It all started with the 1000 Mile boots.

Looking back now, I can’t even remember how I stumbled upon these boots that Wolverine crafts with Horween leather. I suppose I was surfing through different forums. Perhaps Selectism, or maybe GearPatrol? In any case I started becoming more and more interested in these boots with each article or review I read on them. It was shortly after I watched a video on the limited edition 721 from the 1000 Mile Collection that I decided to find a pair to try on.

After trying on a pair I fell in love with the Original boots in brown. These would be the ones made in Horween Chromexcel rather than their Cordovan, putting the cost around $325. The Cordovan pair runs a little over $700.

Very shortly after buying these boots I came to a realization: None of my clothes really match these boots. I usually dress without too much thought invested into the process, maybe a random t-shirt with a pair of jeans or cargo pants. I prefer to spend my off time in the woods rather than on concrete, so my clothing style tends to lean towards a REI/EMS hiker trend. With these boots I was going to have to change a few things.

Two months later, I’m at a point where I’ve bought my first pair of raw selvedge demin, a Cordovan bracelet and a couple of dress shirts made from quality materials (I’m also at a point where I’m accepting donations to fund this madness). In the mail is a pair of Danner Mountain Light boots to replace my hiking/work Lowa Zephyr boots. Most of these purchases are 100% made in the USA.

Buying these boots and the history that followed with them opened up an interest in finding quality goods that will last a long time. I know the 1000 Mile boots are the cost of 4 pairs of sneakers, but I also know that these boots will still be around when I’ve worn out all 4 pairs of sneakers. They look damn good in the process too.