Donkey Puncher 8" Boots - Burnt Dark Brown Ezo Deerskin

These are named for the folks who operated "steam donkeys", steam-driven winches used in logging at the end of the 19th century. The operators were known as "donkey punchers". Featuring a lace-to-toe design with a logger heel and curved panels along the vamp, these are handsome and sturdy pattern with an optional kiltie that can be laced into the front of the boot (or not).

The leather, a deep chocolate-brown deerskin from Japan, is harvested from the Ezo Shika, wild deer endemic to Japan's northern Hokkaido region. The largest of the Shika subspecies, they live in rugged, snowy areas, and have been hunted for their meat and hides by indigenous Ainu people for centuries. These are wild animals, and are not raised for their leather - as such, each hide will have natural scarring and blemishes acquired during the animal's life.

For such a tall pair deerskin boots, the leather had to be doubled up to achieve maximum structure and durability. The inner leather is fully oil tanned, while the outer hide has been treated with waxes and burnished following the tanning process. The end result is an impossibly soft and strong leather with a remarkable amount of character and incredible aging potential.

Now at long last available in a full 8" height, the Donkey Puncher Boots return with a collection of 6 polished brass eyelets and another 6 matching brass speed hooks with one last eyelet on top. They're sewn together with multiple rows of heavy duty gold and brown threads, and everything stands on the classic Vibram 705 half sole + 700 heel combo, one of our very favorites for comfort and durability.

Choose 0.5 size smaller than your Brannock size.

• Limited edition seasonal release
• Built on the John Lofgren 120 Last
• "Burnt dark brown" Japanese Ezo Shika deerskin
• 8" lace-to-toe boot
• Goodyear storm welted
• Deerskin lining 
• Vibram 705 sole + 700 heel combination
• American-made brass eyelets and speedhooks
• Stacked logger heel
• Removable leather 'kiltie' toe cover
• Choose 0.5 size smaller than your Brannock device size
• Made in Japan