About
The Classic Boots are vegetable-tanned natural leather boots manufactured by Butts and Shoulders, a Netherlands-based brand founded to promote slow fashion and craftsmanship. Designed in the Netherlands and handmade in Portugal using Goodyear welted construction, each pair is individually hand-numbered on the tongue. The boots feature all-natural, undyed vegetable-tanned leather with no chemicals used in the tanning or coloring process.
About
The Classic Boots are vegetable-tanned natural leather boots manufactured by Butts and Shoulders, a Netherlands-based brand founded to promote slow fashion and craftsmanship. Designed in the Netherlands and handmade in Portugal using Goodyear welted construction, each pair is individually hand-numbered on the tongue. The boots feature all-natural, undyed vegetable-tanned leather with no chemicals used in the tanning or coloring process.
First launched in 2016 as the brand's initial footwear offering, the Classic Boots were produced in a limited edition run of 100 individually-numbered pairs. The boots are priced at €395 (approximately $430-535 USD).
Construction and materials
The Classic Boots utilize Goodyear welted construction, a method that allows the boots to shape to the wearer's feet over time and enables resoling for extended lifespan. The boots are manufactured in a small Portuguese factory specialized in army boots, known for producing high-quality footwear using authentic Goodyear welted construction techniques.
The upper is constructed from vegetable-tanned natural leather with no chemicals used in the tanning or coloring process. The leather ages over time, developing a distinctive patina described as evolving "into a warm cognac colour." The boots feature a leather lining and a leather sole with TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) reinforcement. An enforced back heel, known as a contrefort or buttress, is made of pressed and glued leather to provide extra support. The side seams are hand-stitched for durability.
Sizing and fit
The Classic Boots are available in UK sizes 6-12, corresponding to EUR sizes 40.5-47. Sizing is reported to be comparable to Red Wing heritage boots and runs true to size. A breaking-in period is required, as the vegetable-tanned leather is initially stiff and "dry" in feel. The boots are designed on a custom-developed last intended to provide optimal fit. Users have noted the boots are surprisingly light in weight compared to other heritage boot styles.
Customer reception
Based on 18 customer reviews, the Classic Boots hold an average rating of 4.88 out of 5 stars. The rating breakdown includes 15 five-star reviews and two four-star reviews. During the break-in period, users have rated comfort around 7.5 out of 10. Customers have noted that the leather develops a distinctive patina over time and that the boots are lighter in weight than expected compared to other heritage boot styles.
Packaging and accessories
Each pair of Classic Boots includes an extra pair of dark brown laces in addition to the standard laces. This darker set is intended to match the aged patina that develops in the leather over time. The boots also come with a cotton storage bag and a keychain bearing the brand's branding.
References
"Vegetable tanned Natural Leather Classic Boots". Butts and Shoulders. Retrieved November 28, 2025.
"Butts And Shoulders Presents New Worker Boots". Long John. Retrieved November 28, 2025.
"Butts And Shoulders And Boots". Rope Dye. January 2016. Retrieved November 28, 2025.
