Work Boot

Y'2 Leather produces the Work Boot through hand-cutting and sewing at their in-house studio located in Higashinari Ward, Osaka. The company was founded by Takao Yanamoto, who brought four decades of prior leather processing experience to the brand. Each boot is manufactured using heavyweight horsehide or bullhide leathers that undergo proprietary tanning processes, with construction techniques inspired by vintage footwear styles from the 1930s and 1940s.

Y'2 Leather produces five distinct Work Boot variants, each identified by a model code in the -02 series. The IS-02 features indigo-dyed horsehide leather with core-white construction, developed through years of trial and error at a specialized tannery. The indigo dye creates a stable bond with the leather that prevents bleeding onto other materials, while developing unique fading and patina similar to denim jeans.

The ES-02 uses Eco Horse leather, a 1.8-2.0mm thick horsehide that undergoes combination tanning and shrinkage of approximately 20 percent to increase density and weight. This leather replicates horsehide characteristics from the 1930s and maintains high oil content while remaining stiff, designed to develop heavy creasing and lustrous patina through wear.

The BS-02 variant features brown bullhide with a pronounced, craggy grain texture. The KS-02 incorporates kakishibu horse leather, treated with persimmon tannin using traditional Japanese dyeing techniques that prove extremely difficult to apply to leather. This tannin treatment produces a warm amber hue as the leather ages. The VS-02 uses Italian horsehide with vege chrome tanning, inspired by service boot designs from the 1940s.

All Work Boot variants utilize 270-degree storm welt construction with a single row of welting. The boots are equipped with Vibram 705 half sole and heel combinations. This welting method allows the boots to be rebuilt and recrafted by any capable cobbler.

The boots feature a rounded, unstructured toe design with polished brass hardware consisting of six eyelets and two speed hooks. Full leather lining runs throughout the interior for comfort. Tonal woven laces complete the hardware package.

Eco Horse leather undergoes combination tanning and physical shrinkage to achieve its dense character and heavyweight properties. Despite heavy oil content in the tannage, the leather maintains significant stiffness intended to form distinctive creases and develop luster over extended wear periods.

The indigo horsehide used in the IS-02 variant features a specialized dying process that bonds the indigo pigment more stably to leather than to cotton fabric. The manufacturer notes that dyed leather products may display slight color variations between production batches due to natural dyeing processes. Leather surfaces may also show natural characteristics including scratches or bloodstain marks, which the company identifies as inherent material attributes rather than quality defects.

Kakishibu persimmon tannin treatment represents a traditional Japanese technique requiring specialized knowledge to successfully apply to horsehide. The treatment produces unique aging characteristics distinct from other tanning methods. The bullhide variant displays prominent natural grain patterns characteristic of the hide type.

Y'2 Leather recommends selecting a size 0.5 smaller than standard Brannock measurements for optimal fit. The boots are available in widths C, D, and E, with a standard size range spanning 7D through 12D including half sizes. The last shape shows similarity to the Viberg 2030 last, featuring a slightly pointed, almond-shaped toe profile.

The fit characteristics present as fairly standard to slim in the heel and midfoot areas, comparable to a slim D width overall. The ball area provides good width accommodation, while the rounded toe box offers room for toe movement. The manufacturer notes that exact size specifications vary due to differences in leather thickness and hardness across batches, recommending consultation with local dealers for specific sizing guidance.

As of 2025, the IS-02 Indigo Horse variant retails for $680 USD or ¥86,900 JPY. The ES-02 Eco Horse model is priced at ¥90,200 JPY including tax. The KS-02 Kakishibu Horse variant carries a price of ¥92,400 JPY including tax.