350 Cruiser

The 350 Cruiser originated during the interwar period when timber cruisers began requesting Otto White to create a lighter, more manageable version of the company's traditional logger boots. This need arose from workers in the timber industry who required the durability of White's established designs but wanted a less bulky boot for their specific work requirements.

Otto White responded by modifying the company's existing patterns, ultimately creating the six-inch 350 model. The design represented one of White's first moves toward what would later be considered lifestyle-focused boots, as it adapted work boot construction for broader use while maintaining the company's commitment to durability and craftsmanship.

The development of the 350 Cruiser occurred within the broader context of White's Boots' evolution as a company. Founded by Edward White in 1853 in Connecticut, the business had already relocated to the Pacific Northwest by 1900 under John White's leadership. Otto White, who took control in 1910 and grew the operation into the White Shoe Company based in Spokane, Washington, remained actively involved in production until his death in 1972.

The 350 Cruiser employs hand-sewn stitchdown construction, a method that White's has used since the company's founding in 1853. This construction technique involves master bootmakers who hand-last, hand-welt, and hand-bottom each boot. The process includes hand-welting a seam designed for durability and water resistance, followed by hand-bottoming with an all-leather arch system.

The boot features substantial leather components throughout its construction. The insole uses 10 to 11 iron leather, with the midsole and shank constructed from leather of similar thickness. In traditional leather measurement terms, 10 to 11 iron translates to approximately 4 to 4.4 millimeters thick, indicating the substantial nature of these structural components.

Material specifications include a six-inch full-grain water-resistant leather upper designed to absorb impact. The boot is commonly available in Chromexcel leather by Horween, which represents the original pull-up leather developed from techniques and materials dating back nearly a century. Chromexcel is recognized for its flexibility, comfort, and durability characteristics.

The sole construction incorporates a leather midsole and shank system combined with a Vibram composition sole and logger heel designed for heavy wear conditions. The total thickness from welt to outsole bottom measures nearly one inch, contributing to the boot's substantial profile and protective qualities.

The 350 Cruiser is built on White's 55 Arch-Ease last, which provides medium arch support and accommodates a wide variety of foot shapes. This last features a classic round toe design with an accommodating forefoot and moderate profile, while offering White's trademark arch support with what the company describes as a more approachable break-in period compared to other White's models.

The original 350 Cruiser maintains the traditional hand-sewn stitchdown construction that has defined White's boots since 1853. This version requires extensive hand labor and commands pricing around $670 to $700.

White's produces two modern variants that adapt the classic design for contemporary manufacturing:

The C350 Cruiser uses standard stitchdown construction methods while remaining resoleable and rebuildable. Built on the same 55 Arch-Ease last as the original, this variant offers the heritage silhouette at a more accessible price point through streamlined production processes.

The C350-CS features similar stitchdown construction but incorporates a Vibram 2021 Wedge Sole system instead of the traditional logger heel design. This variant provides additional versatility for both work and casual applications.

All versions maintain the essential characteristics that have defined the model since the 1930s: the six-inch height, substantial leather construction, and suitability for both work applications and general wear. The boot continues to serve workers across various Pacific Northwest trades, including drivers, cruisers, miners, sportsmen, brakemen, and factory workers.