leather boots Archives - BestLeather.org

October 11, 2024June 15, 2025

Kendal & Hyde Company Goodyear Welted Boots Review – $350

Boot reviews have become an important staple of what we do around here. When we had the opportunity to dialogue with Kendal Liddle, one of the founders of Kendal & Hyde Company, and the opportunity came up to review prototypes of the boots they’re currently offering through a well-received Kickstarter program, we jumped at the chance.

About

Kendal & Hyde is new to the boot arena, but not new to creating stunning leather products. This duo – located in Salt Lake City, Utah and San Francisco, CA have a serious dedication to creating heirloom quality leather bags, belts, and small lifestyle accessories but saw the opportunity to go one-step further. The company wanted to begin building boots and help people in the process. They started brainstorming ideas to make peoples’ lives better, and came up with this: “For every pair of boots we sell, we will make and give a pair of shoes to a child in need in a developing country.” You might be thinking that this idea is way too unoriginal, but that is not the point. The shoes they will be making are actually long-lasting sandals that may be used by multiple children. This is a much better investment than shoes that wont last a child more than a year. To ice the cake, the sandals will be made from up-cycled rubber from landfills and high-quality, water-resistant durable leather,

To read more about Kendal & Hyde Company’s sandals and the humanitarian efforts, head over to their Kickstarter page. Purchasing boots allows you to contribute as much as you’d like to these efforts, help determine where the sandals will go, and gives you access to future developments. BestLeather appreciates and respects their desire to provide practical solutions to issues that affect everyday life for children around the globe.

Construction

We received a total of four boots on Christmas Eve – a full pair of brogues along with a single boot in black and brown of their classic Doughboy. In our conversation on the phone, Kendal admitted that he’s a bit of a “leather snob” (that’s his own description…I didn’t make that up). All of their boots are constructed from full-grain leather. The grain is the outermost surface of the hide. It’s considered the strongest and most valuable part of the hide and the best leather for anything that needs to be durable.

Their boots also feature Goodyear welted construction. Here’s a great summary of that process taken directly from their Kickstarter page: “Goodyear welting is the traditional way shoes have been made for centuries, but it’s named after the guy who invented a machine that could do the stitch that previously had to be done by hand. (He coincidentally was the son of the guy who invented vulcanized rubber, as in Goodyear Tires, as in what we are using for our boot soles.) Even with a machine, it is a hard and labor-intensive way to make shoes, but it is far superior to the cheaper and more common practice of just gluing a preformed sole to the shoe upper.”

In addition to Kendal & Hyde’s humanitarian mission, they’re also devoted to conducting an eco-friendly basis. In adherence with that dedication, they’ve decided to use tire sidewalls as the final outsole choice. It’s an excellent choice in that it recycles the material, provides long wear, and good grip for the wearer. The boots we received are prototypes and as such are not the finished products. However, these are some darn good looking prototypes! Again, reflecting on our conversations and emails with Kendal, he indicated that several things will change or be upgraded in the final production versions:

“As mentioned the boots I sent are prototypes. This means the stitching is a little rougher than it will be in production. I have a few final tweaks I will be making before production, but most revisions do not show in photography and will go unnoticed by all but me, but I consider them improvements. The heel and the ankle profile are the only obvious revisions.”

The points that will be changing in production are:

less hairy thread
minor nuance in the stitch pattern will be changed so there is parallel stitches instead of overstitching at the stress point
lower heel
thinner rubber on heel
the leather will be turned under at edges for a cleaner finish
the plain version will also be storm welted
the laces will be waxed and have metal aglets
the ankle will be a little narrower (heel and ankle like the below)

In looking over the prototypes we received and examining them with the improvements listed above in mind, the final production pieces should be stunning.

Function

Due to the fact that these are pre-production prototype boots, we were not able to receive pairs of these boots in our size to try on or use. Consequently, there isn’t a great deal to be said about the functionality of the boots. However, we can speculate a few things based on previous experience with boots of similar design and build:

These are full lace up boots and do not have a tab or finger loop to aid in pulling the boots on. This will mean you’ll probably want to get a good shoe horn or you’ll need to unlace the boots somewhat to be able to slip them on easily.
Having waxed laces with metal aglets will certainly be beneficial in lacing them up quickly.
Due to the type of construction, these boots should be “out of the box comfortable” and not require a long break-in period. The boots feature multiple inner layers of varying degrees of softness. Even when sliding a hand down in the boot and pressing down on the insole, you know your feet will feel great once you slip these boots on. With the cork addition, they have a bit of a Birkenstock sandal feel to them (which, if you’ve never worn a pair of those sandals, is a fantastic thing).

