The Tony Lama Stars Collection—a new line of barrel racing boots—was inspired by the company’s work with the National Barrel Horse Association. These boots are designed to meet the needs of barrel racing competitors, but it turns out that they work great for anyone who’s looking for protection and comfort in the stirrup. Whether your’re a wrangler looking to replace those worn-outs in time for the spring season, or a dude who wants to be comfortable (and, let’s face it, look right) while riding, these boots can be a good choice.

Details: Rubber outsoles give you a superior grip in the stirrup; they’re flexible and resist oil, so you’ve got a better chance of keeping your feet when you’re not in the saddle. The rubber heel bumper is there for durability and the orthotic inserts are comfortable, removable, and washablt. Retail: $130-$160, available later this summer. Go to: the Tony Lama website.

What’s Cacties? No, not a group of desert plants with spines—it’s a new line of Western wear shirts and ties. Creator Jimmy Griscom started the company, called Cacties, just a couple of years ago “for the cowboy in us all”.

Two years ago, he made the decision to leave his Wall Street trading desk behind. “I grew up wearing suits and ties,” Griscom says, “but there’s a cowboy in us all, and mine wanted to get out.”

He started out making ties that can best be described as ‘Will Rogers meets Ferragamo’. We’ve seen them, and they’re elegant, high-end (100% silk), and made entirely by hand in the USA; they each have a pattern featuring fun but tasteful western-themed icons—look closely and you’ll see tiny images of flags, chaps, cacti (hence the company name), cutting horses and the like. Each of the 28 designs retails for $80, so they’re not cheap, nor do they look it. They’ve caught on with Wall Streeters, like Mad Money pundit Jim Cramer, and politicos like President George Bush (who has a passel of ‘em).

Griscom’s next goal? Merely to make “the best high-end Western-influenced shirt on the market”. The typical western shirt is very utilitarian, he says, and he wanted to make something that “a real cowboy would wear to get gussied up in” but that the guy in Manhattan would also want to wear.

We recently got a look (and feel) of Cacties’ two-pocket, antique horn snap denim classic western shirt ($125); it is made from a 60/40 blend of cotton and tencel indigo chambray and has that smooth, silky feel of a well-worn “old favorite” shirt—without the well-worn look. The line has become a favorite of singer Vince Gill, who wore one for an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. 

Take a look at the Cacties website. If the shirt looks half as good on you as it does on Griscom (pictured on the About page), then you’ll consider it money well spent. For more, click here.

Vintage shirts for gals

Denver-based Rockmount has been around since 1946—long enough to become a true Western icon. The company made its name with its embroidered shirts, and they’re still hot today—especially women’s shirts with their pictorial (shown) and floral patterns. A lot of the work on items like the one above is done by hand, which is why these shirts cost a bit more, but become so treasured and lovingly cared for by their owners.

Rockmount has dozens of styles to choose from on their website (and you can order by email or phone). Their newest embroidery is inspired by the natural beauty of the iris, with chenille embroidery on collar, front, cuffs and back;  ($87). For more info, check the Rockmount website (photo courtesy of Rockmount).

Need more gift ideas for the wrangler or dude in your life? We’re counting down the list of Hot Picks from Sheplers western wear, and this one is not only distinctive but is perfect for the guy who ‘can’t be fenced in’.

Can’t think of what to get for the cowboy or cowgirl in the family? We couldn’t either, so we asked the nice folks at Sheplers western wear store for their Hot Picks. Over the next few days, we’ll highlight some of the most asked-for gifts in Sheplers lineup. And don’t worry that you’ve left your shopping too late or that there is no western wear store nearby. Go online, shop, and set up overnight shipping—there’s plenty of time for your gift to arrive before the big day.