Why America’s oldest boot went extinct.. almost | Russell Moccasins

[@RoseAnvil]

Go to ridge.com/roseanvil and use code ROSEANVIL for 10% off your order! Video sponsored by Ridge.

[@bryanduchane2371]

Shouldn't have cut these!!! The age and condition of those boots were truly historic. But a pair ready to be destroyed!! Not a good choice to cut in half!

[@repairvehicle]

Have you heard of Gokey American made moccasin boots?

[@TheIronSnail]

😲i am also posting a russell vid today or tomorrow! promise this wasn't planned!

[@internetfunnymanrob]

More boot videos are better for everyone !!

[@pedromanuellopez142]

Did anyone ask?

[@Artemis-v8i]

Again?

[@RyTrapp0]

@@pedromanuellopez142 No - welcome to how public forums, like the YT comments section, works

[@adamr63]

I'm looking forward to it, I saw your teaser vids featuring them !

[@gosselinkfinecarpentry9786]

I was an employee of one of the current associates that now owns Russel moccasin. He is one of the best men I’ve v ever worked for. With a long history in hunting and outfitting. I would love to own a pair one day! I’d wear them proudly!

[@channelmachinebroke9638]

I get it. Destroying valuable things can be hard to watch, but this isn't whistlindiesel. These guys actually want to teach the audience what makes a boot, they aren't trying to piss people off. Keep up the good work

[@baberoot1998]

Found a pair of Russell Moccasin Boots...at a thrift store about a year ago. I did some research on them...and they appear to be early mid 70's to mid 80's, in very good condition, (of course that can be a subjective opinion). The soles still have plenty of life in them, the stitching was ALL still attached, and the leather was in good shape...just a bit dry. Saddle soaped them, then conditioned them really well, and they look nearly brand new. Paid $30 bucks for them. I am 50 years old...and I am positive, they will last me the rest of my life, and likely, they will still be re-solable, and wearable long after I am gone. I love them. Wear them on a nearly daily basis. The soles are in such good shape...I doubt I will ever have to re-sole them myself. Good boots...$30 bucks...for life. Cannot beat that... P.S. Mine are in the shape of the Zephyr, with the vamp buckle.

[@DanteJDriver]

I'm wearing a 25 year old pair of Oneida Mocs right now. I also own a pair of Sporting Clays Chukkas that are on their second resole.

[@adamr63]

Darned if that isn't the best looking boot I've ever seen. I've been watching their site for months now, as they've been revamping the lines, and also keeping my eye out for used pairs, trying to glean info about the different soles and leathers, etc. I finally settled on a grail pair and will order soon, there is finally stock in my size. I hate waiting once I've pulled the trigger so the Premier Build options are out. I'm used to heavy mid-height all-leather hiking boots, I can't wear regular height ones as the cuff irritates my achilles tendon. These should do the job when I need a less sturdy boot than my Hanwags, with the much lighter weight, and be cooler at the same time, being unlined and without the rubber rand. These videos helped a lot, it's a lot of money to lay out without seeing the boot in person, photos only go so far.

[@billystpaul8907]

This was the hardest boot to watch you cut in half. And, I have seen them all. I always enjoy the knowledge I get from watching your videos. My next boot, hopefully before the fall gets here. I will drive down to them for a proper fitting. Thanks for another great video.

[@bjet80s]

I've owned 2 pair of the Russell Zephyr II and honestly they are some of the most comfortable boots I've ever worn. Yes they are expensive, but definitely worth the investment. The quality of the stitching and the leather is second to none. I highly recommend this company.....and you can talk to an actual person in the customer service department.

[@muskett4108]

I've gone through loads of modern boots, some quite expensive, but my Russells just keep going. Must have had mine 20 years now. Always been comfortable. Big investment sure, but I think a bit of a bargain too. Possibly the best SHTF boots there are.

[@kingfisher9772]

I met a guy over the weekend whose dad was a forester in Georgia. Wore two pairs of Russells his entire career, died at 83, and his son gave them to another forester who is still wearing them. Wild.

