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Alcala's Western Boots
Category: Shopping Fashion Shoe Stores Shoe Stores [Edit]
1733 W Chicago Ave(between Paulina St & Hermitage Ave)
Chicago, IL 60622
Neighbourhood: Ukrainian Village
(312) 226-0152
- Hours:
Mon, Thu-Sat 9:30 am - 7 pm
Tue-Wed 9:30 am - 6 pm
Sun 9:30 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
34 reviews for Alcala's Western Boots
Review Highlights
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"Now, go get your "Inner Cowboy" on." In 15 reviews -
"...boots at a great price during their semi annual sale." In 3 reviews -
"Alcala's is an awesome place for Western wear." In 10 reviews
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34 reviews in English
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Review from Khadijah L.
Chicago, IL
5/24/2011
One of the coolest stores in Chicago, a cowboy's playground.
They are a family run business with amazing customer service.
They offer free services on all boots that you buy at their store FOR LIFE.
Where else can you get that??
They have tons of boots... and they have semi annual sales (where I got my Frye boots) and did I mention free lifetime cleaning? -
Review from Anne K.
Chicago, IL
2/4/2012
Stopped in looking for something for my brother who is getting married in Mexico next month, and walked out with a dress to wear to the wedding for myself! Great selection of Western wear for anyone, and upstairs has a lovely little formal and night on the town section for ladies. I would have never guessed I would find a dress, especially being a full figured woman, but was so happy I took a peek. There were tons of sales and super nice, very helpful sales people. The woman upstairs actually found the dress I bought for me after I was in the dressing room. I will definitely be bringing my husband back tomorrow to try and find him something too.
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Review from Robin Walker T.
Chicago, IL
4/21/2011
If you want to get in touch with your inner cowboy, there's really only one place to go - Alcalas. Its my favorite place to shop for real cowboy boots for myself and my clients. So understandably, what started as a trip to find a pair for a client who actually was a cowboy, turned into a shopping event for myself. So that backfired but I got a pair kick ass pairs of boots!
The largest selection in the Midwest, there's lots to pick from. From basic Laredo to "WTF" Lucchese, you'll find every type of cowboy boot imaginable starting around one hundred and going into the thousands.
Alcalas is like a museum with cool artifacts, western attire, giddy up stuff and of course rhinestones. Their selection boosts over 10,000 pairs of boots and their customer service is unbelievable. They will condition your boots for free, for life.
Best Advice: Bring a couple of pairs of socks, light and medium weight, park across the street in their free parking lot, and eat before you go. With all those boots, it can be a little overwhelming for the novice and it's impossible to run in and out so plan on making it a day trip.
Another bit of Advice: If you buy a pair of boots make sure you get a wooden "boot taker off" thingy, it comes in real handy on a Saturday when you just want to crawl into bed.
Like my review? Check out my blog for men and about men at http://www.TailoredEdg... . Now, go get your "Inner Cowboy" on!
And yes, you can wear cowboy boots in the summer! -
Review from Melanie S.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 9/20/2010
Alcala's is currently having their semi-annual boot sale, which goes until the end of the month.
I just added two new pairs to my feminine arsenal of ass-kickin' boots.
Bring on the Toby Keith concert.
Not really.Listed in: I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/19/2010
Alcala's has been on this stretch of Chicago Avenue forever. The neighborhood has changed a lot over… Read more »
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Review from Eric M.
Chicago, IL
2/8/2010
I honestly can't imagine how this place could be any better than it is.
I grew up out west in Idaho and Oregon and one of my uncles was famous in horse training and horse jumping circles, and just about the last thing I ever expected to find just two miles from the Loop was a genuine cowboy store. Even reading about it in the paper and on theri website didn't do it justice. I has authentic hats and boots and chaps, but it also has real working cowboy supplies, tools you need to shoe a horse, tools for maintaining a working saddle - you name it, they probably have it and ift hey don't have it in the showroom they'll get it for you quickly.
