Where to Buy Cowboy Boots in Nashville: The Real Guide
- Chase Gillmore
- May 20
- 16 min read
Buying cowboy boots in Nashville is one of the most satisfying things you can do on a Music City trip, but only if you know where to go and what to look for. The Broadway corridor has shops competing aggressively for tourist dollars, and not all of them offer the same quality. This guide covers every price tier, from the legendary buy-one-get-two-free deal at Two Free Boots to hand-stitched custom pairs that take a full year to complete, so you leave Nashville with boots you will actually wear for the next decade.
Budget to mid-range boots ($149 to $399): Two Free Boots (Boot Country) on Broadway offers a buy-any-three-pay-for-one deal; Boot Barn has five Nashville-area locations, including a flagship at 318 Broadway.
Premium boots ($200 to $400): Nashville Boot Co. specializes in Dan Post, Laredo, and Abilene brands with detailed craftsmanship and comfort systems.
Luxury and splurge ($900 and up): Lucchese in The Gulch has operated since 2012 and carries American-made boots from a brand founded in 1883; Planet Cowboy offers custom designs starting around $900 with a 2 to 5 month lead time.
Ultra-luxury custom ($2,000 to $5,000): Music City Leather, run by master bootmaker Wes Shugart, produces appointment-only handcrafted boots with roughly a one-year production timeline.
Cowboy boot sizing differs from standard shoe sizing: most buyers need to go a half size down, and width options matter significantly for a proper fit.
The Gulch neighborhood hosts the most concentrated cluster of premium Western wear shops; Broadway is better for budget picks and in-store browsing convenience.
Nashville welcomed a projected 17.3 million visitors in 2026, according to the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp, and boot shopping remains one of the top retail draws for that wave of travelers. In 2026, the stores that cater to those visitors range from sprawling chain retailers to tiny appointment-only ateliers. Knowing which category matches your budget and intent saves you from overpaying for tourist-grade leather on Broadway when something genuinely better sits six blocks away.
This guide is organized by price tier and shopping goal. Whether you want to walk Broadway in a new pair before your first honky-tonk visit tonight or you are commissioning a pair of ostrich-leather boots for a wedding next year, every relevant option in Nashville is covered below, with specific addresses, price ranges, brand details, and the practical tips that most shopping guides leave out entirely.
Is It Expensive to Buy Cowboy Boots in Nashville?
Cowboy boots in Nashville span one of the widest price ranges of any retail category in the city, running from around $150 for entry-level Laredo styles at Two Free Boots up to $5,000 for a fully custom pair from Music City Leather. The honest answer is that you can spend whatever you want, but the quality gap between tiers is real and worth understanding before you walk into any store.
At the budget end, Two Free Boots (also marketed as Boot Country), established in 1978 and operated by Rick's Ranchwear, runs a deal that sounds too good to be true but is completely legitimate. Select any three pairs of boots, pay only for the highest-priced pair, and take all three home. Entry-level Laredo Men's Fletcher Side Zip boots start at $149.95, while Men's Honey Python and Antique Tan Smooth Ostrich Square Toe styles top out at $399.99. For a first-time buyer who wants a solid souvenir pair without overthinking the purchase, this deal is genuinely hard to beat on Broadway.
Boot Barn's Broadway flagship at 318 Broadway stocks a similarly broad range, with in-store boot fitting services and their WHIP (We Have It Promise) program, which guarantees they can source specific styles. Their Broadway store hours run Monday through Wednesday from 10am to 9pm, Thursday through Saturday from 9am to 10pm, and Sunday from 10am to 8pm, making it one of the most accessible shops for visitors on a tight schedule.
Move up a tier to Nashville Boot Co. and you are looking at Dan Post men's boots ranging from $199.95 to $329.95, and women's styles from $209.95 to $269.95. Dan Post boots include features like removable antibacterial insoles, an Ultimate Flex Insole system, leather lining, and shaft heights between 12 and 15 inches. Abilene women's boots, also carried there, run from $174.95 to $209.95 and are made in the U.S.A. with Air Ride Comfort System technology.
At the luxury end, Lucchese boots in The Gulch start well above $300 and rise from there. Custom Planet Cowboy boots begin around $900, and Music City Leather's handcrafted pairs run $2,000 to $5,000. As a rough framework, Moon Travel Guides categorizes the Nashville boot market into three tiers: Two Free Boots and Boot Country for budget shoppers, Lucchese and Planet Cowboy for splurge buyers, and Music City Leather for serious collectors.