[@muskett4108]

@@kingfisher9772 I wouldn't be surprised. Mine are on the heavy side, just due to the double vamp quantity of thick leather. The leather thick and soft. Construction pretty bomb proof. Basic, but all the important parts done to the very highest able. The older, more wear, the more comfy they are, not that they needed breaking in as they start soft. Mine were the hand cut custom, so very "old world" look from the start. I can't get more than three years out of a modern "go faster" boot. These just seem to go on and on, no worse for wear. They are as breathable and waterproof as the wax you put on. The only negatives are they aren't trail light running boots, and aren't exactly street smart. For stomping about in the muck, forever it seems, they can't be faulted. I'm just pleased someone still makes such a boot. Some day I'll get their minimal constructed ankle style boot for summer, so long as they do them in a wide fitting.

[@fx4fxnytro]

I have 2 pairs of Russell's. Love the fit, and build quality. The one pair I have are custom measured. One pair is double vamp, and the other pair is triple vamp.

[@qfly6]

I’m local to them and own a couple pairs. Worth every cent.

[@RagnarokGenesis00]

@@amanasd26 just them. just them. new owners. Ceo: "bringing business to the mordern age"

[@RagnarokGenesis00]

@@amanasd26 nothing elite about poor quality control. all their previous bootmakers havent passed down the knowledge. just not enough time, bad positioning in current market. they need a prodigal asap

[@RagnarokGenesis00]

@@amanasd26 best bought in store to try out the boot and walk out with the same pair

[@SouthJerseyBaitReviews]

@@amanasd26 There alright but there is a lot of QC issues reported wit the new models and there def not worth the price. You can get 3 pairs of good boots for same price.

[@E1320_]

Most comfortable boots ever. I had a pair of "Birdhunters" my dad bought in the 70s made from Kangaroo leather I wore for over 20 years. I upgraded to Timberland "Newmarket 73s" bird hunters in black with purple threads that I'm still wearing Unfortunately they're discounted or I'd send them to you to cut in half. It's like wearing a waterproof running shoe so comfy.

[@cliffcampbell4267]

Those are great looking boots.

[@derekeaton1728]

Honestly, loving these brand history sections of your videos more and more

[@jameslarue2878]

One of my favorites of your videos, incorporating history, economic analysis, and the presentation of some remarkably well-crafted and interesting boots. Lately I find myself drifting away from heavy, clunky, rigid designs to the foot friendly and flexible true moc construction. These Russels also wind up hitting that barefoot aesthetic. Worth the money! Really well done video. Many thanks.

[@bootedcameraman]

So neat to watch the history of moc toe boots! I have a pair of knee-high Minnetonka Moccasins! Speaking of which, I would love to see in a future video!

[@janibeg3247]

I have a pair of Russell upland birdshooters that i purchased in 1971. The are beatup but still serviceable. I did have to eventually add an insole.

[@HPDrifter2]

Glad to see you giving Russells some attention. They may not be the ultimate work boot, but for hunting and tactical, they are the best. Of course, it took me 30 months to get my last pair.

[@ProfessorCFK]

Interesting seeing a boot called the "Ike Walton" (14:58) after, what I assume, is Izaak Walton / the Izaak Walton League of America. The organization was founded in 1922 in Chicago to ensure that future generations could enjoy the sport of fishing. Neat!

[@thursday4267]

1. Been watching channel since 2020 and these are the most handsome boots I’ve seen. 2. The history of the company was SUPER interesting! 3. The swasey wallet ad was good. 4. You may get more miles out of your toaster if you weren’t putting wallets in them 🫣

[@CosmicJhana444]

Your production is fantastic. It really does right by boots, for real boot lovers. Thanks.

[@davidsauls9542]

Excellent and valuable history. I know it hurt to cut them, but some of the leather was shot. Your collection of cut boots will end up in a museum, so they Will live on !

[@CosmicJhana444]

These are the real Indy boots, using production methods from the time period, that Dr. Jones would be able to readily and aptly explore the world in.

