We’re back! With shoes. And boots. Mostly boots, this time around. Josh is off this week, hanging out in a very warm place while I dig out of a foot of snow—while, believe it or not, wearing boots. Man the JKs below would be awwwwful nice today.
Also: excellent Aldens from heavies Brick & Mortar and Brogue, a simple yet perfect Wesco Hendrik from Brooklyn Clothing, and some fun new Helms.
Catch up on our previous release roundups 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 x Division Road Muschio 2030 Service Boot: $785
DR is back at it with a custom 9 antique-brass eyelet version of Viberg’s 2030 perforated cap toe 2030 Service Boot in Maryam Muschio TPR horsebutt, with a Ridgeway sole. A Viberg classic, in a underused ‘butt.
Viberg x Division Road Toscanello 1035 Service Boot: $775
I love 1035-last plain toe Vibergs. If you share this same wonderful affliction, these are absolutely worth considering. Maryam’s famed patina-prepared Toscanello horsebutt and Ridgeway sole here, and a more casual overall makeup than the 2030 boys above with the seven larger eyelets. The kind of boot it’s basically impossible to go wrong with.
Wesco x Brooklyn Clothing Hendrik in British Tan Domane Roughout: $710
Wesco’s Hendrik pattern is about as good a base as you can get, and Brooklyn chose Seidel’s British Tan Domane roughout. And the Vibram 269 sole, which you don’t see a ton of, is a good fun twist.
Oak Street Bootmakers Natural Indigo CXL Roughout Trench Boot: $548
This one’s an OSB classic. They finally brought it back, and the natural indigo-overdyed CXL roughout was not easy to make—you definitely need to read all about it in their post. Consider it the raw denim of boots.
Brick and Mortar “Helsinki” Tan Calf City Mocc: $620
Seattle’s finest brings it again with a handsewn-mocc blucher that will have you looking forward to spring (have I mentioned it snowed a lot here last night?). Barrie last, City II rubber sole, blind eyelets, classy.
Alden x Brogue 5ZP Boot 2.0: $625
A killer classic jumper in a new leather for Alden (I’m pretty sure?): navy Austin Bends. Built on the Trubalance last and taking the perforated cap toe quite nicely, the cavity wedge sole offers a bit of fun cazsh to an otherwise quite classy boot.
Alden x Brogue Arabica Lux Clint Boot: $629
You know we love Horween’s shimmery, tea-core-y Arabica Lux leather over here, and Brogue wields it very well on this one, a stripped down to the basics, straight tip derby on Alden’s Grant last.
JK Boots Arctic Series: $575-$590
Spokane’s own JK just released their extremely winter-ready Arctic Series, both models of which are about as hardy and warm as great boots come. The No. 1 is lined with Thinsulate to keep your feet toasty right up to freezing temps, while the No. 2 is ready to plunge well below.
They offer, of course, full customization, with boot heights from 6 to 20 inches, four shades of highly water resistant Seidel oil tan upper leather, a chonker ice-rated lug sole, and JK’s true-work-tested build.
And they’ll get any custom order on your feet in three weeks. Three weeks! I’ll still be shoveling then.
Truman Cap Toe 79 Last Boot in Gingembre Cammo Leather: $460
A greenish CF Stead leather I’ve actually never seen on boots before, the Cammo shade of Gingembre really highlights the leather’s natural variation, and gets a wax-blend finish for a little extra protection and patina-making.
Helm Jakob Brown: $295
Austin-based Helm brought back their tallboy Jakob model in a lovely brown leather from Brazilian tannery Krumenauer. White wedge sole, bunch o’ eyelets plus a couple hooks. Hike your cuffs up!
Helm x Death & Co. Jakob Black: $295
Helm’s other Jakob is the type a collaboration you rarely see: they teamed with legendary NYC cocktail bar Death & Co (which I personally used to spend WAY too much time at…it’s the best) for a boot that’s all black save for Helm’s signature white midsole. The best way to beat death is to team up with it.