Hi-Liner

Clinch Boots, founded by Minoru Matsuura in 2012, produces the Hi-Liner using traditional hand-lasted construction and hand-welted techniques as part of their limited annual production of 800-1,000 pairs. The boot is available in premium materials including Wickett & Craig Latigo leather and black overdyed variants, reflecting the company's philosophy of learning bootmaking through repair work before manufacturing.

The Hi-Liner uses hand-lasted construction techniques developed by Clinch Boots in their Tokyo workshop. Each boot is built using hand-welted methods, with the upper attached to a hand-carved wooden last during the manufacturing process. The construction incorporates traditional nailing techniques that give the brand its name, where nails are driven through materials and hit a steel plate, causing them to curl and form hooks that lock them in place.

Clinch sources leather from Italian, French, and Japanese tanneries, with the Hi-Liner available in thick veg-tanned horsebutt hides and Wickett & Craig Latigo leather. The company maintains selection standards where only 50% of dealer stock meets their material requirements. Production incorporates Goodyear welt construction with cork-filled midsoles, and each pair receives hand-sanding and finishing work.

The manufacturing process is completed by a team of 10-11 members across multiple workshop locations in Tokyo. Production follows Japanese standards classified as 90% handmade, with the sole stitching performed by machine while other construction steps are completed by hand.

The Hi-Liner measures 12.5 inches in height from heel to top and is built on Clinch's CN-S (Classic Narrow Soft-toe) last. The lacing system features six eyelets, six hooks, and a final eyelet at the top of the shaft. The boot incorporates an unstructured toe design without internal reinforcement.

The CN-S last design includes a narrow waist, high arch support, and significant underfoot curvature intended for narrow foot shapes. The last specifications reflect traditional shoemaking patterns used before mass production methods, with the design prioritizing fit characteristics common in early 20th century boot construction.

Available leather options include Wickett & Craig Latigo leather and black overdyed variants. The Latigo leather begins with a stiff, dry texture that softens and becomes flexible with wear. Black overdyed options provide an alternative finish while maintaining the same construction specifications.

Clinch Boots limits annual production to 800-1,000 pairs across all models, with the Hi-Liner representing a portion of this output. The company operates with 70% of sales directed to international markets, with the United States accounting for 35% of total sales.

Pricing for Clinch boots starts around €1,800 ($1,950) for boot styles, with the Hi-Liner falling within this range. The limited production volume and handmade construction contribute to availability constraints and pricing structure.

Distribution occurs through the company's Tokyo shop and a limited number of authorized retailers globally. The company maintains production scheduling that restricts order availability to specific periods throughout the year, affecting product accessibility for consumers.