OUR STORY
Hi There! I'm Mitali, the founder of Chalo.
In the early 90s, my father (nicknamed "Waldo" because he’s always MIA!) opened a small leather factory in North India that made cowboy boot uppers – the distinct, decorative "upper" portion of cowboy boots.
Cowboy boots became a part of Waldo, my family, and heritage ever since. Many people perceive cowboy boots as working or riding boots. But I’ve grown up wearing them everywhere, and seen them being styled and adapted for many occasions.
With Chalo, my hope is to combine traditional cowboy boot designs with a modern touch so that they can be more versatile in form and function, fit for the daily life of many women, across many communities.
OUR STORY
Hi There! I'm Mitali, the founder of Chalo.
In the early 90s, my father (nicknamed "Waldo" because he’s always MIA!) opened a small leather factory in North India that made cowboy boot uppers – the distinct, decorative "upper" portion of cowboy boots.
Cowboy boots became a part of Waldo, my family, and heritage ever since. Many people perceive cowboy boots as working or riding boots. But I’ve grown up wearing them everywhere, and seen them being styled and adapted for many occasions.
With Chalo, my hope is to combine traditional cowboy boot designs with a modern touch so that they can be more versatile in form and function, fit for the daily life of many women, across many communities.
OUR INSPIRATION
We're grateful to create something beautiful out of our tannery and celebrate both, the pride of being “Made in India” and the craft we draw inspiration from, in the West.
My favorite pair of cowboy boots are made by my father, passed down from my sister, and over a decade old. Our goal is to make long-lasting products that can travel with you on many journeys.
- Mitali Gupta, Founder
OUR INSPIRATION
We're grateful to create something beautiful out of our tannery and celebrate both, the pride of being “Made in India” and the craft we draw inspiration from, in the West.
My favorite pair of cowboy boots are made by my father, passed down from my sister, and over a decade old. Our goal is to make long-lasting products that can travel with you on many journeys.
- Mitali Gupta, Founder
HEAR FROM THE CHALO FOLK
We're overjoyed to see many wonderful women rocking the Chalo cowboys. These messages fill our hearts and we're grateful to share our craft with you.
"This makes me so excited! I’ve been wanting to wear cowboy boots, but have been so unsure as a WoC if they would look okay. After finally pulling the trigger, I’m so excited for my first pair of cowboy boots by Chalo. They make surprisingly comfortable and wearable boots, and I love that the brand is run by a woman of color and supports tradespeople in India. This brand is living my dream and I'm looking forward to my next pair!"
- Katherine D., United States
"I love my Chalo’s! As someone who prefers simple, classic styling, I love how chic, subtle, and versatile my Chalo's are. They are comfortable, eye-catching, and work really well with the clothes I already own."
- Ayushi A., United Kingdom
"This makes me so excited! I’ve been wanting to wear cowboy boots, but have been so unsure as a WoC if they would look okay. After finally pulling the trigger, I’m so excited for my first pair of cowboy boots by Chalo. They make surprisingly comfortable and wearable boots, and I love that the brand is run by a woman of color and supports tradespeople in India. This brand is living my dream and I'm looking forward to my next pair!"
- Katherine D., United States
"I love my Chalo’s! As someone who prefers simple, classic styling, I love how chic, subtle, and versatile my Chalo's are. They are comfortable, eye-catching, and work really well with the clothes I already own."
- Ayushi A., United Kingdom
"I love stomping around the city in my Chalo boots. The sleek cowboy style changes the vibe of any outfit I pair them with. And, the best thing, they are out-of-the-box comfortable, even for us girlies with wide feet and uh, athletic calves!"
- Sabine D., Germany
I am so thrilled by my Chalo boots! I have the "Wild Oak" design: firstly, they are gorgeous, the shade of brown is stunning, and the touch of the snake-print makes them stand up in a very subtle, but chic way. They are so comfortable, which really struck me as soon as I put them on. Although these are cowboy boots, I don't feel strange wearing them. I find them very approachable and they have blended in quite well for me. They would make a great addition to any wardrobe."
- Tarika L., Switzerland
"I love stomping around the city in my Chalo boots. The sleek cowboy style changes the vibe of any outfit I pair them with. And, the best thing, they are out-of-the-box comfortable, even for us girlies with wide feet and uh, athletic calves!"
- Sabine D., Germany
I am so thrilled by my Chalo boots! I have the "Wild Oak" design: firstly, they are gorgeous, the shade of brown is stunning, and the touch of the snake-print makes them stand up in a very subtle, but chic way. They are so comfortable, which really struck me as soon as I put them on. Although these are cowboy boots, I don't feel strange wearing them. I find them very approachable and they have blended in quite well for me. They would make a great addition to any wardrobe."
- Tarika L., Switzerland
"When I got my pair of Chalo boots, I was obsessed. They are truly stunning, incredible quality, first. And second, they come from the kind of people and philosophy we all need to support more."
- Ambika P., United States
"Love EVERYTHING about this. Wearing my cowboy boots and supporting women-owned ventures. #HypeWomen on repeat. 🔥🔥🔥"
- Erin G., United States
"When I got my pair of Chalo boots, I was obsessed. They are truly stunning, incredible quality, first. And second, they come from the kind of people and philosophy we all need to support more."
- Ambika P., United States
"Love EVERYTHING about this. Wearing my cowboy boots and supporting women-owned ventures. #HypeWomen on repeat. 🔥🔥🔥"
- Erin G., United States
FEATURED RESOURCES
We are beyond humbled for the kind mentions and shoutouts Chalo has received across many newsletters, networks of change-makers and entrepreneurs, and global fashion platforms and brands.
Learn more about what the community has to say.
FEATURED RESOURCES
We are beyond humbled for the kind mentions and shoutouts Chalo has received across many newsletters, networks of change-makers and entrepreneurs, and global fashion platforms and brands.
Learn more about what the community has to say.
CHALO, THE NAME
Chalo, pronounced "chal-o”, translates from Hindi to “let’s go.” Your Chalo's are crafted with a lot of love and meticulous detailing. They are a reminder to go on new adventures and are made to pair with all of your journeys.