Boot Knowledge

Allens Boots Expert Guide

It has been said that boots can become an addiction, but for a beginner, understanding all the different parts and details of a pair of boots can be daunting. The fastest way to get there is to visit our experts in the store and have them walk you through it. However, this guide can help you know the ins and outs, even a boot aficionado might pick up a useful thing or two.

The Details within a Pair of Allens Customs

Anatomy of a Boot

To talk the talk you'll need to know all the names for different parts of a boot. Whether you're browsing our selection or designing a pair of customs you'll want to consider choice of leather, toe shape, heel height and styling... and that's just the beginning.

Generally speaking folks start with the vamp leather when building or seeking a new boot (see below). Once you've found the right material with the perfect color you can start to think about the best way to present that leather. The overall complimentary style of that boot will involve a number of variables.

Toe Types

Now you're getting somewhere, a good idea of your vamp leather and toe preference. Next you'll pull it all together; a stitch pattern or detail on the shaft, pull holes or pull straps, heel height and piping. A few more details to consider.

Heel Types

Leather Choices

Examples of Leathers & Colors

New Materials arrive all the time, Leather and Colors Subject to Availability

  • Deerlite Kip - Black, Brown, Burgundy
  • Calf - Black, Chocolate, Brown, Tan, Burgundy, Blue, Green, Red, White
  • Kid - White, Red, Green, Grey, Blue Grey, Gold, Black Cherry, Chocolate, Tan, Black, Purple
  • Kangaroo - Black, Burgundy, Chocolate, Medium Brown, Red
  • Buffalo - Black, Tan, Brown
  • Shark - Black, Brown, Dark Burgundy
  • Ostrich - Black, Antique Saddle, Cognac, Tobac, Burgundy, Grey, All Pastels
  • Alligator (Regular or Hornback) - Black, Chocolate,Tan, Burgundy, Grey
  • Wax French Calf - (Buck Type) -Black, Brown
  • Retan - Black, Brown, Tan
  • Bull Shoulder (Glazed, Brush or Oil) - Black, Chocolate, Tan, Cognac, Burgundy, Gold
  • Lizard (Ring) - Black, Peanut, Chocolate, Burgundy
  • Python - Black, Black/White, Brown, Grey
  • Rattle Snake (Eastern or Western Species) - Black/White only