Donkey Puncher Boots - Cognac Badalassi

The sizing for Donkey Puncher Boots has been updated in 2023. The fit and last are unchanged, but the sizing has just been shifted up by 0.5 size, to align more consistently with the rest of the Lofgren catalog. Put simply, what was previously called a size 9.5 is now called a size 10. The name "Donkey Puncher" comes from a niche bit of history pertaining to the intersection of logging, footwear, and heavy machinery. Developed at the end of the 19th century, the Steam Donkey was a steam-powered hauling machine utilized by the logging industry for the transport of felled trees - this was one of the first pieces of mechanized equipment ever employed by the logging industry, serving as a replacement for oxen and horses. The men who rode and operated these mobile boilers were called "Donkey Punchers" and would have favored thick leather boots with a tall logger heel and full lace-to-toe configuration, just like these. John Lofgren's Donkey Puncher Boots are a faithful reimagining of a vintage style 6" logger boot, built from the highest quality materials in one of Japan's very best boot factories. They're built around John Lofgren's 120 Last, a high-volume E-width last that's further complimented by the lace-to-toe configuration of the boots, making it extremely accommodating to a wide variety of different feet. The toe is rounded, with an almost symmetrical profile from the top that will comfortably house your toes without looking bulky or bulbous - continuing back, we find an average instep and nice round heel cup that cradles your foot. Everything is held together with multiple rows of heavyweight high-SPI (stitch-per-inch) sewing that alternates between one tonal thread and one contrasting thread. They stand on one of our favorite combos, the made-in-USA Vibram 705 half sole + 700 heel combo, a stellar pairing with excellent durability and comfort, as well as a sleek low profile. The hardware is heavy duty solid brass, with a combination of 6 eyelets and 3 military grade speed hooks, and a removable kilte can be threaded through the bottom lace for enhanced durability and protection from small debris. The uppers are made from Badalassi's famous Cognac Minerva leather, a full grain, vegetable-tanned cowhide from one of Italy's premier tanneries. The Lofgren team only purchases and accepts the highest quality hides offered by Badalassi, inspecting each one to make sure it meets their rigid criteria. Beyond the striking initial color, the veg-tanned leather will continue to darken and take on new texture with age and wear. The leather features an aniline finish, and patinas quickly with exposure to sunlight, water, oils, and day to day life. The break-in is similarly quick, taking the shape of your foot with ease and molding into the most comfortable fit. To finish everything off, the inside is fully lined with a soft horsehide leather, that will cradle your foot after breaking in, keeping you comfortable all day long. The goodyear welt construction can be rebuilt by any trusted cobbler once the sole wears down, giving potentially lifetimes of wear with proper care and maintenance. These size differently to pairs of Lofgren Donkey Puncher Boots produced before 2023. Choose 0.5 size smaller than Brannock. Built on the John Lofgren 120 Last Badalassi cognac cowhide 6" lace-to-toe boot Goodyear welted Japanese horsehide lining Vibram 705 sole + 700 heel combination American-made brass eyelets and speedhooks Stacked logger heel Removable leather 'kiltie' toe cover Choose 0.5 size smaller than your Brannock device size Made in Japan Built on the John Lofgren 120 Last The sizing for Donkey Puncher Boots has been updated in 2023. The fit and last are unchanged, but the sizing has just been shifted up by 0.5 size, to align more consistently with the rest of the Lofgren catalog. Put simply, what was previously called a size 9.5 is now called a size 10. We suggest choosing 0.5 size smaller than your Brannock device size. If you already own a pair of Lofgren Donkey Puncher boots produced before 2023, we suggest choosing these 0.5 size larger than the pair you already own for the same fit. Narrow and low volume feet: 0.5 size smaller than Brannock D-Width and average volume feet: 0.5 size smaller than Brannock E & EE-Width and high volume feet: 0.5 size smaller than Brannock