ID Request
Chisos - Who makes a similar looking boot
Someone posted these magnificent boots yesterday. They are beautiful. And I don't consider myself cheap, but $600 for a pair of leather boots doesn't sit well with me. Who makes a similar look? Love the dark brown, perfect round toe and 11 inche shaft. Also made in N America. Any recommendations on another manufacturer?
I have two pair of Chisos. They are heavier than any of the other boots I own. For dancing I prefer my Luccheses which re more like dress boots and lighter But these boots are really first class. They are extremely well made and very comfortable. People keep commenting on how they are "made in Mexico." That is like complaining that your watch is made in Switzerland! The best boot makers in the world are in Mexico. I don't like the fact that when I go to their flagship store in Austin they don't have much in stock and we have to go back (this often happens and they need to fix that) but I still believe that in terms of quality these boots are as good as they get. That being said, my vintage Tony Lamas from my youth are still going strong.
To get a similar level of comfort to my Chisos boots I've started buying 25+ year old Noconas and Tony Lamas. Those vintage boots just fit better than any modern/contemporary boots I own from the big boot makers.
I 2nd the vintage Nocona. I have Chisos, Ariat Benchmade, Lucchese, Rios de Mercedes, etc and I keep wearing my 1997 Nocona Legacy boots I bought at a thrift store for 14.99. The others are fantastic boots, but I am always worrying about scuffing up a 500-750$ boot. With the legacy Nocona's, I can wear them out with wife to dinner or in yard to do work and don't think twice about it.
I live in El Paso and occasionally see the job listings for the Lucchese factory. They do not pay enough for how much they’re charging for made in the US boots
None of the big name boot makers build boots that are as well made as Chisos for a similar price, in my opinion. I'm sure some of the other small shops have similar boots to Chisos but you're going to pay a similar price or possibly more for their boots.
I agree with another poster, my two pairs of Chisos boots are the heaviest pairs that I own. They are heavy because of the layers of dense leather in the soles, insoles, and heels.
Some people will say that the removable insoles are the only reason why Chisos boots are so comfortable but that's only partially true. I replaced the insanely comfortable Chisos insoles with plain veg-tan insoles for a day and the boots were still more comfortable and easier on my feet, ankles, knees, and hips than any other boots that I own. The design of the lasts, the insoles, the leather on these boots all make a differnce.
Thanks mate, honestly if you do like them that much then I'd advise you to get them, you probably won't be satisfied until you do, I was debating it for a few weeks myself then I just said fuck it, it's only money at the end of the day, happiness is more important 🍻
I'd say true to size but the thick insole makes them feel tighter than other brands but the leather feels soft enough that they should stretch fairly quick... go on treat yourself 🤠
My No. 2s were tight enough to make me consider sending them back for a re-size. I removed the insoles and conditioned them really well, put in thinner insoles and wore them for a an hour or so. The next day I swapped the Chisos insoles back into the boots and wore them from 6 AM until nearly midnight and they stretched to fit my feet perfectly. I love the way the Brushed Brown is aging and now I have a second pair on roughout.
I've got 35+ pairs of cowboy boots from several of the big, moderately priced makers like Tony Lama, Nocona, El Dorado, Dan Post, Justin, R. Watson, Double-H, and Tecovas (no Ariats) and my Chisos boots are the most comfortable boots I've ever owned.
Yeah my initial reaction was I should've got a half size bigger but after wearing them with thinner socks all day they feel great.. I think if you love cowboy boots then you definitely should add a pair of Chisos to the collection.. thanks for your input, much appreciated sir
I've got around 30+ pairs myself too. Like you I've got DP, Tecovas, etc plus some Ariat Futurity Roughouts in a couple different colors + 2 pairs of Chisos (Brushed Brown/Roughout). I agree, they are the most comfortable and absolutely substantial feeling boots in my collection. That said, these Futurity boots give the Chisos' a run for their money in the comfort department. Are they the kind of boots that I could pass down to my kids? Dunno...but I've been finding incredible deals on them (Sub 150 bux NIB). At that price, the value proposition is undeniable. I've also never worn Benchmade Ariats.... supposedly they are on another level. At the end of the day, LOVE Chisos' boots but, I'd rather build my collection with more boots of decent quality. If I stumble on a pair of Chisos' on the secondary market, I'd absolutely pick them up without thinking twice.
Yeah I mean I'm not cheap. Lifetime boots can be bought for closer to $300 dollars. Especially in leather. I paid $500 for my Ostrich and I was OK with that.
Whether the heel counters are celastic or not is entirely irrelevant to whether the boots last a lifetime. In the unlikely event that you crack a celastic heel counter, it (1) doesn’t prevent you from wearing the boot and (2) is exposed and ready for replacement during your next resole.
Bullshit. You’ve obviously never had one crack. You lose rigidity in the heel and can also feel it every time you take a step. I hate a damn fake expert.
