Saving the Last 100% Canadian Boot Company

Tsjibbe Kelly shows us how he revived a boot factory with his tooling business. The boots are made with Canadian leather & Canadian rubber.
Canadian Made Work Boots www.tatra.ca/
/ tatraworkboots
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0:00 Who is Tsjibbe?
1:27 TNK Machine & Tool Company
2:58 Leftover inventory
4:23 Leather tanning
5:45 Cutting leather
6:54 Sewing
7:19 Lasting
9:19 Tooling at TNK
10:37 Nitrile rubber soles
13:36 PU direct injection
16:32 Two siblings
17:33 Quality control
18:29 What makes Tatra different?
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[@TatraSafetyBootsandShoes]

Thank you for featuring our company in your video! All the support and positive feedback in the comments are deeply appreciated - wish we could reply to them all. We're also thrilled about the opportunity to work together on the Edison Motors project!

[@lavitzdagon1]

How long till these boots make it to the states?

[@farmerbill6855]

Two questions. Do you sell direct and do you ship to the US? Good story and best regards from Indiana, USA.

[@my_channel_44]

You need to post some links.

[@DEBOSSGARAGE]

@@lavitzdagon1 Tatra ships internationally for orders through their website. Link is in description of this video.

[@TatraSafetyBootsandShoes]

​@@lavitzdagon1 We do currently ship to the states, and would love to make our boots even more available south of the border as soon as possible!

[@cameronlollio6298]

This is what it's all about. Supporting friends and local QUALITY businesses! Good on ya.

[@sledhead78]

*Aboot

[@TatraSafetyBootsandShoes]

@@sledhead78 😅

[@andynieuwenhuis7833]

​@@sledhead78Yes it's All about the boot, aboot!!!!

[@dallassegno]

Problem with social media is likes are all so great but did you buy anything?

[@Mikkel-RS]

@@dallassegno unfortunately my size is out of stock on their store. Otherwise id have already purchased!

[@thecat6062]

I know where my next pair of boots are coming from! Always important to support local businesses and I will be doing exactly that. Thanks for the video.

[@marstedt]

Wish I had more good to say about them but they really let me down.

[@jsiwek7212]

​@@marstedtWhat happened, we need to know. Thanks

[@marstedt]

@@jsiwek7212 I was looking for a wide boot and was not finding any success. Since they are local to me and make boots I didn't see how I could pass up the opportunity. After $300+ and many (six?) return trips for broken laces I gave up and went to Keen. I've spent about $1000 on Keen so far and have been happy with each pair.

[@marstedt]

To add to my frustration, the owner's account was overdue by like 6-months. When I went to Tatra it was COD. My money was on time and 100% correct.

[@dallassegno]

When? When are you getting your next pair of boots?

[@northeasterndirtandpropert7974]

Canadian workers building Canadian products.This is the way it was supposed to be.I bought work boots yrs ago from this company.I will be looking again to support these guys on my next buy.very nice!

[@freemanjackmsiradio]

I definitely did not have 'watch boot making video' on my diary for today, yet found myself 'glued' right to the end!!

[@Itsjustmethere]

I was about to comment the exact sentiment not the normal content i'd watch but I loved this.

[@gordie4059]

Canada West boots are made in Winnipeg, Manitoba for anyone wondering!

[@wesdowling1340]

Yes ,I've been wearing them for years good boots

[@DEBOSSGARAGE]

Thanks! Just want to clarify that Tatra makes their boots from Canadian sourced leather and rubber and that's where the 100% comes from. We have found that while there are still a few companies making quality boots in Canada, they still source global materials and usually disclose that in their marketing.

[@manuelve1998]

I’ve bought two pairs of boots from Canada West, they are phenomenal. I climb trees and needed the best climbing boots I could find. And I was not disappointed. Yes they may have “outsourced” some supplies but by and large, the boots are built in Canada, by Canadians, and I will be buying Canadian made product even with the premiums that come with them. Maybe I’ll try a pair of Tatra boots for ground work.

[@ronchambers3713]

Will look up their offerings and where to get them here in eastern ontario

[@claytonberg721]

Dayton, Alberta Boot company and of course Viberg. Viberg is stupid expensive but is better than Lofgren at 20 percent less.

[@nbrowser]

This is what we need here in Canada, manufacturing...it's something we've been losing way too much of and it needs to come back and back BIG. Rich and the entire Deboss team...keep profiling solid Canadian companies...this is the good stuff!

