Cowboy Boots Cut in Half: What’s Inside a Chisos

We sawed our best selling boot in half

We built the best mix of comfort and durability you’ll find in a cowboy boot. Now you can see for yourself.

“Chisos are the highest quality cowboy boots we’ve ever cut in half.”

Weston Kay, Leatherworker & Rose Anvil Founder Scroll to see inside

Comfort all day

“The most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn” shows up constantly in reviews. On top, our battle-tested comfort insole. Underneath, a thick leather slab that molds to you more and more with each wear.

Built to be rebuilt

One customer called ’em “overbuilt to last a lifetime.” Each Chisos starts with a proprietary conformed steel shank, super thick veg-tanned heel counter and a proper leather channel welt.

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1Double leather heel counter
2Structural leather insole
311-iron leather sole
4Leather channel welt
5Comfort insole, removable
6Stacked leather heel
7Leather toe box
8Conformed steel shank
9Lemonwood pegs and brass nails
10Soft-hand cowhide lining

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18mm of veg-tan leather

Double leather heel counter

Two 4mm layers of vegetable-tanned leather wrap the back of your heel. The heel counter holds the shape of the boot, and because it’s leather it slowly conforms to your heel. The tradeoff is a firmer boot on day one.

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2The foundation under the cushion

Structural leather insole

Under the comfort insole is a second insole: extra-thick vegetable-tanned leather. The welt is stitched into it and the whole boot is built on it. Over time it takes an impression of your foot, which is a big part of why Chisos get more comfortable the longer you wear them.

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3Center-cut and replaceable

11-iron leather sole

A thick, center-cut vegetable-tanned leather sole. It softens and flexes as you wear it, it’s good for dancing and it can be replaced. Leather wears sooner than rubber. We think the feel is worth it.

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4Leather stitched to leather

Leather channel welt

A channel is carved into the leather insole, peeled back and stitched straight through, leather to leather. It takes more time and skill, and few makers still do it. It keeps water out better than a canvas strip, and it lets a good cobbler resole your boots.

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511mm of cushion that lifts out

Comfort insole, removable

A leather top, two cushioning layers and impact-dissipating gel at the heel and ball, right where every step lands. It’s the first thing your foot feels and the part owners mention most in their reviews. The whole insert lifts out, so you can air your boots overnight and replace it when it’s worn.

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6Layers of leather, not wood

Stacked leather heel

The heel is built up from layers of leather and nailed together from the inside. It’s the traditional way, and a cobbler can service it.

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7Keeps the toe in shape

Leather toe box

A vegetable-tanned leather toe box inside the tip holds the shape of the toe through years of wear.

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818-gauge steel under your arch

Conformed steel shank

An 18-gauge steel shank, shaped to the boot, sits between the insole and the sole. It supports your arch and keeps the middle of the boot from collapsing. Steel, not plastic.

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9We use both

Lemonwood pegs and brass nails

Lemonwood pegs swell and shrink with the leather, which helps keep moisture out. Brass nails bend into a hook as they’re driven, which holds the sole tight. Each does something the other can’t, so we use both.

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10Fully lined in cowhide

Soft-hand cowhide lining

Inside, the boot is fully lined in soft-hand cowhide, smooth against your foot and sock. Outside, the uppers are retired dairy cow leather, thicker and stronger than calfskin and softened so they feel broken in when they arrive.

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Cushion

The comfort insole

What it isA leather top over two cushioning layers, with gel at the heel and ball.

What it doesCushions every step and pushes back instead of flattening out.

Over timeTakes the shape of your foot, and lifts out to replace when it’s worn.

Foundation

The leather insole

What it isExtra-thick vegetable-tanned leather, the way boots were built 40 or 50 years ago.

What it doesHolds the boot together. The welt is stitched into it and the whole boot is built on it.

Over timeTakes an impression of your foot, so the boots keep getting more comfortable.

Built around the comfort insole

Drop an insert into a normal boot and it won’t fit. Chisos were designed with our insole from the start, sized to work with it.

As you wear your Chisos, your foot presses its shape into both insoles. And the boots keep getting more comfortable.

14 hrs

“Straight out of the box, perfect fit… wore them at work all day 14 hrs, no discomfort.”

