Chisos Boot Company
MakerAbout
Chisos Boot Company is an American cowboy boot manufacturer founded in 2019 in Austin, Texas. Named after the Chisos Mountains in Far West Texas, the company combines traditional bootmaking craftsmanship with modern sustainability practices. Founded by Will Roman, Chisos has distinguished itself by creating high-quality cowboy boots using ethical leather sourcing and supporting Texas land conservation efforts.
About
Chisos Boot Company is an American cowboy boot manufacturer founded in 2019 in Austin, Texas. Named after the Chisos Mountains in Far West Texas, the company combines traditional bootmaking craftsmanship with modern sustainability practices. Founded by Will Roman, Chisos has distinguished itself by creating high-quality cowboy boots using ethical leather sourcing and supporting Texas land conservation efforts.
Chisos boots are handcrafted in a family-operated workshop in Guanajuato, Mexico, using traditional construction methods including hand-channel-welt, stacked leather heels, steel shanks, and lemonwood pegs. The company embodies principles of the Texas spirit through friendship, pride of craftsmanship, and stewardship of the land.
History and Development
Chisos Boot Company was established in 2019 by Will Roman, a University of Texas graduate from Austin. Roman learned bootmaking by spending several months in León, Mexico, where he worked with local artisans to study the craft and production methods used in the region. This immersive education in traditional bootmaking techniques formed the foundation for Chisos's approach to quality and craftsmanship.
The company name derives from the Chisos Mountains located in Far West Texas, reflecting the brand's connection to the Texas landscape and heritage. From the beginning, Chisos differentiated itself in the cowboy boot market by combining exceptional craftsmanship with sustainable practices and commitment to land conservation.
Chisos boots are manufactured in a family-operated workshop in Guanajuato, Mexico, where skilled artisans manage every step of the production process, including channel welting, hand-lasting, heel shaping, and final finishing. This partnership allows Chisos to maintain traditional construction methods while ensuring consistent quality and attention to detail.
Sustainability and Conservation
Chisos has integrated sustainability into its core business model, implementing practices that reduce environmental impact while supporting conservation efforts.
Sustainable Leather Sourcing:
Uses leather from retired dairy cows rather than requiring new animals
Each adult hide yields up to five pairs of boots, compared to one or two pairs from calfskin used by most cowboy boot manufacturers
Full-grain leather sourced from retired dairy cattle provides superior durability while reducing waste
Environmental Manufacturing:
Employs lead-free tanning processes
Focuses on building boots designed to last decades rather than mass-produced disposable footwear
Conscious manufacturing practices minimize environmental impact
Conservation Commitment:
Pledged to donate at least 1% of revenue to Texas land conservation
Exceeded this commitment by donating over 11% of revenue in 2019
Partners with conservation organizations to support Texas wildlife and natural habitats
This commitment to sustainability distinguishes Chisos in an industry often dominated by conventional manufacturing practices.
Design and Construction
Chisos boots employ traditional construction methods that reflect centuries-old bootmaking techniques, combined with careful material selection for durability and comfort.
Construction Features:
Hand-Channel-Welt: Traditional front half Goodyear welt construction provides durability and flexibility
Leather Sole System: Leather insole secured with brass tacks and lemonwood pegs, with leather midsole and outsole
Stacked Leather Heel: Traditional heel construction using stacked leather layers
Steel Shank: Provides arch support and structural integrity
Leather Heel Counter: Traditional leather counter rather than modern synthetic alternatives
Full Leather Construction: Leather used throughout, including insole, midsole, and outsole
Material Quality:
Heritage Cowhide leather measuring 1.7mm thick for outer layer and 1.2mm for lining, exceeding industry standards
Full soft leather lining throughout the boot
High-density foam footbed for immediate comfort
Proprietary tanning process renders heritage cowhides uniquely soft while maintaining durability
The construction methods and material choices result in boots priced at approximately $545, offering exceptional value compared to similarly constructed boots from established brands that can cost 20-30% more.
Available Models
Chisos offers several boot models, each featuring the same high-quality construction and materials while varying in toe shape and styling to suit different preferences.
Chisos No. 1:
Classic medium round toe shape
Considered the classic horseman's boot in the collection
Features elegant embroidery showcasing the sun rising over the Chisos Mountains
11-inch shaft height
1⅝-inch heel
Available in multiple leather options including full-grain cowhide and exotic leathers
Chisos No. 2:
Refined square toe design
11-inch shaft height
1⅝-inch heel
Traditional cowboy boot styling
Available in heritage cowhide and exotic leather options
Additional Models:
Various toe shapes and shaft heights to accommodate different preferences
Exotic leather options including ostrich and other premium materials
Both men's and women's sizing available
All models share the same sole construction featuring brass tacks, lemonwood pegs, and Goodyear welt on the front half, ensuring consistent quality across the entire lineup.
Sizing and Fit
Chisos boots fit true to US shoe sizing standards, generally matching the same size worn in other leather footwear or a half size smaller than athletic shoes.
Fit Guidelines:
True to Size: Follow US shoe sizing standards for leather footwear
"Firm Handshake" Fit: Boots should feel snug but not uncomfortably tight across the top of the foot
Stretching Allowance: Upper leather will stretch up to a quarter size with wear
Sizing Recommendation: When uncertain, err on the side of tight rather than loose
Break-in Period: Heritage cowhide is treated to be soft from the start, minimizing break-in requirements
Comfort Features:
High-density foam footbed provides immediate cushioning
Full leather lining molds to foot shape over time
Thick heritage cowhide is uniquely soft while maintaining durability
Traditional construction allows natural foot movement
Chisos provides detailed fit guidance and customer support to ensure proper sizing, and many customers report exceptional comfort immediately upon first wear.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care extends the life of Chisos boots and maintains their appearance. The high-quality leather and traditional construction respond well to regular maintenance.
Regular Maintenance:
Cleaning: Remove dust and dirt with soft brush or damp cloth
Conditioning: Apply leather conditioner every 3-6 months to maintain suppleness
Storage: Store upright with boot trees or shapers to maintain form
Drying: Air dry naturally away from direct heat if boots become wet
Rotation: Allow boots to rest between wears for complete drying
Leather Care:
Use high-quality leather conditioner appropriate for full-grain leather
Apply conditioner sparingly and buff to desired shine
For exotic leathers, use products specifically designed for those materials
Regular conditioning prevents drying and cracking
Sole Maintenance:
The Goodyear welt construction on the front half and traditional sole attachment allows for professional resoling when needed, extending the boot's lifespan significantly. Qualified cobblers familiar with cowboy boot construction can replace worn soles while preserving the upper leather and overall boot structure.
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