A New Build & An Update on Ordering
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A NEW BUILD ON AN OLD CLASSIC
A lot of people ask me which build I’d pick if I could only wear one pair for the rest of my life. For me, the answer is usually sitting right here on the bench: our Service Boot in Horween Natural Chromexcel on the 1942 Last. This boot is a versatile option that works great for everyday wear.
Horween's Chromexcel is the practical, durable leather that breaks in well and continues to wear nicely over time. It starts out light and understated, but it’s a sponge for stories. It darkens quickly with wear, sun, and handling. Scuffs blend in, creases soften, and the leather gains depth rather than just looking worn out. It’s forgiving, tough, and perfectly suited for the daily grind.
And, as you know, everything starts with the last. Our 1942 Last offers that rounded, traditional profile that looks right in almost any setting. But the real magic is in the feel. It comes with a supportive arch and a secure heel to handle long days on your feet. It’s designed to be substantial without feeling bulky or overbuilt.
THE SPECS
- Leather: Horween Natural Chromexcel, the tried and true patina machine made for durability and style.
- Pattern: Service Boot with 8 eyelets, just the right balance of dressy and casual.
- Last: 1942 Last
- Construction: Stitchdown with unstructured toe and vegetable-tanned internals, built to get better with every wear.
- Outsole: Vibram 430 Mini Lug sole and heel. Grippy and low-profile for all occasions.
- Internal Features: Partially lined with ultra soft acorn buckskin.
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Feel: Fine features for the office with all the durability of a work boot. Soft, comfortable leather and a nice grippy sole.
- Laces: Made-in-USA Brown Flat Waxed Cotton
HOW TO GET IT
If you’re looking for a dependable Oldspeed MFG boot and want the simplest way to order this year, check out our update on standard runs below.
ORDERING UPDATE
As I move into a new year of making boots, I wanted to share a clear update on ordering. As a small shop, I have to balance demand with the time and attention required to build each pair properly. This new structure is meant to give you a better sense of what to expect while allowing me to stay focused on consistent, well‑made boots.
Below are the three ways you’ll be able to order this year.
Group Made to Order (GMTO)
I’ll be running regular GMTO drops throughout the year, like the recent Surface Sailor Shoe. If you’re newer here, a GMTO is a preorder window for a specific boot makeup that multiple customers join. Each order has a maximum quantity but no minimum. If you order, it'll get made. Once the window closes, I build all of the orders together as one batch.
This approach helps me plan production and offer popular leathers and configurations without overextending the shop. For you, it means more predictable release timing and clearer opportunities to order unique, curated makeups. If you’ve been waiting for a particular leather or style, GMTOs will be the main way those become available throughout the year.
Standard Run
Instead of keeping regular stock, I’m offering a standard boot through two longer preorder windows. This gives more people time to place an order and allows me to schedule builds more reliably. Current delivery expectations are:
- July for the first preorder window
- Early December for the second preorder window.
The first standard run is now open. Check out full specs above.
Custom Orders
Fully custom orders will be limited this year due to production capacity. Limiting custom work allows me to keep quality and turnaround where they need to be. If you’re seriously interested in a custom build, please reach out directly via email with details about what you’re looking for. I’ll let you know what’s possible based on the current schedule.
I appreciate the continued support and patience that make it possible to keep building boots this way. Whether you’re planning on a GMTO, ordering standard run, or exploring a custom build, I hope this structure makes the process clearer.
