Dundas Footwear
MakerAbout
Dundas Footwear is a footwear company established in Oslo, Norway, specializing in handcrafted leather boots that combine Nordic and British bootmaking traditions. Founded by Liam and Helge following a conversation in downtown Oslo, the company produces boots manufactured at a century-old factory in northern England. The brand takes its name from Liam's ancestral Dundas clan and incorporates the clan tartan into their boot designs. Dundas emphasizes traditional European manufacturing methods and premium leather sourcing, with their flagship Type 01 boot representing a fusion of Norwegian and Scottish design heritage.
About
Dundas Footwear is a footwear company established in Oslo, Norway, specializing in handcrafted leather boots that combine Nordic and British bootmaking traditions. Founded by Liam and Helge following a conversation in downtown Oslo, the company produces boots manufactured at a century-old factory in northern England. The brand takes its name from Liam's ancestral Dundas clan and incorporates the clan tartan into their boot designs. Dundas emphasizes traditional European manufacturing methods and premium leather sourcing, with their flagship Type 01 boot representing a fusion of Norwegian and Scottish design heritage.
History
The company originated from what the founders describe as "a whisky-fuelled discussion in an old garage in downtown Oslo." Liam and Helge sought to create quality leather boots that would serve both practical workshop needs and mountain climbing pursuits. Their vision centered on preserving European manufacturing traditions amid the industry's shift toward overseas production.
The founders partnered with a small factory in northern England that has produced bench-made boots for over 100 years. This collaboration resulted in the Type 01 boot, their signature model that blends Norwegian semi-tourist and Scottish shepherd's boot designs. The company's name honors Liam's Dundas clan ancestry, with the clan motto "Essayez" (Try) reflecting their commitment to craftsmanship.
Products
Type 01 Boot
The Type 01 serves as Dundas's flagship model, distinguished by its pronounced toe spring—an upward curve at the boot's front inherited from Norwegian design traditions. This feature provides enhanced stability and balance while improving air circulation for better foot climate in varying weather conditions. The boots feature a triple vegetable-tanned leather sole that is brass-screwed to the insole rather than sewn to the upper, prioritizing long-term durability over initial comfort.
Construction uses heavy 2-4mm vegetable and combination-tanned leathers with no inner lining, eliminating potential sources of blisters, trapped moisture, and unnecessary wear. The Type 01 is offered in multiple leather options, including Horween Chromexcel from Chicago and vegetable-tanned leathers from Badalassi in Tuscany, Italy, available in cognac, petrolio, and tundra finishes.
Type 02 Chelsea Boot
The Type 02 represents Dundas's interpretation of the Chelsea boot, hand-crafted from vegetable-tanned Minerva Negro leather sourced from the Italian tannery Badalassi. These boots feature one-piece construction with a subtle Cuban heel, maintaining the company's emphasis on premium materials and traditional manufacturing methods.
Care Products
Dundas offers maintenance products designed specifically for their boots, supporting the company's philosophy that quality footwear develops character through proper care and extended use.
Manufacturing
Production takes place at a small factory in northern England with over a century of experience in bench-made boot construction. This partnership reflects Dundas's commitment to preserving European bootmaking traditions and maintaining direct relationships with manufacturers who share their quality standards. The factory's expertise in traditional construction methods aligns with the company's design philosophy, where form follows function and every element serves practical purposes.
Philosophy
Dundas positions itself in opposition to what the founders characterize as "perceived quality" in favor of genuine craftsmanship resulting from "a long and painstaking process." The company views their boots as initiating "a long friendship" with customers, with products designed to improve through time and use. This philosophy extends to their material sourcing, construction methods, and relationship with manufacturing partners, emphasizing investment in products made with pride through every stage from tannery to finished boot.
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