Stitchdown - Wear Better Shoes

All Things Østmo With Bootmaking Virtuoso Lars Jensen: Shoecast Episode 9

This week, the Shoecast is actually the Larscast, as @tichoblancoshoes and I spend a whole bunch of time chatting with Lars Jensen, the one-man Norwegian wondermaker who creates—and indeed IS—Østmo boots. Things you should know: 1) Lars is the bes... Read More...

The Handsewn Makers You Need to Know: Quoddy, Rancourt, Russell, Maine Mountain, and Yuketen

In the last episode of the Shoecast, Ticho and I did a birds-eye view of the US handsewn moccasin construction footwear scene: how the shoes are made, and the rise and fall and rise again of the industry behind it, largely in Maine. It's a deeply int... Read More...

Grant Stone Ottawa Review: a Superbly Made Split-Toe Boot at an Almost Unbeatable Price

Grant Stone is a shoemaker I’ve been eyeing for a while—they produce a tight but complete range of styles, and really seem to really focus on getting every aspect of what they make correct before releasing it. Having been one of the earliest membe... Read More...

The Rise and Fall and Rise Again of the US Handsewn Industry: The Stitchdown Shoecast Episode 7

Handsewns—boat shoes, camp mocs, ranger mocs, guide boots, penny loafers, and other shoes and boots made with handsewn moccasin construction—are some of the most comfortable, and indeed truly handmade footwear that exists. This week on the Shoecas... Read More...

Viberg 145 Work Oxford — Tobacco Chamois Reverse - 1035

Shoes ‘n’ Boots of the Week: Perfect Reverse Chamois Vibergs, a Rare John Lobb Sale, and More

So much good stuff in here this week. I feel like these roundups have become Alden, Viberg, and Grant Stone-heavy recently—but hey, they're continuing to put out winners, so can you blame me? A few top-notch Wescos and a John Lobb sale round out the ... Read More...

A Wonderfully Blow-By-Blow Anatomy of a Wolverine 1000 Mile Resole

The front of a cobbler’s shop and the back of it are worlds apart. I’ve always wanted to get a peek behind the curtain separating the two, but, until very recently, I didn’t have the opportunity. Turns out, all you have to do is ask. When I starte... Read More...

Which Shoe Pricepoint Offers the Best Value? Find Out on The Stitchdown Shoecast Episode 6

It's time for the Shoebag, in which Ticho and Ben answer ANYTHING listeners want to know about. This week we talk about how to ensure you get the best possible patina on your boots, the importance of branding for shoe companies, which price point rep... Read More...

Shoes ‘n’ Boots of the Week: Top-Notch Vibergs, Grant Stone Chelseas, and Aldens are BACK

Alden releases sadly took a bit of a layoff due to the pandemic (except for these, of course—sizes still available!). But shops are starting to get deliveries of new makeups once more, so at least one thing is right in this world of ours. Grant Stone... Read More...

The Stitchdown Shoecast Episode 5: The Best Alden Model of All Time…Decided!

Last episode Ticho and I took 16 of Alden's best shoes and boots, debated fiercely, and narrowed them down to 8, tournament-style. This time, those eight (the Indy, tassel loafer, plain toe boot, leisure handsewn loafer, longwing, tanker, Dover, and ... Read More...

grant stone chelsea boot black annonay calf

Grant Stone’s New $300-ish Chelsea Boots Look Predictably Fantastic

Grant Stone has established itself in fairly short order as one of the best values in quality footwear, period. And over the past half-decade its range has expanded bit by bit—and never in a rush—to encompass everything from handsomely muscled boots,... Read More...