Flint and Tinder
Yak Leather Roper Boot by Rios of Mercedes
Yak Leather Roper Boot by Rios of Mercedes
Story
Roper boots made in collaboration with a Texas-based bootmaker founded in 1853
Texas-based bootmaker Rios of Mercedes has been in the business of fine leather footwear since 1853, when the grandparents of founders Zeferino and Abraham Rios began crafting cavalry boots for Maximilian I’s soldiers in General Terán, Nuevo León, Mexico. The company, and the family behind it, relocated to Texas just after the turn of the 20th century, amid growing instability and the oncoming Mexican Revolution. They opened their first boot store in Raymondville, Texas, in 1928. A year later, they opened their namesake store in Mercedes, Texas. Today, Rios of Mercedes stands as one of the last remaining handmade boot companies not just in the Lone Star State, but in the entire U.S.
We share a commitment to uncompromising craftsmanship and, now, Texas roots. That’s why we collaborated with the brand to create a one-of-a-kind roper boot. The Yak Roper is crafted from ethically harvested yak leather—a hardwearing hide from domesticated Tibetan yaks revered for its unique combination of ironclad strength and distinct softness. Recognizable by its raw grain and strong individual markings, which add natural character, it's a leather that develops a distinct patina over time. Our design team added a few functional details to double down on comfort: leather side pulls for easy entry, a non-slip rubber heel cap, and a removable bark-tanned leather insole insert.
Features
- Made in the USA by one of the oldest bootmakers in Texas
- Ethically harvested Tibetan Yak leather upper with a double hand-lasted vamp to help keep its shape and leather side seam and piping to prevent chafing and cracking
- American spring steel shank and removable bark-tanned leather insole insert for maximum arch support
- Resoleable Channel Welt Construction
Materials
- Full-grain Tibetan Yak leather
- Leather stacked heel with rubber heel tap
- Inset rubber on sole for additional traction
- Removable leather footbed
- 11" shaft height, 1.25" heel height
Sizing
- Due to the boot’s design and the added leather insole, the brand recommends sizing ½ size up. Leather will conform to your foot, so the correct initial fit should be snug—not painful—around the instep, and the ball of your foot should fit in the widest part of the boot. Heel slip until the sole breaks in is normal.
- When you get the boots, you should have to stand and give a firm pull to get the boots on.
Care
- Regular Cleaning: Use a soft brush or a clean, dry cloth to remove surface dirt. For tougher stains, use a damp cloth or sponge; avoid soaking the leather.
- Conditioning: Apply a gentle, non-darkening conditioner. Generally, too much conditioner can darken the leather or make it overly soft; apply sparingly.
- Avoid direct heat: If your boots get wet, let them air dry at room temperature.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dry place with wooden shoe trees to maintain shape and absorb moisture
About Flint and Tinder by Huckberry
Flint and Tinder reworks archival designs for today. Rooted in American style and uncompromising craftsmanship, each piece is built to wear in, not out. From the iconic Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker to our bestselling Stretch Selvedge Denim, every design traces back to original vintage garments that perfected the look decades ago.
