Cowboy hats and boots

Question

Hi all, we have a trip coming up in March and wondering where the best place would be to get some cowboy boots and hats (not at tourist prices).

We will be staying in Denver and Breckenridge (and visiting the surrounding towns like Frisco/Silverthorne etc). We also have a spare day in Denver we have set aside for a day trip but not quite sure where to, possibly Colorado Springs or Boulder. I understand Breck was a mining town so might not be the best spot?

Any recommendations for any specific shops would be appreciated. Buying for adults and kids. Thanks!

Answer

Hi there,

If you’re looking for authentic cowboy boots and hats at reasonable prices, Denver is by far the best base compared to Breckenridge or the smaller surrounding towns. Breckenridge and nearby towns like Frisco and Silverthorne are more tourist-focused and don’t have many dedicated Western wear stores. Denver, on the other hand, has several reputable shops with a wide selection for adults and kids.

Here are some recommended shops in Denver for cowboy boots and hats:

Rockmount Ranch Wear: Historic store known for authentic Western shirts, hats, and accessories. They also carry boots, though selection may vary. Great for a family shopping experience.
Rhinestone Cowboy: Located in Denver, this shop specializes in cowboy boots, hats, and Western wear. They often have a range of options for children and adults, and prices are reasonable compared to tourist areas.
Boot Barn: A larger chain with a wide selection of boots and hats for all ages. Locations in Denver and surrounding suburbs make it convenient for one-stop shopping.
Stockman’s Western Wear: Offers boots, hats, and other Western apparel. Good variety for kids and adults, with some mid-range pricing options.
Colorado Cowboy: Small shop focusing on authentic boots, hats, and belts. Staff are knowledgeable and can help fit children’s sizes.

Since you have a spare day in Denver, you could combine your shopping trip with a short excursion. Boulder is about a 45-minute drive from Denver and offers scenic mountain views, a fun pedestrian mall, and some boutique shopping, but not much in terms of dedicated Western wear. Colorado Springs is a 1.5-hour drive and has a few Western stores, but Denver still offers the best selection.

For the Breckenridge leg of your trip, you might find a few souvenir-style Western shops, but these are often pricier and limited in selection. It’s generally more efficient to buy boots and hats in Denver before heading into the mountain towns.

Tips for shopping:

Plan for at least 1–2 hours at a larger store like Boot Barn or Rhinestone Cowboy to try on multiple sizes and styles.
Check if stores carry children’s sizes in advance to avoid disappointment.
Consider purchasing your boots in Denver and then enjoying the mountain towns without worrying about finding fitting gear later.

Overall, focusing your cowboy gear shopping in Denver will save time, give you a better selection, and help you avoid tourist-markup prices in mountain towns.

Cowboy hats and boots

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