Lace To Toe

Flame Panda produces the Lace To Toe model as part of their made-to-order collection, utilizing premium materials including Maryam horsehide leather and offering various last options to accommodate different foot shapes. The boot represents the workshop's approach to combining traditional European and American construction methods with contemporary ordering processes through social media platforms.

The Lace To Toe boots are manufactured entirely within Flame Panda's family workshop in Xinxiang, Henan Province, China. The small operation consists of six family members, including bootmaker Peng Meng who heads the studio, his cousin, father, and aunt. This family structure allows for direct oversight of each boot's construction from initial lasting through final finishing.

The manufacturing process employs traditional hand-lasted and hand-welted construction methods. The workshop is particularly known for its 360-degree storm welt construction, a specialized technique that provides enhanced weather resistance and durability. This construction method involves stitching the upper to a welt that extends completely around the boot's perimeter, which is then attached to the sole using traditional hand-stitching techniques.

Flame Panda offers the Lace To Toe model on their 102 last, which features a flat toe profile designed to accommodate a range of foot shapes. The workshop has developed this last specifically for their lace-to-toe pattern boots, ensuring proper fit and comfort for the extended lacing system that characterizes this boot style.

The Lace To Toe model utilizes premium leather materials sourced primarily from established European tanneries. The standard construction features Maryam horsehide, a vegetable-tanned leather produced by the Maryam tannery in Tuscany, Italy. This horsehide measures approximately 6 ounces (2.4 millimeters) in thickness and features a completely through-dyed, full aniline finish that allows the leather's natural characteristics to develop with wear.

Maryam horsehide used in these boots is cut from horse butts that do not qualify for shell cordovan selection, resulting in an extremely dense, fibrous leather well-suited for heavy-duty footwear applications. The leather features natural grain patterns including spider web veining, dark spots, and natural scars that contribute to each boot's unique appearance. The vegetable tanning process uses natural tannins from trees combined with traditional Italian craftsmanship techniques.

Alternative material options include New10 Horse Rump leather from CLOE tannery in Italy, along with kangaroo lining for enhanced comfort and moisture management. The workshop also offers various finishing options and custom specifications based on individual customer preferences communicated during the ordering process.

Flame Panda operates without an official website, instead conducting all business communications through their Instagram account @flamepanda11. Customers place orders by sending direct messages to bootmaker Peng Meng through this social media platform, where they can discuss specifications, materials, and customization options directly with the craftsman.

Pricing for the Lace To Toe model starts at $600 USD for the base configuration, with horsehide leather options priced at $685 USD. The final cost varies depending on leather selection, construction details, and any custom modifications requested during the ordering process. Payment arrangements and shipping details are coordinated individually with each customer through the direct messaging system.

Current production schedules extend beyond 1.5 years from order placement to completion, reflecting the high demand for Flame Panda's handcrafted boots and the deliberate pace required for traditional construction methods. This extended timeline allows the workshop to maintain their quality standards while accommodating the growing international interest in their heritage footwear offerings.