Cavender's was founded in 1965, in the quiet Texas town of Pittsburg. James and Patricia “Pat” Cavender were entrepreneurs who dabbled in several business ventures. James had a remarkable combination of sharp wit, boundless energy, and an exceptional drive to work… hard. He eventually found the perfect business venture for his skills, personality, and experience—providing customers with a quality product at a fair price. Honoring his Western roots, James felt it was only natural that cowboy boots should be his first and primary product. Cavender's started with 3 styles of Tony Lama boots. They sold well, so James bought more. This marked a major milestone in the humble beginnings of a family company that would go on to sell millions of boots and become one of the most trusted names in authentic Western wear.
Additional highlights in Cavender’s timeline of success include:
Buying (and reselling, of course) a cattle trailer load of boots from a manufacturer going out of business in the 1970s
Riding the high of the Urban Cowboy craze in the 1980s, surviving—and in fact thriving—in its decline
Partnering with iconic Western brands such as Wrangler and Justin
Cavender's has always had a knack for being in the right place at the right time. But more than that, it has stayed true to its 60-year commitment to customers by delivering the best products at affordable prices for the entire family - mom, dad and children! And as much as growth is a central part of Cavender's, the people running it still acknowledge their dedication to the Western lifestyle. Every Cavender’s store proudly displays vintage photos of the Cavender family and their cattle ranches.
By upholding James’s legacy of superior quality and customer service, Cavender’s has earned recognition as the nation’s top retailer from prestigious brands like Lucchese, Justin, Tony Lama, Laredo, Nocona, Rocky Mountain, and Wrangler. In 2019, the Cavender Family was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Customer satisfaction is the heart of Cavender's, and quality boots are its roots—we’re continuously seeking the best in design, style, and authentic Western craftsmanship for our customers. Spreading love for the Western lifestyle far and wide remains a top priority. You can always expect to find what you need at Cavender’s from friendly and knowledgeable folks who are happy to offer a helping hand—because This is How We Live.