Is It Okay to Wear Cowboy Boots in Nashville?
Wearing cowboy boots in Nashville is not just acceptable, it is practically expected. Nashville is one of the few American cities where cowboy boots function as both a fashion statement and a cultural gesture of respect for the city's musical heritage. You will see them on Lower Broadway at 11pm and at weekend brunch in 12 South at 11am. Nobody looks twice.
That said, a few practical notes are worth keeping in mind. First, Broadway's sidewalks and bar floors can get slick with weekend foot traffic and spilled drinks, so boots with a substantial leather heel and a slightly textured outsole handle the environment better than ultra-smooth dress-style soles. Second, if you are planning to wear your new boots for a full day of honky-tonk bar-hopping, break them in at the rental house first. A new pair worn straight from the box for eight hours on Broadway will punish your feet regardless of price tier.
For groups staying near Broadway, the walk from most downtown rentals to the boot stores on Broadway is brief enough that you can pop in, try on several pairs, and have them back at the property before your evening starts. Guests at the Luxe Cowgirl 538, for instance, are literally 0.2 miles from Broadway's entire strip of boot and western wear shops, which makes a mid-afternoon boot run a realistic option before a night out.
One thing most guides skip: boot etiquette on rooftop bars and higher-end restaurant spaces. Cowboy boots are universally welcome at Nashville's casual and honky-tonk venues. At upscale SoBro restaurants and rooftop lounges, a cleaner, dressier boot pairs better with the environment than a work-style roper. Planet Cowboy and Lucchese both stock styles that read as fashion-forward rather than rodeo-ready, which is worth keeping in mind if your itinerary includes a nicer dinner.
Where to Buy Cowboy Boots in Nashville by Budget Tier
Budget and Mid-Range: Two Free Boots and Boot Barn
Two Free Boots (Boot Country) is the most tourist-friendly boot deal on Broadway and one of the genuinely useful ones. The buy-one-get-two-free policy applies to all boots with no restrictions, which means you can walk out with three pairs for the price of the most expensive one. This is the right stop for visitors who want a souvenir pair of western boots without a major investment. The store is owned by Rick's Ranchwear and has been operating since 1978.
Boot Barn's Broadway flagship at 318 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201 (phone: 615-742-9780) is the largest Western wear retailer in the country, and their Nashville location reflects that scale. The in-person boot fitting service is a genuine value-add, particularly for first-time buyers who are unsure about sizing. They also offer hat shaping and cleaning, which makes this a practical one-stop for anyone building a full Western look. Four additional Nashville-area locations serve visitors staying outside the downtown core: 144 2nd Avenue North, 405 Opry Mills Drive, 6622 Charlotte Pike, and 240 Long Hollow Pike in Goodlettsville.
Mid-Range Specialty: Nashville Boot Co.
Nashville Boot Co. operates primarily as an online retailer at nashvilleboots.com, specializing in Dan Post, Abilene, and Laredo brands. Dan Post boots are particularly notable for their construction quality at the mid-range price point. Specifically, features like a full leather lining, cushioned insole system, and shaft heights up to 15 inches represent a meaningful step up from the basic tourist-tier boots you will find at broader discount retailers. If you know your brand preference and size, Nashville Boot Co.'s online catalog makes it easy to browse before arriving in the city.
Premium and Splurge: Lucchese and Planet Cowboy in The Gulch
Lucchese is a luxury Western boot company founded in 1883, and its Nashville retail store in The Gulch has been open since 2012. All Lucchese boots, belts, and clothing are made in the United States, and the store takes custom orders. If you are buying a pair of boots you intend to wear for the next 20 years, this is where to start. The Gulch location makes it easy to pair a visit with lunch or dinner in the neighborhood, which has become one of the more interesting food corridors in Nashville. Visit the Lucchese website to preview styles and price ranges before your visit.
Planet Cowboy relocated from New York City to Nashville in 2020 under owner Jaylin Ramer. About one-third of the store's stock is custom-designed by Ramer, which gives the shop a curatorial character you will not find at chain retailers. Custom boots start around $900 and require an appointment, with a production timeline of 2 to 5 months. The store also carries ready-made boots by Rios of Mercedes and Stallion, two brands serious boot buyers know well. For the mid-level splurge buyer who wants something distinctive without waiting nearly a year, the Rios of Mercedes selection at Planet Cowboy is worth the visit. Check Planet Cowboy's website before heading over, as appointment availability varies.
