Monkey Boots - Black Horsebutt

Standard & Strange Verified independent store

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These are John Lofgren's take on the Eastern European (primarily Czech) surplus boots that saw popularity among civilian markets in the 80s. The actual origin of the name "Monkey B oot" is lost to history, but the prevalent opinion is that the tractor-tire-tread soles of the Czech boots offered enough grip to climb like a monkey. These are sewn up in an all black tea-core horsebutt from the Shinki Tannery in Japan, one of the premier horsehide tanneries in the world. Being a tea core leather, the black dye at applied to the hides does not fully penetrate the surface of the hides, leaving the flesh underneath undyed - over time, the black dye will wear and scuff off, revealing the brown core beneath. This remarkable leather also features a glossy finish and a gorgeous grain texture that ranges from subtle to incredibly prominent. Unlike cowhide, horsebutt tends to roll rather than crease over time, giving them a more subtle and graceful aging process. The grain texture of Shinki Horsebutt is highly variable, and will differ immensely from boot to boot. We cannot ensure your boots will have more or less grain than what is photographed as all pairs will be entirely unique. Caveat emptor. As with all of John Lofgren's boots, these were developed slowly and carefully from last to leather. Featuring a suede-trimmed rolled ankle, solid brass hardware, and Vibram's 705 sole / 700 heel combination from the USA, they're absolutely built to last, and only get better with time. Built on the John Lofgren 140 Last Tea-core Black Shinki Horsebutt leather Black leather will fade to brown in high wear areas Exclusive John Lofgren last Brass hardware made in Japan 6 eyelets and 4 speed hooks Vibram 700 sole + 700 heel combination Leather midsole Goodyear welted construction Fully resoleable and rebuildable Take one size smaller than Brannock size Made in Japan Show more