Congress Boot

The Congress Boot employs traditional bootmaking techniques throughout its construction. The boot features a double hand-lasted vamp that helps retain shape and prevent excessive stretching over time. The hand-formed heel counter is crafted from durable sole leather, while the stacked heel uses hand-fitted vegetable-tanned leather. A spring steel shank covered in vegetable-tanned leather provides arch support, and a padded leather insole adds comfort.

The boot utilizes full Goodyear welt construction, with a leather sole welt sewn into a recessed insole channel. The outsole is attached using special waxed linen thread that resists decay. This construction method allows for resoling and contributes to the boot's durability and longevity.

RRL sources full-grain, aniline-dyed leather from a Chicago tannery for the Congress Boot's uppers. The leather is distressed to create a well-worn appearance that aligns with RRL's heritage-inspired aesthetic. The boot features elasticized gores at each side, a design element that dates back to the Victorian era when elastic gussets were first introduced to footwear in the 1840s following the development of vulcanized rubber.

The boots include a handmade leather toe box and a leather pull tab at the back for easy entry. A "Double RL & Co" woven tag appears at the tongue, indicating the boot's RRL heritage line provenance.

The Congress Boot features a rounded-toe silhouette with pull-on styling that eliminates the need for laces. The elasticized gores at each side provide flexibility for easy on and off while maintaining a snug fit around the ankle. This design mirrors the original Congress boots that were popular from the 1840s through the 1870s, valued for their comfort and convenience.

The boot's 1930s-inspired aesthetic reflects RRL's focus on vintage American workwear and heritage designs. The distressed leather finish reinforces the brand's emphasis on creating pieces that appear authentically aged.

The Congress boot originated in Victorian England when J. Sparkes Hall patented the elastic-side boot in 1837. Early versions used elastic made from tightly coiled wire covered in cotton. Following Charles Goodyear's development of vulcanized rubber in 1839, improved elastic enabled better-fitting gussets by the late 1840s.

Sparkes Hall was a bootmaker to Queen Victoria, who reportedly wore Congress boots daily. The style gained popularity in both England and America during the 1840s, appreciated for its snug fit and ease of use. Congress boots remained fashionable through the 1870s before declining in the 1880s. The style saw a brief revival in the 1890s but eventually became relegated to comfort footwear in the early 20th century.

Modern elastic-sided boots are commonly known as Chelsea boots, though RRL's version specifically references the Congress boot heritage with its 1930s workwear-inspired design.

RRL is a secondary line from Ralph Lauren, introduced in 1993. Named after Ralph Lauren's Colorado ranch, the brand focuses on rugged, meticulously aged apparel inspired by the pioneering spirit of the American West. RRL collections emphasize authentic workwear silhouettes, incorporating selvedge denim, military-grade materials, and heritage designs that celebrate Americana.

The Congress Boot reflects RRL's commitment to quality construction and historical authenticity, combining Victorian-era design elements with traditional American bootmaking techniques. The boot is made in the USA, consistent with RRL's emphasis on domestic manufacturing for its heritage footwear line.

The RRL Congress Boot has been offered in multiple variations, including a black leather version and a cognac brown suede version. Both versions feature the same Goodyear welt construction and elasticated side panels. A women's version of the Congress Boot is also available.

The boot has been sold through Ralph Lauren's official channels as well as luxury retailers. The standard retail price has been listed at $690, though availability varies and the boot has appeared on sale at significantly reduced prices.