John Lofgren is a mainstay within the world of high-end footwear. As such, the company’s interpretations of historic styles can be described as honest, true, and to-the-point, rarely deviating from the designs set forth by their predecessors. But now, the brand has revealed a rambunctious take on the Combat Boot — a White Shadow variant crafted in collaboration with Standard & Strange.
In a market where patina and dark leather are noted as the most prolific, it’s interesting to see a boot that opts for a road less traveled. This military-inspired cap-toe boasts a vintage silhouette that’s immediately recognizable but calls upon a rare White Shadow shell cordovan leather from one of Japan’s most iconic tanneries, Shinki. To provide Lofgren with a fabric ill-found anywhere else, Shinki spent the majority of its summer experimenting with an unreleased shell cordovan dressed in a thick white wax, allowing it to be worn off, creased, and characterized over time. Traditionally, the dying process of cordovan leather doesn’t leave much room for alternative colors, especially the white that you see here. Over time, the exterior color will wear off, resulting in a unique patina atop the Shadow’s natural shell leather, and complementing Lofgren’s comfortable horsehide lining, nickel eyelets, speed hooks, and Vibram 705 sole+700 heel. If you’re interested in acquiring a pair of your own, you’ll have to jump through some hoops. A $750 pre-order deposit will be available for Stitchdown Premium members for two weeks, with the total retail price of the White Shadow coming in at $1,375 before their May/June delivery.
