SVC02 Packer Boot

Produced in limited quantities of two to three pairs per week by single craftsman Rizky Afnan in Bandung, Indonesia, the SVC02 exemplifies the boutique nature of Indonesian heritage footwear. The model is available in multiple leather options including Maryam Waxed Salvia Horsebutt and Chromexcel Havana Brown, with orders managed through a periodic lottery system due to high demand.

The SVC02 Packer Boot draws its design inspiration from American frontier footwear of the late 1800s, featuring the higher cut silhouette characteristic of military-style boots from that era. The boot incorporates Cuban heels, a design element that was specifically preferred by horsemen for its functionality in stirrups. The pattern represents what Onderhoud describes as a "cleaner" design compared to other boot styles in their collection.

Available leather options include materials sourced from established tanneries. The Maryam Waxed Salvia Horsebutt variant utilizes vegetable-tanned leather from Italy's Maryam Tannery, while the Chromexcel version features leather from Horween Leather Company. These material choices reflect the brand's focus on sourcing leathers from established tanneries for their handmade construction.

The SVC02 employs traditional hand-welted construction methods that trace their origins to 19th-century European shoemaking techniques introduced to Indonesia during the Dutch colonial period. This construction approach requires extensive handwork, contributing to the limited production capacity of two to three pairs per week. Each boot is hand-lasted and hand-welted, preserving traditional methods that have largely been replaced by mechanization in other regions.

The construction philosophy at Onderhoud emphasizes maintaining traditional techniques despite industrialization and modernization pressures. This hand-welted Goodyear construction is considered a traditional shoemaking method, though it requires significantly more labor and time compared to modern manufacturing approaches.

Packer boots originated in the American West during the late 1800s, designed for workers who transported goods through rugged terrain. The original design combined lace-up construction with tough leather and durable soles to provide the ankle support needed for long days working on foot. The pointed toe and stacked heel were specifically engineered for stirrup use, while the tight lace-up design provided ankle stability for navigating rocky terrain.

The thick leather construction of historical packer boots served multiple protective functions, including defense against rattlesnake bites and shin protection during horseback riding. The height of the boots protected riders' shins while the angled heels helped secure feet in stirrups, making them essential gear for frontier workers.

Indonesian shoemaking heritage began during the Dutch colonial period in the 19th century, when European shoemaking techniques were introduced to the archipelago. Indonesia has since developed into one of the ten largest footwear manufacturers globally, with Bandung established as a production center, particularly in the Cibaduyut region. Indonesian shoemakers have preserved many traditional 19th-century methods while other regions have moved toward industrial production.

The hand-welted construction technique used in the SVC02 represents this continuation of traditional methods, dating back to the 19th century when it was introduced during the colonial period. Local Indonesian brands have become increasingly competitive in the global market through their combination of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design sensibilities.