Simon P. B. · Queens, New York

All day

“Being an educator and on my feet all day these boots have the best support… the insole is amazing.”

Jorge A. · Dallas, Texas

Until bed

“I find myself reaching for these in the morning and end up leaving them on until bed time. Literally all day comfortable.”

LaMarr W. · Collegeville, Pennsylvania

From an ICU doctor

“I’m an ICU doc with high arches and I’m on my feet all day… I work days, nights, weekends, sometimes 60 hours a week and 24 hours at at time… These Chisos No. 2’s in brushed brown are without a doubt the most comfortable footwear I have ever worn.”

Michael N. · Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Our Best Selling Boot

Chisos No. 2

Shop the No. 2

Take a closer look

Watch the 4K video

“From the moment I put them on, I could tell these weren’t just ordinary boots, they’re built with real craftsmanship and attention to detail… I can wear them working, traveling, or out for a night, and they always look and feel amazing. It’s clear Chisos cares about quality and doing things the right way.”

Nathan S. · Fort Worth, Texas

Cutting the channel for the weltLasting the upper by handLeveling the heelSetting lemonwood pegs

The partThe Chisos wayThe mass-production shortcut

Heel counterTwo 4mm layers of vegetable-tanned leather that slowly conform to your heel.Chisos: two 4mm layers of vegetable-tanned leather that slowly conform to your heel.Celastic or plastic, which hardens with age and can crack.Mass-production shortcut: celastic or plastic, which hardens with age and can crack.

CushionAn 11mm removable comfort insole.Chisos: an 11mm removable comfort insole.One thin layer of foam under about a millimeter of leather, or no cushion at all.Mass-production shortcut: one thin layer of foam under about a millimeter of leather, or no cushion at all.

FoundationAn extra-thick veg-tan leather insole and a stacked leather heel.Chisos: an extra-thick veg-tan leather insole and a stacked leather heel.A paper-thin insole and compressed cardboard.Mass-production shortcut: a paper-thin insole and compressed cardboard.

ShankA full steel shank, conformed to the shape of the boot.Chisos: a full steel shank, conformed to the shape of the boot.Steel dipped in resin or plastic, which can break loose.Mass-production shortcut: steel dipped in resin or plastic, which can break loose.

Channel weltA channel carved into the leather insole, stitched leather to leather. It can be resoled.Chisos: a channel carved into the leather insole, stitched leather to leather. It can be resoled.A canvas strip glued on to hold the welt, which lets moisture in.Mass-production shortcut: a canvas strip glued on to hold the welt, which lets moisture in.

MaterialsRetired dairy cow uppers, a full cowhide lining and center-cut vegetable-tanned leather soles, each chosen for the job it does.Chisos: retired dairy cow uppers, a full cowhide lining and center-cut vegetable-tanned leather soles, each chosen for the job it does.Thinner leathers and synthetic linings, chosen to hit a price.Mass-production shortcut: thinner leathers and synthetic linings, chosen to hit a price.

When the sole wears out

Resole them

The welt is stitched, not glued, so a cobbler can swap in a new sole and keep your broken-in uppers.

A quick cobbler visit

Re-heel them

The rubber heel cap wears first. Any cobbler can replace it and leave the stacked leather heel intact.

No cobbler needed

Refresh them

Chisos comfort insoles last years, but when it’s time, you can just pull out the worn insole and drop in a new one.

Years down the road

Rebuild them

Most boots die from the inside out. Ours are overbuilt, so a cobbler can rebuild on the leather foundation.

Buy it for life

“My first pair are 5 years old and have been incredible… They are comfortable from the first step needing virtually no break-in.”

David A. · Denton, Texas

“I have two pair of Chisos. They are far and away the sturdiest boots I own. The cobbler I take boots to always says he can’t believe the quality.”

u/Andalusiansyes on Reddit

“Chisos are the highest quality cowboy boots we’ve ever cut in half.”

Weston Kay, Leatherworker & Rose Anvil Founder

Watch the Short The full review

Chisos has provided boots for Rose Anvil’s reviews and has sponsored his videos in the past. Rose Anvil on YouTube

4.9

5 stars95%

4 stars3%

1–32%

Everyday wear

“Love my Chisos #2 boots. They’re comfortable enough to wear every day, the craftsmanship is outstanding, and they’re built to last.”

