When it comes to snagging either your first pair of cowboy boots or adding another trusty pair to your collection, getting the fit just right is as important as a good saddle on a buckin' bronco. 

Western boots are built tough, ready to stand the test of time, making them a solid investment for years of wear. 

They're made to brave the wildest of conditions, from rugged trails to fierce weather, making them the perfect choice for anyone who spends their days under the big sky. 

And sometimes... we just want them to look good. 

Well, either way, boots should also be as comfortable as a well-worn saddle. 

They're designed to hug your foot and offer top-notch support.  They provide stability that keeps you on your feet, whether you're riding into the sunset or kickin' up dust on the trail. 

Here at Jack's we have an Ariat store... 3000 sq feet of just Ariat merchandise. Ariat has a complete guide to fitting cowboy boots.

1. Put the boot on and listen for the faint “pop” as your foot slides into place.
2. Confirm the proper amount of heel lift (there should be some lift, but not too much).
3. Comfortably stand, and then place a sideways thumb between the tip of your toe and the end of the boot. This is the proper amount of space between your toes and boot end.
4. Walk around to confirm comfort, fit, and heel lift.

Put on Those Boots

The first thing you want to do when fitting a new pair of boots is to insert your foot into the boot’s shaft and firmly grasp the pull tabs or pull holes.

• The shaft is the upper portion of the boot where your calf and shin will rest.
• Depending on the boot, there will either be holes or tabs to assist in pulling the boot on.

Once you pull the boots past the resistance point in the arch you will hear a faint popping noise as your foot enters its resting place. The resistance point will come from the top of your foot in the arch area and also your heel inside the shaft.

Check for Slight Heel Lift

Heel lift is the gap between the insole of the boot and your heel. It is caused by a slight amount of room from the arch to the toe area of the boot. This room should not exceed more than 1/8th of an inch and is necessary for a proper and comfortable fit.

Check the Fit

Once you have the boots on it's time to make sure they fit. To ensure the proper fit for any boot, make sure the widest part of the ball of your foot rests on the widest part of the boot’s outsole.

Check the Tip of the Boot

Once your feet feel comfortable, stand up in your boots and try to use a sideways thumb to help judge the distance between the tip of your toe and the end of the boot. Your toe should rest about one thumb width away from the end of the toe box. Here are a couple things to keep in mind:

• The toe box is the portion of the boot that houses your toes. It is the portion of the boot that starts at the base of your toes and ends at the tip of the boot. Wider toe shapes will often have a wider toe box.
• Remember everyone’s toes are a different length so it’s always a good idea to have that sideways thumb distance from the tip of your toe to the end of the toe box.

Well, partner, let me spin you a yarn and help you get those boots off!

Picture this: you’ve just rolled in from a wild ride, the sun setting behind you like a scene from a classic western. But then, just as you think the day’s a wrap, you find yourself in a tussle with your new boots!

You’re hopping around like a one-legged cowboy, face as red as a ripe tomato, and here you are—stuck with one boot still on.

It’s a sight, I tell ya!

Now, if you’ve ever faced this boot dilemma, you know it’s a rite of passage.

Sure, you might try that toe-off trick—where you use the toe of one boot to shove off the other. It’s a decent move, but it’s best left for old, scuffed boots that have seen better days. Nobody wants to scuff up a brand-new pair, am I right?

Or even have a friend try and yank the boot off!  It turns into a game of tug of war.

But hold your horses! There’s a better way to kick off those stubborn boots without all the fuss and bother.

Let me introduce you to the boot jack, the cowboy’s best friend when it comes to boot removal.

This nifty wooden contraption has been around since the 1800s, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.

Designed to help cowpokes like us deal with all kinds of boots, it keeps our hands clean and free of mud or, heaven forbid, manure.

Just imagine a cowboy, boots caked with the day’s adventures, stepping onto this trusty device and freeing himself with style!

Using a boot jack is as easy as pie.

You simply slide the heel of your boot into the U-shaped opening while your other foot stands on the flat end. With a swift pull, your foot pops right out—no bending, no jerking, and absolutely no scuffs to be found!

Now this handy device has been around for a LONG time.

A little digging revealed that the oldest boot jack patent dates all the way back to 1887.

Many of these gadgets were made of cast iron, tough enough to handle the hardest of boots.

And some? Well, let’s just say they were considered downright scandalous in their day. I’m sure the picture below will explain why.

But if you’re looking for a more traditional boot jack ~ well, we sell them here at Jack’s.  You can buy them in the store or online for just $17.

Now go on, partner, and ride into the sunset—boot-free and full of style!

Rock the South is an annual country music festival held each summer in Cullman, Alabama. From classic artists to today's biggest stars, the lineup is packed this summer ~ including artists Eric Church, Hardy & Jelly Roll!

