My usual look consists of jeans, sneakers, ball caps and t-shirts. Although a native Texan, I haven't owned a pair of boots in at least 35 years. I had been thinking of changing my style and was actively searching the web, Facebook ads, etc for cowboy boots. I kept seeing boots starting around $400-$500 a pair and that was a non-starter for me. Fortunately, a great friend of mine mentioned Gomez Western Wear in Arlington. They have multiple stores in DFW, but he specifically said all his Hispanic friends recommended buying boots there, due to the low prices.
I was in the area, taking an old clock, which my dad had made the wood housing for, to Antique Clock Repair of Arlington (stay tuned for a review of that service, later...) so I decided to stop by Gomez's place.
My friend was NOT exaggerating. The first two staff members I met spoke almost no English, but they quickly got an English-speaking salesperson to help me. As I waited for that person to be fetched, I saw TONS of boots, but many were at the price point I was trying to avoid. I told the salesperson about the price range I wanted to remain within and she said, "No problem!" She took me to a raised stage-like area adjacent to the front door, where the less expensive boots were located. I was looking for ostrich, because I've always liked the look, but the only ones in my price range were actually leather, made to look like ostrich.
I not the kind of guy who will buy cubic zirconia, so this was not going to be a fit for me.
No worries!
She showed a pair of beautiful alligator boots to me that were only $169! Then she tried to up-sell me to a bundle deal that included a western belt and cowboy hat. I thought there was no way I was going to make that big a change in my style, but at her bidding I tried on a hat.
Damn... I made that look GOOD...(or vice-versa).
They only had belts that were too large for my waist size (thank you, I've been working out) but she said they could customize it for my size.
No problemo!
I was expecting another belt hole and a long belt tail wrapping too far to my side, but NO! She removed the buckle and cut off that end of the belt, shortening it without making me look like I a kid, wearing dad's belt.
The belt, hat and boots, including sales tax, ended up being less than many of the boots I had seen online.
I am a western wear novice but the salesperson, with whom I dealt, was patient and friendly, helping me make a great selection. How do I know it was great? I posted photos to my social media and both friends and relative strangers complimented how good I looked in the gear.
Maybe I've watched too many Yellowstone and Longmire episodes on TV... read more