Anyone with even a casual interest in Western traditions should pay a visit here - and buy something. Places like this help keep Chicago interesting. -
Review from Phillie P.
Chicago, IL
6/6/2007
It's in my hood. I've bought Levis there for cheap. I'm basing my review on that experience.
Don't Expect Diesel and True Religion Jeans here. They have the real deal. Wrangle & Levis. I need to find a cowboy shirt here...
So much western gear here.. if that's your thing. Got to love the fact that they play an English cowboy/western song followed by a Spanish song.
Smell the leather!!! -
Review from julie a.
10/13/2008
I can't really say I have purchased anything from here, but I love just looking at everything they have. If I were a cowgirl or had some sort of secret cowgirl persona, this would be my place to shop.
But, I did bring my friend here that was visiting out of town, and he fell in love with a shirt that simply screamed his name, and, the nice part is that it was on sale.
So go Alcalas! Excellent customer service, super fun atmosphere, tons of stuff to look at, so indulge your inner cowboy. -
Review from Erika G.
4/20/2010
This place has been here forever. It's the go-to place for Western wear, you don't need to go anywhere else. I used to live closer, and would browse here once in awhile. It seems the neighborhood has improved around this store, which is always good to see.
I did a voice over for this place, and can still remember it: "Alcala's is kind of a weekend tradition with us . . . there's nothing like the feel of a new pair of boots on the dance floor Saturday night. Alcala's Western Wear! 1733 West Chicago, in CHICAGO!" That was fun.
Simply put, there's no place better in the city to buy cowboy boots. If you're into that sort of footwear. -
Review from Michael E.
Asheville, NC
3/14/2008
Having only purchased one other pair of cowboy boots (over 10 years ago) I had totally forgotten about "what to look for in selecting a new pair."
The folks at Alcala's were great. The sales person was laid back with no pressure and talked through many details about both what I was looking for and how it should fit.
I can only speak for boot selection, but they had made in stock and more in the back and were helpful in letting me try on multiple pairs. I highly recommend them. -
Review from Marco D.
11/4/2009
Drive down Chicago Ave. as the crow flies until you see a white horse.
I try to make it to Alcala's whenever I am back in Chicago for any length of time. I have acquired a substantial collection of western shirts here, and this is where I found my dearly departed lucky number 13 belt buckle. The staff is very friendly and quite knowledgeable. And here is the icing on the cake. If you purchase clothing at Alcala's, they will tailor it for free. They have an in-house tailor! And for the cherry on top of the icing on the cake. They have a free parking lot right across the street!
They also have a giant selection of cowboy boots, levi's, belts & buckles and cowboy hats. And they have discount racks that are a great bargain! I have recommended this place to many friends and will continue to do so. -
Review from Thomas I.
Chicago, IL
4/22/2010
This is an excellent western wear store. Not quite as big as some you'll find west of the Mississippi, but still pretty big, and with a very friendly, knowledgeable (and bilingual) sales staff.
They have an excellent selection of Levi's 501s, including colors that you won't find anywhere else. In fact a salesperson at the Michigan Avenue Levi's store told me that Alcala's gets colored 501s that even the Levi's stores don't get. I've been a 501 man all my adult life, so I love it.
The other thing that people may not realize is they have an in-house tailor. If they've got your waist size but not your exact length, never fear. Just buy a longer length and have 'em tailored--while you wait--for just seven bucks. Can't go wrong. -
Review from John S.
Chicago, IL
11/2/2007
We stopped by for Levi's .. priced at only $29. What a great
selection! Boots too - many styles to choose from. The staff
was helpful, although the line at the register could have moved
faster. Lots of cool places to eat nearby. I would recommend
this as a good store for boots or jeans. -
Review from Gerald H.
