In regards to padding, you shouldn't base what you use as padding on what other people buy, rather try a number of products and decide which one feels best and what you think will perform. In the past I have used RugbyTech shoulder pads and Canterbury. Both are great. Canterbury tends to be more expensive but with that, comes a unique design and assurance of quality. If I were you, I'd try as many on as I could.
In terms of boots in Texas, the best bet would be for you to actually go to the sports stores and look. Surely you know where there are sports stores?
Good luck
(remember...when it comes to purchasing things, all you can do is search and try things on).