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NEW | THE LEDER KLOMPEN (THAT'S MIDDLE DUTCH FOR LEATHER CLOGS) |
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We've been carting around a set of old Dutch/German lasts used for making Orthopaedic or Anatomically formed footwear for decades, thinking: "One day we'll put these back into production".
Well, today is the day, folks.
This clog is a story of the two histories of our business combined. The Clog was the shoe our founder, Ross Wootten, made the most of; it was the seventies, in the Adelaide hills, Hahndorf was just down the road, so you know, it made sense. An old mate of Ross', Wilfred, dropped into the workshop last year and left a photo (see below) and a lot of stories of how he and Ross had made "hundreds of them" through the 70's and 80's. We've still got the patterns on file (best never to throw anything out, right?).
Fast forward twenty-odd years and our company, Custom Fit, made orthopaedic shoes and sandals under licence for a Dutch/German company (there are still a heap of old patterns filed away upstairs, again, we don't throw stuff out). Twenty years after that, when Jess took over, some 90% of the shoes we made were orthopaedic.
So, it makes sense that another twenty years on we ought to bring these back into the fold... oh, and it's Summer soon, and boots and shorts at the beach is a peculiar look, one which Jess has been rocking for a wee bit too long...
We're aiming to have fitting stock available to try in store early November. But, for now, we have a fitting guide which charts the sizing alongside that other rather well known German clog brand (you know the one, but we'll say it anyway, it's Birkenstock).
Jump on the product page to check 'em out. We'll be doing a limited run delivered before Christmas of about 30 pairs, so if you're keen, grab a pair before they're gone (along with Summer).
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LEDER KLOMPEN IN TEAK ROUGHOUT
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A NEW ORIGINAL | THE BLACK JACK |
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The black Jack Gusset boot was the standout choice in our recent presale of black boot options, receiving a clear vote of confidence from those looking for a classic, versatile black boot.
As promised, we've added it to our regular rotation of Originals. The first batch is now coming through the workshop and will be available shortly.
Built from durable black crust bovine leather tanned in Geelong, the Jack Gusset is made to be worn hard, repaired when needed and enjoyed for years to come. Reliable and versatile, it's a boot well-suited to the realities of Australian life and, in the case of Victoria, just about any cards the weather Gods decide to deal out.
To play blackjack, visit here.
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NEW IN STOCK BAGS OPTION |
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Over the years we've found that while many customers are happy to wait for a made-to-order bag, there are just as many occasions when time is a little more pressing. A birthday comes around all of a sudden, a trip appears on the calendar, or perhaps you've simply decided it's time to replace the bag you've been carrying for far longer than intended. Just like we did some two Christmases ago... the Ikea bags we'd been using (whilst entirely practical) left a little to be desired for a family that makes leather bags for a living...
With that in mind, we've introduced an In-Stock Bags section to our website. It's a straightforward way to see which bags are currently available and ready to leave the workshop without the usual wait. Whether you'd prefer to visit us in store or have your bag posted directly to your door, these pieces are ready to go. Whilst Ikea bags do carry things, they're probably not ideal as a Christmas present, nor a landmark birthday gift.
So whether you're searching for a special gift or investing in something for yourself, the In-Stock Bags category makes it easier to find a bag that's ready when you are. They are one-off's, the collection will change as bags are completed and find homes, so be sure to check in every now and then until the bag that has your name on it pops up.
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HOW TO BUILD A QUALITY BOOT |
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Recently we uploaded a longer form video to our YouTube channel running through the different forms of welted footwear, how ours are made and what to look out for. So for those of you who like to know what goes on under the surface of the footwear we make, (and others too) perhaps this video might be a useful insight.
Hand-welted, Goodyear-welted and McKay-welted construction all offer something different, and each has its strengths. The reality is that great footwear is rarely defined by a single process. A boot is the sum of its materials, construction and craftsmanship, including many components that are never seen.
At Wootten, we've settled on a combination of traditional hand skills and carefully chosen mechanised processes. Our focus is simple: use hand-processes where they improve the outcome and machine-processes where efficiency doesn't compromise quality. Just as importantly, we design our footwear with repairability in mind. Most components can be maintained, repaired or replaced over time, helping extend the life of the boot for many years. Ultimately, buying something that can be worn, cared for and repaired over decades is a win for both the wearer and the planet.
Click the image above to watch our YouTube video, where we explore the history of welted footwear, the differences between hand-welted, Goodyear-welted and McKay-welted construction, and why the best outcome is rarely determined by a single manufacturing process.
Below is a quick gallery of a well-loved pair of Gordon boots that recently returned to the workshop for a new sole and heel top. After years of regular wear, they're ready to head back out for many more miles, demonstrating the value of footwear designed to be repaired rather than replaced.
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THE PAIR OF BOOTS ARRIVE FOR REPAIR
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MATT BEGINS BY PEELING THE OLD SOLING OFF
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REVEALING THE INTACT MIDSOLE
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PULLING THROUGH ANY OLD THREADS
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ROUGHING THE BOTTOM READY FOR THE NEW SOLE
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TRIMMING BACK TO THE RIGHT SIZE
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JESS STITCHING THE NEW SOLE TOGETHER
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THE FINISHED REPAIR READY FOR ANOTHER FIVE YEARS
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INTRODUCING DALLAS |
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Dallas spent over a decade as a publican before joining the Wootten crew, trading schooners for stitching and sanding. He’s tall, funny, and firmly committed to shorts in warm weather. Curious by nature, he’s keen to learn every machine and method we use here — and he’s always up for a chat with whoever walks through the door.
He also has a soft spot for cheese jokes, which appear without warning and with surprising commitment.
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FINAL ACCESSORIES ORDERS |
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With Christmas fast approaching, we're beginning to look ahead to our end-of-year production schedule for bags and accessories.
While we'll continue taking orders throughout the year, October is generally the safest time to place an order if you're hoping to have it completed and under the tree by Christmas. Production capacity can vary depending on workshop workloads and the complexity of individual pieces, so earlier is always better.
Krys will be keeping a close eye on the schedule over the coming months, so if you're considering an order and would like an idea of timing, don't hesitate to get in touch by phone or email. We'll always do our best to provide realistic expectations and let you know whether we can have your order completed in time.
If you'd prefer not to wait, be sure to check out our new In-Stock Bags category on the website. It's the easiest way to see which bags are available right now and ready to head home with you or be posted out immediately.
After all, the only thing better than giving a handmade gift is giving it on time.
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END OF YEAR DATES - CLOSURE/REOPENING |
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Despite our love of all things leather, we're also looking forward to a chance to slow down, spend time with family, and enjoy a well-earned break after another busy year in the workshop.
The workshop and retail store will be closed for a period over Christmas into the summer hoildays.
Due to Christmas falling on a Friday, we'll be open the Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd December 10-4 for any last minute decisions or pick ups.
If you're hoping to order something before Christmas, it's worth keeping our lead times in mind. The sooner we can get started, the better. If you're unsure whether we'll be able to complete your piece before we close for the year, please get in touch. We're always happy to help and point you in the right direction.
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SHOP HOURS |
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Our regular shop hours are:
Thursday - Saturday 10 - 4
WOOTTEN WORKSHOP
Shed 1, 20 Elizabeth Street
Delacombe VIC 3356 (in Ballarat)
Just put Wootten Ballarat into your Google Maps
03 9510 6503
workshop @ wootten.com.au
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