to boot

You know when you walk into a Baskin-Robbins and there’s a kid ahead of you who’s looking at those 31 flavors and can’t make a decision to save his life? (And in desperation, the parent—I’ve done this—starts to suggest flavors. And when that doesn’t work, the parent starts to make threats—I’ve done this, too—“You have 30 seconds to make a choice, Ethan, or we’re leaving…”). That’s how I felt at Allen’s Boots (www.allensboots.com) in Austin, TX a few years ago. It’s the cowboy equivalent of B & R—only, instead of 31 flavors, they have something like 3,100 flavors…of boots.

It was a good overwhelmed, mind you…but it took me a couple of hours to make my selection: a pair of black, embroidered Lucchese’s that are truly a work of art. As much as I love them, though, I keep pining for some classic Frye Harness Boots: clean lines, squared-off toe, horsey-looking hardware with a definite nod to Hermes; I’ve held off thanks to the $218 price tag. (Not too pricey, but after the Lucchese’s, I had to show some restraint.) So imagine my glee when I was trolling for leftover summer flip-flops with my daughter at Target (www.target.com), and stumbled upon a pair of brilliant lookalikes. Squared-off toe: check. Distressed leather: check. Horsey Hardware: check. Price: Quick–write a check.

Want to drop the price another $10? Then check out Payless ShoeSource’s faux-leather version (www.payless.com)….

Any other boot partna’s out there? Mosey on over and show us what you got.…