Crafted from premium Shinki Tannery horsebutt leather, these Steel Gang Boots showcase a unique blend of comfort and style. Designed on the John Lofgren 120 Last, they offer a roomy E width fit, accommodating various foot shapes. The glossy finish and tonal variations create a striking appearance, while Vibram 430 soles provide superior traction and durability. Ideal for both work and casual outings, these boots gracefully age over time, reflecting individual wear and character.
From the brand: CAVEAT EMPTOR: T
hese boots are made from a highly varied horsebutt leather that can differ in color, texture, markings, & grain across different boot panels. No two pairs are alike, and may feature both more and less dramatic grain texture than is shown below depending on the pair.
When John Lofgren sets out to build a pair of boots, he builds the most comfortable, highest quality boot he can. All of the work is done in Japan from start to finish, using the best leathers from around the world, Vibram soles, and John's own custom lasts.
The Steel Gang Boots are an early 20th century work boot style, inspired by those popular amongst railroad workers and foresters. Finished with a logger heel, they're built on top of the made in USA Vibram 430 half sole and heel combo, an all-time favorite for its blend of comfort, traction, and visual sleekness. The all brass hardware and woven internal lacing are just icing on the cake.
They're made from an exceptionally high quality horsebutt leather from Japan's own Shinki Tannery, one of the premier horsehide tanneries in the world. The hides feature a subtle pull-up effect giving tonal variation at points of high movement. Basically, areas where the leather is pushed on or stretched look lighter, and areas under less tension look darker.
Additionally, this remarkable leather features a glossy finish and a gorgeous grain texture that ranges from subtle to incredibly prominent. Unlike cowhide, horsebutt tends to roll rather than crease over time, giving them a more subtle and graceful aging process. Over time, the footbed will collapse, taking the shape of your sole, as the horsehide upper breaks in and conforms to the rest of your foot.
There's even more magic packed into the fit. Lofgren call these an E width, because they're plenty roomy throughout but we've found them to be pretty accommodating to almost everyone. Folks with wider (EE) feet may want to only go down 0.5 size smaller than brannock, but everyone else (C, D, E widths and others) can comfortably size down one from brannock for the best fit.
Choose 1 size smaller than your Brannock device size.
Built on the John Lofgren 120 Last
Shinki camel brown horsebutt leather from Japan
270 degree double row goodyear flat welt
5 brass eyelets + 3 speed hooks
Plain toe
Brown rawhide laces
6" height
Vibram 430 half sole +430 heel combination
Brown tonal stitching
Choose 1 size smaller than your Brannock device size
Custom woven label
Made in Japan
