Tricker’s On Sierra Trading Post

Maybe everyone has known about this and I’m just late to the game. But I didn’t know, and it was exciting as hell to me.

SO! For for anyone that isn’t aware–or just as a reminder–you can score a few really nice pairs of Tricker’s on Sierra Trading Post of all places. They’ve got three shoe styles (a shortwing, a cap toe, and a saddle) and one pair of shortwing brogue boots. Every single one of ‘em is a damn fine sight.

The shortwings–complete with a Dainite sole–in Coffee. Also available in Nut Brown and Black…

Cap toes in Black Calf. Also available in Beechnut Antique Calf…

Saddles. This is the sole colorway for these puppies. Good thing it’s a good one…

And the boots. Also with a Dainite sole (like the shortwing shoe)…

Prices are marked down to $385 for the shoes and $399 for the boots, but if you use the coupon code SHOPSOCIAL1 (good until the 24th) you can knock another 30% off that. Works out to $269.50 for the shoes and $279.30 for the boots. That’s an insane deal for a pair of top-notch, handmade British shoes.

I’m getting a seriously itchy trigger finger myself, honestly. But instead of hoarding the knowledge (and footwear) for myself, I’m putting the word out.

Don’t say I never did nothin’ for you.

—Jonathan

(Images courtesy of Sierra Trading Post)

**UPDATE/Ed’s Note**

I was seriously considering picking up a pair of these for myself, so I’ve been doing some research on sizing. Apparently most Tricker’s from the country collection run large and wide. A 9.5 would equate to a 10E or a 10.5D in US sizing. In comparison to the Alden Barrie last (which  I own, so I found this helpful) it’s a half size large. So a 9.5 in Tricker’s equates to a 10D on the Barrie. I’m guessing that the saddle and the brogues (both the shoe and the boot) would accord with this sizing, but that’s just my estimation.

On the dress collection (which I believe the cap toes would fall into), the sizing is less generous–probably a half size as opposed to a full size difference vs. US sizing. A 9.5 in Tricker’s dress would equate to a 9.5E or a 10D in US sizing, or a 9.5D on the Alden Barrie.

Again: all of this is gleaned from internet research. Can’t vouch for it personally, but I figured I’d do my best to save folks some time if they’re looking to pull the trigger on a pair. If you have any personal experience or advice, I implore you to share it in the comments.

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(capsule) NY: Grenson Shoes

SO RED.

Grenson‘s SS 2011 showing at (capsule) NY was a good chunk of the core collection with some new offerings tossed in as well. The standouts? Lots of brogues (standbys), a few electric red soles (new), and blue suede shortwings (not sure actually).

Basic takeaway? I’m insane for brogues, and they’ve got some great ones. Fuck yeah.

Shots:

I’m a sucker for brogue boots…

And the low top variety…

And the slimmed down take on the former…

A nice take on the desert boot…

Blue suede shortwings. Fuck. Yes.

Ok, so. Yes. I was completely geeking out on the brogues…

Like I said…

Eventually, I got off the brogue kick…

Captoes. Dig it…

A solid showing, indeed. I might need those blue suede guys (shoes or boots) in my life.

—Jonathan

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Objects of Affection: Grenson Jackson Boot and Archie Brogues

The Jackson Boot

The Archie Brogue

Grenson is absolutely on point with both of these models, albeit for somewhat different reasons.

The Jackson first caught my eye because it has a great overall shape to it. But it really got its hooks in me because it offers a slightly playful twist on a military boot by tweaking the materials just a bit. The heel and toe are done in clean, full-grain calf leather, while the body and shaft are distressed leather. The result is an all leather boot, but with the combination of shine and matte that you usually only see in a canvas and leather pairing. Crafty! It’s nothing huge, of course, but the devil is in the details and that’s well evidenced here.

The Archie, on the other hand, is worthy of note because it is just so solidly classic. It’s all the things that I look for in a brogue rolled into one shoe. Nicely rounded toe? Check. Suitably hefty, rather than unnecessarily clunky? Yep. Brogueing that’s aggressive enough to stand out but not so intense that it looks clownish? Indeed. The rich brown of the leather certainly doesn’t hurt, either.

