Stitchdown - Wear Better Shoes

Dennis Kieback — Kustom Kraft Boots — German Bootmaker in Workshop

Kustom Kraft’s Dennis Kieback on Starting a Handmade Bootmaking Business, Funky German Leathers, and Getting in the “Flow State”

When Dennis Kieback made his first pair of Kustom Kraft boots, he’d barely even seen a pair of Red Wings before. But the bookmaking bug had bitten him hard—and the Kiel, Germany craftsman was infected. Now 25+ pairs into his bootmaking career, Den... Read More...

Viberg Service Boot — 2040 Last — Whiskey Phoenix

Shoes ‘n’ Boots of the Week: Viberg’s AW23 Collection, a Trio of Donkey Punchers, Russell Bird Shooters, and More

We position ourselves as an alternative to hype culture run amok around here, and therefore spend a lot of time thinking about the ways our hobby can intersect with consumerist currents. Heck, you can listen to Ben grapple with it live on this episod... Read More...

Need A Last-Minute Pair For The Thunderdome? We’ve Got the Patina-Ready Suggestions.

It’s Thunderdome season, baby. Last year, we saw over 800 contestants enter into the Stitchdown Patina Thunderdome, and we’re expecting another big turnout for our third-annual contest with a ridiculous lineup of over $40k in prizes. From October ... Read More...

Division Road x Crocket and Jones Collaboration

Shoes ‘n’ Boots of the Week: Ready-To-Wear Arno, Division Road x Crockett, and Clinch at Standard & Strange

Dearest readers, I have a confession to make. In addition to a trio of brand-new boots from (in some ways) brand-new brand Arno, in stock (for now) Clinch boots at Standard & Strange, and a new collaboration at Division Road, there are some terri... Read More...

The Shoe Service Institute of America’s Justin Bennett on the Shoe Supply Game, Cobbling’s Future, and More

Since 1904, the Shoe Service Institute of America has operated as an essential champion for the shoe repair industry. This week, Ben sat down with SSIA board member Justin Bennett (day job: Chicago-based shoe store/repair shop supplier Justin Blair &... Read More...

Dr. Sole OZ Trooper Review: A Minimalist Vintage Design With Maximum Comfort

Dr. Sole is a rare triple threat in the shoe world. The Taiwanese outfit designs and manufactures outsoles, offers an extremely high-end resole and rebuild service, and most recently, have been creating their own in-house footwear line, Pioneer, whic... Read More...

Viberg - Service Boot 2030 BCT - Cognac Double Butts

Shoes ‘n’ Boots of the Week: Natural Minerva Lofgrens, RTW Acme Shoemaker, Blue Boots from Unmarked, and More

We've got a rangy roundup for you this week, spanning stalwart favorites as well as some new faces. There's a duo of Natural Minerva Lofgrens at Standard and Strange, a new line of ready-to-wear boots and shoes from Acme shoemaker, and of course a wh... Read More...

Viberg Color 8 Hatchgrain Horween Shell Cordovan—Uplands Chukka and Rockland Blucher

Color 8 Hatchgrain Shell Cordovan Vibergs—Available in the Stitchdown Premium Discord

Color 8 is perhaps the most famous—and certainly most ubiquitous—shade of Horween's legendary shell cordovan. Color 8 boxboard shell cordovan, the same base leather that's plated with an appealingly natural-looking inconsistent print...well, that'... Read More...

Next Big Makers? Impending Quality Footwear Bubble?? Is the Thunderdome Too Commercial??? And More!

Ben and Ticho are back to tear open the Shoebag once more to answer probing listener questions such as: how should handsewns fit when they're NEW? What's the best approach to trying out new makers on the scene—and who should you keep eyes open for sh... Read More...

Shoes ‘n’ Boots of the Week: Garnet Shell Longwings, Apocalypse Nicks, Tricker’s Summer Sale, and More

This week we’ve got in-stock shell from Grant Stone, the third generation indestructible boot from Nicks and one mister Weston Kay, some deep discounts at Tricker’s, and more in the latest Shoes ‘n’ Boots of the week. Roll the intro music. The ... Read More...