A few questions about Nessmuk and Woodcraft(the book)

[saxon]

You're right about the tannage. Spanish oak means that the outsole is oak tanned heavy leather. In those days they probably used a sole of about 12 iron in thickness. That's just over 1/4 in thick. The reference to the nailing means that the sole is nailed to the insole on the last instead of being sewn to the welt. Not many do a nail down anymore. I used to, but they were much stiffer than a stitchdown. The nails will also rust causing a bit of rotting to occur to the sole and insole leather. Not what I would want in a trail boot. You can get White's boots in Spokane to build you a pair of boots made in the old ways. Remember that he didn't have any modern rubber soles to choose from in those days. I bet he would have opted out of leather soles if he'd have known what we know!

I just re-read the description and I really think he was talking about a slip-on boot. Lace-ups weren't as common in his time. The French waxed calf he mentioned was and still is the most prefered leather for the vamp of handmade cowboy boots.