[@sandchar]

For sure! Especially for the price point that tatra is at, why wouldn't more people buy canadian

[@Hard_Right]

but justin castro admires china soooo much 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@thebigmacd]

​​@@Hard_RightHarper and his buddies loved doing business with China too. To the point they negotiated a free trade deal that favours China in many ways. Men in suits in high places aren't really our friends, even if they talk a good talk.

[@williamcaton8432]

@@Hard_RightHave a day off, mate. Total BS

[@JD-yx7be]

@@williamcaton8432 he does have a striking resemblance to Castro far more so then he supposed father

[@joshuacarr4739]

I was going to say a lot of these boots look a lot like Canadian dress uniform boots and sure enough they are, couldn’t be happier to support a small Canadian business

[@refixed]

I had no idea they were built in Canada, very cool story

[@jwiereng]

Did you overlook the 'Made in Canada" Leaf emblem on the bottom?

[@refixed]

@@jwiereng yes

[@Jaiclickclik]

Thank you for showing us about this company

[@ryand4786]

Impressive, this guy genuinely cares about what he’s doing, and he’s smart enough to make it happen. Made in Canada , not just the label, I’m gonna pick up a pair 👍

[@marstedt]

Wish I had more good to say about them but they really let me down.

[@dallassegno]

Did you buy a pair tho?

[@marstedt]

@@dallassegno I did. It was $300+ and I had to go back ~ six times to get them fixed, then I gave up.

[@MikeFullyFulford]

Love this, we need more of this in Canada and North America. I've been wearing a specific red wing boot for quite a few years because I have a hard time finding comfortable boots, they are almost 500 a pair, last a year, and made in Cambodia. If these guys have a boot that fits me comfortably I'll be getting a pair.

[@zacharywhite8230]

I have been watching history and discovery channel shows for years and I must say this was a top notch quality video! Amazing work guys!!!

[@GMCJay_lly]

Yeah, but I missed the gritty grass roots videos he used to make of him getting dirty in his shop with the cat. Before he had all the sponsors and he made the videos he wanted to make.

[@GWBergen61]

The next pair of work boots I buy will be from these guys, not only Canadian made but local to me as well, Thanks Rich, I didn’t know about this company glad I do now.

[@POLOLOUS3]

Love the story of buying the building for his machine shop, testing the boot equipment to sell it and then the lightbulb went off.

[@that1guydoesthings]

So impressive. It's people like this that keep the world moving. Simple, smart, effective.

[@chucklutz8105]

Great to see a quality product being made in North America!!

[@onyxpartitian]

Canada West boots are still made in Canada too! I stocked up before I got laid off from my old company that gave me boot allowance.

[@onyxpartitian]

After watching this, I want to try these boots next!

[@theprairietinkerer]

I was looking to see if anyone was going to mention this. Shout out to Winnipeg, Manitoba!!

[@andrewthecelt3794]

Boulet were too, don't know if they are still?

[@toyorover1313]

Yes I came to say the same thing! I believe Boulet too. I'm a big Canada West fan. If I'm in the market for anything I always check to see if there's a Canadian made or owned option.

[@Shibby13499431]

Viberg Boots

[@Cemi_Mhikku]

And the prices are so reasonable, too. I've learned to expect "home grown" products being at a premium of 100-200 bucks, not like, 10-20 over the outsourced competition. That gouging is literally why I don't usually even bother looking at them, because I just can't afford it. But this? This is how ya do it.

[@Stevieboy7]

It's because they may be made in Canada, but they're using the cheapest and lowest quality production methods and materials. Every other Canadian made boot is using a MUCH higher quality outsole, MUCH higher quality leather, and MUCH higher quality craftsmanship. These are very much just slapped together .

[@Cemi_Mhikku]

@@Stevieboy7 Names and prices, boy, or you're just yappin' hot air out your hind end.

[@ebouwman034]

15+ years ago when I bought my first pair of work boots people said you should expect to pay minimum 200 CAD or you're getting trash. 200 CAD for a boot today seems suspiciously cheap.

[@dangir1]

Damn I love seeing Canadian companies and the enthusiasm the owner has makes me so proud!! Im a fan!!

[@brodontdoit123]

This is the most patriotic bunch of lads I’ve seen. Very inspiring. Well done boys!

[@ronlind1757]

Retired tool/die/moldmaker here.. love this video! Will look for these boots in Minnesota

[@Morpheen999]

I know what work boots I'm getting next!! Awesome to see some Canadian industry coming back!! Keep up the good work!

