Nashville is an eclectic city: spend more than a few moments walking the streets (or visit one of the city’s many coffee shops) and you’ll quickly see that its culture and style stray far outside the ubiquitous country stereotype. While Nashville’s street style may be diverse, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for its country roots. If you’ve been downtown, you’ve surely noticed the countless signs advertising “Buy 2, Get 1 Free” deals on cowboy boots. Here you’ll find a brief guide for those searching for the perfect pair of cowboy boots while in Music City, from thrift store gems to the classic Broadway specialty shops.
While Boot Country is not exactly a hole-in-the-wall option for boot shopping, any list of places to shop for cowboy boots in Nashville would be incomplete without it. This downtown Nashville store is located on the corner of Broadway & 3rd Avenue (in the heart of honky tonk central) and is a popular tourist attraction, and for good reason; buy one pair of cowboy boots and you’ll get two pairs for free. (Yes, you read that correctly) Before you stock up on multiple pairs, however, you should know that one pair of boots does, on average, cost upwards of $200-350, but Boot Country, owned by Rick’s Ranchwear, is dedicated to selling only the highest-quality name brand boots. The store has hundreds of styles to choose from for women, men, and children, including a number of options for wide and hard-to-find sizes. The three-for-one offer can be used to mix and match between women, men and children’s sizes, and there is even an offer for a fourth pair (one-third the price of the highest priced boot). Bring a few friends or family members and you’ll be set with classic country-style footwear for an unbeatable price.
Established in Texas in 1883, Lucchese has been dedicated to hand crafting and selling the best possible boots for over a century. Each boot sold by the company is individually made and hand stitched, and as a result the brand is known nationwide for its craftsmanship and quality. The brand has just a handful of brick-and-mortar retail stores throughout the nation that are mostly concentrated in Texas — but it comes as no surprise that given the demand for cowboy boots in Nashville, a store opened in the city’s higher-end Gulch neighborhood. Before you visit, note that these boots are certainly on the higher end of the price range; on average, one pair starts at about $300 and more expensive options can set you back twice that. If you’re looking for name brand quality, you would be hard-pressed to find a better selection.
For many locals and visitors, the ideal place to shop for boots is a little more off the beaten path and a little more alternative (and not to mention a little cheaper!). If this sounds like you, check out Goodbuy Girls. Mentioned in Vogue, Nylon and The Washington Post in this last year alone for an unbeatable selection of vintage clothing, shoes and accessories, this vintage store is part of the Idea Hatchery, a collective of eight small start-up businesses in the town’s hip East Nashville neighborhood. Shopping at Goodbuy Girls not only helps to promote local entrepreneurs, but shoppers seeking both quality and affordability can also enjoy the store’s unique array of products. Their selection of vintage cowboy boots, in particular, are popular amongst locals who are looking for a country touch with a more alternative spin. If you have a bit more time to spare, be sure to make the trip across the river to East Nashville and check out this one-of-a-kind store (and while you’re at it, make a pitstop at The Pied Piper Creamery around the corner for a treat).
If you’ve made the trek to East Nashville but haven’t yet found the perfect pair of boots, make the five-minute drive to Pony Show Outlaw Vintage. Located less than a mile and a half away on Porter Road — right next door to DCXV Industries — this western-style vintage store offers a unique array of custom-made apparel and accessories as well as carefully-preserved vintage finds, including cowboy boots. For a preview of just a fraction of what you can find in the store, visit their Etsy page.
On the fourth weekend of every month, the Nashville Fairgrounds transforms into a sprawling flea market with vendors selling everything from handcrafted furniture to vintage cowboy boots. While finding the perfect pair at the flea market requires a bit more patience and effort than shopping elsewhere (and given the nature of the markets rotating roster of vendors, success is not guaranteed), the sheer abundance of unbeatable offerings will make up for the extra time spent.
