Production Update

Estimated Production Schedule Summer 2026 (8-4-2026)

During the past couple of years, we have increased boot production volume substantially year over year. With each year has come a period of time when we re-stock, finalize new styles, finalize new builds, ensure all of our suppliers are lined up and delivering according to projections, or shifting gears to accommodate any delays from any one of multiple sources. This period usually takes place for about 8-10 weeks or so each year, sometimes in the Spring or Summer. During this time, inventory is generally limited, which is why only a few regular stock styles may be available, or perhaps some leftover factory seconds and samples. 

This year is taking us a bit longer than expected because we are working on many new things. Below is a brief synopsis from the 7-30 email (added to since) of what customers can expect to be available with this new inventory introduction coming up: 

The 602 Last - For the past few years we have been offering a few different lasts, each aimed at providing a different fit and solving different fit challenges for customers. The other part of this objective was to collect data on fit, and really try to understand what is working, and not working, for everyone. In a way, we will be going back to our roots here soon because the original 602 last is coming back. There will be some changes based off of everyone’s feedback surrounding fit from the prior years of size and fit feedback/data. These changes will include additional small toe room and a more contoured, shaped ball. Volume will be the same as the original 602, falling between the 602M and the 618. So not as much volume as the 602M, but not as shallow as the 618. 

Soles/Heels - We have been sourcing and experimenting with different rubbers and sole compounds. This started around February of this year, but has taken a bit longer than originally projected to acquire and test. Making the new molds for both the soles and heels was part of this timeline as well, which also ended up taking longer than originally anticipated. We have finally arrived at the conclusion of this development and are excited to introduce these to everyone soon. These soles will have a newer design to them drawing inspiration from the 1980's's Warco Biltrite patterns along with other classically designed military boot outsoles we have seen and held at our former US factory. 

*Note - the metal shank was partially cut during this process and ultimately removed. There are a few burn marks around the shank area from the heat of the saw on the leather inlay and around where part of the shank was. 

Insole/Underfoot - We will have a new insole build to include a stacked leather and foam arch area in all boots intended to provide a mild form of arch support. There will be a vegetable tanned leather inlay with re-bounding foam underneath in both the heel and arch. From there, a full length vegetable tanned leather insole, backed by a layer of leather-board which is necessary to help keep the shank in place. As a result of using more leather and labor to make these insoles and provide additional foot support in a sturdy manner, there will be a small price increase to each pair by about 1%-2% of the retail price. 

New and Returning Uppers - There will be a few upper leathers returning along with new items from one of our favorite tanning partners, C.F. Stead. Each year we try to feature one or two drops from them. As mentioned before, we are also expanding our production with the Boaventura tannery in Portugal to work on some core leathers for us to include rough-out's, veg tan's, combination tan's, oil tan's and various waxed flesh and suede's. Upper leathers such as full grain and smooth finish, vegetable tanned and particularly Kudu, still remain being among the most expensive articles to obtain and use. For all articles, labor and tanning ingredients continue to rise each year. Kudu has been rising in cost year over year as well, but Kudu deals with a much higher discard rate/lower yield per hide. Therefore increasing the cost even more than a traditional bovine leather. While we have continued to absorb the cost of this as much as we can, especially for Kudu, it is possible a price increase may need to be applied of about 3% of the retail price per pair. So figure about $12 per pair if the average pair of boots is $400. Additionally, we will be fully lining some boots for the future.