Traditional Knives and GYW Footwear

[KM418]

I didn’t see a thread like this so I figured I’d start one. In additional to traditional knives I also collect (or hoard) goodyear/hand welted footwear. What draws me to both is the history and craftsmanship. To start this off I figured I’d post a picture of one of my first traditional knives with my first pair of GYW boots (Loake 1880 Bedales) that I acquired years ago. Although I’ve had buck knives in the past, the first quality traditional knife I purchased myself was a GEC #06 in blue jigged bone. I eventually traded that knife for a GEC #33 which has become one of my favorites. Does anyone else share my blade + boot addiction?

 

[abbydaddy]

I don't have a lot of _actually_ Goodyear welted boots, but I certainly share the addiction. My obsessions tend to go in phases. I had a few years of obsessing about knives, until I had all I _needed_, these days my knife acquisitions are fairly minimal since I have all my needs pretty well covered (obviously the wanting never ends, but resources are always finite). Next up was guns, but now after a few years, I have what I need, the rest is just want. I've moved on to boots recently. I've always loved footwear (heck, I have a shoe closet), but my boot obsession has really taken front and center recently. Looking forward to seeing what else other porch members have to show.

Here is what I am wearing/carrying today. Iron Rangers and my 2015 BladeForums knife (with a little bonus Otzi in the background, I trust a 5,300 year old pattern counts as traditional):

 

[abcdef]

Not boots, but my sh#t kickers.
A stock photo of the shoe that was all the rage in high school, the Greensboro (Nettleton). I still have and wear a pair of them. I probably won't post a pic with a knife, but they look sharp.

 

[Hickory n steel]

My 1892 series Thorogood tomahawks in a beautiful Cognac Horween Chromexel ( I added the lace keepers and kilties ), and a couple of my favorite Bucks.
These boots were a real hidden gem, great leather, great price, and well made, but they just kind of flew under the radar until they were discontinued.
I think the green ones with lug soles had a bit of a following though.

The color was so deep and rich when I got them.

Now they could use a cleaning with saddle soap and conditioning with some Venetian shoe cream.

 

[abbydaddy]

I think I'll treat this as my excuse to take "today's pairing" photos for a while. It'll get me to rotate more.

I'm not sure on the welt for these Frye's. The Chelseas with similar looking construction are described as Goodyear Welt construction, but the welt is rounded over the midsole, so I can't confirm. But ever since I had my cobbler add an extra lift to my left boot (one leg a little shorter), these have been one of my most comfortable pairs of walking boots. Pictured with my 2020 Forum knife, I love how the CK pocket slip matches the boots.

 

[Hickory n steel]

My 2 latest knives and most recently bought boots.


Technically these Footskins walking boots are actually Moccasins with a blake stitched outsole so they have no welt, but they don't need one due to the wrap around Moccasin construction.
No welt but they are handmade here in the USA , and very reasonably priced at that.

Definitely the most comfortable boot I've ever worn, because they don't feel like boots.
These are basically a substitute for sneakers during pants weather when I don't need or want to wear boots, the only sneakers I wear are Woobies mod1 low tops in the summer.

 

[Fodderwing]

 

[JohnDF]

Those are more my style.

 

[KM418]

View attachment 1924428
My 1892 series Thorogood tomahawks in a beautiful Cognac Horween Chromexel ( I added the lace keepers and kilties ), and a couple of my favorite Bucks.
These boots were a real hidden gem, great leather, great price, and well made, but they just kind of flew under the radar until they were discontinued.
I think the green ones with lug soles had a bit of a following though.

The color was so deep and rich when I got them.
View attachment 1924434
Now they could use a cleaning with saddle soap and conditioning with some Venetian shoe cream.

Thorogood definitely had some awesome models that went under the radar. I always liked their older monkey boots like the Portage but never thought I could pull off the look. Now I kinda regret not getting a pair especially since they were usually on sale.


My most comfortable (and probably most worn) boots are a pair of Alden “Tanker” boots in suede. They are on the Trubalance last just like the famous Indy boot. The last fits my foot so well that Alden has become a significant portion on my collection.

 

[Hickory n steel]

Thorogood definitely had some awesome models that went under the radar. I always liked their older monkey boots like the Portage but never thought I could pull off the look. Now I kinda regret not getting a pair especially since they were usually on sale.

I'd wear them if I was a roofer.
They are still available many places, and surprisingly some places still have the tomahawks in stock as well.

