KREOSOTE

KREOSOTE boots are built individually from customer foot tracings and measurements, employing bench-built traditional construction rather than Goodyear welted machine production. Each pair represents weeks or months of handwork by a single craftsman, resulting in truly custom footwear tailored to individual specifications.

JD Gabbard established MYG Handmade in 2015, quickly developing a reputation for creating distinctive custom boots that commanded attention for their craftsmanship and design innovation. The rebranding to KREOSOTE maintained Gabbard's commitment to traditional bench-built construction while refining his design aesthetic and business model.

Gabbard builds boots from customer-provided foot tracings and detailed measurements, creating patterns specific to each customer's feet. This bespoke approach contrasts with made-to-order systems using standard lasts, providing superior fit while requiring extensive individual work for each pair.

Traditional Cordwainer methods employed by Gabbard represent historical European and American shoemaking techniques predating industrialization. These hand-based processes, though time-intensive, allow for construction nuances and customization impossible with machine production.

Gabbard emphasizes American tanneries and American-made supply materials in KREOSOTE boot construction, supporting domestic suppliers while accessing quality leathers and components. This sourcing strategy aligns with broader movements emphasizing local manufacturing and transparent supply chains.

The commitment to American materials demonstrates both practical and philosophical choices, combining access to established tanneries like Horween with support for domestic leather industry while appealing to customers valuing American-made products.

KREOSOTE's growth has significantly impacted both pricing and production timelines. Originally priced at $900 when operating as MYG Handmade, KREOSOTE boots now retail around $1,850 to over $2,000, reflecting increased demand, refined techniques, and recognition of value among custom boot enthusiasts.

Wait times have extended substantially, with reports indicating 48 to 96 months for custom orders. These extended timelines reflect limited production capacity inherent in one-person operations combined with strong demand for Gabbard's work, creating a situation where new orders may face multi-year waits.

While KREOSOTE draws inspiration from and comparison to Japanese artisan bootmakers like Clinch and Rolling Dub Trio, it represents definitively American craftsmanship rooted in domestic materials and techniques. This positioning appeals to customers seeking American-made custom footwear with aesthetic sensibilities informed by international craft traditions.