Carlos G. · Leander, Texas

All-day comfort

“I own several pair of boots and these are by far the most comfortable to wear all day. They are also well-made and you can tell they are quality.”

Steven N. · Tampa, Florida

Comfort over time

“These Chisos are built well, plenty of high-quality dairy cow leather which makes them supple but still durable… they were day 1 comfortable and have only gotten better after the in-step has conformed to my foot over time.”

Charles · Los Angeles, California

We’ll help you find your fit

Call us or dive into the fit guide to get your size dialed in.

Read the Fit Guide

Free size exchanges in the lower 48
Call or text 512-866-7222 to talk to our team
Try them on at Chisos HQ in Austin, Texas

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Chisos No. 2

838 reviews

Regular price595 USD

Payment plans offered at checkout.

Color

—

Brushed Brown Color

Brushed Brown

Magic Black

Roughout

Whiskey

Width Width

Most men wear D width. Choose EE for a wide fit.

Size Size

7.5

8.5

9.5

10.5

11.5

12.5

In stock, ready to ship

Fit Confidence Size & fit help ↗

Add to cart

Brushed Brown / D / 7 - $595 USD

Brushed Brown / D / 7.5 - Sold Out

Brushed Brown / D / 8 - Sold Out

Brushed Brown / D / 8.5 - Sold Out

Brushed Brown / D / 9 - $595 USD

Brushed Brown / D / 9.5 - Sold Out

Brushed Brown / D / 10 - $595 USD

Brushed Brown / D / 10.5 - $595 USD

Brushed Brown / D / 11 - $595 USD

Brushed Brown / D / 11.5 - $595 USD

Brushed Brown / D / 12 - Sold Out

Brushed Brown / D / 12.5 - $595 USD

Brushed Brown / D / 13 - Sold Out

Brushed Brown / D / 14 - $595 USD

Brushed Brown / D / 15 - $595 USD

Brushed Brown / EE / 7 - $595 USD

Brushed Brown / EE / 7.5 - $595 USD

Brushed Brown / EE / 8 - $595 USD

Brushed Brown / EE / 8.5 - $595 USD

Brushed Brown / EE / 9 - $595 USD

Brushed Brown / EE / 9.5 - $595 USD

Brushed Brown / EE / 10 - $595 USD

Brushed Brown / EE / 10.5 - $595 USD

Brushed Brown / EE / 11 - $595 USD

Brushed Brown / EE / 11.5 - $595 USD

Brushed Brown / EE / 12 - $595 USD

Brushed Brown / EE / 12.5 - $595 USD

Brushed Brown / EE / 13 - $595 USD

Brushed Brown / EE / 14 - Sold Out

Brushed Brown / EE / 15 - $595 USD

Magic Black / D / 7 - $595 USD

Magic Black / D / 7.5 - Sold Out

Magic Black / D / 8 - $595 USD

Magic Black / D / 8.5 - Sold Out

Magic Black / D / 9 - $595 USD

Magic Black / D / 9.5 - $595 USD

Magic Black / D / 10 - $595 USD

Magic Black / D / 10.5 - $595 USD

Magic Black / D / 11 - $595 USD

Magic Black / D / 11.5 - $595 USD

Magic Black / D / 12 - $595 USD

Magic Black / D / 12.5 - $595 USD

Magic Black / D / 13 - $595 USD

Magic Black / D / 14 - $595 USD

Magic Black / D / 15 - $595 USD

Magic Black / EE / 7 - $595 USD

Magic Black / EE / 7.5 - Sold Out

Magic Black / EE / 8 - Sold Out

Magic Black / EE / 8.5 - Sold Out

Magic Black / EE / 9 - Sold Out

Magic Black / EE / 9.5 - Sold Out

Magic Black / EE / 10 - Sold Out

Magic Black / EE / 10.5 - Sold Out

Magic Black / EE / 11 - Sold Out

Magic Black / EE / 11.5 - Sold Out

Magic Black / EE / 12 - Sold Out

Magic Black / EE / 12.5 - Sold Out

Magic Black / EE / 13 - Sold Out

Magic Black / EE / 14 - Sold Out

Magic Black / EE / 15 - Sold Out

Roughout / D / 7 - $595 USD

Roughout / D / 7.5 - Sold Out

Roughout / D / 8 - $595 USD

Roughout / D / 8.5 - Sold Out

Roughout / D / 9 - $595 USD

Roughout / D / 9.5 - $595 USD

Roughout / D / 10 - $595 USD

Roughout / D / 10.5 - $595 USD

Roughout / D / 11 - $595 USD

