Though the Twin Strap boot is now synonymous with the shooting landscape, similar to the footwear that would’ve likely been worn by our founders out in the field, it’s thought to have originally been designed as a high-leg motorbike boot that was widely used by the British military during WWII. From there, its association with outdoor and countryside pursuits has naturally evolved, thanks to the boots’ versatility across all terrains.
Made in England, these are the type of boots that get better with every wear, thanks to their construction and choice of high quality materials. In many ways, the leather, nubuck and suede versions perform equally well, all designed for longevity and durability. The grain leather style is supremely comfortable and supple, and is the same material used in the original military boots. It handles adverse weather conditions well, especially with a good upkeep of polish and wax.
The rough-out suede is tanned in England, a process which involves heavily imbuing the material with oils to provide significant water resistance. It’s also ideal for a more laid-back approach to boot maintenance, as the more ‘roughed up’ it gets, the better it tends to look – it is very resilient. The regular suede is also tanned in the UK, with additional scotch guarding to provide enhanced water resistance. Though it’s a more delicate material, best kept for dryer conditions, it will nonetheless stand up well to the British weather.
Why the ‘twin’ straps, one might ask? Given the height of the boots, the second strap is important to help better secure the sides, keeping everything straight and fastened correctly in place. Having laces all the way to the top would be cumbersome and time-consuming, so the twin straps act as a flexible and relatively quick-to-secure alternative.
Beyond the benefits of these uppers, there are two other technical aspects that add to the water resistance of the Twin Straps. The first is the reverse storm welt: a heavy-duty strip of leather that attaches the uppers to the sole, covering the join between the two to stop water getting in. The second is a bellows tongue, which effectively completely covers the area behind the laces for extra protection. The soles are made from rubber in a Ridgeway tread that’s flexible and high-performance, offering good grip across different terrain, while maintaining the smart line of the boot.
The overall construction process of a Twin Strap requires significant time, patience and high levels of skill. Much like the bespoke Purdey gunmaking, it has evolved over the years to combine specialist machine-based and purely by-hand processes, both elements requiring skilled technicians and craftspeople. Each boot is made using the Goodyear Welted process, involving over 200 operations: the upper (including the exterior and linings) is stitched to the insole and welt, which is then stitched separately to the sole (and midsole, if applicable). This method ensures durability and strength – and it means that the soles can be removed and replaced, which extends the life of the boots. Made for walking across muddy fields and forests, down well-worn pavements and beyond, these are truly boots that you'll enjoy wearing for years.
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