South Holland, IL
9/20/2007
My favorite store? OH YEAH! I have to control myself when I go to have my hats blocked because I always end up buying something. Been going for ten years and know the Alcala brothers and the employees well. Enrique is the most important person in this city to us cowboys as he's in charge of hat blocking and cleaning. You hat block style is like your signature and he can hook you up perfectly. He's been doing mine so long he can block a new one for me without seeing an old one. I try to stay away from the boot sale cause I always find at least two pair I want. Need leather repaired or alterations? No problem. When folks ask where I get my hats or boots I just give 'em an Alcala's business card. Did I mention the chaps, saddles and other horse tack? This place has it all if you're totally into western.
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Review from Martha Z.
Chicago, IL
9/6/2007
This is one of my favorite stores around. The personnel is super friendly even if you just want to scope out all of their unusual merchandise. On several occasions the owner has helped us pick stuff out himself. One day he offered my companion and I jobs because he found us to be so cool. My companion likes this place for shirts and wrangler pants, they do free alterations. We both got some awesome boots at a great price during their semi annual sale. They will refurbish your boots for a lifetime, all their shoes have their name stamped inside, so you can bring them in for polishing. Be sure to check out Andre the Giant's cowboy boots on display.
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Review from TOM A.
Hammond, IN
7/27/2006
ONCE AGAIN ,THIS IS ONE OF THE OLD SCHOOL FAVORITES OF MINE . NOT THAT I WANT TO TIME DATE MYSELF . THEY HAVE A GREAT SELECTION OF EVERYTHING . NOW DAYS I WOULD NOT BUY A PAIR OF LEVIS ''UNLESS YOU LIKE THE SEAM TO RUN UP YOUR KNEE CAP WHEN YOU SIT DOWN . THEY OFFER A TAILOR DEPT . WHILE YOU WAIT. HOW CAN YOU LOSE . THE SERVICE IS GREAT NOT PUSHY THEY DO NOT HOUND YOU . IF YOU NEED HELP THERE ON TOP OF THE GAME ,THEN THEY LET YOU BEE .. ANY STORE THAT SELLS BOOTS, JEANS NICE DRESS SHIRTS AND A VIDEO TO LEARN HOW TO USE YOUR SIDE ARM IN A GUN FIGHT IS MY ACE IN THE HOLE ..YUPPIES KEEP IN MIND 20 YEARS AGO YOU WOULD NOT HAVE DREAMED TO WALK IN THIS STORE,,,
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Review from Jenny Ann W.
Chicago, IL
8/14/2009
My home away from home. When I miss Allen's boots, Shepler's, or even the chain of Cavender's boot city, need REAL Wranglers or snappy shirts, I head here then I go get tacos next door. Usually does the job for a Tex-Pat.
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Review from J W.
New York, NY
1/25/2011
If you have a hankering for western wear or just happen to be in the mood for a fun, unique shopping experience, try heading over to Alcala's. From the moment you walk past the giant bucking bronco statue out front through the door, you know this place is serious about its business. A few steps inside, one of the first things you're likely to see is an elaborate selection of all manner of ornate belt buckles that would make any belly proud, with designs ranging from six shooters to confederate flags to skulls and skeletons. Along with offering a massive assortment of cowboy and other boots in all price ranges, this place is a complete emporium of anything and everything you could ever want in the way of western clothing, accessories, and gear. You name, it's here: belts and belt buckles, rows of western shirts and suits, oodles of cowboy hats, saddles, lassos, and spurs. They even have expert hat shapers who will massage your brim to just the exact look and feel you want.
Even better, Alcala's is a local family-owned and operated business and the long-time staff are very friendly and happy to help answer any questions you might have. -
Review from Rachel H.
9/29/2007
Alcala's is THE place for boots. All those Frye boots you saw at Urban Outfitters? They are tons cheaper at Alcala's. They have tons of amazingly gorgeous cowboy boots including adorable boots for babies. I want a cowboy baby! The staff are all really friendly and they have tons of sales and will do tailoring or boot refurbishment for freeeeeee. That's right, FREE. I got some awesome jeans for only $20 and they always have Levi's on sale. Besides, if all of that can't win you over, where else can you see Andre the Giant's equally giant cowboy boots? Only Alcala's.
