British tannery C.F. Stead’s fingerprints are all over this week’s release roundup—from Oak Street’s latest limited-edition offerings, to Caswell’s updated Lisbon boot, to Tricker’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection, and more.
More roundups from previous weeks here.
[Ed Note: while we never choose anything specifically because of them, some of these recommendations contain affiliate links—the price is the same for you, but Stitchdown gets a small commission if you make a purchase. It’s essential to keeping the site alive, so we really, really appreciate it.]
Viberg 2030 Service Boot in Cigar Viking Calf: $1160
Gallun Leather’s Viking Calf is a heavyweight calfskin that means serious business—its tight break is complemented by a high degree of abrasion and water resistance. For this week’s Service Boot Sunday, Viberg showcased this Cigar Viking Calf on their 2030-lasted Service Boot, classed up with a pinked cap toe and some Lactae Hevea natural rubber soles.
Clinch Engineer in Natural Horsebutt: $1950: Limited Release at Noon ET 3/10
These magnificent engineers are once again on the shelves—although surely not for long—at Standard & Strange. Made by BRASS Tokyo (in, uh, Tokyo), they’re built to an 11-inch height in a natural raw horsebutt that’s sure to have abundant aesthetic variation from pair to pair, and feature a handwelted construction, Japanese brass hardware, and O’Sullivans repro soles. They’re built on the more-generous CN-Wide last—though the folks at S&S note that this batch is running a bit smaller than previous runs, so you may need to size up depending on your foot’s width.
Rolling Dub Trio Casper in Tobacco Oiled Suede: $800 (Pre-Order)
Standard & Strange also just rolled out a whole bunch of Rolling Dub Trio models for pre-order, including these Casper sidezips in some slick tobacco oiled suede. Check out more highlights of this pre-order event (which runs through March 16th) here.
Nicks Boots HardwearPro: $580+ (Made To Order)
The HardwearPro complements Nicks’ flagship BuilderPro as a lighter, more flexible alternative. Built on the HNW last, the HardwearPro features a 360 stitchdown construction paired with your choice of a unit sole like the Vibram Sierra (pictured above).
Oak Street Bootmakers Trench Boot in Gaucho Waxed Kudu: $518
Oak Street’s newest limited releases feature C.F. Stead’s waxed kudu leather in a Gaucho colorway that really showcases the heavy natural scarring found on this African antelope. Available as a plain-toe Trench Boot…
Oak Street Bootmakers Cap-Toe Lakeshore Boot in Gaucho Waxed Kudu: $536
…or a Cap-Toe Lakeshore Boot.
Caswell Bootmakers Lisbon II in Prairie Waxy Commander: $359 (Pre-Order)
Caswell’s updated version of their Lisbon service boot sports a bunch of tweaks, both inside and out—an updated stitching pattern, rolled top, updated quarter panel sizing, and upgraded shanks and heel counters. For this limited-edition pre-order, this C.F. Stead Prairie Waxy Commander is available not only with either a Dainite Ridgeway or Dr. Sole Supergrip sole, but it can also be ordered in a wide range of sizes: 7 through 14, in D, E, or EE widths. This pre-order runs through April 7th, or until 20 pairs have been reserved.
Alden x Leffot “Fifteen” Penny Loafer in Color 8 Shell Cordovan: $915 (Pre-Order)
Leffot continues their 15th anniversary victory lap with a heckin’ chonker of an Alden loafer. The “Fifteen” is built on the Van last, and features a couple subtle changes to the pattern—a higher vamp, as well as a shallower toe box. Made in Color 8 Shell Cordovan, these loafers are bottomed with Alden’s beefy crepe soles.
Tricker’s Bourton in Acorn Olivvia: ~$572
Tricker’s latest seasonal collection has arrived. There’s a whole fleet of new models to check out here, but we’ll highlight just a handful for you. First up, the Bourton gets a new leather: their classic Acorn calfskin is now made with an Olivvia tannage, a process that utilizes tanning liquors made with olive leaves. Here it’s paired with a Vibram Vi-Lite cushioned commando sole.
Tricker’s Richard in Ridge Waxy Suede: ~$572
This suave LWB is outfitted with a somewhat-rugged waxed suede from C.F. Stead, and features Dainite studded soles.
Tricker’s Bernwood in Black Hydro Nubuck: ~$613
Hydro Nubuck is a new leather featuring a hydrophobic finish that boasts superior water resistance. It’s seen here on the Bernwood plain-toe service boot…
Tricker’s Daniel in Whisky Hyrdo Nubuck: $~572
…as well as the understated Daniel tramping shoe.
Alden x Ealdwine “Adirondack” 2×2 Cap-Toe Boot in Austin Tar Calf: $678
Built on the Barrie last, the “Adirondack” sports a rarely seen cap toe with two sets of double stitching. Made in this chocolatey Austin Tar Calf, it includes a 360 pre-stitch reverse welt and Alden’s proprietary cream-colored wedge soles.
Clinch x Belafonte Ponton Ankle Boot: $1450
Available at Brogue, these sleek ‘n’ sporty balmoral boots are made for clothing brand Belafonte Ragtime. Crafted in a black kidskin, the Ponton is bottomed with leather soles paired with O’Sullivan rubber heels. (Looks like something Spike Spiegel might wear.)
Meermin Jumper Boot in Snuff Naked Kudu: $260
This rock-solid jumper boot sports some of C.F. Stead’s superb Snuff Naked Kudu. It’s made on the Hok last with a 270 flat welt and studded rubber soles—and unlike the Meermin MTOs we typically feature here, it’s available to ship immediately!