The North Pacific is a chukka boot manufactured by Aurora Shoe Co. in upstate New York. Released in November 2014, the North Pacific represents the company's first new shoe design in more than 20 years. The boot was designed in collaboration with Aurora's Japanese distributor and named in appreciation of the geography between Japan and the Pacific Northwest of the United States.
The North Pacific features full-grain Horween leather uppers paired with a heavier Vibram sole than other Aurora models, designed to balance durability with the company's characteristic broad toe box. Each pair is handmade to order by a ten-person workshop in King Ferry, New York, where every employee participates in multiple steps of the manufacturing process.
The North Pacific emerged from a collaboration between Aurora Shoe Co. and its Japanese distributor. The development process spanned over a year of designing, prototyping, and sizing before the boot's release. The name reflects the geographic connection between Japan and the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, where Aurora operates.
The design maintains Aurora's trademark broad toe box while incorporating a beefier Vibram sole compared to the company's other models. This combination was intended to create a boot suitable for both work and casual wear. The boot became available for order on Aurora's website on October 15, 2014, with full release following in November 2014.
The North Pacific is constructed with full-grain Horween leather sourced from Chicago, featuring large cuts of leather. The breathable leather upper stretches and molds to the wearer's feet over time for a custom fit. Each boot includes a leather insole and is built on a D-width midsole.
The boots feature Vibram soles with a denser and heavier tread pattern than Aurora's standard sole offerings. These soles are designed to be resoled, enabling decades of wear with proper maintenance. Each pair comes with two sets of laces in both leather and cotton, allowing wearers to adjust the appearance between rustic and refined styles. The lacing system accommodates feet ranging from narrow to wide widths.
All North Pacific boots are handmade in King Ferry, New York, in a workshop employing ten artisans. Each employee is responsible for five to ten steps of the manufacturing process, and every worker touches every pair of shoes produced. The boots are made to order following Aurora Shoe Co.'s established approach of prioritizing quality craftsmanship over production volume.
The North Pacific is available in men's full and half sizes from US 6.5 to 12, running true to size. Women's sizes are offered in full and half sizes from US 5 to 11, with the company recommending that women between sizes round up a half size. For customers uncertain about sizing, Aurora offers a foot tracing service.
The boots are produced in brown and black colorways for both men's and women's sizes. As of 2014, men's North Pacific boots in brown were priced at $260.
"Men's North Pacific - BROWN". Aurora Shoe Co. Retrieved November 27, 2025.
"North Pacific (our boots are finally here!)". Aurora Shoe Co. November 2014. Retrieved November 27, 2025.
"Inside the Aurora Shoe Company's Upstate New York Workshop". Drake's. Retrieved November 27, 2025.
"Aurora Shoe Company". Inns of Aurora. Retrieved November 27, 2025.