Clinch Boots

The brand manufactures between 800 and 1,000 pairs of boots annually, with each pair hand-lasted and welted by a small team of craftspeople. Clinch boots are considered 90% handmade according to established Japanese definitions, featuring traditional techniques such as hand-carved wooden lasts and custom hardware. The company's product line includes Engineer boots, Yeager boots, and Graham work boots, with retail prices ranging from approximately $1,400 to $2,450 depending on materials and construction specifications.

Minoru Matsuura opened Brass Tokyo as a shoe repair shop in 2007 with the specific purpose of restoring vintage Goodyear welted shoes and boots that other cobblers considered beyond repair. The shop's name derives from the material's rust-resistant properties and the bootmaking process itself—brass nails properly "clinch" when they hit the steel plate mounted on a shoe last, causing them to curl and form a hook that locks them in place.

After five years of repairing and studying vintage footwear construction, Matsuura launched the Clinch brand in 2012 as a standalone boot manufacturer. The brand name directly references this fundamental bootmaking technique, where nails are driven through materials and hit a steel plate, making them curl and form the securing hook connection that defines the construction method.

Clinch boots are entirely handmade by Matsuura and his team using traditional manufacturing techniques. The company employs 10 to 11 people across multiple production locations, with the main site handling bottom construction and finishing while upper assembly occurs on different floors. Additional nearby spaces are utilized for cutting and preparation work.

The production process follows hand-lasting techniques, with most pairs welted by hand before completion using a sole stitching machine. This methodology qualifies the boots as 90% handmade according to the established Japanese craftsmanship definition. Each style is worked from an original hand-crafted wooden last, with traditional carving methods used to create the precise shaping molds required for proper boot construction.

The company's approach reflects broader Japanese shoemaking traditions characterized by strong curiosity and deep research into construction methods. Japanese artisans are noted for their extreme attention to detail, with some craftspeople spending up to 70 hours creating a single pair of shoes. This dedication to precision represents a continuation of traditional Japanese footwear heritage that dates back to agricultural-based life, taking into account the humid climate and cultural considerations that shaped historical footwear design.

Clinch sources premium quality horse butt leathers from tanneries across Italy, France, and Japan, with each hide hand-selected to meet the company's material specifications. The construction incorporates European horsebutt leather, French calfskin, and canvas, combined with hand-sewn welting, reproduction-style soles, and custom hardware designed to match vintage specifications.

The boots feature traditional Goodyear welt construction with hand-lasting processes that ensure precise fit and durability. Materials are chosen for their longevity and aging characteristics, emphasizing durable and long-lasting options available from established leather suppliers. The company's material selection process reflects its commitment to creating boots that maintain the structural integrity and aesthetic development of vintage work footwear.

Clinch's current production includes several core models designed to serve different heritage footwear applications. The Yeager Boot is available in multiple leather options with pricing ranging from $1,408 to $1,788. The Engineer Boots 11-Inch Height, constructed using thick vegetable-tanned horsebutt hides, retail for approximately $2,000.

Work boot styles include the Graham Boots, George Boots, and Gary Boots. The Jodhpur Boots and Lace Up Boots provide additional style options. Specialty models include the Hi-Liner, Mast Trainer, and Cowboy Boots.

Models are available across multiple last types including CN Wide, FR Last, HR Last, and MIL Last configurations, with sizing typically offered from US 6.5 through 13. The diverse last selection allows customers to select the toe shape and arch profile that best matches their foot shape and intended use application.

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