Opinions needed for Empire Canvas Works Prototype

[kevinkinney]

OK,

It got dark. We put away the skis and came home.

My first thoughts- I hate the toes. Though they seem nice and faire-ish, I doubt they would last for more than a season. I was intrigued by the Medieval Moccasin design, and had to try it for myself. The overlapping 'petals' invite debris.

I'll put our name on the rest of the boot. My ideal construction is the same as that model, but the front is box construction with a center seam and 1.5" of coverage on the toes. I put a pair of grommets on upper/inside edge of the toes that serves as a starting point for the lacing. The laces begin outside the boot- across the top of the toes. They pass down through the first pair of grommets, and trace their way up through the other lashing points. At the point where the laces pass into the boot over the toes, you may lash the removable tongue in.

I've tested a pair of these, but now they're living with a local blacksmith. I wore them for early season work in the woods. Shoes and boots are nice, but I prefer the comfort and stealth of a moccasin. Our winter boots give a similar feel, with far more insulation. The flexibility and breathability are the key to staying warm in wicked cold weather. I'll make another pair for testing, and charge the recipient with taking pictures of them.

I'm in full dog sled race mode, so I'll be living on the snow for a few more weeks.



I've got another pair of slightly larger/wider Men's 9.5 ready to send out. Panache's pair is 3 ounce plain-'ole grass munching cow hide. These are made from 5 ounce shaggy, ill-tempered Bison. I skipped the wispy lacing in favor of saddle leather.

Gone- have fun!

Oh yeah, I suppose we should have a name contest. Free pair to the one who hits the correct moniker. Please keep in mind that we're trying to make a real boot, not a costume. Ghillies evolved for a reason, we're just trying to emulate that practicality- and add a sole that survives all the modernity that gums up our lives. I'm already planning some swampy bowhunting for next fall. Our current winter boots are so quiet on the trail that I don't really need a rifle any more.

Cheers,

Kevin