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Review from Shane H.
Chicago, IL
3/28/2006
YEEEE HAW!!!! *clears throat* This place is a really cool store. If you like the western look that seems to coming back to play lately (i.e. Mother of Pearl snap front shirts, big belt buckle, boot cut jeans, etc) then come here. They are genuine and reasonable. You can get a good looking shirt for a third of the price that you would at one of the "fashion stores". The family that runs it are really helpful and friendly. I needed to return a shirt because it was the wrong size, but had worn it. They wouldn't return it but instead they TAILORED it at no charge to fit me perfectly!!!
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Review from Ryan C.
Detroit, MI
9/15/2008
I'm not a cowboy by any means, but I do have a hard time finding jeans in my size. Apparently Urban Outfitters doesn't stock for pants for shorter dudes. 33/30s are a bitch to come by even when you goto the Levi's store or someplace you should have a wide selection. Alcalas blew every place I have ever been out of the water. I'm mad it took me this long to wander in there. It is right next door and I see that horse statue right out my front window everyday. Very helpful and nice staff as well.
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Review from Lady T.
Chicago, IL
11/22/2009
They say don't ride the white horse, but don't let the one out front scare you away. Alcala is THE place for boots. They'll even clean and repair them for as long as you own them...for free. I picked up a pair of Old Gringos today. This gringa gives it a big thumbs up.
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Review from January C.
Chicago, IL
2/9/2009
When I first moved here I was very curious about this place and why there was a huge western store in the middle of the city. About a year later I finally went in with my friend who was looking for a cowboy hat. I was completely amazed and impressed by the selection of everthing. There are cowboy hats in all price ranges, a great boot selection, and really elaborately detailed western wear. There is a glass case full of spurs and others full of buckles. There is even a decent selection of horse riding equipment. Being from a rural area where a lot of people have horses, this place would fit in. However, since I don't see many cowboys strolling up and down Chicago Ave, this place surprises me a little but I like it!
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Review from Rob K.
Chicago, IL
5/10/2007
Free tailoring and a huge assortment of very affordable jeans in a wide variety of styles and supremely excellent customer service. They also sell belt buckles with scoprions INSIDE THEM. Basically, I'm saying "See you in hell, Levis Store!"
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Review from imran k.
IL
10/2/2008
here's the thing. i've never walked INto alcala's western boots... i've walked past it a ton of times, though.
am i qualified, then, to write this review? why am i giving it, of all numbers, 5 stars?
you know how for some places, the intrigue is better than the actual establishment itself? the outdoor store front, the marquee, the giant horse. everything is so amazing OUTSIDE, that i almost don't want to ruin it by going inside. i mean, who knows maybe the store inside is amazing, everything one can dream of- but i don't want to risk it. you understand.
also, this place is one of a few that gladly gives away their boxes. so if you're moving and need boxes- go here. if you need boots, or any other assortment of western clothing- you should probably REALLY go here. -
Review from Dennis F.
Chicago, IL
8/4/2010
I made my first visit to Alcala's yesterday. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. I definitely recommend them, and I will go back.
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Review from A.S. V.
Chicago, IL
9/30/2005 2 photos
Alcala's is an awesome place for Western wear. For many people, the stuff comes in and out of fashion, but its often common everyday wear for many Latinos. And for good reason -- high quality, sturdy, utilitarian. Denim jeans, jackets, belts, cowboy hats, and of course, cowboy boots. More girls seem to be wearing cowboy boots with skirts lately (I approve) -- check this place out.
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Review from Jane S.
Chicago, IL
7/15/2008
I love Alcala's. The best thing is the genuine and friendly staff. They have a huge selection of cute western shirts and basic jeans, and they do free, fast alterations. Amazing place. Small town service in the city. I LOVE IT!!!
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Review from Patricia L.