Some more looks at both:

Bonus: they’re both on sale and available online from Stel’s in Boston. Get the Jackson for $245 (marked down from $350), and get the Archie for $231 (marked down from $330). Remember all you stateside kids, it’s UK sizing, so purchase accordingly.

—Jonathan

(Images courtesy of Stel’s)

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Eye Candy: Bowery Boots in the Horween Factory

It’s a quick couple of shots, but it’s great to see a pair of boots back in the factory that birthed the leather on the uppers. Returning to the source and whatnot…

These pictures show the RRL Bowery boot in the Horween leather factory. The Bowery was a very limited release last summer that sold only in RRL stores with just a few dozen on offer in total. So basically, you can’t get them now. They also ran $750, so you might not be able to afford ‘em even if they weren’t sold out (I know I couldn’t).

That price tag, hefty as it was, was actually justified, though. Bench-made in the US with Horween leather uppers and vintage deadstock Cats Paw heels, the Bowery is a real artisanal piece. As is the way of the world, the super small production run likely bumped up the price even further.

If you’re now pining for a pair of Bowerys and just plain crushed that you can’t get your hands on them, ponder this: They were in the factory for “color matching and construction reference purposes.” Does that mean there might be more on the way? I’m not an expert with manufacturing terminology, but it seems like there may be a glimmer of hope here for future runs. Of course, I may be completely off the mark, so take this speculation for what it is (and with a hulkingly large grain of salt, for good measure).

Another shot:

Any which way, it’s a great couple of images. Hope you enjoy ‘em.

—Jonathan

(Images courtesy of the Horween Blog)

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Eye Candy: Alden for Leather Soul Pitt Boots

Alden exclusives are always damn good looking. These guys are the Pitt Boot, and they were done up for Leather Soul in two varieties: Brown Reverse Oiled Chamois and Black Shell Cordovan. Double waterlock oiled soles and Goodyear rubber heels mean you’re feet will be happy, even in the rain.

I’m gonna let the pictures do the rest of the talking:

18 pairs were released for pre-sale.  The Brown Chamois is $465, and the Black Cordovan is $615.

Email Bryan Yamashita (the manager of Leather Soul’s soon-to-open outpost in Beverly Hills) at bryan@lsfootwear.com to check availability.

—Jonathan

(Images courtesy of Leather Soul)

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Objects of Affection: YMC Tan Plaited Trim Boot

If you’re looking for something that’s got a bit of a desert boot vibe but some solid differentiation from the pack, YMC has you covered. The plaiting detail is really the star of the show here, and YMC made the wise decision to keep everything else nice and simple. Two eyelets and waxed cotton laces, tonal brown rubber sole, and moc-toe construction round out the whole package.

It’s gotta be said: the styling on the shot above is pretty much perfect. The medium brown looks great with raw denim, and it’s how I’d wear ‘em if I had ‘em in my arsenal.

More shots:

Penelope’s has them for $268.

(Images courtesy of Penelopes)

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Objects of Affection: Alden Indy Boots in Black

Alden for Epaulet – ‘Black and Tan’ Indy Boots

Alden for Blackbird – Black Chromexcel Indy Boots

I’m kind of apeshit for the Alden Indy Boot in general. I don’t own a pair yet, as it’s a pretty solid investment to drop over $400 on a pair of casual boots, but why lie? It’s gonna happen. And probably sooner than later.

To give a very brief account of the boot in general: The Alden Indy Boot premiered in the late 1930s as the “High Work Shoe.” It earned its current moniker after Harrsion Ford wore the boot throughout the Indiana Jones movies. Features a Goodyear welt, moc-toe construction, and an oil resistant neoprene outsole with a steel shank for support. It’s also absurdly comfortable, thanks to Alden’s famous Tru-Balance last.

I’m still torn on whether the final decision will be for brown or black, but if it’s black, it’ll be one of these two shop-exclusive versions: the Alden for Epaulet ‘Black and Tan’ Indy Boot, or the Alden for Blackbird Black Chromexcel Indy Boot.

