Why Are Americans Obsessed With Indonesian Boots? I visited to find out.

* Stay tuned for more videos from my Indonesia trip! See the other videos and trips I mentioned below ↓
* 11 ways to save money on boots: stridewise.com/best-boot-deals
* the best way to contact Sagara and see their products is Instagram: / sagarabootmaker
* Related videos:
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✭ Spain Trip: How Carmina Makes the Best Dress Chelsea stridewise.com/carmina-chelse...
✭ How Tricker's Makes Britain's Favorite Boots stridewise.com/trickers-shoes...
✭ Is The World's Best Chelsea Boot Indonesian? • Is the World's Best Ch...
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I FINALLY VISITED INDONESIA!!! This video is almost a year in the making and it's the first of four that will take you to the enigmatic city of artists and craftsmen called Bandung, the capital of the West Java province. Sagara Bootmaker has a months-long waiting list to purchase their boots and Americans are more than happy to wait because in the world of luxury casual footwear, many believe there's nothing better than Sagara. With thick horse leather, hand sewn Norwegian welts, rare Dr. Sole soles from Taiwan, and multiple midsoles thicker than almost anything made stateside, this is an area of shoemaking that deserves a hands-on look. So I went!
00:00 We're in Indonesia!
00:35 How did Indonesia become a boot hub?
02:06 Indonesian boots vs Western boots
02:35 Is hand lasting better?
04:10 Is hand welting better?
05:29 What materials are used in Indonesian boots?
06:50 Sagara's origins
07:46 Sagara's Cordmaster monkey boots
09:18 Sagara's Boondocker WW2 boots
10:39 Sagara's Trailmaster hiking boots
12:53 Why Indonesian boots are often made with horsebutt
13:50 American vs Indonesian customers
15:50 The struggles of being an Indonesian bootmaker
16:40 Wrapping up

[@Maul565]

Indonesian boot guys worship American boots because of Americana culture. Now American boot fanatics are obsessed with Indonesian boots because of the quality. How crazy is that 💪😁👍

[@Stridewise]

time is a flat circle

[@MrStreetninja007]

​@@Stridewise lol nice nietzsche reference

[@briteppr62]

Indonesians have long been enamored by American culture. Nothing new there. Specifically regarding the mutual infatuation in bootwear, partially due to globalization and to Nick’s point, ‘flat circle’.

[@kato2395]

Because of american culture? American boots are great because of its sturdiness, no Indonesians boot are built as strong and as sturdy as American flagship PNW boots. Indonesian boot are only winning in style and tidiness of work and perhaps more handmade aspect without machine if you care a lot about that.

[@uiwatch2456]

Crazyyy

[@adrianpragiwaksana4245]

Hello Nick. As an Indonesian, I'm mad at you because I'm very addicted to 10 pairs of Indonesian boots that you mentioned and promoted for several years (including Sagara, Junkard, Txture, Jakkrabbits, and Santalum) 🤣 Jokes aside, I'm really happy that Indonesian bootmakers are really compassionate for their works and great interview too!

[@Bootlosophy]

Good interview Nick. You brought out Bagus’ character. I really have to try his Boondocker.

[@Stridewise]

he's got plenty of character to spare!

[@garynico9872]

I’m Indonesian, there are lots of cheaper and durable boots here, my dream is to export these boots to other countries.

[@ryanpiyo98]

Any brands you recommend?

[@jgb0017]

Such a treat. He’s a very nice guy.

[@TheSilentsniper1973]

Finally these guys get the recognition they deserve

[@bryanduchane2371]

Because of your video on the top Indo boot manufacturers, I bought a pair of Txture Sanity boots. Have had them for 6 months and they have almost replaced my full leather flops, mandatory SC Summer footwear!! If you're looking for a fine hand welted casual or dress boot, give Txture a hard look. Mid priced Indo boots with plenty of custom options and easy to order using IG. Their customer service is amazing, but lead times can be extended. I can assure you the extra month or so is well worth the quality, appearance and comfort Txture offers. I've had a number of people I didn't know approach me and ask where I purchased my boots, not knowing they were handmade by Txture ..... I'm a typical 50yr old man people typically ignore, but these boots have spawned some very interesting conversations I didn't expect..... Thanks so much for introducing Indo footwear to me and those who should take your advice on their not manufacturers. Without your video, I wouldn't own the finest footwear ever to grace my middle class feet!!!

[@BB-gl7zt]

Thanks for taking the time to share this! I'll give txture a look!

[@adrianpragiwaksana4245]

Agree. Txture is really awesome. I have a pair of Warhorse Selvedge Line with blue Crazy Horse leather from CF. Stead. That boot is a beautiful piece of footwear art

[@tony_r_pierce]

@@bryanduchane2371 Thanks for this recommendation!

[@DesiranKehendak]

Bagus is quite a character. And for an Indonesian, he articulates himself well with some pride and confident

[@kato2395]

Confindent is good but pride is not something to be boasting about. Being too prideful is sometimes Indonesian's downfall 😂

[@DesiranKehendak]

@@kato2395 I got your point. However, the way I see it, the pride is coming from a good achievement, not from a thin air. And to the broader context, Indonesia is still invisible despite the enormous potential talents like Bagus. So, the 'pride' here as an antidote to being inferior. Well, of course, too much anything, even good things like Love will kill you. That's a no brainer.