Jack's Western Wear is only 2 miles away from the festival site ~ 114 Schwaiger Road in Cullman. 

We've also teamed up with Ariat to sponsor this year's festival.

To help kick things off, we are giving away 24 PRIZES!!!!!!!! No purchase necessary! 

So here's the list ~ including rules on how to enter each drawing or contest! Good luck! 

1. Ariat is giving away 9 PAIRS OF BOOTS! (Mens & Ladies boots, retail value up to $250)

How do you win a pair of Ariat boots?

Come to Jack's now through July 18th and guess how many jelly beans are in the Jelly Roll Jelly Bean Jar!

We will also hold two in-store raffle drawings. Simply come to Jack's and fill out a ticket.

Finally, 6 PAIRS OF BOOTS will be given away at our Rock the South tent.  So stop by and enter for your chance to win!  Two pairs will be given away each day!

2. Dan Post Boots is giving away a pair of both men's and ladies boots, retail value up to $250!

How do you win a pair of Dan Post boots?

Jack's is holding a DANCE CONTEST!!  Show us your best moves to "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)" by Big & Rich!  Send your video to JacksRTS2024@gmail.com  

3.  Corral Boots is giving one lucky winner a $250 gift card, which is good toward any pair of Corral boots.

How do you win a Corral gift card? 

Show Jack's your best Redneck Woman pic! ~ Hint ~ listen to Gretchen Wilson's song "Redneck Woman" and get creative! Send your entry to JacksRTS2024@gmail.com ~ put Redneck Woman in the subject line.

4. Justin Boots is giving away a pair of men's boots from its Frontier line & a pair of any ladies Justin boots!

How do you win a pair of Justins?

On Thursday, July 18th, the 50th and 100th customer of the day will receive a free pair of boots!!!!

5. Lucchese Boots ~ "Legendary boots, legend in the making." One lucky winner will receive a gift card of $500, which is good toward a pair of Lucchese boots.

How do you win?

Write a short essay about the legend in your life.  Submit your entry to JacksRTS2024@gmail.com ~ put Lucchese in the subject line.

6. Rocky Boots is giving away a pair of work boots! (retail value up to $250)

How do you win the work boots?

All you have to do is FIND the Rock the South Rocky Boots Rock!  Scavenger Hunt hints will drop on Friday, July 12th. Whoever brings the rock to Jack's will win a free pair! Stay tuned for details!

7. Muck, Xtratuf, Georgia Boot & Durango ~ take your pick!  One lucky winner will receive a free pair of boots from one of the following brands.  (retail value up to $250)

How do you win? 

Come to Jack's and enter our in-store raffle drawing!

8.  Horse Power & Macie Bean Boots ~ are giving away a pair of men's Horse Power boots & a pair of Macie Bean boots, retail value up to $250.

How do you win?

Show us your BEST OOTD (Outfit of the Day) for RTS ~ submit your best look to JacksRTS2024@gmail.com ~put OOTD in the subject line.

9.  Sorel ~ is giving away 5 pairs of ladies sandals!!!  

How do you win?

Come to Jack's and enter our in-store raffle drawing! 

Good luck!  Let's ROCK THE SOUTH at Jack's Western & Outdoor Wear!

 Ariat ~ a tale of horses racin' and a whole lot of passion

The name "Ariat" is a combination of two words: "air" and "active."

The correct pronunciation of Ariat is Euh ~ ree ~ uht.

It's simply Secretariat but without the "Secret."

Ariat was founded in America by current CEO Beth Cross and co-founder Pam Parker. 

Cross says one of her fondest memories was sitting in front of the TV back in 1973, eyes glued to the screen as Secretariat thundered down the track to win the Kentucky Derby.  That mighty horse went on to nab the Triple Crown, breaking records that still stand tall today.

Secretariat inspired the name Ariat.  Cross says they wanted to create "The New Breed of Boot." And by golly, they really were the first ones to blend athletic footwear technology with boots made for equestrian athletes. 

Even the symbol pays tribute to Secretariat.  The three horseshoes represent each leg of the Triple Crown.

It's a symbol of excellence.

Since 1993, Ariat has made a commitment to trailblazin' innovation, top-notch quality, unwavering integrity, team spirit, and givin' respect where it's due.

We reckon these values have helped set Ariat apart from the rest.  They are now one of the top dogs in the Equestrian, Outdoor, and Work realms.  

Their products are as tough as a wild stallion, and their culture is as tight-knit as a cowboy crew.

We started selling Ariat boots here at Jack's Western Wear back in 2001.  Our sales rep ~ Phillip Holden ~ walked in one day with just four Ariat boots.  Two were cowboy boots, and the other two were ropers.

