Inspired by the classic M-43 service shoe design, these boots offer a unique blend of durability and style. Crafted with unlined Shinki black horsebutt leather, they feature a tea core finish that ages beautifully over time. The Vibram 705 sole ensures solid traction, while the precise high-SPI stitching adds a touch of refinement. Perfect for combat conditions or everyday wear, these boots combine comfort with a distinguished look.
From the brand: The grain texture of Shinki Horsebutt is highly variable, and will differ immensely from boot to boot. We cannot ensure your boots will have more or less grain than what is photographed as all pairs will be entirely unique. Caveat emptor.
The original M-43 service shoe that serves as the model for these was issued in 1943, with the rivetless version starting in 1944. The basic specifications for this boot were very simple. Composition sole, welted construction, natural combination-tanned rough-out cowhide, all built up on the Munson last with an unstructured toe. The goal was to have a cost-effective, durable shoe for all forms of combat conditions. Multiple variants popped up across the armed forces, including version for the Marines and the Navy, all with the same basic template.
Not sufficiently pleased making a simple reproduction, the Lofgren team have taken the M-43 and upgraded every aspect they can. Military grade eyelets, multiple rows of precise, high-SPI stitchwork, a completely unstructured toe, & USA-made Vibram 705 soles with 700 heels held on with a British-made 360 degree storm welt.
These are sewn up in an all black tea-core horsebutt from the Shinki Tannery in Japan, one of the premier horsehide tanneries in the world. Being a tea core leather, the black dye at applied to the hides does not fully penetrate the surface of the hides, leaving the flesh underneath undyed - over time, the black dye will wear and scuff off, revealing the brown core beneath.
This remarkable leather also 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.
They are built around the same Munson last as used in the originals, which makes for a comfortable, supportive boot.
Choose 1 size smaller than your Brannock device size.
Built on the original Munson Last
Unlined Shinki black horsebutt
Tea core
Pronounced grain texture
Variable paneling
Leather midsole
360 degree storm welt
Vibram 705 sole with 700 heel
Tonal brown eyelets
Brown edge stain
White contrast stitching
Choose 1 size smaller than your Brannock device size
Made In Japan
Built on the original Munson Last
Need help with sizing?
Contact us
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Narrow and low volume feet:
1 size smaller than Brannock
D-Width and average volume feet:
1 size smaller than Brannock
E & EE-Width and high volume feet:
0.5 size smaller than Brannock
