Put Best Boot Forward for Well-Heeled Look

Those who are adopting the Best Western look are noticing that a large-brimmed hat and smooth suede clothing just don’t cover it all. What they need is a good pair of boots.

Where to find them? Here’s a selection of places that sell boots--for work, play and showing off.

Before you make your selection, check the workmanship and leather quality and be sure the shoes fit. After all, you’ll probably be kicking up these heels for a long time.

BOOT BARN

This discount store has a large selection of mid-range priced boots, including Dingo, Tony Lama, Durango, Code West and Dan Post.

Sighted on a recent visit were Dingo’s fringed traditional Western boots in black, white or red ($130), Durango’s Farm and Ranch work boot in tan cowhide ($95), Code West’s Reba, an all-leather Western boot in black, white, navy, red, green, purple and turquoise ($120) and an exotic pair of Dan Post’s black-cherry lizard boots ($270).

15201 Beach Blvd., Westminster, (714) 892-5151 and 607 N. Tustin Ave., Orange, (714) 538-2668.

THE BROADWAY

The shoe department carries a selection of boots such as Bertha from Guess, a Western-style shoe bootie in black or brown suede or leather ($126), Seychelles’ Western shoe bootie in black, brown and tan ($54), Bootlino’s leather and suede, mid-calf dress boot in tan, black, blue, red or off-white ($76), and Eastland’s rugged hiking boot in brown leather with waffle rubber sole ($50).

Anaheim Plaza, (714) 535-8121; Brea Mall, (714) 990-1400; Fashion Island Newport Beach, (714) 644-1212; Huntington Beach Mall, (714) 892-3331; Laguna Hills Mall, (714) 586-1901; The Mall of Orange, (714) 998-1311, and South Coast Plaza, (714) 540-5211.

FEED BARN

This store has Western boots branded with the classic cowboy boot names, such as Stetson, Bailey and Resistol, as well as Larry Mahan, Dan Post and Justin.

Justin’s Ropers, a round-toed boot with a mid-calf shaft, comes in traditional leathers and exotic skins such as ostrich and lizard ($100-$108).

Larry Mahan makes a yellow deerskin boot with a Western, semi-pointed toe and a riding heel ($240) and an inlaid kid-leather boot with cutout patterns in bright red and white ($295). Dingo has Western boots with fringe on the sides in camel, black, white or red calfskin ($140) and Acme, an established Texas-based company, has a utility/riding boot in brown mule hide ($80).

4925 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, (714) 771-2233.

HOWARD & PHIL’S WESTERN WEAR

This Western shop has about 50 styles of boots and hats. Among the better-known brand names are Lucchese, Dan Post, Tony Lama, Dingo, Justin, Capezio, Nocona and J. Chisholm.

Two styles of boots recently spotted at the store were a Dan Post’s tanned calfskin bottom with tan suede top with inlay and overlay design work ($185) and Tony Lama’s triad lizard with red lizard foot and black top, with red lizard overlay ($295). Acme makes a traditional cowboy boot with low heel and pointed toe in black, brown, purple and candy apple ($125).

MainPlace/Santa Ana, (714) 667-8144 and South Coast Plaza, (714) 556-8243.

KNOTT’S LEATHER AND SUEDE SHOP

Formerly Red’s Leather, Knott’s Leather and Suede Shop offers Dan Post, Dingo and Acme boots. A Dingo French fringed boot in red, black, white or brown looks great on the dance floor ($155). Also available are Acme’s leather boot in white with gold starburst pattern or red with silver pattern on the shaft ($110) and Dan Post’s deer hide bottom, suede top with white leather inserts in black and white or brown and white ($195).

8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 220-5319.

NORDSTROM

In the Women’s Shoes department, you’ll find Lenni’s full-shafted, leopard-print hair boot ($263) and a plain-style boot with a shaft that hits just below the knee in black, cognac and bone ($143). Via Spiga’s Regal, a black and brown lizard print combo ($183) and Nine West’s Aviva, a Western-style ankle bootie ($76) in black, brown and a two-toned black and cognac duo, are also available.

The Brass Plum shoe section has about 30 styles of boots. One of the hottest sellers is from Guess--a mule ankle bootie with a high cut, woven leather upper and new buck lower in black, brown, cream or navy ($130). It’s a feminine look that would complement vintage dresses.

Victorio Ricci’s Rider makes a tall-shafted cowboy-style boot in black, dark brown, red, white or navy leather and black suede ($99). Zodiac’s Coach is a short-shafted cowboy boot in black, brown or white leather ($143). Bailey is a Guess shoe boot with flame detailing on the toe-box in black leather, black or brown newbuck and multicolor combinations ($137).

Brea Mall, (714) 529-0123; MainPlace/Santa Ana, (714) 972-2020; South Coast Plaza, (714) 549-8300.

THIEVES MARKET

This discount boot store is packed with boots by Justin, Tony Lama, J. Chisholm, El Dorado, Zodiac, Code West and Guess.

Seen here were Justin’s handmade black London calf with short shaft ($169), a Guess shoe boot in tan or black leather ($139), Code West’s turquoise Reba, an all-leather cowboy boot ($129) and Thieves Market’s suede boot, a pointed toe boot in brown, natural or black ($129).

1700 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, (714) 642-9949); 1577 S. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, (714) 449-9181; 3462 Katella, Los Alamitos, (714) 778-4761; 23785 El Toro Road, Lake Forest, (714) 830-5055, and 2865 El Camino Real, Tustin, (714) 573-3994.