[@intellectualmagician1247]

Great video and a big fan of the history section. Definitely need to pick up a pair of these in a few years when I can afford the steep price tag

[@taylortickle5097]

I ordered a pair in 2020 when covid hit and it took one year to the week to get, best investment ever love those zephyrs

[@troyjenkins3886]

Wow,i never even heard of this boot company and the interesting history behind it Thanks

[@brianmowry9633]

Pry the hardest episode to watch as you were tasked to cut this very rare piece of history in half. Incredible how well those boots were made and stood the test of time. I'm only aware of Russell and the few small companies out of Lewiston Maine who are still making these incredible shoe/boot designs by hand. Easily my favorite style of boot or shoe (think top-siders).

[@Suziefabs]

How ironic that this video showed up in my feed today! My family owned Russell Moccasin for 94 years before selling to Luke Kolbie in 2022. Thanks for the great video!

[@EvzenKovar-i5p]

Love the history! Thank you

[@EricLippi]

Ok we need the in on modern versions of these because these are AMAZING

[@oneof13forestpeople97]

I have so many great shoes/boots because of your channel, thank you so much 🙏🏾

[@turdferguson7686]

please do Gokey boots! a similar style to these i think, made in USA and one of the few shoes/boots, or the only, near me in Missouri so id love to see how they stack up against others. would love to shop local if theyre worth their price. those ridge bags look nice too, finally a product that makes sense because i cannot for the life of me understand why anybody would want a giant, stiff brick in their pocket.

[@a.mccomb3296]

Similar in style, but not build.

[@gnarwhal2642]

How do these compare to rancourt or quoddy moccasin boots?

[@chiros13]

I bought a pair about a month ago. Backcountry in oak. No quality complaints about the “new generation” from me. These things are the best things I’ve probably ever worn. And the online sizing tool was dead accurate. I went from a 13 to a 11.5E.

[@MarcP5267]

The online scanner was accurate?

[@chiros13]

Dead accurate for me. I’m usually a 13, it put me in a 11.5 wide. Perfect.

[@unclegrandfather1]

Cool inside-the-boot lit camera, I hope you will continue to use it!!

[@RirtyDascal]

Just a big VA back pay, and was eyeing a pair of Russell’s; buuuut… I think my kids would appreciate a vacation first lol. They deserve it. Russell’s as soon as we get back though. Those, and a double stack 1911. I’m gonna treat myself a lil bit.

[@russelljackman1413]

Excellent video--thank you, Weston!

[@franciscomacias4392]

Can you cut a current boot to compare quality.. thanks

[@balwgar92]

the most important question

[@timparker5953]

I nearly cried. I really hoped these poor beauties would be spared to live on.

[@HPDrifter2]

I've worn Russells for about twelve years now, and I love them.

[@puddles5666]

Would like to see a modern Russell moccasin comparison to see if they have cut corners over time. Keep up the good work!

[@wyattdean5658]

I got a Imperial boots for hunting 1998. Think $500 +/- for the boots. Still all most new.

[@robbbbery]

I think that's the saddest I've been to see a boot get cut in half. Great video, though, and I really enjoyed learning the history.

[@georgesaoun9720]

Great video as always. A suggestion for an idea if you get many pairs of boots from fans. When fans send boots, they should include the price they paid in a way that you don’t immediately see. You can cut the boots in half, analyze them, and then guess how much you think they cost or should cost based on all the experience you have. You can then look at the price they paid and compare. Just a suggestion! Also, I’d look at cutting some oxfords of various prices in half since they have lots of leather!

[@shaymcquaid]

Watched the whole thing. Interesting. Thanks.

[@jetjaguarXP]

Did Russell actually survive? Are their current boots the same quality?

[@duuurs]

From everything I've heard yes.

[@aceman1126]

The real question is are the current boots as good as the old ones? $700-900 is a LOT of money for me so maybe you can cut current ones next?

