If there is one common down side to well made boots, it is that breaking in a new pair can put a hurtin’ on your feet. Remedying this very problem was the target of new boot brand Hambleton, a collaboration between industry veterans Joe Pollard and Ryan Vaughan. The Hambleton tweaked a few key features to produce a softer, comfier wear right out of the box without sacrificing the look and performance boot lovers expect.
At the heart of this cap toe boot is a springy Durameter foam in the footbed, which replaces the cork typically found in the midsole. This makes for a more cushioned feel which retailer American Trench insists, “feels like a sneaker from first wear to last.” To further soften the stride, the outsole is made by Vibram, offering more flex than a leather midsole.
To hold everything together, an old-school thick leather midsole connects the vamp and the outsole with a Goodyear welt. The whole thing is assembled at Rios of Mercedez + Anderson Beane in Leon, Mexico, one of the greatest leatherworking hubs on the planet.
This classic work boot isn’t short on looks either. The brown-colored ox suede, sourced from the UK, provides an elevated look that can swing a business casual office just as well as taking a beating on Harley. A little polishing here and there will keep the solid brass eyelets shiny for the life of the boot.
Available for $475 (with a free pair of socks!) from American Trench.
