George Boots

George Boots

Model

About

The George Boots are a heritage ankle boot model manufactured by Clinch, a Japanese bootmaker based in Tokyo. Inspired by boots issued to the British Army, the George Boots feature intentionally higher laces designed to be hidden when worn with trousers, similar in style to classic Chukka boots but elevated to Japanese craftsmanship standards.

Built on Clinch's distinctive CN last, the George Boots exemplify the company's approach to recreating 1940s-era boot construction using traditional hand-lasting techniques and premium European materials. The boots are part of Clinch's broader mission to combine vintage-inspired design with artisanal Japanese bootmaking methods.

History and Design Origins

The George Boots draw their design inspiration from boots originally issued to the British Army. The intentional placement of laces higher on the boot serves a practical purpose—allowing them to remain hidden when worn with trousers, creating a cleaner visual line. This design philosophy reflects both military functionality and civilian style considerations.

Clinch developed the George Boots as part of their broader effort to recreate classic 1940s boot styles using modern artisanal techniques. The design maintains the essential characteristics of the historical military boot while incorporating the refined construction methods that define Japanese heritage footwear production.

Construction and Materials

The George Boots are constructed on Clinch's CN (CN Standard) last, which features a beautifully sculpted shape that represents one of the most distinctive aspects of the hand-carved wooden lasts created by the company. The fit is designed to be snug, contouring to the foot with the intent that the leather will mold to the wearer's foot shape over time.

Construction follows Clinch's established methods, which are considered 90% handmade according to Japanese industry standards. The boots utilize hand-welted construction with machine outsole stitching for durability and efficiency. Each pair is hand-lasted using traditional manufacturing techniques developed by founder Minoru Matsuura and his team.

Available materials include black calf leather and waxed uneven horse suede, both sourced from European tanneries. The leather selection process involves hand-picking materials that undergo tanning processes lasting four to six months, resulting in unique texture and grain characteristics. The boots feature a three-hole eyelet system and an army green pull tab at the heel.

Production and Availability

George Boots are produced as part of Clinch's limited annual output of 800 to 1,000 pairs of boots across all models. The company operates from multiple locations in Tokyo, with a staff of 10 to 11 people handling various aspects of production from cutting and preparation to bottom making and finishing.

The boots are available through authorized retailers worldwide, reflecting Clinch's international reach where 70% of production is sold outside Japan, with the United States accounting for half of exports. Pricing typically starts around €1,800, consistent with Clinch's positioning in the premium heritage footwear market. Made-to-order service is available with a 20% upcharge and approximately 24-month waiting period.

References

  • 1.

    Shoegazing.com. "Report - Brass / Clinch Boots". Shoegazing. April 1, 2025.

  • 2.

    Standard & Strange. "Clinch Boots". Standard & Strange. Retrieved September 19, 2025.

  • 3.

    Clutch Cafe. "Clinch by Brass Tokyo". Clutch Cafe. Retrieved September 19, 2025.

  • 4.

    DC4. "Clinch Boots handmade in Japan by Brass Tokyo". DC4. Retrieved September 19, 2025.

  • 5.

    Pancho and Lefty. "Clinch Boots / Brass Tokyo". Pancho and Lefty. Retrieved September 19, 2025.

  • 6.

    Recall Clothing. "Clinch Boots". Recall Clothing. Retrieved September 19, 2025.

  • 7.

    Stuf-f Official. "Clinch by Brass Tokyo". Stuf-f. Retrieved September 19, 2025.

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