Double-H
MakerAbout
Double-H is an American work boot and western boot manufacturer specializing in cowboy boots, safety footwear, and casual western-style footwear. Founded in 1955 in Martinsburg, Pennsylvania, Double-H has built a reputation for producing durable work boots and western boots that combine traditional styling with modern comfort features. The company offers a range of footwear from classic cowboy boots to contemporary safety-toe work boots, emphasizing both functionality and western aesthetic.
About
Double-H is an American work boot and western boot manufacturer specializing in cowboy boots, safety footwear, and casual western-style footwear. Founded in 1955 in Martinsburg, Pennsylvania, Double-H has built a reputation for producing durable work boots and western boots that combine traditional styling with modern comfort features. The company offers a range of footwear from classic cowboy boots to contemporary safety-toe work boots, emphasizing both functionality and western aesthetic.
Double-H's commitment to combining traditional western boot design with modern comfort technology has established the brand as a provider of practical work footwear with western styling.
History and Development
Double-H Boots was founded in 1955 by H.H. Brown, establishing manufacturing operations in Martinsburg, Pennsylvania. The company initially focused on producing work boots and western boots for the American market, combining traditional bootmaking with industrial production methods.
Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Double-H developed alongside the American work boot and western footwear industries, incorporating new materials and comfort technologies while maintaining classic boot styling. The company adapted to changing safety regulations by offering steel-toe and composite-toe options in work boot lines.
In 2000, Double-H became part of the H.H. Brown Shoe Company family of brands, which is itself a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. This corporate structure provided resources for expanded production and distribution while allowing Double-H to maintain its focus on work and western footwear.
Double-H continues to produce boots combining western aesthetic with work boot functionality, serving customers in construction, agriculture, and other occupations requiring durable footwear with western styling.
Design and Construction
Double-H boots employ various construction methods depending on the specific model and intended application, ranging from traditional western boot construction to modern work boot techniques.
Construction Features:
Cement Construction: Used on many casual and work boot models for flexibility
Goodyear Welt Construction: Featured on premium models for durability and resoling
Western Boot Construction: Traditional construction methods for cowboy boot styles
Composite Toe Options: Safety toe protection in non-metallic materials
Electrical Hazard Protection: Available on work boot models meeting EH standards
Oil and Slip-Resistant Outsoles: Work-appropriate sole compounds
Comfort Technologies:
AG7 Comfort System: Double-H's proprietary comfort insole system
Memory Foam Insoles: Cushioning for all-day comfort
Moisture-Wicking Linings: Synthetic linings for temperature management
Wide Square Toe Options: Roomy toe box designs for comfort
The construction approaches balance traditional boot aesthetics with modern comfort features and safety requirements.
Materials and Styling
Double-H offers a variety of leather types and styling options across its product lines, emphasizing durability and western aesthetic.
Leather Options:
Full-Grain Leather: Durable leather for work boot applications
Distressed Leather: Pre-aged leather for worn-in appearance
Smooth Leather: Traditional smooth-finished leather for dress applications
Suede: Roughout leather for casual styling
Exotic Leathers: Ostrich, lizard, and other exotic materials on premium models
Design Aesthetics:
Traditional Western: Classic cowboy boot styling with traditional toe shapes
Work Boot Styling: Rugged designs appropriate for industrial applications
Fashion Western: Contemporary western designs with modern details
Roper Style: Low-heel boots for casual wear and working environments
Hardware and Details:
Western Stitching: Decorative stitching patterns on boot shafts
Pull Straps: Traditional pull-on loops on western styles
Modern Outsoles: Contemporary sole designs for traction and comfort
Toe Shape Options: Various toe shapes from traditional to square toe designs
Material selection and styling details reflect both functional requirements and western aesthetic traditions.
Available Models and Collections
Double-H produces several distinct product categories, each serving different customer needs while maintaining western styling elements.
Cowboy Boots:
Roper: Low-heel boots suitable for casual wear and riding
Traditional Western: Classic cowboy boot designs with western heels
Fashion Boots: Contemporary western styles with modern details
Western boots represent Double-H's connection to traditional cowboy boot styling, offered in various shaft heights and toe configurations.
Work Boots:
Steel Toe Work Boots: Safety footwear meeting ASTM standards
Composite Toe Boots: Non-metallic safety toe options
Electrical Hazard Boots: Boots meeting EH protection standards
Wellington: Pull-on work boot style with western aesthetic
Work boots combine safety features with western-influenced styling, serving customers requiring protective footwear with traditional appearance.
Casual Boots:
Casual Western: Western-styled boots for everyday wear
Chukka: Short boots with casual styling
Western Fashion: Contemporary designs for non-work applications
Casual models offer western aesthetic without work boot or safety features, suitable for everyday wear.
Sizing and Fit
Double-H boots are sized using US men's and women's sizing conventions, with various width options available depending on model.
Sizing Guidelines:
US Sizing: Standard US whole and half sizes for men and women
Width Options: D, EE, and EEE widths on select models
Fit Characteristics: Generally true to US boot sizing
Toe Box: Various toe shapes affect fit and comfort
Break-in Period: Modern construction typically requires minimal break-in
Fit Considerations:
Toe Shape: Square toe designs provide more toe room than traditional pointed toes
Pull-On Styles: Western boots should fit snugly through instep initially
Work Boot Models: May accommodate thicker socks than dress boots
Width Selection: Wide widths available for customers requiring additional room
Double-H's diverse toe shape options and width availability help accommodate various foot shapes and customer preferences.
Care and Maintenance
Proper maintenance extends the life of Double-H boots and preserves their appearance, with specific care requirements depending on leather type and construction.
Regular Maintenance:
Cleaning: Remove dirt with brush or damp cloth appropriate to leather type
Conditioning: Apply leather conditioner every 2-4 months for smooth leather
Polish: Use quality shoe polish for dress and fashion boots
Waterproofing: Apply protective treatments to work boots exposed to moisture
Storage: Store in cool, dry location away from direct heat
Recommended Products:
Leather Conditioner: For smooth leather models
Boot Polish: For maintaining appearance of dress boots
Waterproofing Spray: For work boot protection
Boot Trees: For maintaining shape of tall boot shafts
Specific Care by Type:
Smooth Leather: Regular conditioning and polishing
Distressed Leather: Minimal maintenance; aging is part of aesthetic
Suede: Use suede brush and protective spray
Exotic Leathers: Follow manufacturer's specific care instructions
Repair Considerations:
Many Double-H models use cement construction, which limits resoling options compared to welted construction. Work boots and premium models with Goodyear welt construction can be resoled by qualified cobblers, while cement-constructed boots have more limited repair potential.
References
