There are few things in this world that Japan fails to do better than anyone else. From incredible food, cutting-edge electronics, hilarious karaoke opportunities, high-speed train travel, to Samurai warriors, the nation just creates awesome things. The new Hill-Side Cold-Weather Survival Moccasin Boots are another thing the country gets so right.
These moc boots are ethically and responsibly manufactured in a 140-year old factory in western Japan, made with a painstaking attention to detail and pristine aesthetic that the Japanese are known for. Each pair of boots is assembled and sewn by hand by well-paid, highly skilled craftspeople. Uniquely, the rubber soles of each of these Hill-Side boots is made by using a traditional vulcanization process using natural rubber that the factory produces in-house.
The herringbone patterned wool and rayon fabric mix of the shoes’ body is also made in Japan. With design inspiration derived from the 1950s United States Air Force survival moccasin boots, the shoes have an attractive utilitarian silhouette for pounding through the snow or just kicking around in the park. To keep the winter chill out, the boots feature a custom designed rope lacing system that permits multiple lacing configurations for both looks and comfort. An attractive strip of canvas-backed rubber foxing tape runs the length of the back for an even more pronounced style statement.
The pared down attention to detail is evident in the heart and sole of these boots, making them a winter essential for any closet.