BOOTS - Tanker Burnished Rough-Out Havana
To produce the very finest version of this boot model has been on the wish list of our company for many years. Finally, through the strong collaboration between ourselves and the John Lofgren workshops of Japan, that quest has become a reality.
Continue ReadingData sheet
- LEATHER
- Horween ChromeXL Horsehide - Burnished Roughout
- CONSTRUCTION
- Bench-made on traditional lasts
- LINING
- Fully leather-lined
- WELT
- Goodyear storm welt (UK)
- STITCHING
- Double stitched at high stress points
Hand-stitched shaft seam
- HEELS
- Original Cats Paw
- SOLES
- Custom made US Army WWII chequered pattern soles
- BUCKLES
- Solid brass - blackened
- LABLE
- Woven shuttle-loom
- SIZES
- Available in half sizes 7 - 11 (UK sizing)
Description
To produce the very finest version of this boot model has been on the wish list of our company for many years. Finally, through the strong collaboration between ourselves and the John Lofgren workshops of Japan, that quest has become a reality.
Conceived in 1937, alledgedly at the request of General Patton, the Tanker Boot is of a unique and elegant design. The most noticeable feature is that of the front closure which allows them to be donned and removed with much greater ease than a normal lace-up boot, by way of a short and long strap arrangement, whilst still giving good ankle support.
We feel we have created the definitive version, and can assure they are absolutely stunning. Working from an original pair of WWII vintage examples, we've had the lasts custom-made by taking moulds from them, and recreated all the design and sewing details with fastidious enthusiasm.
The shape and fit is simply fantastic - snug shapely ankle throat, correct bow to the sole and elegant shape to the vamp.
This particular model is made from Horweens famous Chrome Excel Horsehide, in burnished rough-out finish. As with many models of WWII combat footwear, rough-out hide was utilised to be more wear resistant. Essentially the hide is turned inside out so the nap side is on the outside, and top-grain on the inside. To make the boots more water repellent many servicemen would impregnate the rough-out hide with layers of boot polish. This would build up over many applications and take on a unique burnished semi-roughout appearance, and this is exactly what we have recreated with this model. Being made from horse fronts this hide exudes all the qualities and character of that selection of the hide - that being areas of broken-grain that will pop out the more they break in, giving a wonderful vintage character that is so desirable in original vintage leather garments. As the leather wears the burnished rough-out will nap up on the high spots just like the originals and take on a unique rugged time worn character that can only come from this type of finish.
The Tanker Boot design combines ruggedness with elegance so they lend themselves to most occasions and applications, and are so easy to put on and take off. They are in our opinion the ultimate utility boot and we are so pleased to have made these a reality.