Description
The Kotzebue is cut from 2.2mm oiled full-grain leather tanned in Illinois, on a wide last with room for a thick sock. It is Goodyear welted, so the sole can be replaced by any competent cobbler rather than thrown out with the boot. The shearling lining is sewn in, not glued, and the storm welt keeps slush from finding the seam.
Out of the box it is stiff across the vamp and takes about two weeks of regular wear to settle. After that it moves with the foot and stops feeling like equipment. The speed hooks at the top three eyelets are solid brass and are set slightly further apart than usual, which sounds like nothing until you are lacing up with cold hands in a parking lot. Sizes run true but slightly wide; if you are between sizes and wearing a thin sock, take the smaller one.
Specification
- Upper: 2.2mm oiled full-grain leather
- Lining: sewn-in shearling
- Sole: rubber lug, resoleable
- Construction: Goodyear welted with storm welt
- Hardware: solid brass eyelets and speed hooks
Care
Brush off salt with a damp cloth after every wear through winter, and let the boots dry away from direct heat. Re-oil twice a season with a neutral leather conditioner.
D. Halvorsen (verified owner) –
Third winter in these and they still look better than the day I got them. Had the soles done last spring for forty dollars, which is the whole point. The shearling has packed down a bit but that just means they fit me now.
Marissa T. (verified owner) –
Warm and genuinely waterproof up to the laces. I do wish the tongue was gusseted a little higher for deep snow. Sizing was accurate for me in a wool sock.
Priya Raman (verified owner) –
No complaints about the quality, but the break-in is real and nobody told me it would be two solid weeks. I had a blister on each heel for the first few days. They are comfortable now, so I would still buy them, just plan ahead.