Forester II Boot

The Forester II represents Rolling Dub Trio's commitment to old-world construction techniques combined with modern materials and functionality. Available in two leather options - Dark Beige Suede developed by Nakamura Sennosuke Shoten and Black Latigo from Horween - the boot retails for $800 and is produced in small batches at The Boots Factory in Tokyo.

The Forester II Boot employs Norwegian welt construction, a waterproof construction method where the upper leather is turned outward and sewn to the midsole and welt. This technique creates a completely exterior welt with double-row stitching that provides enhanced water resistance compared to traditional Goodyear welting. Norwegian welt construction historically originated in Northern European climates, particularly Norway, where workers required footwear capable of surviving damp, rough surroundings.

The boot features several distinctive design elements including a perforated cap toe, out-pocket heel counter, and kilt-tongue that extends over the lacing area. The construction specifications include a 15mm heel height, KIP lining, and solid brass hardware paired with tonal rawhide laces. The plush gusseted tongue is made from bison leather, providing softness and comfort.

The Norwegian welt construction makes the Forester II fully rebuildable and recraftable over time, allowing for resoling when the outsole wears down. This construction method locks the components together securely while maintaining the ability to separate them for repair, extending the boot's usable life significantly.

The Forester II Boot is available in two leather options, each sourced from established tanneries. The Dark Beige Suede option features leather developed by Nakamura Sennosuke Shoten, a reputable leather merchant located in Asakusa, Tokyo. This suede provides a distinctive appearance while maintaining durability for outdoor use.

The Black Latigo option utilizes leather from Horween Leather Company in the United States. Latigo is a combination-tanned leather known for its durability and toughness, making it well-suited for demanding work and outdoor applications. The combination tanning process involves both vegetable and chrome tanning methods, resulting in leather that combines the benefits of both techniques.

Additional material specifications include a bison leather tongue that provides ultra-soft comfort against the foot, and solid brass hardware throughout the boot for corrosion resistance and longevity. The tonal rawhide laces complement the boot's heritage aesthetic while providing reliable performance.

Rolling Dub Trio was founded in 2003 by Katsuya Tokunaga and operates from Asakusa, Tokyo, a district with centuries-old traditions of high-end artisan bootmaking. The company produces footwear at their dedicated facility called "The Boots Factory," located in Tokyo's Taito ward, an area known as a center of traditional leatherworking and shoemaking craftsmanship.

The Forester II Boot is manufactured using small-batch production methods, with Tokunaga and a team of skilled artisans handling each step of the assembly process. Rolling Dub Trio utilizes old-world construction methods including two-row stitchdown and 360-degree flat welts, techniques designed to create footwear that can be fully rebuilt and recrafted over time.

The company's production philosophy emphasizes heavy, precise stitchwork and cleanly cut uppers, characteristics that reflect traditional Japanese attention to detail. All Rolling Dub Trio boots are hand-made in Japan, with materials sourced globally and finishing completed locally to maintain quality control.

The Forester II Boot is equipped with a Vibram 1276 Sierra outsole, a specialized rubber sole designed for rugged outdoor and industrial applications. The Vibram 1276 features an angled tread pattern with a rounded heel that provides stability on changing terrain surfaces. The sole construction uses Nitrile rubber compound in a blocker-type design with 18 IR thickness, measuring 9.5mm.

The Sierra sole pattern incorporates multi-directional lugs that provide substantial edging capabilities for braking, push-off, and stability across various terrains. Ladder grip lugs are strategically positioned to provide enhanced grip on natural obstacles like roots and branches. This outsole design makes the Forester II suitable for both urban environments and outdoor activities requiring reliable traction.

The Vibram 1276 Sierra represents a full sole option that adapts well to multiple environments, from industrial work settings to hiking and outdoor recreation. The sole's versatility aligns with the Forester II's design intention as a boot capable of handling diverse path conditions globally.

The Forester II Boot sizing differs from typical American footwear sizing conventions. Rolling Dub Trio advises customers to size down 1.5 sizes from their typical sneaker size when purchasing the Forester II. This sizing recommendation accounts for the boot's construction and fit characteristics.

For customers with average volume and D-width feet, the recommendation is to choose one full size smaller than their Brannock device measurement. The boot's shape and fit reflect design considerations for East Asian foot characteristics, featuring a longer, rounder, and narrower profile compared to most American work boots.

The Forester II does not feature the strong arch support typically found in American bootmakers' designs, instead offering a flatter profile that accommodates different foot shapes. This sizing and fit approach reflects Rolling Dub Trio's Japanese design heritage and intended market.

The Forester II Boot retails for $800 at authorized retailers, reflecting its hand-made construction and quality materials. The boot is available through select retailers in the United States, with ButterScotch serving as the exclusive retailer following their introduction of Rolling Dub Trio to the American market in 2018. Additional authorized retailers include Standard & Strange.

Due to Rolling Dub Trio's small-batch production methods, the Forester II has limited availability with short production runs that can make the boots somewhat difficult to obtain. This limited production approach contributes to the brand's exclusivity and the boot's position in the heritage footwear market.

Secondary market prices for the Forester II range from approximately $600 to $790, depending on condition and availability. The boot's limited production and specialized construction contribute to strong resale value retention in the heritage footwear community.