Black boots to be had from Black Sign and Grant Stone; a rare ready-to-wear option from Sagara; snazzy scotch grain Aldens from David Wood…all this and more in our latest Shoes ‘n’ Boots of the Week!
More SNBOTW goodness right 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 Service Boot in Dark Brown Latigo Horsehide: $915
This limited release showcases Japanese tannery Shinki Hikaku’s Latigo Horsehide, a soft and supple article that will no doubt provide comfort right out of the box. These 2030-lasted Service Boots feature a brogue cap-toe, tonal hardware, 270 stitchdown construction, and Dainite studded soles.
Viberg Rockland Blucher in Dark Brown Latigo Horsehide: $825
There’s also a size 9.5 remaining in these Rockland Bluchers crafted in the same leather. These shoes come on the 2030 last with a 360 notched storm welt and Dainite soles.
One-Off Kustom Kraft Boondocker in EU Size 43: $1000
Our friend Dennis, aka Kustom Kraft, has been rolling out his one-man, truly hand-made brand in a thoughtfully measured way, making…well, kustom…pairs one at a time in a made-to-order fashion. His first ready-to-wear pair is these service boots—slightly taller and more straightforward than the main pattern he’s been creating over in Germany—whose upper is made with a mystery oiled leather (“all I know it’s from a Germany tannery, will go from natural to cognac, and is super-soft”). If you’re interested, check out Dennis’s post right here.
Black Sign x Clinch Transcontinental Boots: $1950
Originally available for pre-order waaaay back in the fall of ‘21, Standard & Strange has just received a stock shipment of these audacious and fantastic Transcontinental Boots. Standing at around 16 inches tall, these boots are made on Clinch’s CN-Wide last with a waxy teacore cowhide from French tannery Degermann that will show ample character with wear. They’re built with a handwelted construction on O’Sullivan’s reproduction outsoles. This is likely the last chance you’ll get to snag a pair—S&S mentions these won’t be restocked.
Grant Stone Field Boot in Black Chromexcel: $380
The latest variant of Grant Stone’s outdoorsman-inspired Field Boot (we love these things—check out our review here) now comes in classic Horween Black Chromexcel. Built to a 7-inch height on the Floyd last, the Field Boot is made with a 360 flat welt and Grant Stone’s custom wedge soles.
Alden x Dashing Chicago “LaSalle” Wingtip Boot: $655
Dashing gives a nod to Robert LaSalle, a 17th century French explorer (who is also the namesake of a street in Dashing’s hometown of Chicago). These Barrie-lasted wingtip boots are made in tobacco chamois leather with a 360 pre-stitch reverse welt and heavy duty lug soles.
Alden x Dashing Chicago “The Fields” Leisure Handsewn Tassel Loafer: $795
Dashing also has this intriguing mashup between an LHS and a tassel loafer that pays homage to vintage GH Bass Weejun loafers. The name itself, meanwhile, is a tribute to former Chicago-based department store Marshall Fields. Built on the Van last in Color 8 Shell Cordovan, the Fields is made with a 360 flat welt and single leather soles.
GH Bass Scout Hi Lace Boots: $295
Speaking of GH Bass, these recently released moc toe tallboys caught our eye. We haven’t handled them ourselves, but with a 360 Goodyear welted construction, Vibram heavy lug soles, and a sub-$300 pricetag, they could be worth a shot. Available in black, brown, and “Heritage Red” pull-up leather.
Zerrows Engineer in Black Teacore Latigo: ~$873
More Japanese boot goodness just in at East West Apparel. These 12-inch engineers are made with Zerrows’ flat toe last, and while the name suggests a snug fit at the toes, EWA finds it to be tall enough not to rub the toes while also offering a gradual rise to accommodate a higher-arched foot. The other star of the show is this Horween heavyweight latigo leather, which will give off a teacore effect as it wears in. It’s constructed with a 270 flat welt, and bottomed with a Vibram 269 half-sole and Cat’s Paw heel.
Sagara Valiant in Natural/Muschio Horsebutt: $630
Sagara’s first ready-to-wear drop of 2023 is their Valiant lace-to-toe boot in a combination of Natural and Muschio (Moss) Horsebutt from Conceria Maryam (the latter of which is not normally available from Sagara, even as an MTO option). These boots are crafted on the Morgan last with a 270 Norwegian welt and Dr. Sole half-soles.
Alden x David Wood “Brackett” Jumper Boot: $665
Made on the Barrie last in dark brown scotch grain leather, these perforated cap-toe jumper boots are built with a 360 pre-stitch reverse welt and commando soles.