Chisos
Frequently Asked Questions
Austin, Texas! Will was born at ‘ol Seton Hospital back in the day and it’s pretty much a dream to be running a cowboy boot company in the capital city of Texas.
Do you have a store I can visit?
Yes, we do! The Chisos Headquarters is located in Austin, Texas. We recommend checking our Google Maps listing for the latest hours before you drive over. Give us a shout if you have any questions or special requests at 512-866-7222!
Chisos Boot Company
3507 S 1st St
Austin, TX 78704
Where does the name “Chisos” come from?
Glad you asked. The Chisos Mountains are located in Big Bend National Park in Far West Texas. They are one of Texas’ most unique and profound landmarks. It was out in West Texas that the idea first came to Will to try and make a damn comfortable cowboy boot. The name "Chisos" is believed to mean either “enchantment” or “spirit.” Both seem quite appropriate to us.
You say “Do Right, Love Texas®” a lot. What does that mean?
Do Right, Love Texas® is indeed something we say a lot. It’s kind of a motto, kind of a slogan, but is definitely the frame through which we operate the business. We believe that running a business is more than just about making a living; it comes with the responsibility to be a positive influence on your community. We aspire to build a company that embodies the principles of the Texas spirit: friendship to others, pride of craftsmanship, and stewardship of the land. That's the type of company we’ve always wanted to work for.
Do Right, Love Texas® is a registered trademark of the Chisos Boot Company.
Do you offer a military discount?
We don't offer a true discount, but we would love to add a gift into your order as a thank you for your service! Call or email us and we will be happy to take care of you.
What makes Chisos boots different from big factory brands?
Chisos is a true small business. We’re not a corporate entity. We’re not backed by millions of investment dollars. And that means we have different priorities. We don’t make thousands of boots a month, we make small batches when we sell enough to afford to make more. We value pride of craftsmanship. And we’re pretty adamant about not cutting corners just to make an extra buck.
Chisos boots are hand-lasted (not pulled on mechanized contraptions). We carve the channel welt directly into our leather insoles (not using canvas gemming like 95% of other bootmakers). We use 10-11 iron center cut leather for our outsoles and similar strong leather for our heel counters (don’t let others claim they have a full leather heel counter when they don’t). We developed our own leathers that are tougher and yet softer (and don’t require harvesting baby calves).
All of this results in a cowboy boot with generational durability. Chisos may look nice, but they’re meant to be used. So beat the hell out of ‘em. They can take it.
What is a channel welt and why is it better?
Goodyear Welting is the method we use to attach the parts of the boot together (vamp, leather insole, outsole) and it’s been around since the second half of the 19th century. Cowboy boots made in this manner are long-lasting and remarkably easy to repair. Traditionally it involves cutting a channel directly into the leather insole and using this to sew the welt to.
But things changed in the 1950’s when factories looked for ways to cut costs. They invented gemming, a canvas ribbing used in place of that channel. It’s faster and cheaper and more than 95% of all Goodyear Welted footwear is now made this way. However, that canvas creates an inlet for moisture and adds a point of failure. It weakens over time, shortening the life of the boot by reducing the number of times it can be resoled. It’s a departure from craftsmanship.
Chisos boots are made using the traditional channel welt method. The welt is stitched directly to the leather insole. We use a hand-cranked tool to carve a channel into the leather insole (we use triple-thick insoles to achieve this compared to the gemming method). This eliminates that point of failure caused by a secondary attachment point.
The way we do it at Chisos is difficult and labour intensive, but we believe it to be the best way. As the good book says, thou shalt not cut corners.
What’s so different about your heritage leathers?
The full-grain leather used for the exterior of Chisos boots is sourced from retired dairy cattle destined for greener pastures or for the meatpacking industry. Most cowboy boots are made from calfskin, which, unbelievably, yields only one or two boots per calf (versus ten for an adult hide). As a company committed to conservation, we wanted a more sustainable—and durable—leather source, so we established a process with our tannery to render those dairy cowhides more supple than even calfskin. The resulting leather feels broken-in when your boots arrive, is significantly more durable, and is soft as hell.