The Gulch is also home to The Frye Co., a brand in business since 1863 with a 3,000-square-foot Nashville location that also hosts live music events. Frye boots lean more toward American heritage fashion than traditional Western rodeo styling, which can be a better fit for buyers who want quality leather footwear that works beyond a Nashville context.
Where to Buy Used Cowboy Boots in Nashville?
Used cowboy boots in Nashville are best found through a combination of consignment shops in East Nashville and 12 South, vintage boutiques along Gallatin Avenue, and occasional pop-up markets near the Farmers Market. None of the research-verified stores listed above specialize specifically in used boots, but the secondary market in Nashville is active given the volume of Western wear that moves through the city each year.
Boot Barn's Broadway location occasionally carries pre-owned and discounted styles, and their staff can confirm current inventory. For visitors specifically seeking vintage or used Western boots, the Farmers Market area and East Nashville thrift corridor represent the best hunting ground. The Nashville Farmers Market hosts regular vendor markets where independent sellers sometimes bring Western wear alongside other goods.
A practical note for used boot buyers: fit is even more critical for pre-owned pairs than for new ones, since the leather has already molded to someone else's foot shape. Spend more time walking around in used boots before committing than you would with a new pair. Width matters as much as length, and a boot that feels tight across the widest part of the foot will not break in to accommodate you the way it did the original owner.
Where to Buy Cowboy Hats and Boots in Nashville Together
Several Nashville Western wear destinations let you buy boots and cowboy hats in the same visit. Boot Barn's Broadway location offers hat shaping and cleaning services alongside their full boot selection, making it the most practical one-stop option for visitors who want to put a complete Western outfit together. The Frye Co. in The Gulch carries accessories that complement their boot selection, though hats are not their primary focus.
For a dedicated hat-and-boots combination, the best pairing in Nashville is Boot Barn for boots and hatWRKS for headwear. hatWRKS is a Nashville custom hat shop with a strong local reputation for craftsmanship. The two stores are not directly adjacent, but both are manageable from a downtown base with a short rideshare between them.
Manuel Exclusive Clothier rounds out the full Western look at the ultra-premium end. Run by Manuel Cuevas, the shop specializes in stage-worthy clothing for performers and serious collectors. Cowboy shirts start at $750 and jackets exceed $2,000. This is not a drop-in tourist destination, it is a working atelier for people who understand what they are buying. Worth knowing about, but the audience is narrow.
How to Tell Authentic Boots from Tourist-Grade Western Wear
Authentic cowboy boots are distinguished from tourist-grade alternatives by four primary indicators: construction method, leather quality, sole material, and country of manufacture. Understanding these differences before you walk into any Nashville boot store will save you from paying mid-range prices for entry-level product.
First, look at the sole. A genuine Western boot intended for regular use has a leather outsole, not a rubber or synthetic one. Leather outsoles wear more gracefully and can be resoled by a cobbler, extending the boot's life significantly. Abilene boots sold at Nashville Boot Co. and Dan Post boots both feature genuine leather outsoles. Cheaper tourist-targeted boots often use rubber or composite soles that cannot be resoled.
Second, examine the welt construction. Goodyear-welted boots have a strip of leather stitched between the upper and outsole that allows the sole to be replaced cleanly. This is the construction method used by quality Western boot makers including Lucchese and Dan Post at higher price points. Cemented construction, where the upper is glued directly to the sole, is common at the budget tier and produces a boot that cannot be effectively resoled.
Third, check the shaft lining. Better boots use a full leather lining inside the shaft, which manages moisture and conforms to the leg over time. Cheaper boots use synthetic linings that hold heat and degrade faster.
Fourth, ask about origin. Abilene boots are made in the U.S.A. Lucchese boots are made in the U.S.A. Many budget-tier boots are manufactured overseas, which is not automatically a quality indicator, but it is a relevant data point when comparing construction claims across retailers.
Cowboy Boot Sizing: What First-Time Buyers Get Wrong
Cowboy boot sizing differs meaningfully from standard shoe sizing, and getting this wrong is the most common mistake first-time buyers make. Most people find they need to go a half size down from their regular shoe size when buying cowboy boots. The pointed or snip-toe styles that are common in Western footwear can feel tight in the toe box initially even in the correct size, which leads many buyers to size up unnecessarily and end up with a boot that slips at the heel.
The heel slip test is the most reliable fit check. A new cowboy boot should allow up to half an inch of heel movement when you walk on a flat surface. This is not a defect. The heel slip reduces as the leather breaks in and conforms to your foot. A boot with zero heel slip when new will often feel too tight across the instep after the leather softens.
