Kendal & Hyde Company Classic Leather Satchel Kickstarter

With four wildly successful Kickstarter campaigns under their belt, Kendal & Hyde Co. is at it again. This time around they have designed a timeless classic leather satchel. “We have spent the past six or so months reworking our design and improving it, refining it down to its basic elements of simplicity, utility and strength.”

Kendall & Hyde Co.’s leather satchel is truly one of the most thought out bags we have seen. The add-on, modular accessories bring a refreshing, unique flair to the leather bag industry. Head over to their Kickstarter campaign and check out the new classic satchel, add-on accessories, and leather sleeves. As an offer to BestLeather readers and previous Kendal & Hyde Co. supporters, the first 80 backers will receive an early-bird special on top of their already discounted price, so make sure to make your pledge on Kickstarter soon. BestLeather is excited to be reviewing several Kendal & Hyde Co. products, so be sure to look for our upcoming reviews of the Classic Leather Satchel and their Goodyear Welted Boots.

May 18, 2015December 19, 2017

2015 Graduation Gift Guide

It’s that time of year! High school and college students are moving on to the next step, and graduation gift shopping begins. Leather products are a great gift due to their longevity and utility, and we wouldn’t want young whippersnappers stepping out into the collegiate and professional world without the finest of leather goods. Before you whip out the checkbook or grab a gift card, take a look at a few of the items we’ve picked out for new grads.

Messenger Bags

Copper River Bag Co. 14″ Courier Mail Bag – $138

The Copper River Bag Company’s take on the classic courier mail bag is a well-constructed piece at a very good price. Read our review.

Floto Imports Messenger Brief – $399

Soft Italian leather and beautiful brass hardware make a beautiful, simple messenger brief. Read our review.

Basader Handmade Classic Messenger Bag with Gusset – $400

Gorgeous, expertly constructed messenger bag with easy-access straps. Perfect for a young professional. Read our review.

Backpacks

Fjallraven Rucksack #21 Large – $225

Waxed fabric with leather detail, contains a padded pocket for a laptop. Review coming soon!

The Thrux Pack – Canvas and Leather Backpack – $480

This hefty canvas and leather backpack will last a lifetime, and look good doing it. Read our review here, and be sure to check out the all leather version.

Saddleback Leather Simple Backpack – $458 – $558

This perfect carry-all bag with padded straps comes in three colors.

Laptop Sleeves

Tox Leather Shiny MacBook / Document Case – $75 to $95

Tox Leather’s Macbook case is made of waxy, shiny leather. It has a large pocket for a laptop and a smaller pocket for papers, so this case is great to take to class or meetings. Read our review.

Saddleback Leather MacBook Sleeve – $93

Saddleback’s Leather Macbook Sleeve is a hefty, simple case that comes in four color choices. Read our review.

Waltzing Matilda Avery Sleeve for MacBook Pro – $160

Simply designed laptop sleeve with a strap closure. Read the review here.

Acessories

Maxwell Scott “The Pienza” – $59

The Pienza pen holder from Maxwell Scott makes a great gift for any new professional. Review coming soon!

The Goods – The Loop MacBook Cord Holder – $60

This must-have accessory for Macbook owners keeps your cord compact and organized. Read the review here.

North Star Leather Horween Leather Bifold Wallet – $65

Any of North Star Leather’s wallets will make a great, long-lasting, quality graduation gift, especially if you are on a budget. Read our review!

Shinola Journal Cover for iPad Mini – $150

This journal cover and iPad mini portfolio is made of soft Horween leather and comes in a wide variety of fun colors. Full review coming soon!

Colonel Littleton No. 18 Tablet Portfolio for iPad – $189.50

This portfolio has a pocket for your iPad and comes equipped with Colonel Littleton’s very own notepad to keep you organized. Read our full review here.

Under $50

Waterfield Designs Razor Case – $30

Convenient case for a safety razor, perfect for a guy on the go. Read our review.

Lopalo Leather Bifold Card Holder – $40

Minimalist bifold card holder crafted from Horween Chromexcel Leather. Read our review.

Stock & Barrel No. 37 Cord Keeper – $28

This handy little accessory will keep your graduate’s earbuds from getting tangled. Read the full review that includes several other fun accessories from Stock and Barrel,

Over $500

Colonel Littleton No. 40 Campaign Bag – $809

At over $800, this bag is expensive, but you won’t see many like it– beautiful brass hardware and impeccable construction. Read our review.

