About
The Bulltron is an 8-eyelet combat boot model manufactured by BLKBRD SHOEMAKER, an Indian footwear company specializing in handcrafted welted shoes. Distinguished by its Norwegian construction and full-grain bison leather upper, the Bulltron represents BLKBRD's commitment to traditional shoemaking techniques combined with rugged durability.
About
The Bulltron is an 8-eyelet combat boot model manufactured by BLKBRD SHOEMAKER, an Indian footwear company specializing in handcrafted welted shoes. Distinguished by its Norwegian construction and full-grain bison leather upper, the Bulltron represents BLKBRD's commitment to traditional shoemaking techniques combined with rugged durability.
The boot features double Norwegian chain stitch construction, a labor-intensive method requiring specialized skills and over 40 hours of handcraft work per pair. Each Bulltron boot passes through the hands of 12 craftsmen and undergoes more than 100 different operations during manufacture.
Design and Construction
Materials
The Bulltron utilizes premium materials selected for durability and comfort. The upper is constructed from full-grain bison leather measuring 2mm in thickness, providing exceptional resistance to wear and weather. The interior features a combination leather and textile lining, while the insole incorporates leather with natural cork filler for enhanced comfort and moisture management.
The sole system consists of an abrasion-resistant rubber outsole paired with a stacked leather heel featuring a combination rubber topy for improved traction and longevity.
Norwegian Construction
The Bulltron employs Norwegian construction, a traditional shoemaking technique characterized by distinctive visible stitching around the shoe's perimeter. This method involves folding the upper underneath the welt and securing it with double stitching, creating superior waterproofing compared to standard welted construction.
Norwegian construction, despite its name, originated in Italy and is also known by various names including Norvegese, Goyser, and Bentavenegna. The technique was initially developed for outdoor footwear requiring enhanced weather protection. The construction method demands exceptional craftsmanship, with each boot requiring approximately 300 hand stitches and specialized tools.
Last and Fit
The Bulltron is built on BLKBRD's CUERO-B last, which features a round toe profile. The company recommends sizing consistent with normal dress shoe measurements, though custom sizing options are available for customers requiring specialized fits.
Manufacturing Process
BLKBRD manufactures the Bulltron at their facilities in Agra, India, utilizing skilled craftsmen from traditional shoemaking families. Many of the artisans are second or third-generation shoemakers with over 25 years of experience in hand-welted construction techniques.
The manufacturing process emphasizes traditional methods, including hand lasting and hand welting using thin cork plates rather than the cork paste commonly employed in factory-made welted shoes. This approach ensures superior construction quality and contributes to the boot's longevity and repairability.
Specifications
Construction: Double Norwegian chain stitch
Upper: Full-grain bison leather (2mm thickness)
Lining: Leather and textile
Insole: Leather with natural cork filler
Outsole: Abrasion-resistant rubber
Heel: Stacked leather with rubber topy
Last: CUERO-B
Toe Profile: Round
Eyelets: 8
Sizing: EUR 39-47 (UK 5-13, US 6-14)
Market Position
The Bulltron is positioned within BLKBRD's premium boot collection, representing the company's philosophy of combining traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary design. BLKBRD's direct-to-consumer model allows the company to offer hand-welted construction at competitive pricing compared to similar European or American-made footwear.
The boot is part of BLKBRD's mission to showcase Indian shoemaking capabilities and promote craftsmanship standards comparable to established European shoemaking traditions. The company's commitment includes paying craftsmen above industry standards to support the preservation of traditional shoemaking techniques.
Styling and Use
BLKBRD markets the Bulltron as suitable for both casual and semi-formal applications, with styling recommendations including pairing with boot-cut denim or flannel trousers. The boot's rugged construction and Norwegian welting make it particularly suitable for outdoor activities while maintaining appropriate aesthetics for urban wear.
The combat boot styling with 8-eyelet lacing provides both functional support and contemporary aesthetic appeal, allowing the Bulltron to serve as both a practical outdoor boot and a fashion statement piece.
References
BLKBRD Shoemaker. "Bulltron, Derby Boot - Chestnut Tan". Product Page. https://www.blkbrdshoemaker.com/products/bulltron-chestnut-tan
Oliver Sweeney. "Norwegian Construction | Waterproof Hiking Boots". https://www.oliversweeney.com/pages/norwegian-welted-construction
Jamais Vulgaire. "Bridlen & BLKBRD: 2025's Best Value in High-End Indian Shoemaking". 2025.
Misiuacademy. "Blkbrd Shoemaker Review: Quality Hand-Welted Shoes From India". https://www.misiuacademy.com/blkbrd-shoemaker-review/
