Trench Boot

The Trench Boot is handcrafted entirely in the United States using premium Horween Chromexcel leather and traditional construction methods. The boot maintains authentic military-inspired design elements including brass hardware and rawhide laces, while incorporating contemporary features such as comfort-focused lasts and resoleable construction. Available in multiple sole configurations including leather with Vibram toplift and Dainite rubber-studded options, the Trench Boot serves both heritage footwear enthusiasts and practical users seeking durable American-made work boots.

The Trench Boot draws its design inspiration directly from the WWI United States Army M1917 Boot, connecting modern heritage footwear to American military history. The original M1917 boots were designed for American, French, and Belgian soldiers fighting in the trenches during World War I, representing essential field equipment for servicemen under extreme conditions. Oak Street Bootmakers developed their version as an homage to these hard-wearing boots that served military personnel during the conflict.

The company founder George Vlagos spent two years developing the Trench Boot design, beginning with reproductions of the M1905 boot before evolving to the final production sample based on the M1917 Pershing/Trench shoes. The development process incorporated elements from the M1905 model while refining the assembly for contemporary wear and comfort requirements. This evolution from military specification to civilian heritage footwear represents the broader trend of military-inspired designs entering the heritage boot market.

The Trench Boot features true Goodyear welt construction using a Barbour storm welt, providing traditional durability and resoleable design characteristics. The upper utilizes Natural Horween Chromexcel leather, which undergoes a proprietary tanning process developed over 100 years ago by the Horween family in Chicago. This combination-tanned leather develops distinctive patina characteristics over time and provides superior flexibility compared to other full-grain leathers.

Construction details include a calfskin vamp lining with partially-structured toe design, maintaining shape while allowing natural foot movement. The boot uses antique brass eyelets paired with traditional rawhide laces, preserving military-inspired hardware aesthetics. The Elston last, engineered specifically for Oak Street Bootmakers' Everyday Boots line, provides exceptional comfort for nearly all foot types through a generous toe box design.

All Oak Street Bootmakers Trench Boots are handcrafted entirely in the United States, supporting the company's mission to preserve American shoemaking traditions. The manufacturing process maintains traditional methods while incorporating quality improvements developed through decades of bootmaking experience. Each boot represents 100% American labor and materials sourcing whenever possible, including the use of domestic suppliers for leather and hardware components.

The company's commitment to domestic manufacturing extends to guaranteeing all products remain 100% recraftable, meaning the boots can be resoled repeatedly throughout their service life. This approach aligns with heritage footwear principles emphasizing long-term value and sustainability over disposable fashion trends. Oak Street Bootmakers backs each pair with their Factory Guarantee, covering defects in materials and craftsmanship while supporting the company's quality standards.

The Trench Boot specifically represents the founding vision of Oak Street Bootmakers, as company founder George Vlagos established the business specifically to create this boot style when he could not find it available from existing manufacturers in 2006. This origin story connects the product directly to the company's mission of preserving American shoemaking traditions through domestic production of heritage-inspired footwear.