Larry Allred, Jack's Western Wear Owner, says it all started small, but Ariat has now grown into the most aggressive western company there is.  

That's why Larry decided to devote 3000 square feet to only Ariat western wear. In this specialty room, you will find western clothing for both men and women, including hundreds of boots.  Anything from traditional to exotic.  

If you're looking for Ariat work wear, we have a bunch of that too.  You'll find that upstairs in our work department.

Every pair of Ariats is technology and innovation wrapped in a cowboy boot package. This is a brand dedicated to those who ranch, ride, and work outdoors. Ariat boots are rough and tumble— fashionable and functional.

While one of their trademarks is thick, tough leather, you won’t notice the most recognizable trademark of an Ariat boot until you put it on. The insole! This is where the athletic footwear influence comes in to play— a super cushy, very supportive insole is reminisce of a sneaker. You’ll know an Ariat when you feel it!

Here at Jack's, we are one of the largest Ariat dealers in the region.  We have an entire section devoted to just Ariat at the back of our 25,000 square foot store.  It's an addition to Jack's that we built just two years ago, in 2022.

So come out and shop our Ariat room!  Enter through the front door at Jack's and just follow the Ariat cookies on the floor.  These will take you to the back where you're sure to find your next favorite pair of jeans and boots!

Howdy Partner!

Cowboy boot styles wrangle up a whole herd of options, fit for everyone and occasion. 

You don't have to be a cattle rancher or a James Dean type to pull off a pair of cowboy boots. There are many different styles, shapes, sizes and materials for all personalities. 

So saddle up and take a gander at the range of styles, shapes and sizes available. Options range from dress boots crafted from exotic materials like ostrich or caiman to tough work boots built to withstand the toughest trails.

But before you kick up your heels, it's essential to understand the common features that define these iconic footwear styles.

Let's start with the shaft.  It's the long tube of leather that starts down at the heel and wraps its way up around your leg. Shafts come in all sorts of styles and heights. 

Next up, the vamp. This part of the boot covers the top, sides and toe of the foot, offering both protection and style.

Now, let's talk heels. Western boots are characterized by their stacked or Cuban heels. These elevated, angled heels provide stability and aid in gripping stirrups, reducing the risk of the foot sliding forward during rides.

The insole is another crucial element. Traditionally crafted from leather, it molds over time to the wearer's feet, offering a personalized fit. While leather remains popular, modern materials also sometimes used in cowboy boots.

Moving on to the outsole. Most western boots feature slick leather soles. While they may be slippery on certain surfaces, they are designed for easy insertion into stirrups without snagging.

Welt, the leather strip between the upper and outsole, is where the boot's stitching runs, providing both structural integrity and decorative flair.

Speaking of stitching, it's a hallmark of western boots, often intricately detailed and contrasting against the leather.

Toe style. Cowboy boots come in various toe styles, each adding its own touch of personality to the footwear. 

Western boots blend style with purpose, making them a timeless icon of western fashion and functionality.

What makes a boot heritage quality?

"A fine pair of cowboy boots is still like the cowboy himself: sturdy, dependable, and with a rugged charm." ~ Alex Via, Buffalo Jackson Trading Co.

Let me tell ya 'bout a legend in the boot business by the name of Randy Watson. 

He's been stompin' around the cowboy boot world for more than 40 years, making his mark at places like Justin, Lucchese, Tony Lama and Nocona. 

He's got a knack for knowing just where to find the finest leather, the most skilled craftsmen, and the best retailers to bring his boots to the folks who need 'em and want 'em.

R. Watson's salesperson Bric Conn (what a cool name, right?!) stepped into Jack's Western Wear back in 2022.  Right away, my dad ~ Jack's owner Larry Allred ~ said yes. My dad says from the foundation of the boot to the fine details... it matters, and R. Watson boots look good and are made good.

* Every boot is lined with cowhide. 

* Timeless 10 row stitch pattern or hand cording. This classic pattern brings the history and heritage of the Cowboy Code into the culture of today. 

* A 10 iron genuine leather outsole is the foundation of their western boot. It provides durability with just enough flex to provide the comfort all boot enthusiasts desire.

* R. Watson puts both lemonwood pegs and brass nails in all of their western boots. This means that as the conditions change (wet or dry, hot or cold) this hardware is built to change with it and keep the sole attached to the boot. 

* Solid Steel Shank. To provide the most stability and durability possible, they developed a solid steel shank system that you’ll find in an R. Watson Boot. The solid steel shank system is then incorporated into a 1 piece insole system so you will never get that dreaded squeak again.

