About
The President is a plain-toe service boot from Thursday Boot Company, launched in 2014 as one of the company's original three boot models alongside the Captain and Diplomat. This service boot features 360-degree Goodyear welt construction, full-grain leather uppers, and a streamlined design that balances versatility with durability. Priced at $199, the President offers resoleable construction typically found in boots costing $300 to $600, making it accessible to heritage footwear enthusiasts seeking quality construction without premium pricing.
About
The President is a plain-toe service boot from Thursday Boot Company, launched in 2014 as one of the company's original three boot models alongside the Captain and Diplomat. This service boot features 360-degree Goodyear welt construction, full-grain leather uppers, and a streamlined design that balances versatility with durability. Priced at $199, the President offers resoleable construction typically found in boots costing $300 to $600, making it accessible to heritage footwear enthusiasts seeking quality construction without premium pricing.
The President represents Thursday Boot Company's design philosophy of creating boots that occupy the middle ground between rugged work boots and formal dress boots. Built with chrome combination tanned leather, full glove leather lining, and modern comfort features like cork midsoles and Poron foam insoles, the President combines traditional construction methods with contemporary materials.
Design and construction
The President exemplifies service boot design with its plain-toe upper, flat rubber outsole, and low-profile silhouette. The boot features 360-degree Goodyear welt construction, a method that stitches the upper leather to a leather welt strip, which is then attached to the midsole and outsole. This construction allows for complete resoling while providing water resistance at the seam where the upper meets the sole.
Construction features:
Goodyear welt construction: 360-degree stitching enables resoling and water resistance
Steel shank: Provides arch support and structural stability
Cork midsole: Forms to the foot over time for personalized comfort
Poron foam insole: Antimicrobial layer provides shock absorption
Flat rubber outsole: Recessed lugs offer grip while maintaining low profile
Full leather lining: Glove leather throughout interior for comfort
Each pair is handcrafted in small batches throughout the year, with construction methods similar to boots from brands charging significantly higher prices. The combination of traditional Goodyear welting with modern comfort layers creates a boot designed for both longevity and immediate wearability.
Materials and leather options
The President is available in multiple leather options sourced from Lefarc Tannery, which processes hides from United States cattle. Thursday Boot Company offers both smooth and roughout leather finishes, each with distinct characteristics and aging properties.
Leather options:
Tobacco: Rich brown chrome-tanned leather with moderate pull-up
Black Coffee: Dark brown leather with subtle variation
Anejo: Lighter brown leather with warm undertones
Whiskey Brown: Medium brown with golden highlights
Black Leather: Classic black smooth leather
Black Matte: Non-glossy black finish for rugged aesthetic
Mocha Brown Suede: Roughout suede option for textured appearance
The "Rugged and Resilient" leather versions feature oil-tanned leather created from tier one United States cattle hides, formulated to develop character with wear while requiring minimal conditioning. This leather provides enhanced water resistance compared to standard chrome-tanned options.
Additional materials:
Full glove leather lining: Soft interior throughout boot
Kevlar blend laces: Durable laces on Rugged versions
Waxed cotton laces: Premium flat laces on Classic versions
Cork midsole: Natural material that conforms to foot shape
Poron foam: Antimicrobial cushioning layer
Steel shank: Provides structural support in midsole
All leather options are full-grain, preserving the complete grain structure for maximum durability and natural aging characteristics. The chrome combination tanning process balances flexibility with structure, creating leather that breaks in comfortably while maintaining its shape.
Sizing and fit
The President is available in both Standard width (D/E) and Wide width (EE/EEE) options. Thursday Boot Company recommends sizing down half a size from athletic shoe sizing for most wearers, though individual fit varies based on foot characteristics.
Sizing guidelines:
General rule: Order half size down from sneaker size
Width options: Standard (D/E) and Wide (EE/EEE)
Break-in period: Minimal due to modern insole technology
Professional fitting: Brannock device measurement recommended for accuracy
The boot features a medium-volume last design that accommodates average to slightly higher instep heights. The steel shank provides arch support from the first wear, while the cork midsole gradually conforms to the foot's shape over time, creating a personalized footbed.
Fit characteristics:
Toe box: Adequate room for toe movement without excess space
Heel hold: Secure fit with minimal heel slip when properly sized
Instep: Medium volume accommodation
Arch support: Built-in through steel shank construction
Initial comfort: Poron foam provides immediate cushioning
Due to the Goodyear welt construction and quality materials, proper sizing is essential for long-term comfort. The combination of traditional construction with modern comfort features results in a shorter break-in period compared to boots using only traditional materials.
Available colors and variations
The President is offered in multiple colorways across different leather types, each providing distinct aesthetic options. Color availability varies by season, with Thursday Boot Company periodically introducing limited editions and seasonal variations.
Core colors:
Tobacco: Rich medium brown
Black Coffee: Deep chocolate brown
Anejo: Lighter tan-brown
Whiskey Brown: Golden medium brown
Black Leather: Classic black
Black Matte: Non-glossy black
Suede option:
Mocha Brown Suede: Textured roughout finish
Some President models feature speed hooks in the upper eyelet positions, while earlier versions used eyelets throughout. Current production typically includes speed hooks for easier on-and-off access, though availability varies by specific makeup and production run.
Care and maintenance
Proper care extends the President's lifespan and maintains its appearance through years of wear. The Goodyear welt construction enables resoling, making the President a long-term investment when properly maintained.
Regular maintenance:
Cleaning: Remove dirt with soft brush or damp cloth
Conditioning: Apply leather conditioner every three to six months based on wear
Drying: Air dry naturally, avoid direct heat sources
Storage: Use shoe trees to maintain shape and absorb moisture
Rotation: Allow 24 hours between wears for leather to fully dry
Recommended products:
Leather conditioner: General purpose cream for smooth leathers
Suede brush: For roughout and suede versions
Weatherproofing spray: Additional protection for wet conditions
Horsehair brush: For regular cleaning and light polishing
Cedar shoe trees: Maintain shape and absorb moisture
Resoling service:
The Goodyear welt construction allows for complete sole replacement when the outsole wears through. Professional cobblers can replace the outsole, midsole, and heel while maintaining the boot's structural integrity. A typical resole restores the boot to functional condition, often allowing decades of continued wear with proper maintenance.
The oil-tanned leather used in Rugged and Resilient versions requires less frequent conditioning than traditional leather due to its higher oil content. This leather develops character through wear with minimal intervention, requiring only occasional brushing and conditioning when the leather appears dry.
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