About
The SVC01 Boondocker is a military-inspired work boot that represents the signature model from Indonesian bootmaker Onderhoud Handmade. Crafted entirely by hand in Bandung, Indonesia, the SVC01 holds special significance as the first model sold by founder Rizky Afnan, predating the popular SVC03 and establishing the foundation for Onderhoud's reputation in handmade footwear.
About
The SVC01 Boondocker is a military-inspired work boot that represents the signature model from Indonesian bootmaker Onderhoud Handmade. Crafted entirely by hand in Bandung, Indonesia, the SVC01 holds special significance as the first model sold by founder Rizky Afnan, predating the popular SVC03 and establishing the foundation for Onderhoud's reputation in handmade footwear.
This boondocker-style boot exemplifies Onderhoud's commitment to traditional hand-welted construction while offering competitive pricing in the premium handmade boot market. With prices starting from $350 for domestic leather options and $500 for imported materials, the SVC01 Boondocker delivers luxury-quality craftsmanship at accessible price points.
Construction and Design
The SVC01 Boondocker showcases Onderhoud's mastery of traditional bootmaking techniques, with every aspect of construction completed by hand. The boot utilizes multiple construction methods depending on specifications:
Primary Construction Methods
Flat welt construction - The most common method used for SVC01 models
Single row stitching - Providing clean, minimalist aesthetic lines
Veldtschoen construction - Similar to double-row stitch-down but hand-welted
The hand-welted construction features deliberately angled stitches running through the midsole, creating slight diagonal patterns that emphasize the human craftsmanship behind each pair. This intentional imperfection showcases the artisanal nature of construction and distinguishes handmade boots from machine-produced alternatives.
Design Characteristics
The SVC01 follows classic military boondocker design principles with:
Clean, unadorned upper construction
Minimal hardware and decorative elements
Functional work boot silhouette
Military-inspired proportions and last shape
Material Options
Onderhoud offers extensive customization options for the SVC01 Boondocker, sourcing materials from both local Indonesian suppliers and premium international tanneries:
Leather Selections
Domestic Indonesian Leathers
Local vegetable-tanned options
Traditional Indonesian tanning methods
Entry-level pricing tier
Premium International Options
Horween Leather Company (Chicago, USA) - Including roughout varieties
Italian vegetable-tanned leathers from premium tanneries
Japanese tanning specialists - Various finishing options
Wickett & Craig harness leather (USA)
Sole Options
The SVC01 Boondocker can be configured with various sole choices:
Raw Cord Supergrip outsoles - Standard rubber option providing reliable traction
Leather soles - Traditional option for formal or casual wear
Vibram rubber soles - Durable work boot configurations
Customization and Ordering
Made-to-Order Process
The SVC01 Boondocker operates exclusively on a made-to-order basis, reflecting Onderhoud's small-scale production philosophy. Customization options include:
Leather selection from available inventory
Sole material and construction preferences
Hardware choices and finishing details
Personal fit adjustments and sizing modifications
Availability and Ordering
Onderhoud maintains an intentionally limited ordering system that has become part of the brand's mystique:
Contact Method: Orders must be placed through Instagram (@onderhoud.handmade) Selection Process: Lottery system for new customers during periodic order openings Communication: Direct correspondence with founder Rizky Afnan Lead Time: 4-6 month production timeline due to handcraft nature
Pricing Structure
The SVC01 Boondocker pricing reflects material choices and construction complexity:
Domestic Leather Models: Starting at $350 USD
Imported Leather Options: Starting at $500 USD
Premium Specifications: Variable pricing based on materials and customizations
This pricing positions the SVC01 as one of the most accessible handmade boots available while maintaining luxury-level construction quality.
Production and Craftsmanship
Workshop Operations
Each SVC01 Boondocker emerges from Onderhoud's small Bandung workshop, where Rizky Afnan and his apprentices complete just 2-3 pairs weekly. This deliberate pace ensures meticulous attention to detail and maintains the handcrafted integrity of each boot.
Quality Standards
The SVC01 demonstrates Onderhoud's commitment to traditional bootmaking excellence:
Complete hand-lasting process
Hand-stitched welt attachment
Individual pattern cutting and component preparation
Hand-finished edges and detailing
Professional footwear reviewers consistently praise the SVC01's construction quality, noting Onderhoud's meticulous craftsmanship and precise stitching techniques.
Historical Significance
As Onderhoud's original model, the SVC01 Boondocker holds particular importance in the brand's development. Rizky Afnan notes the personal significance: "The very first one I sold before the SVC03 was the SVC01, making it a model that has a lot of history for me, personally."
This historical foundation established Onderhoud's reputation for quality handmade boots and demonstrated that skilled bootmaking could emerge from Indonesia, challenging traditional geographic assumptions about premium footwear production.
Market Position
The SVC01 Boondocker occupies a distinctive position in the handmade boot market, offering traditional construction methods at competitive price points. This accessibility has helped democratize handmade footwear, bringing artisanal bootmaking within reach of enthusiasts who might otherwise be priced out of the premium market.
The model's success has contributed to growing recognition of Indonesian craftsmanship in the global heritage footwear community and inspired other makers in the region to pursue similar quality standards.
Care and Maintenance
Like all hand-welted boots, the SVC01 Boondocker benefits from proper care to maintain its appearance and extend its lifespan:
Regular conditioning appropriate to leather type
Proper storage with cedar shoe trees
Rotation with other footwear to allow leather recovery
Professional resoling when needed (advantage of welted construction)
The hand-welted construction allows for complete rebuilding when necessary, making the SVC01 Boondocker a long-term investment piece rather than disposable footwear.
References
"About Onderhoud Handmade". Onderhoud Official Website. Retrieved September 18, 2025.
"SVC01 Boondocker Product Information". Onderhoud Handmade Instagram. Retrieved September 18, 2025.
"Indonesian Footwear Manufacturing". Footwear News. 2024. Retrieved September 18, 2025.
