At risk of making the National Weather Service redundant, five loafers definitely means spring. But that dosen’t mean we’re short on boots: we’ve got a new and totally unique model from the collective mind of Unsung House, new bloodcore tankers from Rose Anvil and Nicks, and lots more.
All of our previous roundups can be found 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.]
Unsung Harness Boots in Chestnut Harness: $1950 (Made to Order)
Unsung has a new a model, and it doesn’t really look quite like anything else out there. The Nashville repair/bootmaking shop’s first harness boot has a few points of inspiration: the idea itself is based on old American harness boots (think Frye), but modified to be functional by adding a buckle to adjust the fit, and rounded lines that play better with the western silhouette of the boot. Also, in a twist, the removable harness is…functional! (Only if it’s not removed.)
That silhouette comes from a new last, the Watts, which compared to the PBD last used on Unsung’s U-22 and Slog boots has a rounder toe, more toe spring, and a higher heel. The vamps are attached using a “pie-crust skin stitch,” which means the two pattern places are placed side-by-side, rather than overlapping, and then saddle stitched by hand, a technique most often seen today on dress shoe aprons. It’s a totally unique pattern, with lots of interesting technical details, made to measure in Nashville.
Rose Anvil x Nicks Tactical TankerPro in Bloodcore: $684 (Made to Order)
In case it hasn’t meandered across your feed, “bloodcore” in a bright red teacore leather with a black overdye developed by Seidel for Rose Anvil. It’s a kind of intense look that makes a lot of sense on Nicks Tanker pattern. The combo makes for something pretty rare: a really solidly built pair of boots that might just appeal to a very different crowd than the usual heritage aesthetic does. They use lightweight Vibram Sierra outsoles and 360˚ stitchdown construction.
Attractions Engineer Boots in Black Heavyweight Kipskin: $1,110
The lot 269 is Attractions sleeker engineer models, with a deceptively low, round toe and a satisfying flare to the shaft. Biltbuck half soles and heels are attached with a 270˚ flat welt, and in this case the uppers are a very heavy duty teacore kipskin—think middle ground between calfskin and cowhide. Standard and Strange is carrying them…
Lofgren Donkey Puncher in Burgundy Chromexcel: $1,055
…alongside new stock on Lofgren’s Donkey Puncher in Burgundy…
Lofgren Donkey Puncher in Natural Chromexcel: $1,055
…and Natural Chromexcel, both constructed with 270˚ storm welts and Vibram half soles.
3sixteen x Sanders Lug Sole Derby in Snuff Waxy Suede: $467
Hardly groundbreaking analysis, but the tricky thing with the internet is you have read between the lines to figure out what’s going to show up at your door. A set of specs (for example: 360˚ storm welt, snuff waxy suede uppers, commando outsoles) gives you a little information, but mostly you’re leaning on product photos. And the fact that 3sixteen has four new collab models with Sanders & Sanders means there’s finally some really excellent photography for a damn solid Northampton maker.
3sixteen x Sanders Lug Sole Derby in Mocha Waxy: $467
There are two derbies, the snuff pair above and this Mocha Waxy model, both of which have the storm welt/commando sole combo that makes them a lot more plausible for casual wear than something sleeker would be…
3sixteen x Sanders Laceless Oxford in Black Waxy: $487
…as well as an all black Laceless Oxford with the same specs that leans even harder into the same look…
3sixteen Saddle Loafer in Black Calf: $503
…and “where’s the-penny-holder?” saddle loafer with slim leather sole and a very minimal strap, because they really doubt you’re ever using a payphone again. All made in Northampton, all Goodyear welted and with quite solid last shapes.
Dashing Chicago x Alden Foster in Tan Suede: $724
It’s been a minute since we’ve seen a new Alden makeup at Dashing, but they are very much back this week. The model in question is the Foster, a penny loafer with a machine sewn apron on the Copely last, built with leather outsoles and a 270˚ flat welt. A potential alternative to all of the suede LHS makeups that are mostly unavailable while Alden clears their backlog…
Old House x Alden Leisure Penny Loafer in Brown JS Grain: $724
…and since we mentioned it, Old House still has two pairs (snuff and color 8) in stock, as well as a bunch of new Alden stock: their inaugural special makeup—a Leisure (non-handsewn, which we’re seeing more and more of from Alden to keep up with loafer demand) loafer on the Van last with a rubber outsole and a custom cutout on the vamps—is now available ready to ship…
Alden Full Strap Penny Loafer in Color 8 Shell Cordovan: $967
…as is Alden’s full strap Penny in Color 8 shell, built out with a 270˚ flat welt and leather outsoles on the Aberdeen last. Check out the rest of their Alden lineup here.
Crockett & Jones Sorrento in Desert Suede: $770
After just short of 1.5 centuries, Crockett & Jones’ lineup doesn’t tend to move around too much. But the new Sorrento fills a notable gap: it’s their first truly unstructured loafer. That means no toe lining or toe stiffener, plus a flexible welt and lighter gemming to capitalize on that. They have rubber wedge soles and come in blue and pistachio, as well as the desert colorway above.