Coronado Leather Americana Large Duffel Bag – $799

Rugged and roomy duffel bag made from Horween’s Dublin leather. Read the review here.

SANDAST GREGORY PACK – $730

The Sandast Gregory Pack, while pricy, is a unique backpack that ages beautifully. It’s on the smaller side, so keep this one in mind when shopping for ladies. Read our full review.

We chose items from a variety of price points and styles. These are some of our current favorites, but there are plenty of great options here on BestLeather.org to fulfill any budget or need. If you have any more great gift ideas, let us know in the comments!

**Gift guide was created & assembled by TJ McWhorter & Casey Stoddard**

May 15, 2015December 13, 2021

Johnston & Murphy Maggie Penny Review – $168

Growing up is funny. Some of the things I used to tease my parents and grandparents about are things I now love. Penny loafers and driving moccasins are two of those things. I’m not sure if it’s because I grew up and realized how comfortable they are, or if it’s because they’re back in fashion and not relegated to “old people shoes.” Probably both. Now, with my newfound love of loafers and drivers, I present to you the Johnston & Murphy Maggie Penny.

ABOUT

Johnston & Murphy has a rich history. The company began in 1850 as the William J. Dudley Shoe Company in Newark, New Jersey. By 1886, business partners and friends James Johnston and William A. Murphy ran the company for decades before relocating to Nashville, Tennessee, where the company still manufactures several shoe lines today. Self-described as a modern tastemaker, Johnston and Murphy have had the honor of outfitting numerous U.S. Presidents with their footwear. From Abraham Lincoln to Teddy Roosevelt to Barack Obama, their shoes have been a favorite of some pretty important people. Their website has a pretty interesting infographic that details a few of our presidents’ favorite footwear.

No longer are Johnston & Murphy’s shoes solely for male feet. In 2008, the company launched an impressive line of women’s shoes, clothes, and accessories. We’ll be taking a look at a few different styles over the next few months, starting with the classic Maggie Penny.

HISTORY OF THE DRIVER

The driving moccasin, or driver, originated in Italy in the 1960s to keep feet as comfortable as possible while zipping around in Italian automobiles. The nubs on the sole and heel were for added grip while switching between the gas, brake, and clutch. The shoes became a bit of a status symbol, worn mostly by men who could afford special shoes for their fancy cars. They eventually moved out of the car and into everyday life, becoming a staple in preppy casual wear, keeping the rubber nubs. While I don’t do too much racing in my 2001 Dodge Durango, it’s still fun to have those little details as a reminder of the shoe’s history.

CONSTRUCTION

The Johnston & Murphy Maggie Penny is crafted from thin, glove-soft nubuck, constructed on a rubber driver sole and features hand-stitching around the vamp and back seam. It’s not a true moccasin construction, but the upper wraps around to give a convincing illusion. The insole is thickly cushioned and lined with smooth sheepskin. The shoe itself is extremely flexible and incredibly comfortable. The shoes slide right on and the sheepskin lining and buttery nubuck remain comfortable for all-day wear.

AESTHETIC

The Maggie Penny is a classic driver, with a timeless look and feel. Their low profile and lack of a penny loafer style heel keeps them casual, comfy, and easy to wear. The blue color I have is bright and fun, perking up outfits that would be boring with regular flats. The shoe comes in black and brown, of course, but it also comes in some funky, eye-catching colors like Kiwi (a neon green), Cardinal Red, and Dahlia Pink. They also have some two-toned pastel versions that are on sale on their website for $129, so check those out while they’re still up.

CONCLUSION

The Johnston & Murphy Maggie Penny is a great choice if you’re looking for a comfortable shoe that you can wear casually or at the office. $168 is a fair price for such soft leather, quality construction, and unique color. If you use them reasonably and don’t take them hiking or stomping around in the mud, you will get quite a few years out of these shoes. They aren’t going to fall apart or wear through. They’re the perfect shoe for a casual meeting, a coffee date, or even a joyride in your 1963 Ferrari.

May 14, 2015December 19, 2017

Waltzing Matilda to Open Brick & Mortar Store

Waltzing Matilda USA is a brand that specializes in leather sandals, bags, and accessories. Here at BestLeather, we’ve taken a liking to WM’s rugged, bohemian style. Last year, we reviewed their Tom’s Bag, a unique messenger bag, their BYOB Dual Bottle Carrier – an attractive bag designed to carry two wine bottles, and their Avery MacBook Sleeve, a simple laptop sleeve with a beautiful strap closure. And we’ll be publishing a review of their Nica Sandals very soon.