Chicago, IL
3/27/2011
I wasn't going to buy more boots today. Honest. I was only going to see if my favorite boots were salvageable. You see, I wear these fabulous Corral Vintage Inlay boots almost daily. I have for over two years. And it shows. But I cant just give up these boots, and the other five pairs of boots I have just don't replace them, so I had to see if they could be fixed.
I walk in, and I was greeted nicely; not too friendly, not too aloof. I asked about boot repair and was directed to another counter. The man there knew what he was talking about, but my faves would need new heels, soles, and a touchup on the toes. It would be $110. The guy was really nice about it, and suggested I see if they had the boots on sale and let me think about it for a while.
Not only did they have the boots, but they were on sale for $192. I'm telling you, that is the LOWEST price I have ever seen on these boots, and I pretty much stalked them for months before I bought. All the boots were on sale, and I know good prices for boots. These were great prices. I walked out with a new pair of replacement boots. This time I won't wait so long for repair. And Alcala's will clean them for free.
In all, Alcala's has GREAT selection, GREAT prices, and GREAT service.
I will be back. But I shouldn't go back. But I will. I have to. I love the boots. -
Review from noel c.
Baltimore, MD
4/4/2009
who knew i'd spend a good half hour milling around in a hardcore cowboy store? it's a fun place with a lot of personality. aside from straight up curiosity, i did have a reason to go to alcala's... i needed wax for my boots to protect them from fierce chicago. i didn't anticipate 40 different types of boot wax, so i had to solicit help from the dude in the cowboy hat. not only was he extremely friendly and helpful, he knew it all! thank you alcala's.
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Review from Kristina S.
Chicago, IL
12/13/2010
I have shopped out West and in the Southwest and Alcala's is as good if not better than most of the stores I have seen. A truly impressive selection of boots for all type of budgets. Richard and the staff at Alcala's are warm, friendly and informative. A great place to check out!
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Review from Tim B.
Chicago, IL
11/1/2010
Ok, I don't wear western clothing and have never been to any other western wear stores, but this place is sweet. Their staff was very helpful. The selection and sizes of men's Levi's is pretty darn good. Got compliments from strangers about my new pair of Levi's the first day I wore them...what the heck, right? Oh, and picked up a pretty sweet leather hat for my Halloween costume.
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Review from Bobby D.
Chicago, IL
7/12/2010
A spectacular local business for western wear & boots. Once a regular TV Repair shop (small east partiton) & Furniture store (later thrift shop) in the 2 buildings (large west partition). Has thrived into a great outfit for western wear. Years ago was just mistaken for just another gaudy small business, But actually eclipsed the transistion very well. Especially with it's trademark horse statue outside the store. Even on the main facility's sign & The Alcala's parking sign.
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Review from Neil R.
Chicago, IL
4/17/2010
WOW!! I don't know what else to say. I've lived on Chicago Ave. for almost two years and go past Alcala's nearly everyday. I always assumed it was full of gaudy western wear and was more spectacle than anything else. Today I finally went in. What a cool place. First off, they do have some gaudy western wear, but put that aside and look around at all the other stuff. Jeans, shirts, hats, belts, just tons of stuff. We wandered over to the boot section. This was the most impressive thing in the store. Their selection of boots is unreal and goes on forever. Now I walked into this place just to look and be able to say I'd been there. Next thing I know I'm being helped by, quite possibly, the best sales person I've ever encountered. His name was Conrad and he was incredibly helpful. He explained what to look for when buying boots, how to get the proper size and fit etc. He was incredibly helpful. So the girlfriend and I walked in just to say we'd seen the place and walked out with three pair of boots between the two of us. Oh, and ladies, lots of Frye boots and the prices were very reasonable.
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Review from k s.
Brooklyn, NY
10/9/2005 2 photos
i understand it isn't kitsch for all folks and that's cool, but chicago avenue is adorned with numerous 10-foot tall horses around alcala's: above the entrance, to announce the parking lot across the street. it's wonderful. when you need a new saddle, this is your place!
