Stitchdown - Wear Better Shoes

A Wonderfully Blow-By-Blow Anatomy of a Wolverine 1000 Mile Resole

The front of a cobbler’s shop and the back of it are worlds apart. I’ve always wanted to get a peek behind the curtain separating the two, but, until very recently, I didn’t have the opportunity. Turns out, all you have to do is ask. When I starte... Read More...

Which Shoe Pricepoint Offers the Best Value? Find Out on The Stitchdown Shoecast Episode 6

It's time for the Shoebag, in which Ticho and Ben answer ANYTHING listeners want to know about. This week we talk about how to ensure you get the best possible patina on your boots, the importance of branding for shoe companies, which price point rep... Read More...

Shoes ‘n’ Boots of the Week: Top-Notch Vibergs, Grant Stone Chelseas, and Aldens are BACK

Alden releases sadly took a bit of a layoff due to the pandemic (except for these, of course—sizes still available!). But shops are starting to get deliveries of new makeups once more, so at least one thing is right in this world of ours. Grant Stone... Read More...

The Stitchdown Shoecast Episode 5: The Best Alden Model of All Time…Decided!

Last episode Ticho and I took 16 of Alden's best shoes and boots, debated fiercely, and narrowed them down to 8, tournament-style. This time, those eight (the Indy, tassel loafer, plain toe boot, leisure handsewn loafer, longwing, tanker, Dover, and ... Read More...

grant stone chelsea boot black annonay calf

Grant Stone’s New $300-ish Chelsea Boots Look Predictably Fantastic

Grant Stone has established itself in fairly short order as one of the best values in quality footwear, period. And over the past half-decade its range has expanded bit by bit—and never in a rush—to encompass everything from handsomely muscled boots,... Read More...

Veg-Tanner Wickett & Craig’s History, Process, and Push Into Footwear: The Stitchdown Conversation

Wickett & Craig has been making leather for a long time, at least if you consider 153 years to be a long time. The Curwensville, PA-based operation exclusively creates vegetable-tan leathers, a more natural, environmentally friendly product that ... Read More...

The Stitchdown Shoecast Episode 4: What’s the Greatest Alden Model of All Time?

Alden is the last great American dress shoe maker—and their boots might just be even better. This week on the Shoecast, Ticho and I take on an impossible task: debating the best Alden model of them all. Indy? Leisure Handsewn? Longwing? 16 enter, but... Read More...

The Stitchdown Shoecast Episode 3: Underrated Shoe and Bootmakers

Certain great shoe and boot brands are discussed endlessly here on Stitchdown. And others, well, not nearly enough. This week on the Shoecast, Ticho and I get deep into four brands we think deserve a ton more play out there in the conversation—ZEB Sh... Read More...

Shoes ‘n’ Boots of the Week: Fantastic New Aldens, Grant Stone Shell, a New Viberg x DR Shelby, and More

After months of halted production, many of our favorite makers are back in action recently, and this week's roundup is as full of the good stuff as I can remember in a while—which is obviously great to see. It's definitely loafer season, but there... Read More...

Whites Boots 350 Cruiser Distress Roughout8

The Stitchdown Shoecast Episode 2: Navigating the World of Made-to-Order Boots and Shoes

Getting involved in made-to-order—the process by which makers allow you to customize often every single detail of a boot or shoe—is incredibly fun, and creative, and also sometimes scary (in the best way possible). How do you figure out what to ma... Read More...