How is your insole more comfortable than other cowboy boots?
Cowboy boot insoles are typically lined with a thin piece of leather and not a whole lot of cushion. They can actually cause harm to your body if worn for long periods of time. What sets Chisos apart from other brands that promise comfort is rigorous field testing—aka Will being tired of his back hurting and deciding to fix it. Our boots come with removable, leather-topped, triple-density comfort insoles that provide ready-to-wear ergonomics that will continue to conform to your feet over time. The insoles are made from two layers of semi-organic polymer, which work to cushion the entire foot, as well as provide arch support and all-day rebound while standing and walking. The entire thing is topped with our cactus-fruit-colored leather lining, ensuring the durability and natural antimicrobial properties of leather. And it looks like a cowboy boot, not a tennis shoe, when you look inside your boot.
Is the insole removable? What if I have custom orthotic inserts?
Yes, the insole is removable! If you have custom orthopedic inserts, you can replace the Chisos insoles with your custom ones. Customers with plantar fasciitis have reported that thanks to the Chisos insoles, they are able to wear cowboy boots again for the first time in years.
Do you have a full leather heel counter?
Yes, absolutely. We’d be embarrassed not to. Our heel counters are the same type of tough leather used in outsoles. This is very important, as the heel counter is a key structural focal point of the boot. Cheaper, factory-made boots often use merely some celastic or, God-forbid, plastic as their heel counter. Then they cover it with a thin piece of “genuine leather” and call it a leather heel counter. Don’t be fooled. Those will at best provide poor support and at worst crack and wear out in a few year’s time, thus rendering the boot useless. Full leather heel counters should last a generation.
Yes, we do. Cork footbeds are traditionally added for comfort, molding over time to your foot. We have 11mm of comfort insole on top of the leather midsole that covers the cork footbed. You’ll probably never need that cork, but if for some reason you decide to wear your Chisos without the comfort insole, the cork will be there ready to support you.
Each boot has two rows of lemonwood pegs and six brass nails. Lemonwood pegs have a long history in boot construction. The lemonwood pegs are inserted by hand with a special hammer and the one-two rhythm of the bootmaker driving each one into the sole. Lemonwood expands and contracts at the same rate as the leather sole when exposed to moisture, ensuring a tight fit.
Nestled in the gorgeous state of Guanajuato, the same family-run workshop that mentored Will is the one we still work with today. Everything is done in-house, from the channel welt to the hand-lasting to the heel shaping and finishing. We’re down there about once a month, collaborating on new ideas and brushing up on our skills. Positive, safe working conditions and fair compensation are afforded each worker. The lowest apprentice pay is more than twice the region's living wage and all roles receive state pension contributions and health care benefits.
How long will Chisos boots last?
Your Chisos boots will last decades with appropriate attention. The vamp (leather surrounding the foot) and leather shaft require only minimal care. Condition this leather about once every three months. Store in a cool, dry location and take a day off between heavy uses to allow the insides to properly dry.
The leather soles of your boots are designed to wear out and be replaced, much like the brakes on your pickup truck. Your mileage will vary depending on conditions of use, your weight, and your walking style. Avoid repeated exposure to water and excess moisture. When needed, a cobbler can perform a full resole and heel replacement.
To extend the life of new soles, have a cobbler apply a rubber sole saver upon receipt. No matter what, physics is going to win against leather soles and stitching. To slow the process, a cobbler can add some rubber to mitigate.
What size am I in cowboy boots?
Our boots fit true to size, but they may vary compared to any brands you have worn in the past! For most folks, you will wear the same size you wear most commonly in your other footwear, whether they are dress shoes, sneakers, or other leather boots. If you vary between sizes, go with the larger of the two.
Take a look at our video guide for how to size your cowboy boots! And remember, exchanges are always free in case you want to try a different size.
