Russell Moccasin Nochaway Cavalier

Nochaway Cavalier

Model

About

The Russell Moccasin Nochaway Cavalier is a limited edition anniversary boot produced by Russell Moccasin Co. to commemorate the company's 125th anniversary in 2023. Named after the Ichawaynochaway Creek that flows through historic quail hunting lands in southwestern Georgia, the Nochaway Cavalier represents a refined interpretation of the traditional Cavalier boot design that served as the predecessor to the popular Zephyr model. Limited to just 125 pairs, each boot features upgraded Double Vamp construction and upgraded materials while maintaining the signature moccasin craftsmanship that has defined Russell Moccasin since 1898.

Design and Construction

The Nochaway Cavalier incorporates Russell Moccasin's proprietary Double Vamp construction, a technique developed over a century ago that provides enhanced water resistance and durability. This multi-layer moccasin construction wraps leather around the entire foot like a hammock, with the vamp forming both the upper and the foundation of the boot. The construction method takes considerably longer than conventional welted or stitchdown techniques, requiring skilled craftsmen to hand-sew through multiple layers of leather.

The boot features a hand-molded leather heel counter that provides structural support while maintaining the flexibility inherent to moccasin construction. A Poron slip sole adds comfort and shock protection, while the oak-leather midsole is stitched to a rubber midsole for additional durability. The design allows the boot to be worn under pants like a loafer, offering versatility for both outdoor and casual urban settings.

Materials and Specifications

The Nochaway Cavalier is constructed from full-grain Red Maple Oil tan leather, selected for its rich patina development and weather resistance. The leather is complemented by a British Dainite studded sole, chosen specifically for its grip characteristics and ability to shed mud without accumulation. The sole is paired with a true leather stacked heel, maintaining traditional construction methods while providing modern performance.

Each pair includes a matching Plantation Cut Belt manufactured by Kingfisher Leatherworks in Illinois. The belt is crafted from single-piece harness leather and offered in sizes ranging from 32 to 46 inches, providing a complete leather goods ensemble.

Historical Context

The name "Nochaway" derives from the Ichawaynochaway Creek, a waterway that has played a role in Georgia's quail hunting heritage since the 1800s. During the early 20th century, this region became synonymous with sporting destinations, attracting wealthy industrialists who established hunting plantations along the creek and adjacent Flint River. The area, characterized by longleaf pine forests and Spanish moss-draped live oaks, represents the traditional South Georgia landscape that defined American quail hunting culture.

The Ichawaynochaway Creek served as a transportation route in the 19th century, allowing goods to move downstream to Bainbridge and eventually to the port at Apalachicola, Florida. Locations along the creek include the 29,000-acre Ichauway preserve, established in the 1920s as the quail hunting reserve of Coca-Cola magnate Robert W. Woodruff. This cultural and geographic history makes the Nochaway name meaningful within American sporting traditions.

Limited Edition Details

The Russell Moccasin Nochaway Cavalier was offered as a strictly limited production of 125 pairs, with each pair bearing a commemorative 125th Anniversary stamp. Purchasers received a signed and numbered card documenting their place within the limited production run. The boots were available through pre-order until the end of April 2023, with production beginning in May and delivery scheduled for July 2023.

As with all Russell Moccasin custom productions, the Nochaway Cavalier boots were made-to-order and carried a non-returnable, non-exchangeable policy. This approach reflects the company's commitment to custom manufacturing while ensuring each pair is specifically crafted for its intended wearer.

Manufacturing and Craftsmanship

Production of the Nochaway Cavalier took place at Russell Moccasin's historic facility in Berlin, Wisconsin, where the company has operated continuously since 1898. The boots were handcrafted using traditional techniques passed down through generations of craftsmen, with each pair requiring the expertise of multiple specialists throughout the construction process.

The Double Vamp construction requires particular skill, as craftsmen must hand-sew through multiple layers of leather to create the signature overlap seam that was patented by Russell Moccasin in 1941. This seam provides both water resistance and abrasion resistance while serving as a distinctive aesthetic element of Russell's designs.

Under the 2022 ownership of Luke Kolbie and Joe Julian, Russell Moccasin has maintained its commitment to traditional manufacturing methods while introducing commemorative editions like the Nochaway Cavalier. The new ownership, representing Kingfisher Leatherworks and Julian & Sons respectively, emphasizes the "Conservation through Craftsmanship" philosophy that prioritizes durable, repairable products over disposable alternatives.

Cultural Legacy

The Nochaway Cavalier represents more than a limited edition boot; it embodies the intersection of American craftsmanship and sporting heritage. By connecting Russell Moccasin's 125-year legacy with the historic quail hunting culture of southwestern Georgia, the boot celebrates two enduring traditions that have shaped American outdoor culture.

The choice of Dainite sole reflects practical considerations learned from generations of hunters who required footwear that could navigate varied terrain without accumulating debris. The ability to resolve the boots multiple times ensures they can serve for decades, aligning with traditional craftsmanship values and sustainability principles.