The Spaulding

The boot exemplified traditional brogue construction with perforations originally designed for outdoor use in marshy terrain, where the holes allowed water drainage and faster drying. Parkhurst's interpretation used genuine vegetable-tanned leather Goodyear welt construction, the same process employed for premium footwear since the mid-1800s. The model is no longer in production, with examples now available only through secondary markets.

The Spaulding represented one of Parkhurst's most complex manufacturing efforts, requiring twice the stitching time and 50% more leather than their cap-toe Richmond boots. The upper construction utilized five distinct leather panels, each featuring brogue perforations and pinked edges, excluding the tongue and collar reinforcements. This design created the characteristic "wing" pattern that extended down the boot's sides, with additional panels echoing the wing shape.

The boot featured full brogue wingtip styling with perforations along the eyelet panels and a medallion toe cap decorated with punched hole patterns. Traditional to brogue design, these perforations served both decorative and functional purposes, originally allowing water drainage when worn in wet outdoor conditions. Parkhurst's execution required precision stitching where errors in the pinked edge alignment would compromise the visual continuity of the brogue lines.

Construction followed 360-degree Goodyear welt assembly, providing resolability and extended durability. The manufacturing process included a Celastic heel counter and light toebox structure, with a fiberglass shank embedded in the cork filler layer. This construction method allows the boots to be resoled repeatedly, extending their functional lifespan significantly beyond cemented sole alternatives.

The Spaulding's upper was crafted from Natural Chromexcel leather sourced from Horween Tannery, measuring approximately 2mm in thickness. This combination-tanned leather develops character through wear while maintaining structural integrity. The interior featured full leather lining including the tongue, using soft vegetable-tanned leather throughout. Both the midsole and insole were constructed from leather materials, maintaining the boot's traditional construction approach.

Component specifications included four eyelets and three speedhooks for closure, with a Dainite rubber outsole providing traction and durability. Alternative configurations included Vibram 100 sole options based on secondary market examples. The boot's weight measured approximately 680 grams per boot, reflecting the substantial construction and materials used in assembly.

The Natural Chromexcel leather underwent Horween's extensive processing, involving at least 89 separate steps over 28 working days. This "hot stuffed" leather incorporated oils and waxes including food-grade beef tallow and cosmetic-grade beeswax, creating the material's characteristic suppleness and aging properties valued by heritage footwear enthusiasts.

The Spaulding was built on Parkhurst's original No. 18 last, characterized by an almond-shaped toe profile. This last design created a sleek appearance while accommodating natural foot shape during wear.

Sizing recommendations called for ordering half a size down from true Brannock measurement for optimal fit. The boot accommodated widths between C and E, with comfortable wear reported without requiring break-in periods.

The last design drew inspiration from classic footwear proportions, creating the almond toe shape that complemented the brogue styling. However, the relatively snug toebox made the last less accommodating for wider feet compared to modern alternatives, contributing to its eventual discontinuation in favor of more universally fitting designs.

Parkhurst manufactured the Spaulding during their early production years when using the No. 18 last for multiple models. The complexity of the brogue construction, requiring specialized stitching precision and additional materials, made it one of their most labor-intensive offerings. Production challenges included maintaining consistent pinked edge alignment and ensuring proper brogue hole placement across the multiple panels.

The model was priced at $318 during its September 2021 availability, positioning it within Parkhurst's standard range. However, the manufacturing complexity and specialized last requirements led to its discontinuation as the company streamlined operations. Current market estimates suggest retail pricing would reach $400-500 if production resumed under contemporary manufacturing costs.

The Spaulding now appears exclusively on secondary markets, with examples marked as "RARE" reflecting limited original production quantities. Final assembly occurred in Buffalo, New York, while primary manufacturing took place in Spain and Portugal, consistent with Parkhurst's distributed production model. The discontinuation represents the broader industry trend toward simplified designs that balance traditional construction with efficient manufacturing processes.