BestLeather is supposed to receive a couple of pairs of production boots in our sizes, so be looking for full reviews on them in the coming months. We look forward to getting them on our feet and fully testing them out.

Aesthetic

With their arrival on Christmas Eve, we’ve been able to put these boots in front of many of our friends and family. “Gorgeous – beautiful – classy – stylish – functional sophistication – can I take them home?” These are all things we heard about these boots. Fortunately, we still have them and no one absconded with them. However, we know they were tempted…big time.

Tim’s impression: Out of the box, I could immediately tell that much thought had been put in to the sourcing of high quality materials and into the construction of these boots. The detail on the full brogue is stunning. The classic, plain toe doughboys exude a superior look and feel. All three boots look fantastic, look like they’ll hold a polish well for years, and will wear well for a very long time.

TJ’s impression: The first thing that came to my mind was this, “These aren’t the final production pieces?” I was blown away with the perfection of these boots. All the colors were smooth, the WWI themed construction was refreshing and appreciated, and it was obvious that time, passion, and extreme attention to detail was used in the boot’s construction. These are boots I would wear for years, and while we have not yet been able to test their durability, they look absolutely promising. I am undeniably eager to get some final production boots.

Industry Spotlight: Yurinox Workwear

While we’re on the topic of durable footwear, it’s worth highlighting Yurinox Workwear, a leading supplier of professional gear, including construction work boots designed to meet the highest standards of safety and durability.

Yurinox is more than a workwear company; they are a strategic partner for businesses aiming to build a strong, professional, and loyal team. With a wide range of sizes and products—from uniforms to PPE and footwear—they ensure you can outfit your entire workforce in one place, saving both time and money. Their boots and garments are crafted using advanced materials like RainDrops100 water-repellent agents and Klaydex chemical dyes, which provide long-term durability, comfort, and a consistently presentable appearance. Featuring high-visibility elements such as GleanBack reflective stripes and double-stitched seams using ultra-strong lavsan thread, they set themselves apart in an increasingly competitive field. For companies that value team image, employee safety, and product reliability, they deliver.

Conclusion

There are only a few days left in the Kendal & Hyde Leather Boot Kickstarter. Use some of that money you received as a holiday gift and get a pair or two of these boots ordered for yourself. There are several great reward packages available that include a great pair of these boots along with some other Kendal & Hyde swag and the ability to send a pair of footwear to a child in need. Start the year off right…giving and receiving. We look forward to reporting more on these boots as time goes on…stay tuned.

March 12, 2018

Wilcox Shiloh Leather Boots Review — $190

Man, these are beautiful boots.

They’re the Shiloh boots by Wilcox, which came wrapped in blue velvet, and rightly so.

But it gets better. The first time putting them on, they felt great. I mean it–my feet were loving them from the get go! It surprised me. I feel like that never happens.

So they’re surprisingly comfortable, and they look amazing–that’s a killer combo.

Company

Peter was a kid on a motorcycle trip headed south–in a rebellious Che Guevara style, I imagine. On this ride, he went into a cobbler’s shop in Guatemala and found a pair of boots he just loved, loved so much, in fact, that he wanted to get some for his family and friends. That wish transformed into an epiphany, and all the sudden he was planning to start a boot company. After a lot of hard work, Wilcox launched its first product in 2014.

Today, with the exception of the footbed, the materials are all sourced from León, Mexico, a city famous for its artisan leather footwear.

Aesthetic

Supple.

That’s the word for this leather. It’s chrome-tanned, full-grain, with a wax finish, and feels soft to the touch. Really soft.

I wanted a slightly more formal look, so I got the Shiloh model, which you’ll see in the pictures. It’s a plain toe with no broguing. Wilcox also offers a cap-toe version (the Fairfax) with broguing (which are decorative perforations along the seams). Both styles come in the brown you see here and also in a charcoal black.

You know, I’m raving about this boot, but I feel like I need to offer some negative feedback or you won’t believe what I say. So here’s one thing I’m wary about. The leather, as I said, is super soft. You can actually make a mark on it just by rubbing it with a finger. Because of this, I’ve worried about scuffing them. But Peter, the owner, says that’s a feature, not a bug, and that I should be excited to have boots with individual character. So there you go.

As another fair-play note, the welt split apart leaving a gap on the left boot. You can see it really well in the photo below, but it’s not as noticeable on the ground, and I didn’t even bother contacting Wilcox about it.