Ever watch mythbusters?
The thorogood " monkey boots " are Jayme Hynemans boot of choice, his hat is dumb but at least he wears real boots.
Adam savage wears some crappy disposable bloodstone Chelsea boots.

 

[Hickory n steel]

Thorogood definitely had some awesome models that went under the radar. I always liked their older monkey boots like the Portage but never thought I could pull off the look. Now I kinda regret not getting a pair especially since they were usually on sale.


My most comfortable (and probably most worn) boots are a pair of Alden “Tanker” boots in suede. They are on the Trubalance last just like the famous Indy boot. The last fits my foot so well that Alden has become a significant portion on my collection.

View attachment 1926666

Those are interesting and they certainly look well made.
It's a shame they had to use the crappy stamped speed hooks instead of proper machined speed hooks like thorogood uses, but you could have the hooks replaced when getting them resoled.

 

[Jack Black]

View attachment 1925768

Cool pic Dwight!

 

[Fodderwing]

Cool pic Dwight!

Thanks buddy!

 

[meako]

Little does he know but Im stealing the blue metal pea gravel from the bus yard ...one piece at a time...hidden in the tread of my Redbacks...

Fancy goin' out boots.

Wet weather safety boots...and for going to bbqs.

Classic Uggs..for when its cold and you dont want to put socks on to take the rubbish out to the bin.

 

[sf fanatic]

View attachment 1926856
Little does he know but Im stealing the blue metal pea gravel from the bus yard ...one piece at a time...hidden in the tread of my Redbacks...
View attachment 1926859
Fancy goin' out boots.
View attachment 1926871
Wet weather safety boots...and for going to bbqs.
View attachment 1926879
Classic Uggs..for when its cold and you dont want to put socks on to take the rubbish out to the bin.

Jon, it’s a well known fact that wearing Uggs without socks is the leading cause of gout.

 

[Hickory n steel]

Thorogood 4364's.

 

[dantzk8]

I own 2 pairs of these Galibier boots. Made in France for over 60 years. No modern waterproof fabric is used in the making, only 1/8 inch thick leather and rubber. Gooyear sewing. Each boot weights 2 pounds. Hard use boots for working, hiking and hunting. I wear them about 300 days a year. I never have wet feet.

Dan.

 

[KM418]

Those are interesting and they certainly look well made.
It's a shame they had to use the crappy stamped speed hooks instead of proper machined speed hooks like thorogood uses, but you could have the hooks replaced when getting them resoled.

I know some brands use thinner stamped speed hooks which can be crap especially if they aren’t actually brass. The ones on my Aldens and Crockett and Jones have been problem free which should be expected considering the price range they’re in. Alden also does not leave the backs of the speed hooks exposed and hides them under the leather lining. I don’t see it too often with other makers and it is great comfort wise but more work to get them changed/replaced.

View attachment 1927157

I own 2 pairs of these Galibier boots. Made in France for over 60 years. No modern waterproof fabric is used in the making, only 1/8 inch thick leather and rubber. Gooyear sewing. Each boot weights 2 pounds. Hard use boots for working, hiking and hunting. I wear them about 300 days a year. I never have wet feet.

Dan.

I’ve been looking for a proper pair of leather GYW hiking boots so I’ll have to check them out. I still haven’t fully transitioned away from modern hiking boots like Lowa or Solomon.

 

[Old Hunter]

Over the past I had lots of nice boots, well built and able to be resoled repeatedly; Danner "Go Devil" mountain boots and the Corcoran Combat II when I was in the ARNG, and Red Wings and Irish Setters for hunting (when they were built here of quality materials). But most of my outdoor time today is either hunting in very swampy country or fishing around ponds, creeks, rivers, or in the surf - give me a Muck Boot now. The pair in the pictures lasted 10 years (still kept in my car, but falling apart), I just bought some of their Muck snake boots a few months back. These photo's from turkey hunting in spring 2014 along Contentnea Creek and the Pee Dee River. The Case Junior Trapper I gave to a niece and the shotgun to a son-in-law. The Mucks seem to be holding their own (barely). OH

 

[dantzk8]

I’ve been looking for a proper pair of leather GYW hiking boots so I’ll have to check them out. I still haven’t fully transitioned away from modern hiking boots like Lowa or Solomon.

Be aware that those boots, when brand new, are like wooden clogs. They need to be broken in. You can't hike with them all a day long the day after you buy them.
An other thing you have to consider is the size. The rubber sole is hard, it's adviced to set soft inside soles.
When all that is done they are, despite their weight, comfortable and reliable.

Dan.