Our first roundup of 2024 is chock full. We’ve got a limited run colorway back in stock at White’s, Viberg’s second loafer appearance, a beefy new boot from Carl Murawski and Thursday, Engineered Garments’ take on the Paraboot Chambord, and more! Happy New Year everybody.
You’ll find all of our previous roundups here.
[Ed Note: while we never choose anything specifically because of them, some of these recommendations contain affiliate links—the price is the same for you, but Stitchdown gets a small commission if you make a purchase. It’s essential to keeping the site alive, so we really, really appreciate it.]
Viberg Bristol Loafer in Black Vocalou Calf: $1,060
For their first loafer on the new Bristol pattern, Viberg ran a casual leather (Mojave Waxy Commander) that said “this is a loafer with boot roots.” On the new models in the expanded “Icons” collection, they’re full sending it in three shades of Vocalou Calf from Tannerie D’Annonay. All three models have leather soles and star heels from Dr. Sole, anchored by a 270˚ flat welt.
Viberg Bastion Oxford in Cigar Vocalou Calf: $1,030
Joining the Bristol in the “Icons” collection is Bastion Oxford, built out with the same leather sole, Dr. Sole heel, and flat welt, on the 1905 last that debuted this fall. The sleekest of Viberg’s lasts, the 1905 has a shallow but not narrow toebox and a rounded almond toe.
Viberg Regent in Cognac Vocalou Calf: $1,060
Finally Viberg’s new monk strap also made its way into the collection, built out with the same specs in the same trio of Annonay Calf colors: black, cigar, and cognac. Check out this interview we did with Brett Viberg back in November for more on the new models.
White’s 350 Cruiser in Green Pasture Chromexcel: $720
If you’re on the hunt for greener pastures (WHO ISN’T??), White’s has you covered. After a limited release towards the end of last year, they’re bringing back green Horween Chromexcel on the hand-sewn stitchdown versions of the 350 Cruiser…
White’s 350 Cutter in Green Pasture Chromexcel: $720
…and the 350 Cutter, with some boots available in stock. Both models have micro-lug soles and Quabaug heels.
Franklin & Poe x Alden 4015HC Mocc Toe in Reverse Tobacco Oiled Nubuck: $710
A daily driver leather if ever there was one, Franklin & Poe’s latest Indy sticks with reverse oiled nubuck in tobacco, and combines that with a 360˚ split reverse welt and a commando half sole and heel. They’re built on Massachusetts stalwart maker’s Trubalance last and feature tonal brown hardware.
Brogue x Alden Peninsula Split Toe Tassel Loafer in Walnut/White Calf: $648
While perhaps markedly less likely to be a daily driver for most people, Brogue’s new Peninsula loafer has an almost art-deco geometry to it between the white plug and the arch of the vamp. They’re one of the cleanest spectator patterns we’ve seen in a while (no easy feat), and the bottoms are kept neat, with a single leather sole and a 270˚ flat welt, all built on the Aberdeen last.
Brogue x Alden Boston Penny Loafer in Tan Suede: $645
For fans of Alden’s Copely last, Brogue’s new Boston penny loafer is available in Tan Suede, with antique edge finishing to match the oiled leather soles, also constructed using a 270˚ flat welt.
Thursday Brawler in Medium Brown Harness: $325
Thursday’s new Brawler model is a collaboration with none other than Carl Murawski, and the beefy, tall toed boot represents a substantial departure from Thursday’s bread-and-butter, almond-toe designs. The “Brawler” name isn’t just talk—the model utilizes 270˚ stitchdown construction. On the inside, almost all components are veg-tan, from the insole, midsole, and shank to the counter and toe stiffener. The outsole is a thin, anti-slip rubber half-sole. We’ve been real quiet about the uppers so far, so what’s the deal? Options include vegetable-tanned harness from Wickett & Craig…
Thursday Brawler in Cinnamon Waxed Flesh: $325
…and Horween Waxed Flesh, as well as C.F. Stead’s Bronze Rambler and a Maryam horse rump option that’s already sold out. Impressive stuff at this price point.
Paraboot x Engineered Garments Chambord in Bride Grainè Noir: $586
Without laces a monk strap is a moderately formal, arguably slightly dorky (though we would never suggest such a thing) undeniably dress shoe. Over top of laces? You’re a spy, maybe, or an action hero. Someone who needs to look good but also strap their laces down and get serious. This is Daiki Suzuki’s take on Paraboot, so lets strap in and talk specs: the uppers are grained calf, with Paraboot’s signature Norwegian welt and an extra-luggy version of their trademark rubber sole. Available in black…
Paraboot x Engineered Garments Chambord in Bride Grainè Ebene: $586
…or brown.
Oak Street Bootmakers Penny Moc in Black Latigo: $336
A combination tanned leather is arguably the move on camp moc—extra stretch and burnishing power are both welcome on a piece of footwear that’s many people’s kick-around shoe and that gets worn accordingly. Oak Street is offering two moc models in Black Horween Latigo, a penny moc…
Oak Street Bootmakers Bit Moc in Black Latigo: $336
…and a horse-bit, both hand-sewn, true moccasin construction on camp soles.
Oak Street Bootmakers Bit Loafer in Black Latigo: $372
The black latigo also looks pretty good on their more traditional, leather soled bit loafer.
Crown Northampton Harlestone Derby in Olive Oil Truffle Buffalo: $440 (Made to Order)
Shrunken buffalo remains a fairly common upper choice (especially on heavier, PNW-style boots) for good reason: it’s strong, it’s soft, and it’s visually dramatic. The unshrunken version retains many of those strengths, but with a subtler, less dramatic texture to the grain. Incidentally, two new shades of smooth Horween Buffalo are the latest addition to Crown Northampton’s leather options for their handstitched sneakers, olive oil truffle…
Crown Northampton Harlestone Derby in Olive Oil Tan Horween Buffalo: $440 (Made to Order)
…and Olive Oil Tan.