On a personal note, I’ve been wearing mostly zero-drop shoes (no heels) for so long that it was fun to add an inch to my height. The Shilohs made me feel literally taller and bolder.

These boots can do about anything too. They’re nice enough to go with casual slacks, but they look even better with jeans. And they’re rugged enough to go tromping through the snow in. (The laces rise high enough that you don’t need to worry about moisture getting in, but they’re not insulated, so grab your wool socks.)

Comfort

The interior is lined with a surprisingly soft calfskin leather. Yep, calfskin. It feels like a glove for your foot. It’s awesome. Your foot rests on an athletic insole with a memory-foam footbed below that–one of the reasons this boot is so comfortable. And there’s cork at the central part of the sole, which will slowly conform to your foot more and more over time.

The E-width seemed to fit exactly right. Well, almost. For the first couple days, my pinkie toes rubbed a little, but they’ve been good ever since.

The boot is built with a Goodyear welt, which shows the stitching around that top lip (the welt) and along the bottom of the sole as well (though on the Shilohs you’ll only see this bottom stitching between the rubber parts). Also, the welt on these is bold yet not too pronounced, which is a nice look. The 360-degree stitching means it goes all the way around the perimeter (not just part way). And the Goodyear method makes them easy to resole, which adds to the longevity. (If you’re the curious sort, look up “Goodyear welt” on YouTube.) The bottom line is that it’s a durable, water resistant way to build a boot.

The layering and stitching makes the sole pretty stiff, particularly at first. That should in theory be a downside for comfort, but, as I’ve said, mine have felt great from the first time I put them on. And for me, that stiffness actually makes them feel tough–the thick tread gives you a solid platform for going across uneven terrain.

Conclusion

Wilcox’s Shiloh boots have a beautifully simple design, they’re made from quality materials, and they deliver comfort that still surprises me.

I’ve received tons of compliments on them. They also happen to go with nearly every outfit I’ve got, which is another huge plus.

In short, they’re a remarkable pair of boots I’m excited to rave about.

February 6, 2017December 2, 2021

Lems Shoes Russet Leather Boulder Boots Review — $140

It’s pretty fun clomping through the snow in a new pair of boots.

I got these babies just as some major storms were sweeping over Utah. And being a reviewer, I was eager to test them in the worst conditions. So on my walks, I aimed at the biggest drifts and snowpiles. Sometimes I’d sink up to my knees. It was tons of fun.

And I’m happy to say the Russet Leather Boulder Boots from Lems Shoes proved themselves worthy.

Construction

First, let me give you a caveat.

Lems has an unconventional philosophy—a philosophy that impacts design and performance. And if you don’t buy into it, you probably won’t like wearing these boots.

See, Lems believes a shoe should fit the natural shape of a human foot—that means the toebox is wider than other shoes. Lems also believes a shoe should enhance what the foot does rather than alter it—that means these have no heels (i.e. “zero-drop”), which helps preserve the body’s barefoot gait. And last, Lems believes in minimalism—that means a thin, lightweight sole, which keeps you close enough to the earth to feel what you’re walking on. I happen to be unconventional (or hippie) enough to buy into this philosophy. And I love these boots. (If you’re curious but unconvinced, you might check out Born to Run or search YouTube for “Principles of Natural Running.” If you’ve never done athletic barefooting, know that it takes some getting used to. Muscles unused in a regular shoe will get activated in a minimal shoe, which means soreness in new places. Something to think about.)

The Boulder Boots are made with 1.8 mm full-grain leather that has a sleek finish. I was a little worried the leather might feel cheap and second-rate, but I’m glad to report that they’re good quality. The interior plaid lining is made from 100% cotton. The souls are air-injected rubber, which is surprisingly lightweight. Seriously, when you pick them up, you’ll be caught off guard if you’re expecting the weight of a thick rubber sole. They’re only 11.5 ounces! (Which makes them great for travel.) They’re so thin, in fact, that you’ll notice a huge difference when walking on concrete. They’ve kept me off my heels, really shifting each footfall to the front of my foot.

Functionality

Although they’re minimal, I’ve worn my Boulder Boots out in snow for extended periods, and with wool socks they kept me nice and warm. Just make sure to lace them tight so snow can’t get in. I haven’t yet tested them in extreme temperatures, so that experiment is up to you. (I consider them more of the fashion product anyway.)

