Allens Boots

When you’re hitting the food truck or restaurant scene on South Congress, be sure to head in to Allens (look for the big red boot) to be wowed by the craftsmanship and the selection. The minute you open the entrance door, the smell of leather hits and you won’t believe your eyes. There are over 4,000 boots on display, while representing 12 boot manufacturers. Trust me, you’ll find your dream pair in there somewhere. Once you’ve got those new boots on, head next door for an award winning cocktail at the South Congress Cafe before heading on over for some line dancing at the Broken Spoke.

“I got married recently,” explains Liz Lambert, “And I bought boots for my wedding reception at Allens Boots, a family-owned business that also sells Wrangler shirts and Stetson hats.”

This Austin original is a landmark and it’s easy to see why. Packed with locals and tourists alike all trying on boots in all shapes, sizes, and colors. The racks and racks and racks of boots guarantee you’ll find a pair to call your own. You might enter in sneakers but you’re definitely moseying out in some boots!

This western staple has occupied the stone and stucco building at the corner of South Congress and Monroe since 1977. The 8,000-foot store has the largest selection of cowboy boots in the country—over 10,000 pairs line the shelves—such as oiled calfskin Luccheses, a Texas staple since 1883. Once you’ve mastered your swagger, turn your attention to the cowboy hats—including Stetson’s Open Road, famously worn by LBJ—belts and buckles, leather jackets, and pearl-snap shirts.