John Lofgren makes some of the finest and most timeless boots known to this fair world in his workshop in Sendai, a Japanese city about three hours from Tokyo by (pretty fast) train. Luckily a few U.S. shops sell his fabled engineer, combat, and M-43 service boots, as well as my personal favorite: this enchantress of a chukka.
But if you happen to be at Standard & Strange in Oakland on April 20th or 21st, you meet John Lofgren, and talk with him about how you build your own. Or design them, at least. And then wisely have John & Team make them for you. They’re better at it.
S&S’s Lofgren two-day made-to-order bonanza will allow footwear grail-seekers to choose their model—engineer boot, Donkey Puncher, Steadfast chukka, derby shoe, or combat boot—and outfit it with classic Lofgren leathers, plus some unique hides available specifically for this MTO. Hardware including buckles and eyelets can also get your personal touch.
Here’s all the leathers you’ll be able to choose from:
Horween CXL
- Natural
- Oka Black
- Shin Black
- Burgundy
- Choco
- Timber
- Dark Olive
- Mocha
- Navy
- Blue
Japanese Calfskin
- Light Brown
- Burgundy
- Navy
- Green
- Dark Brown
- Light Brown
- Brown
- Dark Brown
- Black
More Japanese Leathers
- Suede Sand
- Suede Navy
- Cowhide Brown
Sign up here for a slot to play boot-design god for a day. If you can’t make it, because unlike everyone else these days you don’t live in Oakland, S&S will also be offering an online MTO on April 20th.
This interview with Standard & Strange employee Elliot, aka Criminal Pink, is a must-read to get yourself all psyched up. And here’s some Lofgren porn below for the same.
I couldn’t find a usable photo for the derby shoe, but you can see some here.
All photos: Standard & Strange