California-based menswear company Freenote Cloth is responsible for making some absolutely killer Americana- and Western-inspired jeans, jackets, and shirts. (Definitely go back and listen to our Shoecast with co-founder Andrew Brodrick from earlier this year, if you haven’t already.) While they’ve continued to pump out fantastic clothing, they’ve also been quietly stocking up their Cloth Shop with footwear from Viberg, John Lofgren, and Truman—the latter of which is behind three new Freenote Cloth-exclusive makeups, all available now.
The Oregonian bootmaker has put together three distinct makeups—the Elysian plain toe boot, the Wilson cap toe boot, and the Verdugo derby—for this collaboration, with names thoughtfully chosen by Freenote Cloth as tributes to the city of Los Angeles.
The Elysian boot is named after Elysian Park, an LA neighborhood that includes one of its largest public parks, and in Freenote’s estimation is one of the best places to catch a sunset in the city. Accordingly, the Elysian boot is made with a burnt-orange-colored Coach Rambler leather from C.F. Stead. It also features a brown tongue for contrast, a structured toe, a 360 flat welt, and Vibram 430 soles and heels.
Next, the Wilson—made with C.F. Stead Snuff Rambler—is an homage to the forests surrounding Mount Wilson, located in the northern part of Los Angeles County. This unstructured cap toe boot comes with a 360 storm welt, black edge dressing, and Ridgeway soles.
Finally, the Verdugo derby is named for José María Verdugo, a Spanish soldier in the 18th century who was granted the land that makes up modern-day Highland Park in Los Angeles, where Freenote’s brick-and-mortar shop is located. This derby is made with Truman-favorite Java Waxed Flesh from Horween, and comes equipped with a 360 storm welt and Truman’s proprietary commando soles.
If you’re lucky enough to be near Freenote Cloth’s physical location, these terrific Trumans are available in-store. Otherwise, check them all out on the Cloth Shop page.