Special Boot Project 2016

[mikecch]

Hello!

 

For the sake of clarity, organisation, transparency and making sure people don't miss out, I've created the official thread for this project.

Hopefully this will fair better compared with our previous forum boot project back in 2012.

Anyway, after learning a few lessons from that failure, here is this year's footwear group project!

 

For this project, the basic idea is a high-end American boot made with a cool leather that isn't usually found on footwear.

What I'm aiming for is a special edition boot that is actually unique, rather than just a simple change in colourway with standard footwear leathers.

 

 

This project is currently (14th Oct 2016) in the sampling phase.

If & when sampling is successful, I will then provide you with some initial photos and much more details (e.g. who is making the boots, what is the mystery leather).

I don't have a very exact schedule at this time, but I'm hoping to have all our names down and the orders put in before Xmas.

 

Please help us determine the final specs of the project boot by doing the survey, which will ask you about some preferences:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/G3TJK3X

 

This project will run on the group MTO model in order to secure a further discount for all of us.

Therefore, unlike the previous project, no individual customization can be accommodated this time, so please let you wishes be known through the survey  

 

Please let me know if you're interested.

Send me an e-mail at indigoshrimp {at} outlook.com

Your e-mail may be used to send you a PayPal invoice by the manufacturer down the track.

Once I receive your e-mail, I'll add your name to the expression of interest list.

 

The earlier you are on the list, the more priority you get in case we run out of leather and have to limit numbers.

[mikecch]

Expression of interest list:

1. mikecch

2. Cucoo

3. Foxy2

4. Aries

5. @wegner.d

6. sinjo

7. gratefulmelon

8. UkeNo

9. minimint0918

10. simontuntelder

11. Hendsch

12. rayw44

13. @enlightened0ne

14. Cold Summer

15. thelion1856

16. m3guy

17. @ppack74

18. @unokwn6633

19. Articulate

20. ShootThePier

21. TheEscapist

22. rkusmant

23. TDj

24. D’uarte Pharquart

25. PeterParker

26. Bobbo

Edited November 29, 2016 by mikecch

[mikecch]

reserved for sample photos

[mikecch]

reserved for sample photos

[mikecch]

reserved for sample photos

[mikecch]

Hey guys, thanks for the survey completions so far. 72 responses and counting, which is fantastic - keep 'em coming!

Just a reminder that this preliminary survey will close this Sunday, afterwhich I will share with you the results.

[edmond]

What brand is it? What will it look like?

[edmond]

Ohh dont tell

Me its gonna be a collab with. tanuki x boots special

[mikecch]

^ The Tanuki collab will be with Oak Street Bootmaker.

We're going a bit more high end, more info soon!

[edmond]

Oh wow exciting!

[kcobain123]

i m in! 

[mikecch]

^ E-mail me. Address in first post

[mikecch]

A reminder that you need to e-mail me to be placed on the list - the final stages of the project will be conducted via e-mail.

Survey is closed, thanks for the responses! We collected 89 responses, and it is really interesting that the preferences were pretty consistent, with clear majority preferences in most categories.

More info soonish.

Edited November 12, 2016 by mikecch

[karanimal]

natural vegetable tanned snow leopard? 

[mikecch]

Mmm, if I could find it, why not

[BrownMetallic]

Standard heels or blocked?

[mikecch]

^ Hey BM!

I'll include smaller details such as the heel shape in the second round of surveying, after the sample boot is made and the photos shown to you guys.

[mikecch]

First round of sampling has FAILED!

 

FYI the leather being tested was Conceria Walpier's Buttero leather at 7 oz.

[thelion1856]

Keeping an eye on this

[mikecch]

^ Another sample is being made, this time a horsebutt with Wesco. Will keep this thread updated!

Edited December 1, 2016 by mikecch

[UkeNo]

Can you tell us why the first sample failed? Bad leather choice, wrong build etc?

[mikecch]

^ Sure thing. The reason for the sample fail was because the leather was too stiff and possibly too thick for stitch-down machines.

The reason for the manufacture change is mostly due to White's wanting to promote their stock leathers rather than doing one-offs.

With Wesco I'm hoping to work out some special detailing too, will keep you posted!

[UkeNo]

Great. Thanks Mike.

[mikecch]

Sample no. 2 is a modified Wesco "Flightmaster" with natural CXL horsebutt.   

Yep, Flightmaster!

Edited November 25, 2016 by mikecch

[ShootThePier]

Sounds great. When do we get pics?

[mikecch]

^ When I get the samples I'll put pics up ASAP. At this stage we are probably looking at after Xmas, but I'll keep you guys posted.

[Cucoo]

Modified in what way? I googled the flight master, looks appetizing

Edited November 27, 2016 by Cucoo

[mikecch]

^ The colour of the leather and thread mainly. And the height is modified to 6 inch due to the width of horsebutt.

The sample should show the basic details, then we can look into anything that needs changing before the final specs are confirmed.

[BrownMetallic]

^Seems the "Fightmaster" looks a lot similar to "Foot Patrol", except for the variation in the number of stitch rows @waist ... sorta like their version of Viberg's Boondocker vs a Service boots. Are [they] on the same last, though?

On a Natty CXL [Horsebutt], it'd be nice to see some tonal stitching all around, for a change__ the leather will get darker as it evos & blend in more with brown or taupe stitching :: instead of the usual natural trim, maybe, grey stained midsoles on black Vibram 700s + gunmetal all-eyelets, to contrast :: 1/4 lower block [Quabaug] heels :: partially structured toes ;)

Edited November 30, 2016 by BrownMetallic

[mikecch]

^ Thanks for your input BM!

The difference between the flightmaster and foot patrol, apart from stitching, is mainly the back-stay / counters.

Not sure if grey stain is an option or how that might age; will check.