Randy's cowboy story goes all the way back to when he played baseball at The University of Houston in Texas, when he was in sneakers or cleats... not boots.

He was aiming for the big leagues in Major League Baseball, but fate had other plans for ol' Randy. Back in 1980, he was finishing up his college degree when he needed a summer job. Well, he found himself at Don's Western Wear in Houston, not too far from the famous Gilley's honky tonk.

Around this time, "Urban Cowboy" had just hit the silver screen. Bud & Sissy stirred up a whole heap of fuss 'bout western wear and country music.

Randy was smack dab in the middle of it all, hustling boots and hats to men and women that wanted to get a piece of the cowboy charm.

He hadn't planned to stick around, but a temporary gig turned into long term career.

From Don's he headed to Justin headquarters in Fort Worth. 

Randy climbed the ladder, cowboy hat and all, until he was sittin' high as the chairman and CEO.

After working for such cowboy greats like Justin & Lucchese, Randy decided to go out on his own. He started a new adventure where he aimed to craft boots so fine that he'd stamp his own name on them. 

R. Watson: Walk Tall

And he's now doing this with folks he can truly count on... his own kin.

Randy wrangled up his son Ryan and many seasoned hands in the boot biz to rustle up R. Watson.

The business is nestled in Crowley, Texas.  Run by kinfolk, for kinfolk. 

These aren't just boots, partner. They're a testament to generations of know-how, with each stitch and cut telling a story of hard work and dedication. 

From the tanneries where the leather is born to the skilled hands that shape it into footwear fit for a trailblazer, every step of the process is steeped in tradition and pride.

So when you slide into a pair of R. Watson boots, you're not just wearing footwear. You're stepping into history. 

And with quality like this, you're getting the best bang for your buck.

Recently, I had a group of women shopping in the store. Being fairly new to western wear, they all were trying on several styles of cowboy boots... having the best time. They were a fun group.  

One asked me, "What is the most expensive boot you have in the store?"

After telling her the price, her eyes got big and she wanted to know why anyone would spend that much on a pair of boots.

I said... "Come with me, and I'll show you."

Once we walked over to our Lucchese collection, I told her to not just look at the boot but to feel it and examine it. Right away, she understood... and she was impressed.

Lucchese is known as THE KING OF BOOTS.

The renowned Texas-based footwear company maintains its leading position in the industry with its iconic cowboy boots deeply embedded in American culture. 

Situated in El Paso, Texas, the company's factory buzzes with the expertise of hundreds of craftsmen, many of whom boast decades of experience in the intricate art of boot making.

The meticulous process begins with a simple sketch, eventually evolving through an 18-day cycle on the assembly line, where each boot is handled by nearly 150 skilled artisans.

Once the leather is selected from a room of nearly every conceivable animal skin like ostrich, American alligator and even elephant, it travels to a plethora of stations. Every step in the process is carefully considered.

These boots come with a price tag ranging from around $500 to as much as $16,000.  

That's not a typo... the most expensive pair is the Baron, which retails for $15,995. 

Baron stands as a paragon of luxury footwear, meticulously handcrafted from the finest American alligator leather. This premium material undergoes a rigorous tanning process, encompassing nearly 100 individual steps, ensuring both its exceptional quality and durability. Tanned entirely in the USA, each piece of leather is center cut, chosen for its unparalleled quality and texture. These full top and bottom alligator boots are painstakingly assembled by Lucchese's most skilled artisans, transforming them into more than just footwear, but a form of wearable art.  Designed for the most discerning clients, the Baron Boot is an heirloom-quality masterpiece, embodying the pinnacle of American craftsmanship and elegance.

To many, these boots are truly a work of art.

And we have several customers that collect them.

My dad... owner Larry Allred... said he's been carrying Lucchese boots here at Jack's for more than 20 years. He had customers requesting them. They wanted a high end exotic boot. 

And this appreciation is being shared from generation to generation.

Even my nephew, Andrue, has started his own collection at just the age of 17. 

But the story of Lucchese goes back way beyond 20 years.

Lucchese was founded in 1882 by Salvatore Lucchese, an Italian immigrant. So the company has been at the forefront of cowboy boot craftmanship for more than a century.

Even in the very beginning, Lucchese quickly gained a reputation for quality and durability. Back in this time, the boots weren't just for show.  The long shaft... blocked heel... stylized toe shapes...straps... and top stitching... they all served a practical purpose, helping cowboys withstand the rugged terrain of the Wild West.

Today, Lucchese continues to uphold that tradition, creating cowboy boots that not only pay homage to their storied past but also stand as a testament to their commitment to quality and craftmanship.

So if you're looking for a piece of American history you can wear on your feet, look no further than Lucchese cowboy boots.