Lockdown has definitely made an impact on new releases (we’ll stop staying this eventually), but this week is—without a drip of embellishment—absolutely loaded. The one-off natty CXL horsebutt Viberg boondockers from Division Road are the showstoppers here, but there’s also new John Lofgrens for the first time in a bit, the opportunity to fully customize a pair of Meermin loafers, and the start of the Memorial Day sale bonanza.
Whether you’re thinking ahead to Fall’s footwear or grabbing some lightweight stuff for this summer, there are some top notch options this week—some at a killer discount.
Viberg x Division Road Natural CXL Horsebutt Boondocker: $735 (Goes on Sale at 1pm Eastern)
I mean, c’mon. CXL tannage has never looked so…I mean, C’MON! Horween tanned the leather specifically for this makeup, and C’MON!! Viberg hitmaker Division Road did these on Viberg’s new 2055 last—essentially a flat-toe 2045, which nice and wide in the forefoot (DR recommends going down a half-size from 2030). Triple and quad natural stitching on the upper, commando sole, seven eyelets, stitchdown construction. Only 15 of these will be made, probably ever. Maybe the best Viberg makeup I’ve seen all year.
Viberg Service Boot in Color 2 Shell Cordovan: $1290
Viberg’s been putting the bulk of their special Service Boot releases on the 2020 last…but the 2030 is back on these unreal, deeper-than-you-might-normally-2 Color 2 Horween shell. Ridgeway sole, which is basically the best sole. Instant winner.
Viberg Slipper in Color 2 Shell Cordovan: $970
The same Horween shell drapes these Goodyear storm welted slippers, which also get a leather sole. Class, class, class.
Nick’s Officer Boot in Black CXL: $499
Orders are now open for Nick’s Boots 8-inch Officer Boot, which sports a dressier (if that can be said about 8-inch PNW boots) pattern than you usually see from the Spokane maker. Built on Nick’s HNW last with a lower-slung block heel and moderate arch, rawhide laces, and a Vibram 430 mini-lug outsole—a Stitchdown personal favorite.
John Lofgren Natural CXL Roughout Donkey Puncher: $885
Guest writeup from Standard & Strange’s Neil!:
“Popularized in the 1950s film Loggers Without A Forest, about a violent environmental activist motorcycle gang, the lace-to-toe style Donkey Puncher boot is now available from John Lofgren in a natural CXL roughout leather. The lace-to-toe style provides a very accommodating fit, allowing you more control over vamp tightness than a non-lace-to-toe boot. Made in Japan using a variety of top-shelf components.”
John Lofgren Monkey Boots in Black CXL: $820
More Neil!:
“John Lofgren continues his obsession with lace-to-toe boots with his new Monkey Boot. After an enterprising Italian named Giuseppe Porcini began fitting his simian organ grinder operators with rubber soled boots, his business boomed as he was able to commandeer an army of sly pickpockets who could move quickly and easily among the crowded and dangerous streets of the late 1800s Lower East Side.”
Alden Madison x Stitchdown Montgomerie Medallion Tip Scotch Grain Boot: $625
If you don’t know about this one yet, you clearly need to follow @stitchdown on Instagram. We teamed up with Alden Madison for these stunners and the two makeups below for our Alden Archive Deep Dive project, to unleash styles that needed to be unleashed. Barrie last, commando sole, antique, and obviously, brass, baby.
Alden Madison x Stitchdown Folsom 750 Reverse Tobacco Chamois Chukka: $625
Said with (almost) zero bias: the coolest 750 chukka we’ve seen. Also commando and antique. Rugged and casual and just…really good. Lasted a little looser, and obviously a slip-on, so definitely consider sizing down .5 unless you’re incredibly snug in Barrie typically.
Alden Madison x Stitchdown Patton Color 8 Shell Blucher: $800
This revived makeup is on the 379x military last, which delivers an abundantly round, handsome toe. Commando, antique. As of publishing, only five pair left.
Viberg x Withered Fig Toscanello Tennessee Calf Bobcat: $330 (Pre-order)
As a followup to their waxed flesh horsebutt 1035-last Bobcat, Withered Fig went with Maryam Toscanello Tennessee Calf—which you’ll just have to imagine, as this image is the original boot. The Dr. Sole full raw cord sole and heel will still be present. 50% deposit to grab yours now, closes this Sunday.
Truman Boot Co. Brown Chromepak 79 Last Boot: $440
Truman’s combining their 79 last with Horween brown Chromepak, all hot stuffed, more water resistant, and ready for patina-town. The beefy silhouette and hard-wearing leather make a great match, complemented by antique brass hardware, a heavy-duty commando outsole, and 270 degree GYW stitching.
Truman Boot Co. Navy Pika 79 Last Boot: $460
The Navy Pika boot shares much of its DNA with its Brown Chromepak sibling above, but the big difference is obviously the leather. Produced by Law Tanning Co., the rich navy—paired with its tan base—has more of a gunmetal gray color than anything overtly blue. Regardless, the subtle hue will age nicely, revealing more of its tan core as you bust ‘em up.
Truman Boot Co. Shag 79 Last Boot: $440
Another use of the 79 last, but this time with a rather different design. Using a Horween cowhide that emulates the broken-in look and feel of vintage leather jackets, they also get a cap toe and a Vibram 2021 chonk-monster wedge
Meermin Lets You Customize Your Own Unlined Loafers: Starting at $195
Starting at a base price of $195, which goes up depending on your choice of pattern—penny, handsewn penny, tassel, or slipper—and materials. All the options are flex Goodyear-welted using the RON last, but everything else is up to you. Swing over to the site to start building your ideal summer loafer. Only available through Sunday.
Meermin Ruby Shell Cordovan Penny Loafer: $380
No options necessary here: back by popular demand, Meermin has opened a MTO version of their penny loafer in a luxuriant Italian ruby shell cordovan. Lined with French calf, with leather heel counters. Using their typical RON loafer last, these handsome boys should be delivered in July.
Lof & Tung Antibes Loafer in Loden Suede: €264
We’ve featured Lof & Tung’s Antibes loafer before, but the unlined summer shoe looks especially good in the moss-colored Loden suede. The shoe comes on the brand’s S last and is Goodyear-welted to a single leather outsole.
Oak Street Bootmakers Up to 40% Off
Not a new release, but a gotta-at-least-consider-it-hard sale; Oak Street is offering the vast majority of their made-in-USA wares at anywhere from 15-40% off. At the 40% tier, you could snag Ben’s personal favorite OSB natty CXL Summit hiker, or a snuff suede penny loafer. And even at the lowest discount tier, there are a number of fantastic steals: belts, tees, and footwear care kits.
Free Matching Belt With Any Carmina Loafers
No need to agonize over a non-matching belt: for Memorial Day, Carmina will just give you one with the purchase of any loafers over the weekend.
Helm Boots 25% off Site-Wide
Another Memorial Day sale, Helm’s offering 25% off all their wares with 5% of all sales going towards OSD veteran and troop support. Love a deal that also gives back.