Here in the Pacific Northwest, there’s an unmissable shift from season to season. As November presses on, the last few sunny days have been traded for foggy mornings, overcast gray skies, and steady rainfall. The coming colder months call for preparation—that includes a thorough evaluation of the leathers we’re bringing in to carry us through the winter.
Durability is key
This season, we’re focusing on action-oriented leathers that can power through the elements. Our boots have always been built with durability in mind, but we’re taking things a step further this winter. We’re prioritizing durability from the very beginning. That means choosing especially resilient leathers right from the get-go. This winter’s hides are built for bootmaking and equipped for rough conditions.
We’re adding some height
Our shift towards durability also affects the builds you’ll be seeing. Expect more options for uplands and gun boots. More height means added protection. The sturdy structure of these two builds is a practical response to everything winter brings: muddy roads, colder temperatures, and unexpected rainstorms to name a few.
A brief word on sourcing our hides
Our boots are handcrafted in our Oregon factory, but our leathers often come from tanneries across the globe. This decision is rooted in our belief that we should use the best materials, no matter where they originate. That being said, the leathers we’re diving into this winter all come from tanneries here in the United States. After we tested these leathers (and trust us, we put them through the ringer), we found these American hides provided the grit and dexterity we needed. Read on for a closer look at which specific leathers we’re stocking up on.
Black and Java Waxed Flesh
Durability and style are often mutually exclusive. Our Waxed Flesh leathers prove they don’t have to be. We’ve said it before & we’ll say it again. These leathers look better the older and rougher they get. Their waxy finish gradually wears off for a handsome mix of texture that‘s smooth and dark in some places, nappy and light in others. A tough winter is the perfect opportunity to give these hardwearing boots a solid patina.
Whiskey, Steel & Java Predator
With durability in focus, Predator leather was bound to make an appearance. Nearly indestructible, these unfaltering cowhides are ideal for environments with fluctuating weather. These leathers can handle it, no matter what “it” is—salt, mud, rain, slush, dirt, or snow.
If you’re a fan of warm tones, opt for the reddish brown Whiskey Predator. For those who lean on the dark side, Steel Predator comes in a deep gray that matches nearly anything. If you land somewhere in the middle, we strongly recommend the new Java Predator.
Exclusively made for Truman by renowned tannery Horween, Java Predator combines the tenacity of Predator leather with a dark chocolate tone similar to a fresh pair of Java Waxed Flesh boots. In other words, we’ve got a killer new boot crossover that’s primed and ready for winter time.
Cattail Grizzly
When it comes to choosing durable leather boots, it’s vital to consider comfort. After all, you’re gonna be wearing Trumans for a long time. A comfortable fit tends to come after an unavoidable break-in phase. Not with Cattail Grizzly. Supple and ridiculously comfortable right out of the gate, this rich auburn leather is a perfect fit for those of us on our feet all day.
When we started testing this leather, it reminded us of a broken-in baseball glove. This hide immediately offers a well-worn comfort that usually comes with years of use. It’s exactly what you want in a boot. That’s why we’re offering it in a standard, gun boot, and upland build.
Coyote Rough Out
We’ve brought this crowd pleasing leather back for good reason. A fighter through and through, Coyote Rough Out is military-grade leather that’s deceptively skillful at battling adverse weather conditions. Waterproof, resilient, and easy to take care of, this hide’s a low maintenance option with high rewards.
Leave a comment