No. 1

The No. 1 is handcrafted in Guanajuato, Mexico, using traditional construction methods including Goodyear welt construction on the front half, vegetable-tanned leather soles, and lemonwood pegs. The boot utilizes heritage cowhide leather sourced from retired dairy cattle, providing durability while supporting the company's sustainability initiatives. Available in Magic Black, Brushed Brown, and Roughout finishes, the No. 1 is designed to pair with both pressed jeans and formal attire.

The No. 1 employs traditional cowboy boot construction methods combined with high-quality materials selected for durability and comfort.

The leather insole is constructed using brass tacks and lemonwood pegs, a traditional method that allows the boot to flex with natural foot movement. Goodyear welt construction is applied to the front half of the boot, providing durability while maintaining flexibility. The outsoles and midsoles are made from 10-11 iron center-cut vegetable-tanned leather, offering substantial thickness and longevity. Each boot contains two rows of lemonwood pegs and six brass nails securing the sole construction. A steel shank is placed between the insole and outsole to provide arch support.

The lemonwood pegs serve a functional purpose beyond traditional aesthetics, as they expand and contract with moisture at the same rate as the leather, maintaining structural integrity across varying conditions. The heel counter is constructed from vegetable-tanned leather rather than synthetic fiberboard alternatives used in many modern boots.

The upper is made from heritage cowhide leather, which measures thicker than the juvenile leathers commonly used in cowboy boot production. This material undergoes a proprietary softening process developed by Chisos, rendering it supple while maintaining the durability characteristics of mature cowhide. The boot features full soft leather lining throughout the interior and includes a removable high-density foam footbed designed for all-day comfort.

The No. 1 is distinguished by embroidered artwork that reflects the company's Texas heritage. The embroidery depicts the sun rising over the Chisos Mountains, the geographic feature in Big Bend National Park from which the company derives its name. The design includes both the sun and stars over the mountain range, creating a distinctive visual signature that identifies the boot as the company's founding model.

A red heel stripe completes the aesthetic design, serving as a signature element carried across Chisos boot models. The No. 1 features a medium round toe profile, considered the classic horseman's boot shape in the company's lineup. This toe design differentiates it from the No. 2 model's square toe configuration while maintaining versatility for various dress contexts.

The No. 1 fits true to US shoe sizing standards. The company recommends selecting the same size worn in other leather footwear or a half size smaller than athletic shoe sizing. The boot is designed with a snug initial fit that allows for natural leather stretching during the break-in period.

The removable high-density foam footbed provides cushioning and can be extracted if the boots feel too snug initially. The full leather lining molds to the foot shape over time, contributing to improved comfort with extended wear. The heritage cowhide leather is treated to be soft from initial wear, reducing the break-in period typically associated with traditional cowboy boots.

Proper maintenance extends the service life of the No. 1 and preserves its appearance. Regular cleaning with a soft brush or damp cloth removes surface dirt and dust. Leather conditioner should be applied every three to six months to maintain the heritage cowhide's suppleness and prevent drying or cracking.

The vegetable-tanned leather soles benefit from allowing the boots to rest between wears, permitting complete drying of absorbed moisture. If the boots become wet, they should be air dried naturally away from direct heat sources to prevent leather damage.

The Goodyear welt construction on the front half enables professional resoling when the outsoles show wear. Qualified cobblers familiar with cowboy boot construction can replace worn soles while preserving the upper leather and overall boot structure, significantly extending the boot's lifespan beyond typical cemented construction footwear.