[@thesheepthemightythecrazy]

I bought a 100$ double leather soled moccasin from canadamoccasins. Cemented crepe + newporter soles onto the bottom. I get a super moccasin that is comfortable and slip resistant. Resole is just peeling off the newporter and put a new one on. It is not water proof.

[@lazzi2462]

Can you do some Taft boots? I love them & I've been buying a few pairs like these past 3-4 years or so. I just want to know if I'm getting my money's worth though. I mean they look amazing, quality feels great, the presentation & everything that they give you in the box is nice, but I'm not an expert like yall. Lol

[@holygooff]

I can't watch him cutting these amazing looking old shoes in half :(

[@grecoltv5128]

Yes - he should’ve cut up one of the new ones and renovated these!

[@chrisyungeberg6978]

Are you really so soft that you're triggered by an inanimate object being cut open?

[@ToyotaTechnical]

@@chrisyungeberg6978 We get it, you're an atheist. Good for you.

[@timmueller1314]

I came close to buying a pair of custom Grand Slam Sheep Hunter boots before the pandemic but they are still not back on the website. I hope the new owners can bring all the models back along with the quality.

[@doughuras5407]

Love the historical and economic info!

[@boring_zz]

Rose can you review the austrian military boot (feldschuh leicht)?

[@grecoltv5128]

Interesting background - thank you! It would be very useful to have a review of the modern versions, as those are what viewers will be able to buy. It would be helpful to know if the modern versions maintain the same quality standards or whether they are just “cashing in” on the brand name…?

[@kenmiller8499]

I have 3 pairs purchased in the last 5 years, and can tell you that they are the best!

[@andrewnicon]

For some reason I've never really like the fashion of moc toe boots but watching this gives me insight into the construction which is fascinating. Admittedly, I'm basic though.

[@TNdawg]

A pair of Joe’s PH are my dream boots. Always wanted some Russel’s

[@thegreattony]

Pucker toe moccasins are designed for the soft forest floor of the east coast and they fit like a glove, modern shoes/boots are more like a hockey glove and not a glove glove lol, apart from the leather being lasted from the bottom which could definitely improve comfort of a modern boot, most of moc toe boot construction is just for the aesthetic appeal of the pucker toe and most brands don't even do the last from the bottom like Russells

[@zachmoritz9856]

I would really like to see a new one cut to see if they still are manufactured like this

[@gagawagfishtuner2823]

Been waiting on these

[@jonboy8181]

I hope you saved the other one. That’s a piece of history! Thanks for the vid!

[@microchrist6122]

This one was great !

[@CeliceDSCh]

Waiting for his report from the hiking with Russell Moccasin; Seem like the safe way will be half size down D width and full size down E width for most people. I got recommended same sizing as my other boots size from the scanning.

[@ericclaptonsrobotpilot7276]

I need some of those Nestlē boots.

[@regularpit1508]

I really want a pair of these now seeing a brand still making a quality product to last.

[@GreenBlueWalkthrough]

You best video so fair extremely well said and researched! And while I disagree with you alot I love what you do here and you most welcome!

[@bigboii2010]

Redwing made has a traction tree lite made in Vietnam and seeing how they rank in the mitusa and their long history of American made products seems like something we should dive into

[@danielirvine7468]

Cool vid man thanks for all the history. Nice boots A bit out of my league though $$ I’ll stick to my redwings and thorogoods I hadn’t even heard of this brand. You’re vids have stepped up a Level bro Welldone

[@RexusOutfitters]

Had some Russell boots years ago. Almost forgot about them! Whatever happened. to them?

[@Blewpa.]

I really want to get their hunter boots, they look so nice

[@Stranglewood]

I love how Wylie Post is casually mentioned as if needing no explanation. Sold! If it's good enough for Lindy and Wylie, it's good enough for anyone.

[@no1isperfect4anyone]

Awesome to see at least two Norwegians in their national attire the "Bunad" at 15:04 :)

[@curtshelp6170]

I'm still hoping you'll get a pair go Gokey boots to cut apart as they have boots like Russells but less expensive boots as well.

