Well, I have to say I’m pretty darn excited about the return of the Stitchdown x Parkhurst Nighthawk Allen boot, which is available now for pre-order at Parkhurst.com for $338, with Stitchdown Premium members getting a nicely discounted price of $288 (learn more about and join SDP here).
Parkhurst is a Goodyear welt boot brand based outside of Buffalo, NY that’s emerging really nicely onto the scene. Founder Andrew Svisco (you can read my Stitchdown Conversation with him here) has established kudu leather from famed British tannery Charles F. Stead as a Parkhurst go-to, so kudu was exactly where we started when we began discussing a collaboration.
We both fell in love with a shade of Stead kudu that plays tricks on the eyes in the best possible way—it’s technically blue, but features a ton of grey throughout, and displays an impressive range of looks in different lights. Like some (but certainly not all) kudu leathers, it’s also heavily scarred (owing to the African antelopes’ life spent in the bush) which adds even more unique character to a boot that already looks like few others.
As for the boot pattern, while I’m pretty into Parkhurst’s cap-toe Delaware boot as well, their plain-toe Allen is just so simple and clean and well-executed. That was the move, no question. The boots are built with Goodyear welt construction on a very versatile and sleek Dainite rubber outsole and heel, and completed with seven gunmetal eyelets and flat waxed laces.
Also a word about the Parkhurst Allen last: it’s nice. Like, really nice. And I can assure you I’m not just saying that because we did a boot together. I personally don’t love boots (or even shoes for that matter) with TOO much shape to the toe—definitely nothing overly pointy. It’s not even a fit thing as much as a looks thing. These Allen boots are far from round, but I love their look, and they really hug my feet in all the right places, especially in the forefoot. It’s just a really, really nice last. Dress boots they are not, but they’re far from chonker work boots in terms of looks.
After some alterations to its build, Parkhurst recommends you go .5 down from your Brannock size if you’re a D width. I’m an 11 Brannock and took a 10.5 in the Nighthawk Allens. They fit excellently.
Again, the Stitchdown x Parkhurst Nighthawk Allen boot is available now for pre-order at Parkhurst.com for $338, with Stitchdown Premium members getting a nicely discounted price of $288 (learn more about and join SDP here). SDP members will be furnished with a unique discount code upon joining.
The pre-order window will be open through August 17, 2020, and boots will deliver in 8-10 weeks after that window closes.