[@shawnomack3927]

Support made in Canada

[@glenndennis6801]

Worked at Greb in Kitchener for a short time in 1979. That sole bonding machine brought back some memories. The machines then were banks of 12 or 13 that would take a pair each. So you would through the sole material in the base of the mold and jam a pair of boots on top of it, then hit the two buttons to close the machine. It was a timed set, so by the time you got to the end of the line or before, the first machine would be open and ready for a new pair. It was a pretty fast-paced workplace. Also, I ordered a pair to try.

[@andrewthecelt3794]

Did the old Greg plant get turned into condo lofts for yuppies?

[@wetrock2766]

​@@andrewthecelt3794Greb

[@wetrock2766]

That was a rubber vulcanizing process, what he is showing here is different, modern and better.

[@yurhi]

Only marginally more money then the Chinese boots I've been buying. Time to see about some Canadian boots for this coming winter. Thanks for doing this Rich glad to see local guys supporting their buddies business!

[@marstedt]

Wish I had more good to say about them but they really let me down. Have had much better results from Keen.

[@Gravstein]

I'm from a small place here in Norway, we had a local boot company and ski factory (Åsnes) The knife factory is still up and running (Helle kniver) So this was cool to see!

[@PorscheRacer14]

This reminded me of the show they used to have on the History channel called "How It's Made". This is really cool. As someone that has a natural arch, for me finding a durable and comfortable boot is crucial or my feet give out, followed by my back. I have old boots that are 20 years old and have had cheap new boots barely last a year or so. This is the cool stuff worth supporting and hope to see thrive.

[@UncleManuel]

Cars, trucks, hot rods, machining, manufacturing - it's a rare thing these days that young folks are willing to learn the old ways and keep that knowledge alive in these modern days. Stuff like this makes me happy! 😎🤘

[@happyjohn8256]

Very nice - and Tsjibbe is very excited about his business - he does it because he loves it. Talked to him in the store yesterday and he is just excited about life.

[@TatraSafetyBootsandShoes]

It was great meeting you! Thanks for popping in!

[@matthewgray3375]

worked in slip on boots all my life, moved to Kentucky for a internship in 2003 for a couple years, couldn't find the same style, but did find dedicated wide feet shoes, I understand its not a problem now to get slip on boots there now. Great to see a local company doing a awesome job in your neck of the woods! especially as I discovered I have wide feet, I guess its because I live in a country originally colonised by the English. My wife has narrow feet, I think that's because she is related to GingisKhan 🤣

[@bobgaudet9941]

Thank you for keeping that company going they always are the best shoes love your passion and dedication

[@OUSWKR]

Thanks for sharing the process of building a quality boot with us. I appreciate seeing products that the company cares about the end product for the customers.

[@Nblades78]

THIS. Great Work. We need more of these Canadian Manufacturing Good News Stories.

[@MBarram]

Thanks just put in an order for a new set of safety boots 😁 great to see it's all made in Canada

[@PurpleMonkeyWaffle]

Tatra!!! I owned a pair of their boots and they were bliss! Not once did I go home thinking about my feet. That's when you know you made a good work boot. Thank you!

[@chriskingston4270]

Much respect for manufacturing a high quality work boot in Canada !

[@chryco63]

YES!! As a fellow Southern Ontarian, I will support this industry. I was just talking the other day with a friend that the quality of my most recently purchased Blundstone boots was definitely inferior to earlier purchases. I thought I was paying for quality, but it appears I've only recently paid for the name. Glad to see here this level of quality and commitment -- and if Tatra will produce a street/casual version of a slip-on boot, I'm totally there!!!!

[@miker5502]

Wow! Great to see manufacturing like this coming back to Canada 🇨🇦. This boot is definitely on my radar, buy once , cry once but the quality seems outstanding … hope retailers take note. Cheers from Nova Scotia.

[@pheonixwood1]

Like this on so many levels...definitly Go Canada!🍁! Also the symbiotic relationship between the machine shop and boot shop - each is better because of the other yet also stronger because of the other. And cudos to Tsjibbe for investing the time to understand as well as realizing the value of what he bought (and chosing the path he did), rather than selling it all off by the pound (err... kilogram).

[@coltonmcrae5873]

Never heard of this brand, but I can tell you they're gonna be my next order! Love from Ottawa.

[@rexradar9297]

You should also check out Canada West Boots, made in Winnipeg. Several makes and models of CSA rated Work boots and Cowboy boots.

[@DEBOSSGARAGE]

Thanks! Just want to clarify that Tatra makes their boots from Canadian sourced leather and rubber and that's where the 100% comes from. We have found that while there are still a few companies making quality boots in Canada, they still source global materials and usually disclose that in their marketing.

