100 Years and Counting - L.L. Bean, Maine Hunting Shoe

Few consumer products transcend time and even fewer keep to the original design and ethos that brought them to market since inception. The Eames 670 Lounge Chair as well as the Maine Hunting Shoe (tried & and true American design) come to mind. 100 years later L.L. Bean has introduced the 100th Anniversary Maine Hunting Shoe. Just seven short months ago I was bitching to my o'l lady about my latest pair of Maine Hunting Shoes. They blew apart, as they all do, where the seam meets the rubber moc. For those of us that live in these shoes that is both a sad and welcome day. Sad, because after many years they develop not only a patina but a personality. They become an old friend that endures not only duck blinds and rooster cover but also yard work, dog training and late night jaunts to the market. Welcome, because it means another faithful pair will enter the manor and take a rightful place among the veterans. The 100th Anniversary, Main Hunting Shoe evokes a time when things were slower and more steadfast. The brick colored sole speaks volumes about this shoes history. So after a beeswax treatment and a few days in the yard these rubbers are ready to chase dusky grouse and dove when the season opens (next week) and the doubles come out of the gun locker. Godspeed Leon.

Welcome to the Crew

Safari Shoe - The Original Palladium

It's easy as a sportsman to fall into the trap of becoming a "gear queer" when equipment and clothing is considered. When I was younger (and didn't have eight feet to shoe) I was more apt to purchase the best marketed, most expensive, small batch, hand tooled boots on the market. For safari hunters Russell Moccasin and The Courteney Boot Company come to mind. I almost pulled the trigger on a pair of Russell Moccasin's (like below) just because I am a sucker for good, niche industry marketing. The problem I have with these two options is that every jerk who has a little coin and goes on his first safari shows up with one of these options.

Russell Safari "PH" II

The Courteney Boot

My go to safari sleds are a pair of well worn, very reliable Redwing style work boots which have now seen the bush of Africa three times and are ready for round number four. Worked hard, hunted hard and with a patina that can only come from days afield, these beauties have really performed admirably. 

Old Friend's

However, this season with price being a consideration and fashion always of some importance I started my search for a pair of back-ups that could handle all the bush has to offer but with a few, new criteria as well. Light, tough sole (thorns), canvas for quick drying and also functional beyond the bush for trips into town for beer and cigarette's. Luckily, my lame memory tripped one night and I remembered that all of the scouts and trackers that are fortunate enough to have shoes always seemed to be wearing a French Foreign Legion steeze boot. These guys know the bush, walk a shit-load and are very frugal. Enter the historically significant, Palladium, Hi Pampa.

Palladium Pampa Hi Depuis 1947

"After World War II, with aircraft manufacturing screeching to a halt, the demand for tires decreased dramatically. Palladium decided to open a plant in Pont De Cheruy, France, to start producing footwear that was as hard wearing as their tires. In 1947 the legendary Pampa boot was born, and the functionality, comfort and durability were so outstanding that the French Foreign Legion adopted it for their use. The Foreign Legion put the boot to the test in the harsh desert conditions of North Africa, and throughout the rugged terrain of the Atlas Mountains."

A few days of rompin' around the yard, picking up dog shit should have these sleds ready for a few weeks of chasing game in the Mopane forest of Mozambique. A full review will follow assuming they (I) make it back. 

Herbert Schier - Kudu Desert Boot

Proper footwear is a real important thing for me and most of the time you can find me kickin' around in clogs, desert boots, Maine hunting shoes and New Balance 991's. My affinity for the Clark's desert boot was fostered at a young age because it was the causal shoe of choice for my father. Naturally every little boy wants to be like his old man and now that shoe is part of my hoofing-vernacular. But my good buddy Biggie turned me on to these numbers and I must say, the Clark's are getting an upgrade. The Herbert Schier, Kudu skin desert boot is handmade in Namibia by folks that know by desert boots.

Paterno

Albeit a gnarly exit this guy has style.

Two Worlds Collide

I'm stoked. Vans and Filson have collaborated on the classic skate shoe. Think I just found my new Quail hunting footwear..the high top version of course.

Derrick Rose - The Bull - AdiZero Rose 2

When I saw the vid a few nights ago for the new Adidas Derrick Rose 2 sneaks...I knew these babies were gonna be on my dogs at some point and time. The video shot in Madrid is genius and the design of the shoe as good. I want em.

Fuck Yea

Man Wolfs - Rad

homunculus from Man Wolfs on Vimeo.

I Want to Be a Man Wolf

Red Wing Oxbloods

I want em.

Wish List 2010

Pointer Brand Chore Coat

Blaser R8 Professional Safari .416 Rigby

Geoffrey Parker Backgammon Set

Billy Reid Oxford Boot

Season Pass - Las Ventas - 2011

Suunto X10 Military

Sitka Incinerator Jacket

Mozambique



Yuketen - Johnson Boot

Yuketen footwear, made in the USA by Yuki Matsuda. The perfect blend of blue-blood meets blue-collar, with a vibram christy sole and brogue detailing over the toe and vamp. Perfect.

L.L.Bean Revival

I don't know what to say about the new found love for L.L.Bean classics. All of the sudden people across the nation are posting images of their favorite old field coats, bean boots and the like. I figured since most of mine have been around since the mid eighties and still in service, they deserved a little air time as well.

If I had to choose one shoe from here on out for everyday wear the Bean Boot is it. Rugged, useful, versatile and timeless.

Yes, Lab chewed the one pair. Ironic. Jed, I miss you.

White's Boots

When the leaves start turning I break out my boot collection. Years ago when I rode my BMW cycles to work on a daily basis (weather permitting) I purchased a pair of White's Boots Smoke Jumpers. 10" high, three rows of lock-stitching and tough as hell. Now I just wear them because they are broke in and cool as hell. Good enough for Smoke Jumpers, good enough for me.

Red Wing 875

Classic. This shoe is a sleeper for someone with real game that doesn't need to flaunt it. Gives ya street credit with the guys at the job site also.

Bowhill & Elliott 1874

My wife had a pair made for me some years back. Chocolate with embroidered Stag head and gold quilt lining. Very smart.

Le Chameau Chasseur

Worth every penny.

Clarks Desert Boot

The dirtier, the better.

Gokey Snake Boot

"Worn by presidents, they will outlast any other boots you have owned. Guaranteed to be snakeproof."

Blundstone

Best Utilitarian Shoe