#FashionFriday
@RiosOfMercedes
INTERNATIONAL HORSE PRESS BLOG
• Graphics by Chiara Milani | IHP
Since 1853. Handmade in Texas. RIOSOFMERCEDES.com
INTERNATIONAL HORSE PRESS BLOG
@RiosOfMercedes
After 160 years our craftsmen still handmake every pair with artist-like devotion, ensuring that no boot leaves the workshop unless it’s worthy. This dedication to quality and durability built our legendary base of devoted customers and drove sales at nearly 500 retailers. Rios of Mercedes is blessed to be endorsed by performance-horse greats, famous musicians and everyday cattleman alike. We are equally honored by the frequent custom boot commissions from fine western wear retailers throughout the country and across the world. We live by a simple maxim about bootmaking put forth by coowner Trainor Evans, “You get out what you put in.” Simply stated. Profoundly true. Easy to live by. Our story is one of fine craftsmanship, quality leathers and heritage – something that must be earned. Something very special happens when you hold a boot that was made by one of our craftsmen who has 20, 30, 40 or even 50 years of experience. You can feel the difference right here at Rios of Mercedes. RIOSOFMERCEDES.com
INTERNATIONAL HORSE PRESS BLOG
#R9017 Vamp Leather: Chestnut Black Hawk Top Height / Leather: 11" Chestnut Black Hawk Toe: Milan Heel: No. 2 Welt Stitch: Double Welt Feature: Black V Crepe
INTERNATIONAL HORSE PRESS BLOG
@RiosOfMercedes
“You get out
#R9019 Vamp Leather: Black Caiman Belly Top Height / Leather: 13" Black Calf Toe: Milan Heel: No. 2 Sole: Hybrid Welt Stitch: Double Welt
INTERNATIONAL HORSE PRESS BLOG
what you put in.� - Trainor Evans
#R9020 Vamp Leather: Cafe Americano FQ Ostrich Top Height / Leather: 13" Chocolate Waxy Calf Toe: Milan Heel: No. 2 Welt Stitch: Double Welt
INTERNATIONAL HORSE PRESS BLOG
@RiosOfMercedes
These quality components and boot-making practices are what makes Rios of Mercedes boots exceptional. 1 - LEATHER SIDE SEAM AND PIPING • prevents chaffing and cracking 2 - GENUINE CALFSKIN TOP • wears well • prevents sagging • light weight 3 - SOLE LEATHER HEEL COUNTER • stabilizes the wearer’s heel • enhances fit • helps prevent run-over 4 - HAND-FITTED STACKED LEATHER HEEL • wears long • enhances comfort • provides stability 5 - AMERICAN SPRING STEEL SHANK • gives maximum arch support for walking or riding
INTERNATIONAL HORSE PRESS BLOG
6 - GENUINE BARK-TANNED LEATHER INSOLE • maximizes removal of moisture created by the foot • creates a natural foot bed 7 - GENUINE BARK-TANNED LEATHER OUTSOLE • wears long without excess weight 8 - CHANNEL SOLE WELT • creates a low profile boot which has no man-made fillers • easily repairable 9 - HANDMADE LEATHER BOX TOE • retains its shape for the life of the boot • increases breathing by the foot 10 - DOUBLE HAND-LASTED VAMP • retains its shape • prevents excessive stretching 11 - PREMIUM COWHIDE LINING IN VAMP AND TOP • enhances wear • enhances comfort • moisture removal
INTERNATIONAL HORSE PRESS BLOG
@RiosOfMercedes With these traditional types of soles, lemon wood pegs are used to secure the spring steel shank in place in the arch of the foot for support. This process is more than tradition, it is pure functionality, and Anderson Bean craftsmen have been using it for over 150 years. The pegs will actually expand and contract with the leather as it changes temperature and moisture content so that they do not fall out or rust like a nail.
INTERNATIONAL HORSE PRESS BLOG
#HandmadeManmade Experience has shown us that people come first. Of all the elements that go into making a Rios of Mercedes boot, the most important are our people. Our craftsmen are artists - some of the most talented in the business. They know that the people who wear Rios of Mercedes boots depend on the quality of the work they
do. Each pair of Rios of Mercedes boots represents their legacy and our reputation. As co-owner Trainor Evans notes, “I like picking up old boots and remembering who made them…it is not just that these boots are handmade, but whose hands are making them.”
INTERNATIONAL HORSE PRESS BLOG
#ThatSuperiorFit? Our boots have a fit like no other. Snug yet supple, Rios boots are like gloves for your feet. They won’t slip or slide like boots with synthetic components often do. The leather is cut with the natural stretch of the particular hide in mind, so that it stretches side-to-side
INTERNATIONAL HORSE PRESS BLOG
That's true craftsmanship.
over the ball of the foot. With all-leather construction, Rios boots mold to your feet and holds them in place with every step. We use premium hides because they’re naturally more durable, look better and will stand up to your
demands. Before cutting, the hides are situated so that each cut is made across the width of the hide instead of the length. This allows the natural fibers of the hide to move as the good Lord intended. After the hides are cut to their specific instructions, the life of the boot has
begun. Each pair of Rios of Mercedes is hand-lasted, hand-stitched, hand-pegged and hand-finished. Again, we take more time to make our boots because excellence is our standard.
INTERNATIONAL HORSE PRESS BLOG