The TEN MILE WORK BOOTS / ROUGH OUT LEATHER are 60s style work boot that was affectionately known as a “Monkey boot”.
The origins of monkey boots are likely intertwined with pre-war boot manufacturers in Czechoslovakia, where military boot production ceased during the country's invasion. Post-war, any remaining stock quickly found its way to Army surplus stores across Europe, swiftly gaining popularity among the British youth.
The monkey boot is most commonly associated with the mod subculture, a movement which emerged in London during the late 1950s, gaining momentum in the early to mid-1960s. Characterised by a distinctive sense of style and a fervent embrace of modernity, the monkey boot, initially designed for utilitarian purposes, seamlessly resonated with the working-class roots of the mod movement. Simultaneously, its sharp and minimalist aesthetic also appealed to the tailored suits synonymous with mod culture.
Boot manufacturers of the United States adopted this design in the 1950s and introduced a variation known as "roofer" style work boots. Inspired by the practical and durable features of the original monkey boots, these American adaptations were crafted for a secure fit on the foot and built with a gripping sole, qualities that were crucial in such hazardous lines of work.
The TEN MILE WORK BOOTS / ROUGH OUT LEATHER draws on these elements, using a copper boot shank, the boots cut a balanced and striking silhouette. Ensuring a secure lace up, brass hooks and eyelets are used throughout.
- Leather: rough-out
- Brass Hooks and Eyelets
- Copper Boot Shank
- Made in Japan