[@nope5481]

Pay attention to the pictures of the owners as time progressed and tell me you can't tell when things were going to start heading down hill lol

[@lowwall1]

I've got 2 pairs of Russell barefoot Thula Thula's that were made in 2015. I drove up in 2014 from Chicago to get my feet measured. The owner, Ralph Fabricius (who made a brief appearance in the video) did the measuring for the custom last they made for every customer. Walking into the building felt like going through a time warp. Old machines, piles of leather, bins of lasts, cobblers hammering and stitching by hand. But I completely understand why they were about to go through some hard times. While the design and materials were first rate, the execution was poor. They messed up the specs on my original order, which is why I have two pairs. Instead of remaking the first one, they offered to give me half off a new pair. The second pair also had finishing problems and they screwed up the specs again. But rather than deal with Russell anymore, I took them to a local cobbler to get them fixed. Still, I love the boots and wear them fall through spring whenever it's wet or snowy. They are super comfortable, basically waterproof and show very little wear after 9 years.

[@wkashun1]

it's basically same as blake-rapid (NOT blake) construction which IMO better than goodyear welted construction (BR: a whole leather midsole also acts as a welt and no glued canvas gemming versus GYW: just a thin leather piece as the welt and glued canvas gemming which can be ripped when resoling)

[@cmora316]

another great vid bud.. thanks

[@itsyourboyt4683]

Loved this video. Keep up with the good work

[@Dimitriworldleader]

Thanks

[@PersecutedTruth]

Ypu guys are the original reason i got russell moccasins.

[@Mexicanredneck9]

My wife is from Berlin, WI. Her father, a butcher and world famous sausage maker, bartered with Joe for a pair of moccasins and a pair of dress shoes for me! Must have been A LOT of summer sausage lol

[@kart182]

These are my most comfortable boots

[@brunonjezic6208]

I still can't believe the last on those things! That is unbelievable, was it a custom? Waist looks so much tighter than modern ones and the toe box has those angels like "2 monkeys" boots have. Just wow

[@nzoomed]

It hurts to see you cut these beautiful boots in half, but its very educational!

[@marsantos81]

It pains me seeing all these beautiful boots being cut up. i need some

[@duelingpikachu]

can we see a review of moonstar gym and shoes like pottery?

[@Jeffery00cox]

It would be rad if you could restored a cut in half boot. In not sure what it would take, But I would love to see the process.

[@Pillsbury666]

Prices just keep going up and up.

[@BillsGarageWorks]

I see the value of the boots. 750 will forever be out of range. Unless you can convince me they’d last 5 years. I would say I average $180 per 1-2 years. Great video!

[@w.c.russellmoccasinco]

Most of our customers wear our boots 25 years +

[@ericdoe2318]

0:08 I bet it’s more like thousands and thousands

[@MatthewHiltner]

That Swasey commercial was interesting

[@jonharrison4548]

I really hope you have created some sort of boot museum with all the boots you have deconstructed. Even a digital museum would be cool. Smithsonian Museum of American Footwear?

[@ibsenpowers6161]

you should do a video of touring the factory

[@petercannova5026]

Amudsen Shoe Lace any good?

[@sms042]

Nice one!

[@IamChrisDuvall]

Best video yet

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

There's still a lot of moccasin constructed footwear. It's mostly deck/boat shoes . It is true that due to the handmade/ hand sewn work required that they are usually made in the Dominican Republic or Indonesia which makes them relatively affordable. They are also usually made with better upper materials than your typical sneaker at similar price points with oiled, pull up leather quite common either without linings or leather lined though synthetics are beginning to appear in some models.

[@ericdoe2318]

1:38 oh Charles had a lot of options on things….

[@uncleronny6748]

I too would not have had the balls to cut that pair in half. I do a lot of crazy crap for work wherein if I make one little mistake the whole part is ruined...but it's not on 90 year old stuff. What do you do with the cut boots? I would make a wall outta them as an architectural detail.

[@thebigmon]

Corporate greed is a reaction to consumer greed. The corporations sell what the consumers are willing to buy. And consumers always speak with their wallets.