— Naughty Rose Kansas —
Rios of Mercedes, a custom bootmaker founded in 1853.
Based in Mercedes, Texas, the company continues to make each pair of boots by hand while preserving traditional methods.
Rios boots have a distinctive construction: instead of the cork typically used in a shoe's insole, fabric is inserted.
This gives the sole excellent flexibility, lending softness to every step despite the substantial appearance characteristic of western boots.
Another defining feature is the upward curve of the toe.
The toe is slightly raised when new, but as the boots are worn, the sole settles in and the curve gradually becomes more pronounced. Rios's signature “spring toe” is not a finished shape from the outset; it develops through walking.
Naughty Rose Kansas.
A simple, rugged pair of western boots that seems to blend naturally into the scenery of a rural town.
We added just a touch of allure. That was the image behind this pair.
The uppers are made from thick “Waxy Kansas” calf leather, generously saturated with oil.
After vegetable tanning, the leather undergoes chrome tanning as well. This combination tanning preserves the leather's strong, authentic character while giving it softness that conforms to the foot.
The color is Natural × Navy.
Bright Natural covers the foot, paired with deep Navy on the shaft.
It is a bold combination characteristic of western boots, but the subdued tones make for a balanced look that pairs easily with everyday trousers.
The Natural leather gradually develops an amber patina with wear.
Marks, creases, and variations in tone created by the oil accumulate over time, while the contrast with the Navy changes as well.
The shaft features 10 decorative rows of stitching in GREEN thread.
Fine curves layered over the deep Navy blend in from a distance, while revealing unmistakable western-boot detailing up close.
The toe is the “Hi-Pro Roper.”
It has more height and volume than a standard Roper, with each silhouette shaped individually by the craftsman as it is carved. As a result, slight differences between the left and right boots and subtle variations in shape may remain.
The sole is made from EVA.
They look like substantial western boots, yet feel remarkably light on the feet.
Combining EVA's cushioning with the exceptional flexibility characteristic of Rios, these boots are comfortable to wear naturally even on days involving long hours of walking.
Perforations are applied to the tongue, though they may not be included in some sizes.
The Natural leather turns amber, develops marks, and the Navy shaft gradually settles in as well.
Walk through everyday life with the ruggedness of western boots intact and the lightness of sneakers.
Naughty Rose Kansas is a pair whose colors develop along with the time you spend wearing them.
※Boots made in the American workshop may vary slightly from pair to pair. Please enjoy the marks and variations in color characteristic of natural leather, as well as the differences in character created by handwork, as part of these boots.
We have written a BLOG about Rios of Mercedes. Please take a look.
・“The Rios of Mercedes Category”