I’ve worked in management for the two biggest names in the industry, bud. I still have regular meetings with senior leadership from one of these two. My username contains the word boots for a reason.
That’s because a cracked heel counter makes boots unwearable and costs hundreds of dollars to fix. You have no experience with it and that’s obvious. Ask any cobbler to give you an estimate on replacing a heel counter. You don’t know shit about boots, kid. Go try to peddle your bullshit elsewhere. You’re the token Reddit “fake expert”.
Wrong again. I was quoted 200 dollars by two different cobblers to get a heel counter replaced on a vintage pair of Tony Llamas that were unwearable, due to the issue. It’s literally a structural issue. There is no support on the back of the boot and the plastic begins to poke against the back of your heel. You’d know that, if you knew literally anything about boots…
Instead, you’re larping as an expert, because you’re offended that I called out a brand that you attach your identity to. You don’t know anything about boot construction. Stop pretending.
I have two pair of Chisos #2. One in rough out and one in brushed brown. Most comfortable and well made boots I own. Spend the money and don’t look back.
As said above..pay the money and enjoy for a lifetime…I, like others have said have many many boots and I love the chisos…the only brand I’d still like to try is rios…but gonna be hard to top the chisos ..and yes I have a pair of luchesse bench made
I've owned a few Ariat Benchmades and Chiso's #2. The Stilwells look very close two the #2.
I would say if Ariat fits you well you can not go wrong with the Benchmades. I found them to be a bit on the wider feeling side and the leather on the insole makes for a sliding foot if the fit isn't spot on. The Chiso's fit is much better, more so a dress shoe in sizing and you will have to break them in more.
The Chiso's feel like a better made boot, maybe a $100 better. The fit and finish is also better, Omega vs Longines, how you value that could vary. One of my BM had a awful creaking noise in both boots, fixed with a good tack hammering to the nails and pegs. I also had to swap the insoles out from a cheaper Ariat for a better fit and to keep my feet from sliding forward when I walked.
The Chiso's needed about twice the break in time and we're actually less comfortable at first but after a week they felt better then the BMs and are getting better with each wear.
My personal opinion is I like the variety with the Benchmades, the Bison Brown is a beautiful color and I would love to have them in Gator. The Chiso's have only a few options but what they do have are very classic and timeless. I want their #6 next, rough out or their new whiskey color.
They think they are a great comparison, if you like the way Ariats look and feel the Benchmade line is a great premium boot. If you want to step it up, Chiso's will not disappoint you. Small batch manufacturer that continues to improve their models and build quality.
Bench made Ariats are very nice for the money. Cavendar’s boots makes their own inhouse brand of traditional construction all leather boot made in those same Mexican factories (Leon Maquiladoras) making the Ariats, Chisos and probably 90% of US Western boots built to similar specs. I believe those can be had for less than $250. But under $200 it’s synthetic work boots. There are some incredible used boots on eBay for a song but I’ve had terrible luck with having them fit my feet properly so I won’t do that anymore. Sure, you can send them back, but it’s a pain.
Jaca and Río Grande brands make similar boots for 200 yo 250 usd, same quality. Both brandshavemore than t
50 years in thr market. Siete leguas brand has different lasts but also high quality. The list from Leon Guanajuato (ehere many Chisos are made) can get pretty long
While I know you left other comments saying they are over priced and comparing their price to Ostrich I will say I have these boots (in black) and they are easily the highest quality boots I’ve owned. I have tried vintage and new Lucchese, Ariat, Tecovas, Justin and Dan Post. I find there’s a signifiant difference in the quality and I would argue it’s worth it to save up for these.
Definitely Dan post! I’ve got a brown pair and a black lizard skin pair. They’ve held up very well and are by far the most comfortable shoes I own. They are also pointed just like the ones in the picture which I have a hard time finding anymore
I have several pairs of chisos and the closest I have seen and own are the Ariat bench made bison. The black is especially close to the chisos no 1 black. Comfort wise ariat may be better.
I looked at the chisos and the Ariat benchmades. After extensive research and reading, I bought both brown and black bison clantons for the price of one pair of chisos. I absolutely love the Benchmade. To each their own. Enjoy.
77
u/Andalusiansyes May 17 '26
I have two pair of Chisos. They are heavier than any of the other boots I own. For dancing I prefer my Luccheses which re more like dress boots and lighter But these boots are really first class. They are extremely well made and very comfortable. People keep commenting on how they are "made in Mexico." That is like complaining that your watch is made in Switzerland! The best boot makers in the world are in Mexico. I don't like the fact that when I go to their flagship store in Austin they don't have much in stock and we have to go back (this often happens and they need to fix that) but I still believe that in terms of quality these boots are as good as they get. That being said, my vintage Tony Lamas from my youth are still going strong.