Step Up Your Game with Gameday Boots: Handcrafted Leather Boots Featuring Your Favorite College Team!
Make college game days even better with Gameday Boots. Their boots have classic western style with a bold, team-spirited twist!
Photo: Mariah Thomas
Eddie Brown, owner of Gameday Boots, an official licensee for college-branded western boots, rain boots and accessories, recalled a conversation with Kurtis Mason, the licensing director at Oklahoma State University (OSU). They discussed the potential of western boots, with Mason sharing how they had been a strong category for OSU and how many schools would welcome a fresh boost of the boots in the market. And it’s easy to see why. Cowboy boots aren’t just durable and comfortable—they’re a symbol of courage, freedom and strength. This conversation led Mason to introduce Brown to Steve Greenberg, the then-owner of Gameday Boots, and suggest that Brown consider buying the company. With the help of his wife and her friend (whose children consider Greenberg their godfather), Brown successfully completed the sale, continuing Greenberg’s tradition of combining traditional cowboy boots with college team logos.
Photo: Mariah Thomas
Featuring more than 25 college teams, including the University of Nevada, Baylor University, Alabama Crimson Tide and Rice University (plus USA Wrestling, too), Gameday Boots offers a wide variety of footwear—from classic western boots and ivory western styles to rain boots and specialty boots for men. The best part? You don’t have to be on the team to rep these stylish leather boots. I found myself rocking the University of Mississippi Ivory Western Boots, drawn to the boldness of the ivory shade and the colorful accents on the front, back and sides, including “Hotty Toddy,” “Ole Miss” and “Rebels.” The neutral tone made them versatile for any outfit, and after just one day, I was getting compliments from strangers on the street.
"I want our customers to feel pride in their school and to show that passion in more than just a game-day t-shirt," Brown tells Internationista. "A fine western boot is a statement. A boot that celebrates the university you love is a declaration of passion that can't be missed."
But what makes Gameday Boots truly special isn’t just the stylish way they allow you to rep your favorite school (or even a school you just admire). They’re made with quality and care, especially since Brown is deeply committed to listening to the needs of their market. "We start by doing a lot of listening—to our retailers, target consumers, factory teams and university partners—before we even begin designing a boot,” he says. “Our goal is to create high-quality boots using premium materials, crafted in the boot-making traditions of León, Mexico. We put great effort into understanding the history and culture of the universities we work with, incorporating authentic insights into every design. According to Brown, everything is crafted with the wearer in mind, from the logo selection to even the unique messages inside each boot.
What’s more, Gameday Boots’ expansion into rain boots gives the brand even more appeal. "We asked ourselves, 'What does someone who loves western boots wear to a rainy event?'" says Brown. "The answer was often still western boots! But we wanted to offer an option that provides comfort even in bad weather." Enter their collection of water-resistant rubber rain boots—available in 10 vibrant styles, many featuring playful polka dots alongside college team logos, from the University of Wyoming to the University of Alabama.
According to Brown, “The colors are true and the shapes are authentic. Wherever we can build in additional, relevant elements of discovery that will delight our customers, we always strive to do so.” And as time goes on, the mission to make great products that inspire fans of their University partners continues.
“We will continue to celebrate history, culture, and team passion, listen to our consumers and delight them with products that connect on an emotional level,” Brown says.
So, head over to their website, pick your college team and get ready to rock Gameday Boots—whether you're cheering at a college game or turning heads on the streets of NYC and beyond!
"They have been huge supporters of my new team and I, as they are deeply passionate about the brand they created, and want to help ensure its future success," Brown tells Internationista.
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