Roughout / D / 11.5 - $595 USD

Roughout / D / 12 - $595 USD

Roughout / D / 12.5 - $595 USD

Roughout / D / 13 - Sold Out

Roughout / D / 14 - $595 USD

Roughout / D / 15 - $595 USD

Roughout / EE / 7 - $595 USD

Roughout / EE / 7.5 - Sold Out

Roughout / EE / 8 - Sold Out

Roughout / EE / 8.5 - Sold Out

Roughout / EE / 9 - $595 USD

Roughout / EE / 9.5 - Sold Out

Roughout / EE / 10 - Sold Out

Roughout / EE / 10.5 - Sold Out

Roughout / EE / 11 - Sold Out

Roughout / EE / 11.5 - Sold Out

Roughout / EE / 12 - Sold Out

Roughout / EE / 12.5 - Sold Out

Roughout / EE / 13 - Sold Out

Roughout / EE / 14 - Sold Out

Roughout / EE / 15 - Sold Out

Whiskey / D / 7 - Sold Out

Whiskey / D / 7.5 - Sold Out

Whiskey / D / 8 - Sold Out

Whiskey / D / 8.5 - Sold Out

Whiskey / D / 9 - Sold Out

Whiskey / D / 9.5 - Sold Out

Whiskey / D / 10 - Sold Out

Whiskey / D / 10.5 - Sold Out

Whiskey / D / 11 - Sold Out

Whiskey / D / 11.5 - Sold Out

Whiskey / D / 12 - Sold Out

Whiskey / D / 12.5 - Sold Out

Whiskey / D / 13 - Sold Out

Whiskey / D / 14 - Sold Out

Whiskey / D / 15 - Sold Out

Cowhide

11" Shaft

1⅝" Heel

The strengths of the No. 2 lie in its details: the heritage leather hides scuffs and develops a handsome patina over time. The refined square toe is subtle and unique. And the stitching is a nod to the petroglyphs in Big Bend National Park.

Chisos heritage cowhides boast superior durability to juvenile leathers, and our proprietary process renders them uniquely soft. Natural variation occurs by design. Handcrafted in Mexico.

Fit Confidence

Size & fit help

Start with your usual size

Your usual size in leather footwear is a starting point. If you regularly wear two sizes, start with the larger one.

Choose your width

D is the standard/regular width that most men wear. EE is considered wide or extra wide, depending on the brand.

High arch or high instep?

You may need an extra half size.

Wide foot, but no EE in your style?

Many customers find going up a half size works almost as well as an EE for wide feet.

Different-sized feet or between styles?

Check both feet. Tell us your usual leather-shoe size, the Chisos style you’re considering, and which foot needs more room. We’ll help you work through the options.

Shopping across men’s and ladies’ styles?

The size difference is roughly 1.5 sizes. A men’s 7 is about a women’s 8.5. Width and volume also differ, so it's not an exact conversion.

How the right fit should feel

Snug across the instep The top and widest part of your foot should feel held, without painful pressure or pinching.
Room for your toes Your toes should move comfortably. Cramped toes are a reason to reassess the size or width.
A little heel slip Up to about ½ inch of heel lift can be normal at first. If your foot slides forward and back or the slip feels excessive, you may need to size down or add an extra insole.

Leather softens and stretches with wear, so a firm fit is generally recommended. However, do not count on the break-in to fix pain or cramped toes.

Complimentary Exchanges

Exchanges are available within 30 days of purchase. Exchange shipping is free within the contiguous United States. Boots must remain in like-new condition, without scratches or scuffs, including on the soles.

Try on carpet. Keep boots in like-new condition, with no sole scuffs.

For a refund, return shipping costs apply and original shipping is nonrefundable. Keep the original packaging. See the full policy for terms and destinations outside the contiguous U.S.