When I try the boots on, how do I know I’ve got the correct size?
Feel free to check our fit guide and sizing video! As you first pull on your boots, they may feel tight until your heel slips fully into position with a satisfying "thump." The leather should feel snug around the widest part of your foot and on top of your arch, but not painful. This area will stretch with wear. Your toes should fit comfortably. If your toes are cramped, considering going up a half size. It is normal for your heel to slip up to a half inch at first. Over time, the leather heel counter will conform to your heel shape and this slippage will reduce. Ultimately, personal preference rules the day.
What if I ordered the wrong size?
We offer free exchanges and are happy to help you find the right size! Just go to www.chisos.com/returns and you will be walked through the return/exchange process, and a shipping label will be generated for you.
If you need any help finding the right size, email howdy@chisos.com or give us a call 512-866-7222
I have wide or narrow feet, what size should I order?
For wide feet, we recommend going up a half size. Each half size is only 4mm longer and you get the extra width. So, if you typically wear a 10EE then you would order a 10.5D.
For narrow feet, the recommendation really comes down to the length of your foot. Going down a half size only shortens the boot by 4mm, but brings in the width. Combining this with a thick pair of socks usually does the trick.
Shipping, Exchanges and Returns
DOMESTIC SHIPPING
We provide discounted shipping from Austin, TX via a variety of couriers. United States and Armed Services addresses are supported by the US Postal Service.
EXPEDITED SHIPPING
Enhanced shipping is available to the lower 48 United States for an additional fee.
INTERNATIONAL
Global shipping is offered on all Cowhide Boots. Customers are responsible for all shipping, customs, and related import fees as applicable per their host country, and these fees will be calculated when you input your address at checkout.
Where do y’all ship to? Do you ship international?
We ship anywhere in Texas, the United States and to active military bases.
We also ship Cowhide boots internationally! We are currently unable to ship Exotic boots internationally due to USFWS regulations. International customers are responsible for all shipping, customs, and related import fees as applicable per their host country, and tese fees will be calculated when you input your address at checkout!
We are happy to accept returns on international orders (assuming the soles are not scuffed and the boots are like-new). However, we are unfortunately unable to refund duties (since we do not control them) nor pay for the international shipping rates.
We're happy to exchange like-new boots(no scuffs or scratches on the soles) free of charge on domestic USA orders. For non-domestic or international orders, the customer is responsible for all shipping and transit costs both inbound and outbound.
To initiate an exchange or a refund, please utilize the Chisos Returns Portal. Give us a shout at howdy@chisos.com or 512-866-7222 if you have any questions!
Like-new items (no scuffs or scratches on the soles of the boots) are eligible for refund within 30 days of the purchase date. The cost of the return label will be deducted from your refunded total.
But we do cover all the costs of exchanges!
We fulfill and ship orders everyday Monday through Friday! Orders placed before 2pm Central will ship on the same business day, and orders placed after 2pm Central will ship on the following business day.
We will send you an email with a tracking number to follow along with their progress as soon as we have packed up your order!
Reach out to us for any specific shipping/tracking updates 512-866-7222 or howdy@chisos.com
What is Shop Pay Installments and why buy using their payment plans?
When checking out with Shop Pay, you now have the option to pay over time. Paying in installments on Shop Pay allows you to split your purchase amount into flexible installment payments. Your first payment is due when you make your purchase. A debit card is required.
Rates from 0% APR or 10-36% APR. Payment options through Shop Pay Installments are subject to an eligibility check and are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders. Options depend on your purchase amount, and a down payment may be required. State notices to consumers https://www.affirm.com/licenses.
May I return or exchange an item purchased using a payment plan?
Yes, you may return or exchange your Chisos items purchased using one of the third party payment options. Simply reach out to us at howdy@chisos.com to start the process. Your selected payment provider will be notified of your return and will process the appropriate refunds. Please do not return your purchase to the payment plan provider.
If you believe there is fault or concern with your third party purchase payment, please contact their customer support directly.
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