help the longevity of your boots by leaps and bounds.
9. Stretching: Some stores will have boot stretch cream or an actual boot stretcher they can use to stretch out boots, and it's very beneficial to help stretch out the calves especially. But, if you just need to stretch out the bridge, try placing a softball into your boot for a couple days. The best way to stretch out or break in a pair of boots is simply by wearing them. I would recommend wearing them around the house for a couple days before you spend a day working or dancing in them.
10. For those awkward in between sizes, try placing boot inserts into your boots. They can help shrink the boot about half a size, so if you find a pair you love in the next size up, buy a pair of Ariat insoles and you'll be good to go. Typically, boots stretch out about half a size before they quit stretching so if you think they are getting too loose, I would recommend the insert trick. If you're buying kids boots, definitely buy a size or two bigger. You can shrink up the boot with an insole, and as your kids' feet start to grow, pull the insoles out and they can wear them longer.
I realize this post is rather long, but I think it provides a lot of important information to those on the hunt for a new pair of boots. I hope these tips and suggestions help lower the anxiety and overwhelmed feelings that can arise when you step into the boot store!