Rios of Mercedes
Rios of MercedesRios of Mercedes holds the distinction of being one of the oldest continuously operating boot companies in the United States, with roots stretching back to 1853. Their handcrafted boots are considered among the finest available and are a cornerstone of any serious collection.
History
The Rios family began making boots in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas in 1853, well before the Civil War and decades before most of the well-known boot brands were established. The company has operated in Mercedes, Texas, where generations of the Rios family and their skilled craftsmen have produced handmade western boots using traditional techniques. Unlike many competitors who industrialized and scaled up production, Rios of Mercedes has remained relatively small and focused on quality over quantity.
This commitment to handcrafted production has earned Rios of Mercedes a devoted following among boot connoisseurs and collectors. The company produces a limited number of boots each year, with each pair receiving individual attention from experienced boot makers. Their location in the Rio Grande Valley, near the Mexican border, gives the brand a distinct cultural heritage that blends Anglo and Mexican boot-making traditions. Rios of Mercedes boots represent an unbroken lineage of South Texas craftsmanship that is unmatched in the industry.
Product Lines
Rios of Mercedes offers boots in a wide selection of exotic and domestic leathers, all built on traditional hand-lasted construction. Their exotic offerings include Alligator, Smooth Ostrich, Full Quill Ostrich, Caiman, Stingray, and Elephant. Domestic leather options include premium Cowhide and Goat in a variety of finishes. The company does not operate under multiple sub-brands or product lines — every boot is simply a Rios of Mercedes, built to the same standard.
Identification Tips
Rios of Mercedes boots carry the company name stamped on the outsole and inside the shaft, often accompanied by "Mercedes, Texas" and "Handmade." The construction quality is a primary identifier — look for hand-lasted shaping, tight and even welt stitching, and premium leather selection throughout the boot including the lining and sole. Shaft stitching on Rios boots tends to be classic and refined, favoring traditional patterns over flashy designs. The overall proportions of a Rios boot are distinctive, with a balanced profile that reflects decades of refined patternmaking. Because production volumes are low, Rios of Mercedes boots appear less frequently on the secondary market than mass-produced brands, adding to their collectibility.
Notable Models
- Alligator Belly Cowboy — A flagship model featuring center-cut Alligator belly with meticulous scale matching and handmade construction.
- Full Quill Ostrich — Premium Full Quill Ostrich with classic South Texas styling and exceptional skin selection.
- Ranch Hand Cowhide — A working boot in heavy Cowhide that demonstrates the brand's construction quality without exotic pricing.
- Stingray Roper — A distinctive model featuring Stingray in a roper configuration, showcasing the brand's willingness to work with unconventional materials.