The Allen

The Allen serves as Parkhurst's core offering in the plain toe service boot category, positioned to compete with established heritage brands while maintaining the company's goal of delivering quality construction at mid-range pricing. The model is available in various leather options sourced from established tanneries including Horween and features traditional construction methods adapted for modern manufacturing.

The Allen utilizes 360-degree Goodyear Welt construction with a split reverse welt configuration that provides enhanced water resistance compared to standard welting methods. The construction process involves over 200 handcrafted steps, with the leather upper lasted over the boot form and the welt edges flanged upward against the boot sides for improved weather protection while maintaining resolability.

The boot features a 6-inch shaft height with 8 brass eyelets and incorporates a semi-gusseted tongue design. Construction details include a one-piece leather backstay, Celastic heel counter and toe puff for structure retention, and a Dainite studded rubber sole with matching heel toplift. The Dainite sole pattern, originally invented in 1910 by the UK-based company, provides traction while maintaining the boot's heritage aesthetic.

Internal construction includes a cork-filled midsole with an embedded fiberglass shank positioned between the heel and ball of the foot for arch support. Parkhurst uses fiberglass rather than traditional steel shanks to prevent rust and deterioration over time. The leather components throughout the sole construction utilize vegetable-tanned American leather.

The Allen is constructed primarily from full-grain leather sourced from established tanneries. Horween Dublin leather in "Dark Roast" colorway represents one of the most popular options, featuring vegetable-tanned leather with aniline dyeing and pull-up characteristics that develop patina with wear. Other available leather options include Gingembre and Clover Kudu leathers, Inferno Rambler, and Teacore vegetable-tanned leathers in Cognac and Caramel colorways.

The boot's interior features leather lining at the vamp area using heavy-weight vegetable-tanned leather ranging from 1.8 to 2.0 ounces thickness. This represents thicker lining material than typically found in heritage boots at similar price points, where canvas or synthetic materials are more common. The leather insole utilizes 9-10 ounce thick vegetable-tanned leather for durability and comfort development.

All leather components in the sole construction derive from American vegetable-tanned leather sources, with leather welts supplied by the Barbour company in Massachusetts. The combination of quality upper leathers with substantial internal leather construction represents Parkhurst's approach to material selection across price categories.

The Allen is built on Parkhurst's 602 last, which features a longer profile than many heritage boot lasts while maintaining a slim appearance. The last design provides an E-width forefoot with a tapered heel and arch configuration, creating room for the ball of the foot while maintaining a refined silhouette.

Parkhurst recommends sizing down 0.5 from Brannock device measurements for D-width wearers, while E-width wearers should order true to size. The last creates a snug fit around the heel and waist area with a rounder toe box configuration compared to more narrow heritage boot lasts. The boot is currently available in sizes ranging from 7 to 12.5 for most leather options, though specific availability varies by leather choice.

The 602 last is primarily used for Allen and Richmond model production within the Parkhurst lineup, representing the company's standard last configuration for plain toe and cap toe service boot styles. No wide width options are currently available beyond the standard E-width forefoot design.

Parkhurst was founded by Andrew Svisco in 2018, with the Allen serving as the company's inaugural model. Svisco, formerly a financial analyst, established the company in Buffalo, New York, with the goal of creating American-made heritage boots at more accessible pricing than established competitors.

The company initially partnered with the P.W. Minor footwear factory in Western New York, which had operated in various forms since 1867. When P.W. Minor closed in 2018, the partnership transitioned to Artisan Boot & Shoe, which took over the same facility, equipment, and many employees. However, COVID-19 impacts led to the closure of this and other domestic suppliers and manufacturers.

Currently, primary manufacturing takes place in Spain and Portugal, with final assembly and finishing performed at Parkhurst's Buffalo warehouse facility. This hybrid approach allows the company to maintain domestic oversight and quality control while utilizing established European bootmaking infrastructure. Components and raw materials continue to be sourced domestically from suppliers across Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Illinois, Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania.

The Allen's pricing structure varies based on leather selection, with current models ranging from $398 to $438. Brown-Burgundy leather represents the entry-level option at $398, while Inferno Rambler pricing reaches $418. Teacore vegetable-tanned options in Cognac and Caramel are priced at $428, with Kudu leather options commanding $438.

Historical pricing for the Allen began around $338-$350 during the company's early years, with current pricing reflecting increases in material costs and manufacturing complexity following the transition to European production. The pricing positions the Allen below many established heritage boot competitors while maintaining quality construction standards.

Factory seconds are available through Parkhurst's samples and seconds program, typically discounted 20-25% from regular retail pricing for boots with minor cosmetic imperfections that do not affect performance or longevity. Regular promotions may offer additional discounts, with seasonal sales providing reductions of 10-15% off standard pricing.

"Parkhurst Brand LLC - The Allen Collection". Parkhurst Brand LLC. Retrieved September 2, 2025.

Reynolds, Andrew. "In Review: Parkhurst Allen Plain Toe Boots". Dappered. September 2021. Retrieved September 2, 2025.

"Review of the Parkhurst Allen in Horween Dark Roast Dublin". Bootlosophy. Retrieved September 2, 2025.

"Parkhurst - Boots on the Ground in Buffalo". Buffalo Rising. October 2018. Retrieved September 2, 2025.