[@rexradar9297]

@DEBOSSGARAGE Thank you for the clarification. They do look like a great product. I just hope they come out with a composite toe/plate, as they are much lighter and are nice when travelling through airport security as well as not being quite as cool in the winter.

[@ArmorEdge]

Just bought a pair of from Tatra. Thank you for sharing canadian businesses

[@antonweber9078]

Will be telling ALL my contacts about this company! Will be MY next pair!

[@karlalton3170]

Dude Awesome video , and someone that is trying to keep a product alive 😁😁🤘🤘🤘

[@brandonmcclay3572]

I’ve drove out to the factory bought a few pairs for myself. Great boots

[@STEVEARABIA1]

This is so great to see. I will definitely be looking for these.

[@pnjpaintingofvermont]

Great video rich this guy us very knowledgeable when it comes to his product and that's what running a business is all about. Not to mention none of it is shipped over seas for a quick buck it all done right in house for great quality boots

[@rh4267]

Great story. I worked for a company called Vinaflex from 1974 to 1992 and we made unit soles out of TPR and PVC for the Canadian shoe manufacturing trade. Sadly most of the industry is now gone due to cheap imports. I loved watching this video about Tatra as I worked with the previous owners many years ago. It was an enjoyable trip down memory lane.

[@xozindustries7451]

I love it, I always try to buy hand made in America shoes and boots, I’m glad there’s another option available, I’ll try them in the future

[@BCCartman]

Thanks for sharing this! I know where I will be getting my next boots and all future boots.

[@yorkchris10]

I used to wear a square toe motorcycle boot made in East Vancouver. They are noted for making lumberjack and climbing boots.

[@WBOS72]

Great video, going to look in to those boots.

[@swingbag12]

This is right up my alley. Canadian made is so hard to find nowadays. I need boots NOW… I’ll be ordering a set from you guys

[@Intense951]

Viberg and Dayton both make handmade work boots in BC, but good luck getting a pair.

[@janetcohen9190]

Interesting presentation. Kudos to all involved in making what was shown and beyond.

[@Evilslayer73]

Very interresting video :) it's cool to see we still have products made here!!!! long life to this business!!

[@555byron]

Great video! Love to see quality products made in North America

[@ChrisWilliams-pu8pj]

Great video. Really enjoyed seeing the process. Good to know there are still some domestic manufacturers prospering! Thank you. Have company bookmarked. Next pair of boots ordering from them!

[@carlthor91]

Thanks for this, I'm looking for my next pair of work boots. Best wishes from Northern Manitoba.

[@possleaholsteinspossbrofar8429]

Thanks Rich. Was cool to see something built so close to home and small family owned.

[@christianwernher9559]

Fantastic stuff!

[@JohneeB]

Nice to see how passionate and driven he is to make a top notch product!

[@martingreen8049]

A well told story about an amazing company. Great to hear about people still concerned about quality and community!

[@shuttlepilot_]

I always enjoy stories of people working together in a common goal. Thanks Rich for bringing us along. I’m only here for the music.

[@aaronsnider2036]

Awesome stuff!

[@jeremyfitzpatrick7772]

Keep up the great work guys !!!

[@ianmckay1780]

Well that was an eye opener of a video. Who knew that there was actually a company the prototypes, and builds Boots in the same location, as they build new machines/ anything that needs prototyping. That is going to be a game changer for Edison and you with the pickup builds etc. High five to Tatra, for having the foresight to keep something old and still working, updated and now working even better than before. I wish that mentality was widespread around the world, there are people who have these good ideas and get swamped with paperwork for this and that, which doesn't even pertain to their actual business. Just a means of whittling down the "competition" for rubbish "standard" products.

[@kd5byb]

AWESOME!!! Love to know about sizing and fitting!

[@hisforhack]

I Can't wait to see the Prototyping they build for the Edison truck kits. Enjoyed the boot factory tour, In the early 70's I worked at Kaufman shoes (now closed) in Kitchener Ontario, now retired in Port Colborne home of Humberstone/Sunbeam Shoe Company (another closed manufacture) It is Great to see shoe manufacturing still alive in Canada.

[@xrider3732]

I used to climb in their garbage bins looking for leather scraps on my way to school.

[@wetrock2766]

I did business with Sunbeam and Kaufman for 25 years. Two companies that were very badly managed in the end.

[@d.sparkes346]

Very cool! I’m gonna grab a pair from these guys for my next set! Nice to see a real Canadian brand doing something big!