Width matters as much as length. Western boots come in width designations from A (narrow) through EE (wide), and Boot Barn's in-person fitting service is specifically useful here. Brands like Dan Post offer multiple width options at the same length, which is not always advertised prominently online but is critical for comfort on a full day of walking Broadway or the honky-tonk circuit.
For groups planning a shopping stop during a Nashville weekend, building in 45 minutes at Boot Barn specifically for proper fitting is worth the schedule slot. The fitting is free, the staff are experienced, and the difference between a properly fitted boot and a guessed size is the difference between a purchase you will use for years and one that sits in the closet.
Practical Tips for Shopping Cowboy Boots in Nashville
Best Time of Day and Week to Shop
Broadway's retail corridor is at its most manageable on weekday mornings between 10am and noon. Weekend afternoons, particularly Saturday from 1pm to 5pm, bring the heaviest foot traffic to Boot Barn and the other Broadway retailers. If your group is visiting Nashville primarily for nightlife and has flexibility on the shopping schedule, a Thursday morning visit to the Broadway stores avoids the weekend surge entirely.
For The Gulch shops like Lucchese and The Frye Co., weekday afternoons are reliably calm. These stores see a different customer profile than Broadway, and the volume is lower across the board. Planet Cowboy requires an appointment for custom consultations regardless of timing, so contact them in advance if that is your goal.
Parking and Getting There
Driving to Broadway for boot shopping is not recommended unless you arrive before 11am on a weekday. Parking near 318 Broadway typically runs $15 to $25 for a few hours in nearby garages, and the blocks immediately surrounding the entertainment district fill quickly. For groups staying at a property within 2 miles of downtown, a rideshare from the rental to Broadway costs roughly $9 to $12 each way on a weekday afternoon, which is more practical than managing parking for multiple people.
The Gulch is slightly easier for parking than Broadway proper. Street parking on Demonbreun Street and the surrounding blocks is available and metered, and the neighborhood's layout is more navigable than Lower Broadway on busy weekends.
Boot Care After Purchase
This is the section most Nashville shopping guides skip entirely. If you buy a quality pair of leather boots, the first thing to do before wearing them in earnest is apply a leather conditioner. New leather can be stiff and dry, and conditioning before the first full wear softens the break-in process considerably. Ask any of the Boot Barn staff about their leather care product selection, as they typically carry conditioners and waterproofing sprays specifically suited to different leather types.
For boots with exotic leathers like ostrich or python, the conditioning requirements differ from standard cowhide. Ostrich leather specifically benefits from a dedicated exotic leather conditioner rather than a general-purpose product. Music City Leather and Lucchese staff can advise on appropriate care for the specific hides in their inventory.
Resoling is available in Nashville through independent cobblers, not through the retail boot stores themselves. If you are buying a quality pair with a leather outsole specifically because you want to resole them in a decade, confirm with the store that the construction method supports it. Goodyear-welted boots can be resoled; cement-construction boots typically cannot.
Planning Your Boot Shopping Around Your Nashville Stay
Boot shopping fits naturally into a Broadway-focused Nashville itinerary, particularly for bachelorette groups, girls trips, and birthday weekends where a shared shopping activity before a night out adds a fun communal element. The Boot Barn Broadway flagship is open until 10pm on Thursday through Saturday, which means you can shop after an early dinner rather than losing afternoon exploration time.
Groups based near Broadway have the clearest logistical advantage. The Luxe Cowgirl 538, a western-themed two-bedroom downtown Nashville apartment literally 0.2 miles from Broadway, is the most thematically fitting base for a boot-shopping-focused Nashville trip. The cowgirl and cowboy bedroom themes, vinyl record player, and glam vanity room make the rental itself a continuation of the Western aesthetic you will find in the stores. Guests there can walk to Boot Barn, browse Two Free Boots, and be back at the apartment to try everything on before heading out for the evening.
For larger groups who want the same Broadway proximity with more space, the Stay Nashville properties 3 blocks from Broadway put the entire boot shopping corridor within easy walking distance. Planning the shopping stop for mid-afternoon on the first day of a Nashville trip, before the evening honky-tonk circuit begins, is the approach that works best for most groups.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Cowboy Boots in Nashville
What is the best store to buy cowboy boots on Broadway in Nashville?
