The Keeper 'Type 2' Engineer Boot

Briselblack, originally founded as Benzein in 2018, specializes in laceless boot designs including Chelsea, Jodhpur, and Engineer boots. The Keeper Type 2 is produced through a Made to Order system, allowing for customization of materials while maintaining the brand's commitment to handcrafted construction. The boot is currently available in two horsehide variations priced at $885 USD, though both are currently sold out.

The Type 2 reflects the broader Indonesian footwear industry's reputation for quality handwelted construction at competitive pricing. Indonesia ranks as the world's fourth-largest shoe producer and sixth-largest exporter, with the country's bootmaking tradition tracing back to Dutch colonial influence and evolving into a contemporary artisanal industry focused on premium handcrafted footwear.

Briselblack's engineer boot line emerged from the company's founding as Benzein in 2018 by Adi Hermawan, a graphic designer who established the small workshop in Bandung, Indonesia. The company built on family connections to the shoe industry dating back to 1986, creating a foundation for traditional bootmaking expertise combined with contemporary design sensibilities.

The brand underwent a significant transition in late 2022, rebranding from Benzein to Briselblack due to investor disputes over the original name. Despite this change, the company maintained its focus on handcrafted laceless boot designs, with engineer boots becoming a core part of their product line alongside their signature Chelsea boots.

The Keeper series represents Briselblack's interpretation of the classic engineer boot silhouette, adapted for the heritage footwear market. The Type 2 variation specifically showcases the company's commitment to premium materials, featuring horsehide construction that appeals to collectors and enthusiasts seeking durable, character-developing footwear.

The Keeper Type 2 employs traditional handwelted construction methods, with each boot individually hand-lasted and hand-welted using techniques common to Indonesian bootmakers. This construction approach creates resoleable footwear designed for long-term durability, contrasting with machine-welted alternatives through its use of continuous threading and hand-stitched welts.

The boot features premium horsehide leather in two available variations: Horsebutt overdyed Black and Cognac Horsehide. Horsehide offers superior durability and water resistance compared to traditional cowhide, with the material's dense grain structure developing unique patina characteristics over time. This material choice aligns with Briselblack's philosophy of creating boots that develop individual character through wear.

Construction follows Briselblack's collaborative workshop approach, with experienced craftsmen working in small batches to maintain quality control. The company emphasizes traditional methods without reliance on modern factory machinery, reflecting the broader Indonesian bootmaking industry's focus on hand-work techniques that originated during Dutch colonial rule and evolved into contemporary artisanal practices.

The Keeper Type 2 is available in European sizing from 41 to 45, with slight variations between the two horsehide options. The Horsebutt overdyed Black version covers sizes 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45, while the Cognac Horsehide variation includes an additional half-size at 42.5.

Both variations are priced at $885 USD, positioning the boot in the premium segment of the heritage footwear market. This pricing reflects the handwelted construction, premium horsehide materials, and Made to Order production system that allows for customization within the established design parameters.

Current availability shows both variations as sold out across all size ranges, indicating strong demand for the model. The Made to Order system typically involves waiting periods of three to five months for completion, reflecting the time-intensive nature of handcrafted construction and the company's consistent order backlog.

The Keeper Type 2 operates within Indonesia's significant footwear manufacturing sector, which produced 807 million pairs in 2023 and ranks as the world's fourth-largest shoe producer. Indonesian footwear exports reached $1.89 billion in the first quarter of 2025, representing a 13.80% increase over the previous year and demonstrating the industry's continued growth.

Indonesia's bootmaking tradition combines historical Dutch colonial influences with contemporary artisanal techniques, creating a unique position in the global heritage footwear market. The industry employs approximately 1.1 million workers across more than 3,600 factories, ranging from large-scale export operations to small workshops like Briselblack that focus on handcrafted premium products.

The United States represents the largest export market for Indonesian footwear, accounting for 33% of total exports, followed by China at 12%. This export pattern reflects international recognition of Indonesian craftsmanship quality, particularly in the heritage and premium footwear segments where traditional construction methods and competitive pricing create compelling value propositions.