Oh, and by the way, when I wasn’t wearing wool socks, I did notice a little moisture from melted snow getting inside, which I suppose could be fixed with waterproofing spray. The bottom line is that they’re not waterproof and probably wouldn’t be great slogging through puddles.

I’ve gone hiking and have even done some sprinting in them, and I love they way they move and shift with your foot. They’re super flexible, which leaves your ankles plenty of mobility.

Aesthetic

I loved the look of these boots straight out of the box. However, that was my personal opinion, and I actually worried other people might judge me for not having heels. (Yes, really.) Then I started getting compliment after compliment, and I’ve started to walk a little more proudly.

When you step forward, the toe of your back foot bends. This has created some slight ripples in the leather above the toe. You can hardly see it in the pictures, but if I were to change something about these boots it would be to smooth those back out. It’s not a dealbreaker, but maybe something for the shoemakers to consider when making the next version, if there even is a fix with leather this light.

Lems ships their Boulder Boots with two pairs of laces. The russet style comes with gold laces, which are kind of flashy, and a pair in a more conservative chocolate brown. I actually like the look of both, depending on the occasion. And speaking of colors, Lems makes the Boulder Boots in a raven-black leather, as well as several canvas hues too, so check those out on their site. There’s definitely something for everybody’s taste.

But I leave the final aesthetic judgement up to you…

Conclusion

The Russet Leather Boulder Boots from Lems Shoes have a roguish look. They’re lightweight and minimal. And while I don’t necessarily recommend them to everyone, you should consider them if you think organic is a good thing. Or if you want your gait to be as natural (barefoot) as possible. Or if you care about walking in style, ha ha.

I’m personally a huge fan of mine.

(P.S. If you’re still on the fence, Lems has a generous return policy, and, FYI, you’ll pay about $8 in return shipping if you change your mind.)

October 22, 2016May 9, 2020

Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots Review

A quality leather boot can be a lifelong possession, even a generational heirloom. To endure the rigors of abuse the boot must be made from the toughest leather, sewn well, and very comfortable. How well does the Wolverine 1000 Mile Boot stack up to 2,640,000 footsteps?

Construction

The first impressions are of the thickness and suppleness of the Leather. It is Chromexcel leather from the Horween Leather Company, which supplies a lot of high quality leather. This leather is treated for 23 days with a variety of oils which makes the leather age with patina quite nicely. The feel of the leather is supple and substantial. By feel alone the boot conveys an attitude of durability and quality. High quality, check. For a $340 MSRP I would hope so…

The thread holding the boot together is white marine grade thread, the same type used in sails and Saddleback Leather products.

With some boots you get inexpensive laces, with the 1000 Mile Boot you get waxed laces made from short-weave cotton. They will not be disintegrating any time soon. When they do some different color laces may add an appealing level of colorific contrast. Another option are Leather Laces.

Leather soled boots tend to encounter a contradiction in purpose because of their rugged construction and yet their lack of traction and dislike of water. No doubt this is a consideration, but the application of high quality wax from Obenauf will waterproof and protect the leather. Having your cobbler install a Vibram Rubber Half Sole is also an option for increasing traction. With proper protection these boots will stand up to intense physical or liquid abuse (as will all quality leather).

If you need good traction from your boot and you want the characteristics of the 1000 Mile Boot then investigate the Red Wing Beckman, it has a rubber sole and is slightly cheaper. However, the Beckman does not have the Chromexcel leather which is an important selling point for the 1000 Mile Boot.

Aesthetic

It is not an unduly bulky boot yet by no means is it feminine in proportion. The 1000 Mile Boot does not quite compare with the dramatic style of the Alden Men’s Plain Toe Boot Brown, it is quite acceptable in it’s understated functionality. As an onlooker commented:

It has the look of being custom or handmade but still has consistent quality. It isn’t a combat boot or a work boot, it’s an everyday boot.

You have two color choices, black or brown. Both are stunning. Black provides a nice contrast in color in the sole and body of the boot, not to mention the rest of your attire. Interestingly, the black boots can be worn formally if shined properly. Brown goes well with anything and always looks manly.

For conditioning the leather Horween recommends plain Neatsfoot Oil for their Chromexcel leather.

Best Leather Conclusion

These are spendy boots, perhaps too much so for the limited functionality (water and traction). However, if you normally keep dry and value their awesome quality this may be the perfect daily boot for you. Just don’t go logging in them.

You can find them new on Amazon. Make sure you read the one year cleaning/conditioning article on them.