Epaulet’s ‘Black and Tan’ version features Pegasus leather – a thick, matte cowhide from the venerable Horween tannery. It’s also got a medium-brown midsole, so the color scheme really does match the ‘Black and Tan’ name. This one also gets points for being so similar in title to this blog (of course!). My favorite feature, though, is the self-colored stitching on the moc-toe. Despite my affection for the classic contrast stitching, I’m digging the clean lines created by going monochrome on the upper.

A few more shots:

Blackbird’s exclusive Black Chromexcel version of the Indy Boot features the Horween’s famous Chromexcel waxed calf leather on the upper. Chromexcel leather is tough as hell, and it’s going to last for ages, just like the boot itself. The outsole is black, to match the upper. Other than the shift to black, this one keeps pretty true to the classic version with contrast stitching on the toe and a tan midsole.

More shots:

Click over to Epaulet to get the ‘Black and Tan’ Indy for $450, and hit up Blackbird for the Black Chromexcel version for $435. Either way, you’ll be getting a great pair of shoes that you’ll love for many years to come.

—Jonathan

(Images courtesy of Epaulet and Blackbird)

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Eye Candy: Thorocraft Spring 2010 New Releases

New York-based footwear company Thorocraft just started distribution on their Spring 2010 new releases. To mark the occasion, they also released these beautifully staged and shot pictures of the three featured models. Pictured above is The Xanders (link goes to the Thorocraft online shop).

The other two newbies:

The Ross, complete with woven leather upper

The Shelton, Thorocraft’s take on the boat boot

Old book and new shoes: A damn handsome pairing.

Available now in Thorocraft retailers and at the aforementioned online shop.

—Jonathan

(Images courtesy of Hypebeast)

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Eye Candy: Vanishing Elephant Filger Boot

I’m kinda nuts over Vanishing Elephant‘s shoe line. The most recent thing that caught my eye? The Filger boot.

Take a look:

The overall look is sturdy without being clunky. I’m a fan.

A very quick rundown of the details: 7 eyelets, fully lined in leather, two-tiered shaft, heavy leather sole with hand-nailed stacked leather heel, rubber heel strike, and a cap toe.

Available at Blackbird for $315.

—Jonathan

(Images courtesy of Blackbird)

Ed’s Note: These are also available at some other spots for a bit less. But if you’re dropping a solid chunk of change on black leather boots with summer just around the corner, you’ve probably got enough cash to be pushing it towards a solid independent retailer. Get on it!

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Objects of Affection: Alden x Context Roy Boot

Here’s one for all of you out there that do the whole “delayed gratification” thing well: The Alden x Context Roy Boot.

Available now for pre-order, these guys won’t drop in the real world until October. Kinda goes without saying that you can only get them through the Madison, WI shop, but just in case: Available exclusively at Context.

Though the overall silhouette is damn good looking (without question), the real beauty of these boots lies in the materials and the construction.

The Roy is made of Horween‘s Chromexcel leather. It’s sturdy as hell and has a rich, deep brown color. As it ages, the leather will soften, and the original coloring will give way to burgundy and tan undertones (check out this post — which I’ve actually referenced before because it’s fantastic — to learn more).

Then there’s the sole: Plantation crepe and attached with a Goodyear welt, it’s supported with a triple ridged steel shank for a solid combination of comfort, durability, and stability (and replace-ability, once you finally wear it down, which I hear takes ages). There’s also a leather toe patch, which looks really nice, though I’ll admit I don’t fully understand its function. The insole is full vegetable-tanned leather, which is flexible and breathable and will eventually conform to the wearer’s foot. Another point for comfort!

Top it all off with flat, waxed leather laces and an eye hook lacing system for good measure, put it together to Alden’s exacting standards, and you’re good to go.

A few more shots for your viewing pleasure:

Available for pre-order now at Context for $445, the Roy is definitely in the “investment  piece” space.  You have to pay in full for the pre-order, but that’s because it’s a very limited release that’s sure to generate a lot more demand than there is supply. Don’t sleep!

—Jonathan

(Images courtesy of Context)

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