Got The Boot

Fashion-forward Western shoe designer wrangles first San Antonio store

Faux crocodile shoes by Freebird, coming to San Antonio.

Freebird, a Denver brand, sticks to Western styles but seems to have few reservations about spicing things up with unique silhouettes.

Photo courtesy of Freebird

UPDATE: The store is open to shoppers now, but an event marking the official opening takes place on September 29 from 4-7 pm.

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No matter the convenience of browsing at a department store, true footwear luxury is strolling into that name brand shoe store that just sells what it’s really good at. Freebird, a Denver company specializing in modern but rustic handmade boots, has opened its first San Antonio store at The Shops at La Cantera, with an official opening event on September 29.

The styles — all leather — come almost exclusively in neutrals, except for rich red faux snake skins and earthy stains. For cowgirls (and to a mellower extent cowboys), motorcyclists, and even swashbucklers, the silhouettes of these boots jump out where the colors blend in, making for statement pieces that shouldn’t be hard to work into most outfits.

San Antonians may especially appreciate a Western boot with a tall, slim profile, and a shorter price tag than traditional high-end makers ($275). Or, bucking tradition entirely, one strappy style laces up in the back, accommodating wide calves and leaving unique cutouts; some styles feature windows along the sides, while others reinvent staple shapes with tons of leather and metal embellishments.

Although most of these boots are not necessarily ready for trail rides or desert treks, Freebird emphasizes that they're made using Goodyear welt construction, a method known for its durability that still allows for machine sewing.

Freebird currently operates ten shops including the new San Antonio location and another recent addition in Las Vegas. It is still mostly a Western brand with multiple locations in Colorado and Utah, making the homegrown creativity even more interesting.

The San Antonio location celebrates its opening on Wednesday, September 29 from 4-7 pm. To see the collection, visit 15900 La Cantera Parkway or freebirdstores.com.

cute on wheels

Hello Kitty Cafe makes stop in San Antonio on 50th anniversary tour

Photo courtesy of Sanrio

The merch and cafe truck has a new lineup of 50th anniversary treats and collectibles.

Hello, San Antonio! A famous kitty and her friends have drawn crowds when visiting in the Hello Kitty Cafe truck, and they're about to be back again. The truck will be at North Star Mall on Saturday, October 26, with snacks and merch for Sanrio lovers of all ages.

This tour celebrates the franchise's 50th anniversary items, and a handful have the number 50 proudly emblazoned, whether it's something to wear or something to eat. The truck stopped by in April, and it's back again on the same tour.

New items for this tour include an Iridescent tote bag (good for festivals and concerts); a new keychain, pin, and patches; a three-piece cookie set with pastel designs in royal icing; and a "giant" cookie depicting Chef Kitty. The centerpiece of the new items is a T-shirt featuring Chef Kitty, a donut, and a teacup, all seemingly made out of glass and containing a pink punch or tea.

Hello Kitty 50th anniversary merch The 50th anniversary merch.Photo courtesy of Sanrio

Some of the merch from past visits will be available, including a bright pink tote bag with rainbow straps and desserts decorating the front, an assortment of Hello Kitty baked goods, and a transparent coffee mug with sprinkles in the handle and different desserts printed on the glass body.

Visitors can also order a box of rainbow macarons with sugar bows, and a branded box of simple Madeleines. Folks who want to diversify after the Stanley craze can also pick up a colorful stainless steel thermal bottle.

Hello Kitty sprinkle mug This mug would go great with hot chocolate.Photo courtesy of Sanrio

Anyone who wants to play with Hello Kitty and her friends on Saturday should arrive early, as lines in the past have been very long. Some items may sell out. The truck will be at the parking lot on the corner of the 410 access road and McCullough from 10 am to 7 pm. Note that the Instagram account lists October dates (which match a recent press release), while the tour site starts its list in November.

This article was originally published April 10, 2024, and has been updated October 25 to reflect the truck's new dates.

hello kitty desserts kids families