Stitchdown - Wear Better Shoes

The Stitchdown Patina Thunderdome: The Official Rules

The Stitchdown Patina Thunderdome is the preeminent event fostering both community and friendly competition in naturally-developed footwear patina. The Dome starts on Oct 1 2022 and runs through April 1, 2023. And at the end of it all our esteemed... Read More...

Shoes ‘n’ Boots of the Week: The Latest Nicks & Rose Anvil Collab, Huckberry Kicks It With Easymoc, and More

For the tail end of July, we’re checking out a smattering of new releases that include the latest collaboration from Nicks Boots and Rose Anvil; a new pattern (and leather!) from Truman; and some Aldens at Leffot that may make you feel like you’re wa... Read More...

Why the Hell Do All These Workboot Makers Call Their Derbies “Oxfords”? An Investigation.

What’s an oxford when it’s absolutely, definitely not an oxford…but is still, somehow, called an oxford? It’s difficult to fathom how one one of the most common shoe terms became one of the most surprisingly contentious shoe terms. Because we all... Read More...

Shoes ‘n’ Boots of the Week: Viberg Keeps the 145 Oxfords Coming, Norvegese-Mania at Meermin, and More

Welcome back! This week we’re taking a look at the latest leather addition to the Nicks Boots lineup, some more of that Congo Shrunken Bison at Oak Street Bootmakers, handsewn sneakers at FEIT, and much more. Catch up on more recent releases here.... Read More...

ostmo x iron boots maryam natural horsehide type 1

Østmo x Iron Boots is Here—What You Need To Know

At long last: the much-anticipated collaboration between our favorite Norwegian bootmaker Østmo Boots and Chinese up-and-comer Iron Boots is ready to launch. You may recall that we helped announce the “Irønmo” partnership way back in September of ... Read More...

There’s a New Chelsea Boot in Town: Meet Christian Daniel Boots

Chelsea boots are a major force in the footwear world. Historically, they've been The Thing at certain points in the US and Europe (see: Beatles, The). Currently and forever, they're apparently the only boot anyone in Australia has ever heard of—the ... Read More...

Talking Vintage Inspiration, Shoe Saunas, Beaver Fur, and More With Yuketen Visionary Yuki Matsuda

Yuki Matsuda is an absolute gem of a man. If there's someone more relentlessly excited to design and make and just talk shoes after more than three decades in the biz than Yuketen's founder, I haven't met them (but would definitely like to; DM me plz... Read More...

Baker’s Boots Celebrates 65 Years In Business With Exclusive Boots From White’s and Wesco

If you’re an iconic PNW boot retailer like Baker’s Boots & Clothing, and you’re observing the 65th anniversary of being a family-owned business…how do you celebrate such a sizable milestone? Well, you gotta have a t-shirt. But that’s just for ... Read More...

A Handsewn Life Made in Maine: the Stitchdown Conversation With Mike and Kyle Rancourt of Rancourt & Co.

Mike Rancourt and his son Kyle live and breathe handsewn shoes. The "breathe” is literal—one of Mike’s memories from growing up is the smell of soaked leather from the shoes his mother put together in their home. For generations, the Rancourt fami... Read More...

stichdown patina thunderdome—viberg x lost & found service boot horween natural CXL

How Horween Natural Chromexcel Ages

Horween Chromexcel—or CXL, as they call it in the Chicago tannery—has certainly established itself as one of the deservingly premier leathers for high-quality boots and shoes. The pull-up leather is soft and pliable but highly durable, easy to work w... Read More...