For his new Spring/Summer 2012 collection, British designer Nigel Cabourn joined Viberg to reinvision the Service Boot, one of the great classics of the Canadian brand. It features a reverse leather shell with a heavily distressed look throughout the cap toe and sides of the upper. It’s a great look and one that adds to the already versatile silhouette of the Service Boot. The pair will soon be available exclusively at Barneys in the US. (via Glltn)
Wolverine 1000 Mile is pairing up with NYC retailer Leffot to auction off the #1 pair of their limited edition Wolverine 721 LTD Boots to benefit GlobalGiving’s project helping orphans in Japan rebuild their lives post-tsunami. This is an exceptional cause and really reminds us that though it’s been sometime since the tsunami, people still need our support.
The limited edition 721 LTD boot is based on a Wolverine archival pattern and is made from Horween Leather Company’s shell cordovan leather. Only 1,000 hand-numbered pairs were released worldwide along with certificates of authenticity. Bids for the #1 pair, a men’s size 10D in Shell Cordovan No. 8 color, will be accepted from today until the 22nd. The bid is currently at $728.
Red Wing Heritage and California’s BLENDS have teamed up for this limited edition collaboration. Blends has custom designed a classic 6″ Round-toe boot in black suede to promote its Made in the USA campaign, which supports American-made brands and works to reintroduce American craftsmanship to a new generation. It’s been working as more and more are appreciating the work and detail put into each Red Wing boot made.
For this project Tak Kato, Blends creative director, picked the classic 6” Round Toe with the idea to make them more casual. He chose to utilize a suede upper, a concept that has never been used on the 6” boots in the USA before. He used tonal stitches to keep the boots simple and reflect a more casual look. Simplicity and minimalism are a key aspect of Blends design concept. In addition, he added the DNA of the classic Irish Setter sports boots by adding hooks at the top as opposed to eyelets all the way up.
The BLENDS x Red Wing Heritage collaboration will be released this Saturday, December 10th as a limited edition of 150 pairs. More looks and a video highlighting the collaboration below.
Here’s another Leffot exclusive for you all. Steve and co. have teamed up with New England’s Alden to deliver their classic Longwing Blucher style in Color 8 and Black Shell Cordovan finishes. The leathers were tanned by the fine folks at Horween Leather Company out of Chicago and are nothing short of perfect. The Black Shell Cordovan version is really something else as it features red lining that creeps out in a very subtle manner, giving the shoe an added touch. Both styles can be had through Leffot.
Atlanta-based Sid Mashburn has teamed up with Swedish footwear label Tretorn to re-envision their classic Nylite sneakers. Sid and his team hand-dyed a limited batch of 250 classic blue-on-white Nylites in a bright fluorescent yellow. Sid calls the finish “Optical Bright Fluorescent Yellow GN”. The Day-Glo Tretorn Nylites are available exclusively at Sid Mashburn for $95.
UGG has turned a new page for Fall 2011, bringing a well-thoughtout collection for men to the table, at a time when American heritage brands are claiming the boot market as their own and leaving others to pick up the crumbs. The reason we’re mentioning UGG, and trust we had no intention of ever highlighting them in the past, is because they’ve done a few things differently this time around that have caught our attention. It all starts with the Hannen Boot. The folks at the Australian footwear brand were kind enough to send us over a pair to try out and there’s no lying when we say we’re impressed. And honestly, a part of me isn’t surprised. There’s a reason every gal I’ve ever known owns a pair of UGGs — they’re extremely comfortable. The Hannen boot is no different. When you blend the boot’s Vibram outsole (yes, that Vibram) with UGG’s signature sheep skin lining, it’s like walking on lotion. Kudos to anyone that gets that reference.
The ultra-rich, oiled and waterproof leather shell comes in an impeccable Cordovan finish that’s ideal for the winter months, especially this year when different hues of red are seen in the collections of some of our favorite designers. The price point for the Hannen is below many of the other work boot styles out there as well — $240 at UGG. There are more detailed shots of the boot below so be sure to check those out and head on over to UGG to pick up a pair.
Here’s a look at Viberg’s iconic #145 Oxford in two-tone suede finish. It features vintage tan suede quarters and mocha suede vamp & counter, topped off with a smooth brown leather tongue. Viberg is now in its third generation and the family owned business continues to amaze us with these impeccably crafted pieces of footwear. Don’t expect that to stop anytime soon.
Inventory has teamed up once again with Mark McNairy, this time delivering the American designer’s plain toe derby boot in a timeless snuff suede leather finish. It’s a really versatile piece that will work all year round and features leather lining for added comfort. It’s an Inventory exclusive that utilizes the split Dainite sole with a leather insert.
Italian label Diemme looks to be expanding their offerings beyond their iconic hiking boots with the introduction of the duck boot for Fall 2011. The design is everything you’d expect — a modern, refined take on an American classic. The chocolate brown leather at the ankle mends well with the deep green rubber unit, while hiking laces and a subtle deboss branding finish things off. The boots are available at select Diemme accounts worldwide including i.t in Hong Kong. (via hypebeast)
Though we’ve seen Yuketen’s 5 Eye Maine Guide Boot in past seasons, this year’s the first time we’ve seen it in this green leather finish and boy is it impressive. It’s got the hand-stitched moccasin toe while the tongue is crafted from soft, durable brown leather. The details are immense as the top of the heel to assist with pulling on the boot and there’s also a reinforced panel that runs up the back of each heel. The off white Vibram sole features a sturdy tread and works really well with the green and brown upper.
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