Big Tex To Receive New Custom Boots

Winner Chosen for 2026 Big Tex Boot Design Contest

Big Tex is ready to announce which design he will be sporting on his Lucchese Bootmaker boots at the State Fair of Texas this fall. The winner of the 2026 Big Tex Boot Design Contest is Aaliyah McNeal, a proud Texas native who grew up around the corner from Fair Park and would attend the Fair year after year with her family, creating cherished memories that have lasted a lifetime. Now 31 and residing in Suwanee, Georgia, she says her design is just as symbolic as it is fashionable, blending the classic Texas icons you know and love with meaningful elements that pay homage to the Fair itself.

“Key Texas symbols come together to create the embellishments at the heart of my design. From a distance, sweeping patterns mimic the rich textures of genuine leather, accented by pops of red and blue in honor of the Texas flag. Up close, you’re met with Texas-sized icons that immediately draw the eye, including a longhorn, bluebonnets, pecan trees, prickly pears, and even the iconic 212-foot-tall Texas Star Ferris Wheel,” said McNeal.

Aaliyah McNeal, winner of the 2026 Lucchese boot design contest

The Big Tex Boot Design Contest gave fairgoers the chance to design the biggest, most iconic pair of boots in the Lone Star State. Receiving nearly 450 entries, competing artists ranged in age, with Fair fans from coast to coast submitting their best illustrations, hoping to earn a finalist spot. A panel of judges then narrowed the pool of nearly 450 unique designs down to just five finalists. Each finalist was judged by the State Fair and Lucchese based on the creativity of the design, representation of Texas pride, and design for Big Tex.

“The response to this year’s Big Tex Boot Design Contest was incredible, and we’re grateful to every Fair fan who shared their creativity with us. As the Most Texan Place on Earth, we are thrilled to work with Aaliyah McNeal and Lucchese on these boots for Big Tex that celebrate so many beloved symbols of the Lone Star State and the timeless cowboy spirit,” said Jennifer Schuder, Senior Vice President of Customer Engagement.

As the first-place winner, McNeal receives the opportunity to work with the State Fair of Texas and Lucchese Bootmaker to put the finishing touches on her boot design.

“It was an honor to have Lucchese employees help select this design, as Aaliyah McNeal’s concept reflects symbols that generations of Texans recognize and respect. As a Texas-born brand, we’re always inspired by designs that celebrate the culture and identity of Texas. We’re proud to partner with the State Fair of Texas to transform her vision into a handcrafted pair of boots,” says Doug Kindy, President of Lucchese.

You can check out Aaliyah McNeal’s winning design at BigTex.com/DesignMyBoots. And be sure to stop by Big Tex on your annual trip to the Fair this fall to see her design come to life on his size 96 pair of boots. The 2026 State Fair of Texas runs from September 25 through October 18 in Fair Park.