Since the dawn of the internet, April Fool’s Day has transformed from a day of campy jokes with your family into a weird corporate tradition.
Sometimes businesses can make it funny. Take Nicks Boots as an example. I commend them for putting in great effort on their joke.
Thorogood on the other hand, really half-assed it.
All I can say is, step it up Thorogood.
Russell Moccasin
The American Bison is a true icon of Western grit. That’s why bison leather on a well built boot will always stop me in my tracks.
Russell Moccasin is releasing their latest Premier Build, the Chocolate Bison Joe’s PH.
This boot is clearly different than most.
This moc toe Safari Boot features Chocolate Bison leather tanned at Wisconsin’s Law Tannery, light brown cotton twill along the quarters to allow for breathability, a cushioned collar, and a Vibram 360 sole.
It also just looks cool as shit.
Russell Moc recommends this boot for hiking in dry, hot and brushy environments like Africa or closer to my home, the American Southwest.
Division Road x Tricker’s
If you’re looking to class up your look with a style from the English countryside, this collaboration is right up your alley.
Division Road teamed up with the English boot builder Tricker’s to unveil these two beauties, the Churchill Boot and the Tramping Boot.
These are designed after an Officer’s dress boot for a “battlefield-to-boardroom-focused boot”. Yes, that’s how they’re described on the website. If that doesn’t get you excited to put these on, then I don’t know what will.
They both feature Horween’s premium Dublin Leather, a wood shank, a leather midsole, a storm welt and a look that just stands out from most American style boots.
The Churchill Boot and the Tramping Boot are a limited run, so if you’re in the market for something new and durable this spring, don’t think too long.
Danner
Snow is melting, leaves are popping out, and Danner is gearing up for hiking season.
Their new Mountain 600 EVO is being billed as a backpacking boot for both long days on the trail and overnight trips.
The Mountain 600 is already one of Danner’s popular European alpine hiker inspired boots. The next generation EVO apparently adds to its legacy with enhanced stability, waterproof lining, and most importantly, a recraftable sole that most hiking boots lack.
These come in mens and womens sizes, as well as a few different colors.
Honestly, I would love to get my hands on these for the many miles on the trail I have planned for the summer (maybe even a Grand Canyon trip? We’ll see).
Naked & Famous Denim
Naked and Famous Denim is known for their off the wall ideas, but this turns it up to 11. They’re dropping the Long Long Guy Jeans, pants with a whopping 100” inseam.
The company says these are crafted for “giants among us”, and finally fix the problem of not having enough material to make a mega cuff of your dreams. These jeans are made up of 13.75 oz of Japanese selvedge denim with a white ID.
Ok, I know this was posted on April Fool’s Day, and these pictures are hilarious… but I’m not sure it’s a joke. They are actually on sale for $401 a pair.
Will they sell out? If they do, I can confirm that selvedge denim is no longer clothing, but rather a form of absurdist art that’s become a parody of itself.
Freenote Cloth
Brown jeans are a realm I’ve always wanted to enter, but I haven’t made the leap yet. These might be the ones that push me over the edge.
Freenote Cloth released a new Dark Brown Denim with a black weft that’s sure to complement some of your favorite boots.
These are offered in slim straight, classic taper, and western cut, and a 35” inseam (thankfully not 100”).
The Japanese selvedge denim is 15oz, meaning it’s just on the cusp of what’s comfortable on a summer’s day.
See You Next Week
I just got back from an epic “hut trip” in Western Colorado.
I flew into Denver, drove to the other side of the state in blizzard conditions, and hiked seven miles at 10K’ elevation through fresh snow to a remote off-the-grid cabin in the woods.
I learned a lot about myself, and also, my appreciation grew for what was on my feet.
When you’re past the point of exhaustion and struggling to muster the energy to take the next step in front of you, it’s a blessing to not have to worry about cold, wet or sore feet, especially when you could be facing a deadly frostbite situation without the right gear.
Ultimately that’s why I write these boot drops. So you know when and where to buy the right boots to get you to your destination, whether it be the city or the woods.