[@TheRcDirtBiker]

I’ll be ordering a pair for sure! I love the quick slip on design!

[@midbc1midbc199]

Canadian made products are top notch and always sold out

[@hannah9418]

How cool! Thanks for featuring this lovely Canadian company. Good to see this stuff still exists in Canada.

[@Mountain-Man-3000]

I didn't even know we still had a boot manufacturer! Awesome.

[@perotekku]

Canada West Boots in Winnipeg is also still made in Canada/family owned

[@Unaidedfoot]

Plumber here and now I know where I’m getting my boots from now on.🇨🇦

[@conorsmyth9963]

Been wearing Tatra boots for years, they really are the best. First time I went, Tsjibbe was there and gave me a tour of the facility. Such a genuine guy

[@DEBOSSGARAGE]

Thanks for the real world input!

[@enduser1982]

Made in Canada, Awesome! Cheers from Aylmer ON

[@1mouse3]

Good to see my northern neighbors, making there own quality boots. I like the double h boots with a goodyear ice outsole and made in the usa, that is about as good as what you all have going on. Yes, a true rubber sole is good to have and gives the boot a long life. I do like that you all are making your own sole, vs out sourcing it to goodyear like double h. My last set of double h boots is getting on to there 7th year, even tho starting to look tattered still keep going and expect my newer pair to last as long.

[@LarsDcCase]

Impressive! Great to see a Canadian company making boots. 😍

[@dvadbnch1930]

Thanks for the insight. Proudly 🇨🇦 and now have the knowledge for whom to support for my next boots to speckle with the paint I spatter!🙏🙌🏼🇨🇦

[@jamesshawjr5299]

Very informative! Nicely done. If I could work again, I would definitely love to buy a pair of Bucks! Thank you for making this video.

[@pippylongstocking5939]

Fantastic.. Great video. :)

[@mediocre_moto]

I've just been over in Canada - wish I knew about these guys before as I would have bought a set of boots off them. The attention to detail is great, pricing is pretty good too, considering the amount of manual work each piece gets!

[@simontallboy209]

Thanks for making this video. I'm a fuel hauler and good comfortable boots have been tough to find, and getting more than a year out of a set is pretty much impossible. Will definitely be ordering a set to see how they do

[@shabadoo24]

Over here in Newfoundland, we had Terra Nova Shoes, they made Terra work boots and shoes. Kodiak bought the company and moved it to China. Were made in Canada now China

[@simoneales2568]

I will support these guys for sure

[@darkerbinding6933]

It's great seeing N American manufacturing and innovation. Thank you.

[@Rhunadan]

Man this brings back memories. When I got out of highschool, I worked in the machine shop for the company that made Cougar Boots, if anyone here is old enough to remember them. Then sadly they moved production to Taiwan.

[@donwp]

I know what I'm looking for first, the next time I need a pair of boots. Thanks for this video.

[@davidsawyer1599]

Great job! I have sent an email already to Bucks before typing this. Thanks again.

[@TJ-oi5qe]

I always try to buy Canadian, I currently own boots from Canada west and Royer. I will definitely be looking into these for my next pair of work boots. 🇨🇦

[@ddversatile]

This video was good timing! My workboots were finished and buying something truly built in Canada is exiting versus the overseas junk that barely lasts a year and the price is very similar so I'm exited to try

[@brianb8401]

great story and great to see

[@benstrait333]

Very cool story and company! I'm impressed with the price too, considering what they've put into them 👍

[@corinnelaking569]

I'm due for a new pair of work boots soon. Thanks for making me aware of an Ontario made option. 😎

[@Terry_Fritz]

This is great to see. We still have Blundstone, Rossiter and R M Williams in Australia but I no longer know what level of production they do locally. Plenty of designers around who get Asian countries to build to their specs too but you never know what you'll get without the knife test. Thanks for the tour Rich.

[@mozeby1975]

Met these guys at a local craft show a few months ago. Good quality boots. Wish them luck.

[@toddfleury7324]

That gave me some needed hope for the future.

[@Camper-kw5yr]

That was awesome to learn aboot boots still made in Canada.

[@nicolasnicolaslp6491]

Great video If I may suggest another canadian boot maker you could go check out Boulet boots. It is now the 4th generation of Boulet who are running the business. It started in 1933, and makes cowboy boots and casual ones. But, I'll say that on their website it says that the leather can come form north america as well as europe. Sorry if there are mistakes in my english.

[@wetrock2766]

They don't make work boots like shown here.