The Yeager boots from Clinch (Brass Tokyo) are here, are great and feel like “rugged” kung Fu boots! Well they are not but something about the snugness of the fit, the lightweight durability and how they look and feel on just screams Kung Fu!
There is a lot of info below about Clinch boots and how they are made, but when it comes to the Yeager boots, for us, it’s all about the last, the sculpted insole and how comfortable and grounded they feel. What you’ll notice first is how non beefy and lightweight they feel. This contrasts with what we tend to think (us included), that well made and made to last footwear has to feel burly and heavy but, in the case of the Yeager boots, it’s the opposite. They are sneaker like in weight but far from flimsy and when you slip them on they just feel right. That is a claim that might not work for everyone but we try a lot of boot lasts and this last feels very very natural when on.
The stitchwork, materials etc.. as detailed below about Clinch boots are all very top notch and in terms of fit, the size info tab will give you more info but for these slippers of boots to work for you, you would ideally have a slimmer foot with non splayed toes. Saying that, I have fairly wide feet (D/E width) and quite high arches and tried them with a lighter weight socks and my feet slipped in easily, felt a little tight/ restrictive across the bottom of the toes (where they are very low profile) and felt great in all other area’s. The toe is unstructured and the RO leather is pliable so they will give and shape in the more restrictive parts to develop into the perfect fit. They feel superb on, like a much more supportive and sturdy climbing or Kung Fu shoe!
Take a look at the sizing info tab for a bit more depth but really wide or meaty feet won’t get on with them, slim to average width/ height feet will love them. The slim waist and tapered toe feel surprisingly natural and this profile looks fantastic to. We think they will look equally at home under slim or wider hems.
The Clinch Yeager Boots as with all of their boots are great examples of extremes. In a very good way. With all of the makers we stock it would be very difficult to criticise what they produce within their price range as they all have their merits and benefits and that is why we stock them. Clinch are no different in that sense because what you see is a beautiful and charming pair of boots but what you feel and notice when in hand is all the thought and work that has gone into them.
In terms of delivering what the boot connoisseur appreciates in the “workboot/ real boots” marketplace, Clinch boots really do tick all the boxes. They represent the best of the best in small ethical production, all hand made, old world construction, art, beauty and superior materials. Hand: cut, sewn (upper, insole & welt), soaked, lasted, nailed, sanded and trimmed all in a small workshop in Tokyo.
The lasts are truly original, very handsome and angular/ chiselled and shaped like pre war dress boots but due to the toe shape, materials and construction methods they have a more masculine and slightly dressy-workboot appearance. The lasts are made from carved wood, the same as they used to be before the day’s of mass production.
Wooden lasts also mean the boots can only be constructed through hand welting which is a very time consuming and exacting process but also one which can offer unrivalled fit after break in and a truly personal and unique finish.
Clinch are extremely particular about all aspects of their boots and sourcing of the right materials has been and is just as detailed and time consuming as the making. The majority of components are sourced from Japan whereas the leathers have been carefully selected from specific specialist tanners around the World.