Boot Barn at 318 Broadway is the most practical option for most visitors. The store offers in-person boot fitting, a wide selection across price tiers, and extended hours through 10pm on Thursdays through Saturdays. Two Free Boots (Boot Country) is the best choice specifically for budget buyers who want to take advantage of the buy-one-get-two-free deal. Both stores are within easy walking distance of Nashville's core entertainment district.
How much should I budget for cowboy boots in Nashville?
Budget at least $150 to $175 for a basic entry-level boot at Two Free Boots or Boot Barn. A quality mid-range pair from Dan Post or Abilene at Nashville Boot Co. runs $175 to $330. Lucchese and Planet Cowboy occupy the premium tier at $300 and well above. Custom boots from Planet Cowboy start around $900, and Music City Leather's fully handcrafted pairs run $2,000 to $5,000 with approximately a one-year production timeline.
Does Boot Barn Nashville offer boot fitting services?
Yes. Boot Barn's Broadway flagship at 318 Broadway offers in-person boot fitting as a complimentary in-store service. The fitting includes measuring both feet, assessing width needs, and helping customers navigate the half-size-down convention common in Western boot sizing. This service is particularly valuable for first-time cowboy boot buyers unfamiliar with how Western footwear fits differently from standard shoes.
Where can I get custom cowboy boots made in Nashville?
Three Nashville businesses offer custom or made-to-order cowboy boots. Planet Cowboy, relocated from New York to Nashville in 2020, makes custom boots starting around $900 with a 2 to 5 month production timeline and requires an appointment. Lucchese in The Gulch takes custom orders on their American-made boots. Music City Leather, run by Wes Shugart, offers fully handcrafted appointment-only boots for $2,000 to $5,000 with roughly a one-year wait. All three require advance contact before visiting.
What neighborhoods in Nashville are best for boot shopping?
Broadway (Lower Broadway) is the most convenient area for first-time visitors, with Boot Barn and Two Free Boots both accessible on foot from the entertainment district. The Gulch is the better destination for premium and luxury buyers, housing Lucchese, The Frye Co., and easy access to Planet Cowboy. The Gulch is roughly a 5 to 10 minute rideshare from Broadway and is worth the short trip for anyone spending $400 or more on a pair.
Are there used or vintage cowboy boot shops in Nashville?
Nashville does not have a single dedicated used cowboy boot retailer among the research-verified stores. Your best options for vintage or pre-owned Western boots are East Nashville consignment shops along Gallatin Avenue, occasional vendors at the Nashville Farmers Market, and 12 South boutiques that carry vintage clothing alongside footwear. Boot Barn sometimes carries discounted or clearance styles that function similarly to a pre-owned tier.
How do cowboy boots fit compared to regular shoes?
Most first-time cowboy boot buyers find they need to go a half size down from their standard shoe size. A correctly sized cowboy boot allows up to half an inch of heel slip when new, which decreases as the leather breaks in. Width is critical: Western boots come in multiple width designations from A (narrow) to EE (wide), and an incorrect width causes more long-term discomfort than a slight length variation. Boot Barn's in-person fitting service addresses both dimensions and is worth using for any significant purchase.
The Right Pair Is Out There: Making the Most of Nashville Boot Shopping
Shopping for cowboy boots in Nashville rewards the visitor who comes prepared. The city has options at every price point, from the genuinely excellent buy-one-get-two-free deal at Two Free Boots to the American-made artisan craftsmanship at Lucchese, Planet Cowboy, and Music City Leather. The gap between tiers is real: a $160 tourist boot and a $300 Dan Post are meaningfully different products in terms of construction, comfort, and longevity.
As of 2026, Nashville's boot shopping scene has only expanded, with The Gulch corridor becoming an increasingly strong destination for premium Western wear alongside its established food and bar scene. Plan your shopping stop for a weekday morning or early evening to avoid Broadway's peak weekend crowds, get a proper fitting at Boot Barn regardless of where you ultimately buy, and treat boot care as part of the purchase rather than an afterthought.
For more local guidance on making the most of your Nashville visit, the Nashville attractions and things to do guide from Stay Nashville covers the full city beyond the Broadway strip. And if you are looking for curated Nashville local experiences to pair with your boot-shopping day, there is a full calendar of options organized by interest.
If you are heading to Nashville specifically for the Western wear experience, the Luxe Cowgirl 538 is the most thematically fitting home base in the city. The western-inspired decor, glam vanity area, and location 0.2 miles from Broadway's boot stores means the aesthetic starts before you even leave the building. Check dates and availability here.
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