Rhinestone cowboys: Boots on a luxury kick
The anti-Ugg — built to last, with a little bling
December 19, 2005
By Anne Moore
(published on www.chicagobusiness.com)

Ms. Simpson; the blond, shapely magazine-cover staple; starred in the 2005 movie version of "The Dukes of Hazzard," sporting ultrashort denim cutoffs and a pair of bright red cowboy boots. After that, one local retailer began shipping colorful cowboy boots all over the world.

"We'd never seen anything like it in 'ladies,' " says Robert Alcala, an owner of Alcala's Western Wear, a 35-year-old West Side business that stocks 10,000 pairs of boots. "Japan, Australia, Great Britain, Europe: This year all the major bootmakers put out more fashionable and feminine boots &; teal, pink, purple &; and everyone wanted a pair." Alcala's Internet business tripled, he says, thanks to Ms. Simpson.
The Internet teems with sites selling cowboy boots, but it's preferable to try on a pair before you plunk down your dollars, says Mr. Alcala and other retailers. Some brands run wide, and there should be a half-inch space for one's heels to lift, unlike most footwear, which fit the heel snugly.

"They're not like Ugg boots, all warm and soft," says Lori Andre, owner of Lori's Designer Shoes & Accessories in Chicago and Highland Park. "You have to try on cowboy boots to appreciate the look and feel." She seldom posts cowboy styles on the store's Internet site.

Ms. Andre had been carrying Western-style boots, made in Italy, for several years. But this year she began carrying Old Gringo, handmade all-leather boots made in California, "because they fit the best." A basic pair is $300, but boots made with snakeskin cost more than $400. She reordered, and recently received her second batch: "Turquoise and yellow, tan and turquoise, lizard . . . they're really in vogue." Frye boots ; also all-leather, but with a square toe ; sold out for the first time this year, she notes.

Even stodgy shoemakers put out cowboy boots this season. Cole Haan, better known for its tasseled loafers, has a tan boot with green cut-outs and metal studs ($350, at Bloomingdale's, 900 N. Michigan Ave.). Fashion designers, too, jumped on the bandwagon: Stella McCartney's cowboy boot is $370 at Josephine (1405 N. Wells St.).

Look for all-leather construction, advises Mr. Alcala. "I see 'cowboy' boots in the department stores that cost twice as much and won't last." Most cowboy boots are made in Texas, he says.

And if you think this is a passing fad, think again. "We think this will continue on into the spring," says Ms. Andre. "White cowboy boots."

copyright 2005 by Crain Communications Inc.