Introducing the Henry Johnson Boot
Why Name a Boot?
Fair question. Why bother naming a boot when you could just call it a “French Army Boot” or “Pershing Boot” and ride the wave of instant recognition and SEO gold? It’s tempting. It’s easy. It makes sense.
But it also says... nothing.
It tells you what the boot looks like, sure. But it doesn’t tell you what it means. It doesn’t tell you what it stands for. Or who it stands for. And that’s a missed opportunity.
Because once you know the story of Henry Johnson, naming this boot after anyone else just feels wrong.
Meet Henry “Black Death” Johnson.
Johnson was a private in the legendary all-Black 369th Infantry Regiment—better known as the Harlem Hellfighters—who was sent to fight under French command during WWI. Why? Because Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces, refused to assign white regiments to support the French. Instead, he sidelined the Hellfighters due to the prejudiced views of his own troops.
But Pershing’s loss was France’s gain.
On May 14, 1918, Johnson and fellow soldier Needham Roberts were ambushed by a German raiding party of up to 36 men. Outnumbered and outgunned, they fought back with grenades, rifles, and eventually hand-to-hand combat. Johnson saved Roberts and repelled the attack, sustaining 21 combat wounds in the process.
His fearless stand against the enemy earned him the nickname “Black Death,” a title bestowed in awe of his unmatched combat prowess and unshakable courage. He was awarded the French Croix de Guerre, the first American soldier to ever receive the award.
Due to his injuries and a tuberculosis infection, Johnson was unable to return to his job as a porter after his service. Later, long after his death in poverty at age 36, he was posthumously honored with the Purple Heart and the Medal of Honor.
So why name a boot?
Because names matter. They carry stories. They carry values. This boot isn’t just about style, it’s about legacy. It’s about honoring a man who was overlooked, underestimated, and ultimately unforgettable.
That’s why our new boot is called the Henry Johnson Boot. Because some boots deserve more than a label. They deserve a name worth remembering.