Updates to this Review

Update: As it turns out, maybe not so well: http://www.bestleather.org/wolverine-1000-mile-boots-six-month-checkup-uh-oh-sole-separation/

Update: After a year of use, this is what they look like as I clean and condition them.

September 27, 2016December 19, 2017

Timberland Men’s Newmarket Boot Review

When fall approaches, there is no combination more classic or comfortable than chinos and boots. This combination works in both casual and professional settings and qualifies as a staple in any stylish man’s wardrobe. A contender for this autumn wardrobe staple is Timberland’s Newmarket Ankle Boot in brown full grain.

Timberland can trace its roots all the way back to 1920s Boston, where Nathan Schwartz began his career as an apprentice stitcher. Schwartz and his family grew the company and, in the 1950s introduced an injection-molding technique that allowed them to waterproof their boots. In 1973, they introduced the “Timberland” brand, and the rest is history. Timberland is now a huge clothing and footwear brand that operates stores worldwide. Their company headquarters are in Stratham, New Hampshire.

The Newmarket Ankle Boot is made with a full grain leather upper in a ruddy brown color. The leather is contrasted with a black woven cotton panel and a cream colored rubberized foam outsole that tapers from heel to toe. The outsole is attached with a differentiating tan cemented layer. The construction of these boots is nowhere comparable to that of a Goodyear welt or similarly constructed shoes. However, these land in the $100 dollar range, and the quality of the construction is proportionate.

The stylishness of these shoes is definitely their strong point. The moc toe design on a foam sole is very on-trend. The brown leather and black fabric details make the shoe very versatile. The Newmarkets feel at home in many situations, whether it be a casual night out or an average day at the office. They look smart without being overly formal, and complement a range of pants styles.

Out of the box, the boots have no issues with fit. They aren’t stiff or uncomfortable, and there’s no real break-in period. They have no padding along the ankle, but the top of the uppers are mostly fabric and do not rub or become sensitive.

The laces have four eyelets followed by two hooks that continue up the tongue of the boot. The flat-woven laces are somewhat difficult to thread through this hardware. I ended up changing the laces to a simpler round lace because the flat laces took too long to tie.

The Timberland Newmarket Ankle Boots are a comfortable, stylish buy, and at $100, the price is right (even less on Amazon for certain sizes). Definitely plan to change the laces to a thinner, rounder type that will fit the hardware better. They won’t last you forever, but you’ll get several seasons out of them and look great doing it.

September 26, 2016December 19, 2017

Thorogood Boots 1892 Tomahawk – $284

The story of Thorogood Boots starts with Albert Weinbrenner, the son of a German immigrant and cobbler. Albert began his apprenticeship at age 13 working for his father. By his early 20s, in his spare time, Albert was designing work boots specifically for the working men of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1892, at the age of 27, Albert started his own cobbler business with partner Joseph Pfeifer.

Weinbrenner and Pfeifer quickly became known for their “jobber” boot. Today Weinbrenner Shoe Company is still based in Wisconsin and employs over three hundred people in the local area. Many of the boots they produce are sold under the Thorogood brand. Today we will be checking out the Tomahawk Boots in Loden Green.

ABOUT THE 1892 WISCONSIN COLLECTION

Thorogood has become a staple in the workwear industry, but several years ago they debuted their 1892 Wisconsin Collection aimed for the casual wearer who wants the durability of a work boot.

The Tomahawk Boots were debuted in mid-2016 as part of this 1892 Collection, which was introduced as a throwback to some of the original work boots designed for the hardworking outdoorsmen of turn-of-the-century Wisconsin.

Each boot from the 1892 Collection is made with Horween’s Chromexcel Leather, constructed with a goodyear welt and nitrile cork sole. Each series is inspired by a different “jobber”: farmers, roofers, trappers, and more. We’ve reviewed two other boots from the 1892 Collection: the Dodgevilles and the Portage CXL Roofer Boots.

The Tomahawk uppers are built with Horween’s Chromexcel leather in their Loden green color. This is a beautiful pull-up leather that still allows you to see some of the natural textures of the leather. (You can read a bit more about Chromexcel leather in our interview with Horween here.) Because CXL leather has a high oil and wax content, it scuffs and scratches easily. These marks are easily buffed out if you prefer, but I love the patina that Chromexcel gains with age.

The boots are Goodyear welted onto a Vibram sole. They have a very long lace bed and come up well above the ankles, tapering upward. I occasionally fold the tops down depending on what I’m wearing, and usually stop lacing them at the second peg.