Anyone who has spent a lot of time reading about the world’s best boots has no doubt come across one exceptional country over and over again: Indonesia. We know about American, Italian, French, and Dutch bootmakers, but when looking for boot hubs outside of Europe and the U.S., Indonesia consistently appears at the top of … Read more
If you’re new to boot fandom or even if you’re not, you might be a little confused by the way people talk about lasts. A lot goes into making a good boot and if you want to make sure you get your moneys’ worth, you’ll learn what you can about the leather (tier, grain, tannage) … Read more
If you’re an American who likes boots there’s a very good chance you own some Chromexcel. These days, it seems like every other boot on the market is made from this leather. It’s on everything from $200 boots like Thursday to mid-range boots like the Wolverine 1000 Mile and the Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill to … Read more
When Red Wing decided to take their brand global in the 1970s, they had a problem. The boot behemoth had built its name as the go-to workboot for middle America as footwear that’s pretty stylish but above all functional and durable, whether you toil in Minnesota iron mines or offshore oil rigs. Most businesses prosper … Read more
A lot of people like their formal clothing handmade in Italy or France, but many guys who have swung by Bangkok or Hoi An to pick up a tailor-made suit have trouble telling the difference. The same goes for boots, but finding the right shoemaker can be a little tougher for men with discerning tastes. … Read more
Even though it doesn’t refer to leather quality, or style, or country of origin, or the material of the sole, it’s fair to say that the words “Goodyear welt” have become synonymous with high quality footwear. In fact, the number one online forum for discussing high-end men’s boots on Reddit decided to take the term … Read more
“Which way do they stretch? Are they even going to stretch? I know I’m a size 11.” The pressure is on when you try on a new pair of shoes in the store and things can get even more confusing with boots: you have to consider heel slip, and many guys are taught to ignore … Read more