As a quick refresher, Waltzing Matilda is located in Wayne, PA, a suburb of Philadelphia. Mike Balitsaris and his team expertly source all of their materials here in the USA and craft each piece by hand. Mike’s passion for his craft shines through in every piece.

Waltzing Matilda recently announced the opening of their very first brick and mortar store in Wayne, Pennsylvania. Their grand opening is this weekend – May 15th and 16th. If you’re in the area, stop by and you’ll get a free personalized gift if you purchase something. We’re excited to see where Waltzing Matilda goes next!

May 12, 2015December 13, 2021

Johnston & Murphy Copeland Chukka Review – $145

Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.

Johnston & Murphy is one of four domestic men’s shoes manufacturers left in the United States. Making it to this iconic status demanded products that can endure many different lifestyles. Whether that is on Capitol Hill, your local credit union, or anywhere worldwide, Johnston and Murphy customers will always have a classy, stylish reputation. Today we will be taking a look at the Johnston & Murphy Copeland Chukka.

About

Johnston & Murphy has an especially rich history. The company originated in 1850 from “The William J. Dudley Shoe Company” founded in Newark, New Jersey. By 1886, James Johnston and William A. Murphy had taken over the company and began the legacy we see today. The shoe company made shoes for decades before relocating to Nashville, Tennessee, where the company still manufactures several shoe lines today. Self described as a modern tastemaker, Johnston and Murphy had the honor of outfitting numerous Presidents with their footwear. From Abraham Lincoln to Barack Obama, their shoes are a top choice among our nations leaders. No matter which style of Johnston and Murphy shoes or boots you buy, comfort, class, and quality are core features.

Construction

The Copeland Chukka is constructed using tan-oiled full grain leather. The leather is an intensely rich brown color that offers sophisticated durability. Using a bond welt construction, the leather is attached to an exceptionally comfortable natural latex crepe sole. The chukka provides a very solid construction that is consistently comfortable, supportive, and ergonomic. The inner lining consists of soft goatskin and mesh insole, which is paired with a memory-foam heel cushion. The stitching is a light tan color that contrasts nicely with the leather. The Copeland Chukka is one of the most comfortable boots I have worn to date. I have used them for 7 weeks now, and not one single stitch has come undone, the sole looks brand new, and the tan leather has broken in attractively. This Chukka has obviously been constructed very well, meeting the standard Johnston and Murphy has worked so hard and long to achieve.

Function

While these are some of the most comfortable boots I have worn, it didn’t happen right away. It took a solid week of steady wear to break them in to be consistently comfortable. This is perhaps the only negative to the Copeland Chukka I have come across so far. But, this is a common issue with high-quality leather footwear, and Johnston and Murphy has done a very good job at minimizing the break-in time and the resulting aching feet. Over time the memory-foam cushion and padded mesh toe box has formed seamlessly to my foot, making this shoe comfortable no matter what I am doing. The Copeland Chukka has accompanied me on numerous motorcycle rides, coffee shop visits, and the occasional urban trek. I have been appropriately pleased wearing these boots and look forward to how they wear in the future.

Aesthetic

The Copeland Chukka is a wonderful take on a classic boot style. With chukkas, you can really wear them in numerous different casual occasions, and still maintain a classy, stylish appearance. This chukka does come in three colors of suede in addition to the tan leather. All these colors are rich and all have the same construction and durability. This chukka is perfect for going out to dinner with friends, to a business-casual event, and really any casual event there is. This version of the chukka boot is a little on the rough, outdoorsy side because of the oil tanned leather. It still has that modern appeal to guys of all ages, making it a good choice for those of us who appreciate versatility.

Conclusion

The Johnston & Murphy Copeland Chukka has proved to be an extremely well constructed, quality boot. I have enjoyed them every time I have worn them. If you are looking for a casual, versatile boot to add to your wardrobe, the Copeland Chukka is a suitable choice to consider. At $145, this boot is a reasonable purchase for the quality you will receive. If you haven’t already, head over to Johnston and Murphy to check out their products, learn their history, and appreciate quality leather footwear.

May 11, 2015December 19, 2017

Oliberte Women’s Amboa Review – $125

I got my first pair of TOM’s the first month of my senior year of high school. By the second month of my senior year of high school, they were trashed. The canvas was threadbare in several places and the poorly constructed toe was peeling away from the sole. Since then, I’ve been quite wary of TOMS and companies of their breed.

