The Coupen is a mid-cut boot model manufactured by Rolling Dub Trio, a Japanese artisan footwear company founded in 2003. Built on the Rolling Dub Trio CBT02 Last, the Coupen stands at 5 inches tall including the heel and positions itself between a derby shoe and a chukka boot in terms of height and style. The model is available in both a 5-eyelet mid-cut version and a 7-hole variant, both featuring handmade construction and premium materials sourced primarily from American tanneries.
Rolling Dub Trio produces the Coupen in small batches at The Boots Factory in Tokyo, Japan, utilizing traditional construction methods including 360-degree Goodyear welting and cork sole construction. The boot represents the brand's philosophy of "Boots on Sincerity," combining vintage-inspired design with modern craftsmanship standards.
The Coupen features 360-degree Goodyear welt construction with a double midsole for durability and resolability. The boot employs a rolled ankle design with pinked edge detailing and uses five eyelets for the mid-cut version, while the 7-hole variant extends the lacing system higher on the shaft. Construction includes brass hardware throughout and rolled leather laces.
The outsole consists of a handmade cork composition developed specifically for Rolling Dub Trio, featuring iron toe taps and a custom heel designed by The Boots Factory. The mid-cut version measures 5 inches in total height, including a 1.375-inch heel, while the 7-hole version features The Boots Factory AR Heel with a 20mm height. Both variants include steel toe cap construction and utilize deadstock Cat's Paw heels made in Canada.
Upper materials for the Coupen include Horween Chromexcel leather in various colorways, with black tea core Chromexcel being a primary option. The interior features kip lining material for comfort and moisture management. Rolling Dub Trio sources leathers from American tanneries, particularly Horween, though the company has also used exotic materials including seal and elephant leather for limited releases.
The cork outsole construction provides cushioning and durability while maintaining the ability to be resoled. Belgian leather is incorporated into the construction along with iron toe taps for enhanced durability. All hardware components are brass, and the boot includes rolled leather laces that complement the overall vintage aesthetic.
The Coupen is built on the Rolling Dub Trio CBT02 Last, which features a rounded and tall shape with a slight upturn. The last produces a somewhat longer, rounder, and narrower profile compared to most American work boots and English country shoes. Rolling Dub Trio recommends sizing adjustments based on foot volume, with narrow or low-volume feet requiring 1.5 sizes smaller than Brannock measurement.
For D-width or average volume feet, the recommendation is one full size smaller than Brannock measurement, while E and EE-width or high-volume feet should size down 0.5 sizes from Brannock. The sizing system reflects the boot's European-influenced last shape and snug fit characteristic of handmade Japanese footwear construction.
Rolling Dub Trio produces the Coupen in limited batches at The Boots Factory in the Asakusa district of Tokyo. Production numbers remain small due to the handmade nature of construction, with each boot receiving individual attention from Katsuya Tokunaga and his team of skilled craftspeople. The manufacturing process utilizes traditional techniques including hand-welting and individual sole attachment.
The Coupen is available through select retailers including Standard & Strange and ButterScotch in the United States, with pricing typically ranging from $600 for the 7-hole version to $700 for the mid-cut variant. International availability remains limited due to production constraints and the brand's focus on quality over quantity. Pre-orders are occasionally offered through authorized retailers, though wait times can extend several months due to batch production schedules.
"Coupen Mid-Cut Boot - Black CXL". Standard & Strange. Retrieved September 18, 2025.
"Fall 23 Pre-Order Rolling Dub Trio - Coupen 7 Boot - All Black Dress". ButterScotch. Retrieved September 18, 2025.
Manton, Bruce. "Rolling Dub Trio: Boots on sincerity". Well Dressed Dad. June 23, 2019.
"Rolling Dub Trio". Standard & Strange. Retrieved September 18, 2025.
"Rolling Dub Trio". ButterScotch. Retrieved September 18, 2025.