Ethan Monkey Boot - Tan Bookbinder

SHOE KNOWLEDGE

Monkey Boot

The history of the humble Monkey Boot dates back to World War 2, worn as standard issue by the Czechoslovakian army, their durability, practicality, and the fact they were inexpensive made them the ideal boot for the foot soldier.

After disappearing for a couple of decades, the Mods gave them a new lease of life in the 60s and 70s. The Monkey Boot soon became part of their fashion stable along with the Harrington Jacket and Levi’s jeans. In the late 70s and 80s, they were adopted by Skinheads, Punks and students. We have been making our own version of the Tricker's Monkey Boot for quite a few years. The most popular market until recently has been Japan where the desire for English apparel is very strong

Although the Monkey boot was made famous during WWII as infantry shoes of the Czechoslovakian army, the design is also reminiscent of old-style boxing boots. After the Second World War, the monkey boot moved in two differing directions. In the US, makers such as Endicott Johnson Company and Weinbrenner Shoe Company adopted the design and produced what is referred to as “roofer” style work boots in the 1950s. Here in the UK, various fashion/lifestyle groups chose a short version of the monkey boot as their footwear uniform, well into the 1980s. This is all contained in the link to our journal post.

They remain hugely popular in Japan among certain fashion circles, and in denim/heritage’ clothing communities. Tricker’s monkey boots being sold there are the 9 eyelet versions, as opposed to the standard 7 eyelet version or sometimes an even shorter 5 eyelet shoe version.

Last No: 5402R

This last has been developed for Monkey boots, and features are rounder toe shape and low heel. The size (length fitting) of Tricker’s footwear made on this last (5402R) is true to size, we recommend sticking to your regular than a regular UK. If you are unsure of your UK size, use our size guide to convert your known size to a UK size.

The last is a hard, three-dimensional form on which the shoe is constructed. Depending on the style of shoe we use different lasts, this is what dictates the overall shape, proportion, fit and character of the shoe.

Bookbinder

The high shine rub off Bookbinder effect is a coated treatment applied to the leather. Apart from the black, all colours have a darker top and then a lighter shade on the base. During our shoeroom method, we cut back this darker top to bring the lighter shade to the surface giving a two-tone effect. This is created when polished on the mops in our Northampton factory Shoe Room giving the footwear a lustre and gleaming finish indicative of 1930s dress shoes.

Bookbinder is a Corrected Grain. At Tricker's, we source the finest corrected grain leather on the market. The break of corrected leathers is never as natural as with full grain. This break can be made worse across the vamps with ill fitting shoes. The best course of action a customer can take to look after their Bookbinder leather is to purchase shoe trees to keep the shoe in shape and polish regularly to keep the leather nurtured.

Be careful with the aftercare for these shoes. Do not use a renovator as it will strip out the high shine. Sometimes all you need to do is rub these shoes with a clean cloth and they will be beautiful. Less is more with this type of leather.

Why Tricker's

8 weeks | 260 processes

10 min watch | The Construction Process

8 weeks | 260 processes

10 min watch | The Construction Process

A True Investment

100% Repairable

It's inevitable that shoes will need a bit of TLC from time to time but look after them and they will last you a lifetime.

We offer a fully inclusive repair service from re-heeling to total makeovers.

Uncompromising Standards

Built To Last

Our uncompromising standards of craftsmanship, honest materials, environmentalism and sustainability are values that have been preserved and developed through five generations.

Every material used in our construction can be traced back to its source.