When I opened up my Oliberte Amboas, my fears were immediately put at ease. These are no TOMS. First of all, their mission is much more sustainable. Instead of sending poorly made shoes to impoverished countries, Oliberte actively invests in the Sub-Saharan economy, boosting industry and providing justly compensated jobs. Their factory and sourcing is completely fair trade certified. Secondly, the quality of their products is much higher. To learn a bit more about their social and environmental mission, check out their About Us page.

THE LEATHER

Oliberte sources their leather from the Hafde Tannery in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The upper on the Amboa is made of African nubuck, the midsole is made of veg-tanned cowhide, and lined entirely with goat leather. The leather is smooth yet firm and hasn’t stained or scuffed after quite a few wears. It comes in black and brown colors as well. The dark grey is a very unique color that I have found to be very versatile. The color is a bit lighter in person than on the website, and it has almost a light blue hue. They go great with dark skinny jeans, especially since they have a subtle heel.

CONSTRUCTION & FUNCTION

The leather is cemented to the sole, made of molded rubber with a 2/3 inch wedge heel (15 mm). The laces are standard nylon, in the same grey color as the leather. The bottom of the sole is printed with a map featuring Addis Ababa, a fun little detail that I’ve been asked about several times. It’s a fun reminder of Oliberte’s mission.

The only issue I want to warn you about is sizing. I generally wear a size 9.5, and was told the Amboas run a little large, so I ordered a size 9 (they don’t come in half sizes). They ended up being a little small and I now wish I had ordered a size 10. I worried that since they’re small, the cemented sole is starting to pull apart a tiny bit on one side. But I’ve worn the shoes probably two dozen times for long periods of time and it hasn’t gotten any worse, so I wouldn’t be too concerned. Just be sure to order up if you’re usually a half-size.

Even though they’re a little tight, they’re not uncomfortable. I can easily wear them all day long. I’d recommend wearing the tiny socks made for ballerina flats because the goatskin liner can be a little squeaky without socks.

CONCLUSION

These are great, unique shoes from a company with an amazing mission. These aren’t meant to be everyday shoes that will last you forever, but the Oliberte Amboas are a great purchase that will last much longer than a cheap shoe from Payless. Plus, they boast a much more distinctive look and story. At $125, these are very fairly priced, especially since they frequently put them on sale on their website. They’re currently down to just $60, so snatch them up while you can, and keep an eye out for sales on some of their other great looking styles.

May 6, 2015December 19, 2017

US WINGS SIGNATURE SERIES VINTAGE COWHIDE INDY-STYLE ADVENTURER JACKET REVIEW – $489.00

A quality leather jacket is a staple of everyman’s well thought out wardrobe arsenal. There are many options depending on the look you desire. From motorcycle bad boy to old school aviator, there’s a leather jacket for you. If you often find yourself between purloining historical artifacts and going out for a night on the town with no time to change, the US Wings Signature Series Vintage Cowhide Indy-Style Adventurer Jacket might just be your new best friend.

ABOUT US Wings

US Wings is based out of Hudson Ohio and has been in business since 1986. Started by Sgt. David Hack, a decorated soldier and successful recruiter (his recruiting Jeep is one of only 2 ever to be displayed in a US Military museum, the other belonging to Gen. George S. Patton) and his wife Lani Hack, US Wings is an official Defense Logistics Agency supplier and a supplier to US military and government agencies. But that doesn’t mean you need to drop and do 20 to have access to their great line up. In addition to their website, they operate a store in Hudson where they offer a full selection of military inspired jackets and casual everyday clothing. They even offer Tom Selleck’s Aloha Shirt as seen in Magnum P.I. which I’ve been eyeballing with unnatural fervor.

CONSTRUCTION

The Indy Adventurer Jacket is part of US Wings Signature Series which means it’s handcrafted in the USA. This jacket is patterned after the original jacket worn by Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones which was originally designed by Neil Cooper (now US Wings). This jacket features 2 front button snap pockets with side entry hand warmers and an interior chest pocket. A heavy duty YKK zipper is used and protected by a wind flap with top and bottom snaps. Interior is lined with nylon which makes it comfortable against the skin and helps deal with perspiration. The large back panel is a testament to the quality of this jacket. Sometimes manufacturers cut costs by using smaller pieces of leather, often resulting in an unsightly seam going straight down the spine. The leather itself is vintage cowhide from the same tannery that supplied the leather for the 2008 Indiana Jones movie. Thick and substantial, the jacket is on the heavy side at roughly 4lbs 5oz.