Established in 1889 by Henry Dixon, Dixon Boots has been synonymous with quality and traditional craftsmanship for over a century. At Dixon Boots, we pride ourselves on merging traditional styles with a modern twist, all while using only the finest premium leathers. 

Nestled in the heart of Mexico's renowned boot-making capital, León, Guanajuato—a city celebrated worldwide for its superior leather goods and skilled artisans, Dixon Boots meticulously crafts in small batches, combining age-old techniques with modern design elements to create boots that are not only timeless but also fit comfortably into contemporary lifestyles. 

Our process reflects a deep respect for the detailed craft of cowboy boot making, blending the spirit of authentic craftsmanship with the timeless elegance of American style. Join us as we take a closer look into the step-by-step process behind creating Dixon Boots, where every detail underscores our commitment to quality and heritage. 

Designing with Legacy:

Every Dixon Boot starts with a design process deeply rooted in the brand's rich history, drawing inspiration from our iconic 1950s styles known for their robust construction and elegant design. 

The design team meticulously sketches each new boot design, ensuring that the vintage charm is preserved but enhanced with modern comfort features such as ergonomic insoles and lighter materials. 

This thoughtful fusion ensures that each boot not only looks classic but also fits comfortably for the modern cowboy.  

Choosing the Best Materials:

The journey of every Dixon Boot begins with the selection of premium leathers from top-tier tanneries. These materials are pivotal for crafting boots that are durable, comfortable, and visually stunning. The leather is meticulously cut and prepared, ensuring minimal waste and maintaining the integrity of the material.

Crafting the Foundation:

1. Cutting the Leather: Using specialized cutting tools like clicker presses and sharp hand knives, the leather is precisely cut according to the patterns. Skilled craftsmen handle the leather carefully to preserve its natural qualities and ensure minimal waste. The patterns are laid out on the leather in a way that considers the grain and any potential imperfections to optimize both the appearance and durability of the boots.
2. Stitching the Upper: Dixon Boots utilizes heavy-duty sewing machines equipped with specific needles and thread types designed for leatherwork. Each stitch is meticulously placed, reinforcing the boot’s structure while maintaining the clean, classic lines characteristic of our designs. Artisans may use double or triple stitching at stress points for added durability.
3. Assembling the Insole and Outsole: 
4. Preparing the Insole: The process begins with the selection of a high-quality insole, which serves as the foundation of the boot. The insole is cut from durable leather or synthetic materials that provide both flexibility and support. It's shaped to conform to the contours of the foot, offering comfort and stability.
5. Mounting the Insole to the Last: The insole is then attached to a last, which is a mold shaped like a human foot. This last can vary depending on the boot size and style. The insole must be precisely aligned on the last to ensure that the finished boot will fit comfortably.
6. Stretching the Upper: The leather upper, which has been previously stitched together, is moistened slightly to make it more pliable. It is then stretched over the last, starting from the toe and working towards the back. This is a critical step as it shapes the upper to the last, ensuring the boot will hold its form and fit properly.
7. Securing the Upper: Once the upper is correctly positioned on the last, it's temporarily secured with tacks or staples along the insole. This holds everything in place as the upper conforms to the last's shape during drying.
8. Preparing the Outsole: The outsole, typically made from leather, rubber, or a combination of both for added durability and traction, is then prepared. It is cut to the exact size needed for the boot and may include additional features like a tread pattern depending on the boot’s intended use.
9. Attaching the Outsole: The outsole is attached using a Goodyear welt, a strip of leather stitched around the edge of the upper and insole. This strip is then stitched to the outsole, creating a strong bond that is both durable and relatively easy to repair. The Goodyear welt also provides an additional layer of water resistance.
10. Curing and Finishing: The boot remains on the last for a period to ensure it fully adapts to the shape. During this time, the leather continues to dry and mold firmly around the last. Once removed, the area where the upper meets the insole and outsole is smoothed and finished to ensure there are no sharp edges or protrusions.

This meticulous process of assembling the insole and outsole not only ensures that Dixon Boots are comfortable and fit well but also contributes to the overall durability and quality of the footwear, maintaining the high standards set by over a century of boot-making expertise.

The Heel – A Mark of Craftsmanship:

1. Heel Construction: The process begins by constructing the heel, which is typically made from several layers of leather known as lifts. These layers are cut into shape, usually a curved or slightly tapered form that complements the boot's overall design. The number of layers depends on the desired heel height.
2. Stacking and Shaping: The leather lifts are then stacked one on top of another and glued together. The edges of these layers are carefully aligned to ensure a smooth, even stack. Once glued, the stack is compressed under pressure to bond the layers securely and to prevent any shifting during wear.
3. Attaching the Heel: The stacked heel is then aligned to the back part of the boot's sole. It is secured initially with glue to hold it in place. Following the glue, nails or screws are driven from the top of the heel down into the sole for additional stability. This method ensures the heel is firmly attached and capable of withstanding regular use.
4. Shaping and Finishing: After attachment, the heel is shaped and contoured to match the boot's outline. This is typically done using a sanding machine, which smooths the heel to a uniform shape and removes any irregularities in the stack. The heel can then be stained or painted to match the color of the sole and upper, providing a seamless look.
5. Adding a Heel Cap: Often, a rubber or synthetic heel cap is attached to the bottom of the heel. This cap provides extra traction and durability, reducing wear on the leather heel and improving the boot's overall lifespan.
6. Final Touches: The edges of the heel are sometimes grooved or embossed with decorative patterns, enhancing the boot’s aesthetic appeal. The entire heel is then polished along with the rest of the boot to ensure a consistent finish.

This detailed process of adding the heel is crucial not only for the boot's functionality, providing stability and support, but also for its aesthetic appeal, ensuring it aligns with Dixon Boots’ standards of elegance and durability.

Finishing Touches: 

The final steps in crafting Dixon Boots involve a series of meticulous finishing touches that enhance both the durability and aesthetic appeal of each pair. After assembly, the boots are hand-dyed or stained to achieve a rich, uniform color. This is followed by polishing and buffing to bring out the leather's natural luster and ensure a smooth finish. Edges of the leather are sealed and sometimes burnished to create a refined, polished look. Decorative elements like embossing may be added for subtle detailing. The boots are then treated with weather-resistant coatings to protect against moisture and wear. Finally, each boot undergoes a thorough quality inspection to ensure it meets the high standards of Dixon Boots, ready to be worn with pride and comfort. 

Quality Assurance:

Before leaving the León workshop, each boot undergoes a rigorous inspection to ensure it meets the high standards set by over a century of bootmaking. This final quality check ensures that all Dixon Boots are not just made, but crafted to perfection.

Dixon Boots are crafted to adapt to the wearer, becoming more comfortable with use as the leather molds to the contours of the feet, ensuring a custom fit over time. 

Dixon Boots represents a blend of tradition and innovation, where every stitch tells a story of craftsmanship and every pair is a testament to enduring style. By adhering to time-honored techniques while embracing modern aesthetics, Dixon Boots remain a symbol of quality and luxury in the world of footwear all while honoring the legacy of our founder, Henry Dixon, ensuring every pair is a piece of wearable history.