Shoes 'n' Boots of the Week: Nicks Boots' Munson-Inspired Thurman Last, Ready-To-Wear Sagara Boondockers, and More

This week’s roundup highlights loafers from Alden, Rancourt, and (for the first time ever) Caswell; plus, we check out the latest from Frank’s Boots, the return of a classic favorite at Nepenthes, and much more.

All of our roundup archives can be found by clicking 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 Bastion Oxford in Clove Regency Calf: $740

This week’s online exclusive from Viberg is their 2020-lasted Bastion Oxford in C.F. Stead’s Clove Regency Calf. The notched storm welt with the Ridgeway soles push these a bit out of bounds from an oxford’s typical formality, but they’re a snazzy pair nonetheless.

Nicks Boots Thurman Lasts: $545+ (Made To Order)

Nicks Boots fans have been clamoring for a Munson-style last that provides for a bit more breathing room in the toebox, and Nicks has finally delivered with their new Thurman lasts. (Diehard Yankees fans have probably picked up on the reference already.) Rather than tweak the original Munson last, Nicks has adapted two of their most popular lasts to create something totally unique.

The ThurmanNW is modeled after the HNW last, and with its moderate arch, it provides a similar feel to the original Munson shape. Meanwhile, the Thurman55 combines the Munson toebox shape with the classic higher arch of Nicks’ 55 last. These Thurman lasts are now available to order in a variety of work and heritage-style makeups (as well as custom versions of each).

Sagara Boondocker in Dark Brown Waxed Flesh: $550

The latest ready-to-wear option from Indonesian bootmaker Sagara is a boondocker done up in Horween’s Dark Brown Waxed Flesh (recalling the dubbin treatment some soldiers applied to their roughout boots to make the leather more water-resistant). These pairs come on the Morgan last with a 270 Norwegian stormwelt and raw cord half-soles. The unstructured toes will collapse magnificently with wear.

Frank’s Boots Rainier: $560 (Made To Order)

The Rainier is great for those who want the arch support provided by the classic 55 last combined with the softer cushion of a wedge sole. Available by default in either black or brown oil tan leather with a Vibram 2021 wedge (though as is typical with Frank’s, many of these features can be customized—reach out to them for more details).

White’s Boots x Nepenthes Pole Climber in Red Dog: $774

The original White’s x Nepenthes Pole Climbers became something of a cult favorite after their original release back at the turn of the century. With a lace-to-toe “oxford” pattern tricked out with a lineman patch and Vibram 2021 soles (a perennial Stitchdown favorite), they certainly stood out. Nepenthes NY is bringing back this classic White’s makeup in three configurations, with Red Dog leather…

White’s Boots x Nepenthes Pole Climber in Distress Roughout: $774

…Distress Roughout…

White’s Boots x Nepenthes Pole Climber in Black Roughout: $774

…as well as a blacked-out roughout variant.

Alden Leisure Penny in Snuff Suede: $593 (Pre-Order)

These Van-lasted unlined penny loafers are sure to provide a great degree of versatility and comfort this summer. Made with a 360 flat welt and Alden’s Leisure rubber soles, they’re available for a late May delivery from Leffot in either Snuff Suede…

Alden Leisure Penny in Humus Suede: $593 (Pre-Order)

…or Humus Suede.

Caswell Lisbon II in Toscanello TPR Horsehide: $450 (Pre-Order)

Caswell keeps on rolling with their special pre-order series. This week they’re highlighting Maryam’s Toscanello TPR Horsehide in two different models. First there’s the improved version of their Lisbon service boot, which features Dr. Sole’s Supergrip rubber soles.