Hunting Boot

The Hunting Boot is commonly offered in Horween Natural Latigo leather, though customers can specify alternative leather choices through the made-to-order process. The boot features options such as Dr. Sole #1090 Supergrip Half Sole with Black/Gray Plugs and Cuban heel configuration, providing functional outsole choices suited to varied wearing conditions. Pricing positions the model within Willie's standard range of approximately $450 for Chromexcel leather options and around $550 for horsebutt leather selections, with a typical lead time of 10-12 weeks from order to delivery.

The Hunting Boot employs Willie's traditional handwelt construction methodology, following what the company describes as "the old way of handwelting and handstitching soles." This time-intensive approach involves manually stitching the upper leather to a welt strip, which then connects to the outsole through additional hand stitching, creating a boot structure that can be resoled and rebuilt throughout its lifespan.

Willie's craftsmanship on the Hunting Boot has been characterized as "top notch" construction, with each boot hand-made in its entirety without reliance on mechanized production methods. The company employs premium materials throughout construction, including brass hardware and high-quality threads, with attention to finishing details and edge work. This construction approach reflects Willie's stated mission of preserving traditional bootmaking techniques while applying contemporary design interpretations to historical boot patterns.

The Hunting Boot is built on Willie's S4 Flatbox Last, a versatile last shape that the company employs across multiple boot models including their Monkey Boot and Engineer boot styles. The S4 Flatbox Last is reportedly inspired by classic heritage boot patterns, though specific technical measurements such as toe spring and heel pitch have not been publicly documented by the maker.

Sizing on the S4 Flatbox Last typically runs approximately half a size down from standard Brannock measurements. Customer examples indicate that a wearer measuring Brannock 10.5C would order size 10, while a Brannock 11D measurement corresponds to size 10.5D in Willie's sizing system. However, Willie's accommodates individual fit variations through their custom measurement process, adjusting for factors such as E width requirements, thin heels, and arch support needs on a per-order basis.

The Hunting Boot is available exclusively through Willie's made-to-order model, with each pair created as a custom one-off boot rather than selected from existing inventory. The ordering process requires customers to provide comprehensive foot measurements including two-dimensional and three-dimensional tracings capturing width, length, ball circumference, waist circumference, instep height, ankle measurements at multiple points, and calf circumference.

Willie's reviews these measurements thoroughly and engages with customers through questions to ensure proper fit and construction specifications before beginning the build. This consultative approach allows for adjustments to accommodate different sizing between left and right feet, as well as modifications for individual foot characteristics. The company can customize various aspects of the boot including leather selection, hardware choices, sole options, and heel configurations based on customer preferences and intended use.

The standard lead time for completion and delivery of a Hunting Boot order is quoted at 10-12 weeks from order placement, reflecting the time-intensive nature of handwelt construction and the one-off custom manufacturing approach. Orders are typically placed through Willie's Instagram account @williesleathers, where the company maintains an active presence with over 9,500 followers and showcases ongoing projects and completed boots.

The Hunting Boot is commonly constructed using Horween Natural Latigo leather, a vegetable-tanned and hot-stuffed leather known for its durability and rich color development with wear. Horween Leather Company's Natural Latigo combines vegetable tanning with additional oils and waxes applied during the hot-stuffing process, creating a leather that resists water while remaining supple and developing distinctive patina characteristics over time.

Alternative leather options are available through the made-to-order process, with Willie's offering both Chromexcel and horsebutt leather selections at different price points. Chromexcel, another Horween product, is an oil-tanned leather with pull-up characteristics, while horsebutt leather provides enhanced durability and distinctive grain patterns from the denser leather structure found in equine hides.

Sole options for the Hunting Boot include Dr. Sole #1090 Supergrip Half Sole, an Italian-made rubber compound featuring a lugged tread pattern for traction. This half sole configuration can be paired with Black/Gray Plugs, which are rubber inserts positioned at heel and forefoot contact points for enhanced durability in high-wear areas. The Cuban heel option provides a moderate heel height with a slightly tapered profile, offering a classic aesthetic that complements the heritage hunting boot design while maintaining functional heel geometry for varied terrain.

Hardware components include brass eyelets and hooks, with Willie's using what have been described as premium-quality hardware throughout their boot construction. Laces are typically supplied as waxed cotton in complementary colors, though customers can specify alternative lacing preferences during the ordering process.

The Hunting Boot model reflects Willie's approach of drawing inspiration from historical boot patterns while applying contemporary interpretation and construction techniques. The model sits within Willie's broader lineup alongside other heritage-inspired styles including Monkey Boot, Engineer, Service Boot, and various custom patterns, all sharing the company's commitment to traditional handwelt construction methods and made-to-order customization approach.

No published sources available. Information compiled from community knowledge and maker specifications.