News of Maine-made handsewns is hard to ignore. That’s what I realized when the guys at Oak Street Bootmakers told me about the launch of five new designs (above: Peanut Suede Vibram Sole Trail Oxford: $302.), the largest single update in OSB’s short history. Included in this offerings (which you get to see here first) are two new crepe sole styles made from all that good Horween leather that you know and love.
More info on the new releases from Oak Street Bootmakers founder/designer George Vlagos:
We used a honey crepe on the two crepe styles. Almost all crepe, even from US shoe manufacturers comes from overseas. We found a small company in the US (interestingly, whose focus is not shoe soling), and they make these soles for us. Our crepe as you can see from the photos is beefy, but not as chunky as what others are using. These honey crepe soled shoes are by far the most comfortable shoes we have ever made. The crepe literally has bounce to it.
As for the other shoes, they are all great summer additions to our current collection. All of the shoes are completely re-soleable either through a cobbler or through our refurbishing program, so that of course, you can enjoy the shoes for years to come.
All of these shoes also include our brand new full length vegetable tanned insoles. We decided with this new release to drastically improve the insoles used in all Oak Streets. Rather than using Chromexcel, we’re using leather that is tanned exactly the same way as cordovan, in the cordovan vats at Horween. The insoles have a really beautiful oak color, and even though it is where your foot rests, it develops an incredible gold tone, and in longer time, a rich light brown. While it seems like a crazy place to put such a beautiful piece of leather, it’s one of those things that you notice when you take off your shoes.
Great stuff, per usual from George and the OSB crew. Those beefroll loafers on the crepe sole have my name all over them. Actually, I might have to pick up one of each since I subscribe to the philosophy that one can never have enough Maine-made handsewn shoes.
Below: Navy Camp Moc: $262 and the Brown Camp Moc: $262.
holy crepe!
My habit is to purchase Mephistos, as they wear well, look fabulous & can be rebuilt at the factory. These sound Great as well & I’m all for keeping Americans at work, producing the Best in Everything they make. I will seriously consider ordering a pair the next time I need another in the rotation.
I own 2 pairs of OSBs that have been in heavy rotation for the last year+.
If you want to support a good American company, look no further.
I picked up a pair of vibram soled oxfords a few months back soon after the shop on Oak Street opened, and they have been great. The shop itself is very nice, with a great selection of Made in the US products. The staff is helpful and friendly and George Vlagos could not be a nicer guy.
Looks great…
best shoes iv every bought
Very nice
Bought a pair of the vibram navy trail oxfords, at their shop on Oak street while visiting Chicago. The staff was very helpful/friendly, and the shoes are great. I’m glad I bought them in house because I had to drop down a full size to get the best fit. American made and properly made…..I’m very pleased.
the uppers and soles match nicely. =)
why aren’t any of their shoes burgundy? i want some unlined burgundy penny loafers. =(
Hey Ras.. I work for a company called Trunk Club here in Chicago…. http://www.trunkclub.com/emmanuel
We have a great relationship with Oak Street and sell some burgundies as a Trunk Club exclusive. Feel free to call our office at 312-266-8770 and ask for Mike E..
Take Care,
Mike