[@hndrwn]

On the question of Dutch and Chinese: Since before Dutch colonization,Chinese have migrated to Java for centuries. They were even part of the reason of the spread of Islam in Java. During the Dutch colonization, some Chinese people in Indonesia acted as business mediators between the Dutch and the local people, extracting labor power of the peasants in sugar industry and other plantation. Other chinese people were mere wage laborers like the the natives, working for meager wage. During Japanese occupation and decolonization process, many Dutch businesses were left behind by the Dutch themselves due to the instability or were nationalized. Probably the Chinese businessmen take more role from that moment. So the craftmen have been there for generations, while the owners and consumers changed. Those interested can see Alexander Claver's Dutch Commerce and Chinese Merchants in Java: Colonial Relationships in Trade and Finance, 1800-1942 by Brill (2014).

[@ryanpiyo98]

The richest ethnicity in Indonesia are the indo-chinese I believe.

[@hndrwn]

Some chinese indonesians are very rich but many other ethic group has very rich people too (Javanese especially). The racial politics loves to highlight chinese indonesians' affluence to put them as scapegoats to be blamed and slaughtered in times of trouble. This has happened since Dutch colonization. The latest widespread scapegoating happened during the 1998 riot. While Suharto's family has reaped the nation's wealth rapaciously, the mass riot were directed toward middle class chinese indonesian merchants around the nation. It was ugly.

[@darrenhall7454]

This is a great video. It goes to show that quality doesn’t have a nationality, it’s everywhere. You just need to know where to look.

[@Stridewise]

Well said!

[@kato2395]

I am pretty sure that this video is focusing on a certain nationality I don't know where you get that conclusion from after watching this video. But that doesn't mean I does not agree with your opinion.

[@chefrichh]

Nick fantastic interview!

[@M1_u]

You hit a home run with this video. Fantastic video, keep them coming.

[@Stridewise]

More to come!

[@mikekirby2085]

I do love these types of videos. It gives a face to the businesses you hear about. It also really shows there are passionate people who want to make a great product. Supporting small businesses is never a bad thing.

[@milkbaby99]

From American Lisa Sorrell to Indonesian Bagus Satrio back to the US again! Great video! 🔥🥾🔥👢🤩👍🏻👏🏻

[@MrChiumiento]

You are killing it brother. I really appreciate how much effort you put into boots just for all of us.

[@shirayasha]

I love this interview.

[@mauriciouribe729]

Awesome episode

[@not-a-raccoon]

They do incredible work, i think i might need to get a pair sometime soon

[@MrStreetninja007]

Finally I've been waiting on this video

[@Stridewise]

love to hear it

[@Mile-long-list]

Great video, thanks !

[@Stridewise]

thanks my man!

[@chandraunsri]

Orang orang kita tuh memang harus mengerti dan menghargai, craftmanship n bespokse stuff tuh udah pasti mahal dan perlu proses, karena material semua berkualitas dan pembuatannya dibuat dengan tangan secara detail agar bisa tahan seuumur hidup, maju terus Sagara !

[@DMorgan77]

This was great, Nick. I’m sticking with my thought that you have such a cool job getting to visit some of the best tanneries and boot makers in the world. If I remember correctly, he did an episode with the guys at Stitchdown podcast that’s well worth the time too.

[@umarzabidin]

Finally the video is out!

[@Stridewise]

I feel like I’ve given birth

[@bch1309]

Nice interview!

[@Stridewise]

So glad you enjoyed it dude!

[@ibrahimalzahrani4587]

The music in he background is a bit way too loud, but what an epic interview !!

[@Stridewise]

ugh i never know if the music will be too loud or not, i think it depends so much on the individual's audio settings and what kind of speakers/earbuds they use. good feedback though Ibrahim, really glad you liked it nonetheless!

[@ibrahimalzahrani4587]

@@Stridewise I've been watching your videos for years now.. I actually ordered a pair of the seventh in shell cordovan about 3 months ago , and that was thanks to your recommendations. I don't know if you remember me asking you about shell cordovan and the best Chelsea boots out there, and that was before "the top 10 best Chelsea boots video" you made. I really appreciate what you do man. However, I don't really think it's my speakers and giving the fact that English isn't my first language nor it's your guest's. The music made it a bit too difficult to understand, but the caption was a really thoughtful touch.

[@Stridewise]

@@ibrahimalzahrani4587 That's so great! I love it when i help someone choose a boot they love, and especially when it's something that's so niche and hard to order like an Indonesian one!

[@oyster_3694]

Love my Cordmasters!

[@GlockyWithIt]

Got my first pair coming in from Briselblack. Looking forward to getting a pair from Sagara soon!

[@Stridewise]

Briselblack interview is coming out too! Taking longer to edit because that one was filmed in Bahasa

[@stevemacchris7411]

YESSIR!!

[@Bloodcrave87]

Winson (more of a dress shoes maker) is definitely something I'd like to check out in the future

[@tony_r_pierce]

Enjoyed this video, thank you! At the time of this airing, I have a pair of Sagara Boondockers enroute with DHL. Bear in mind I ordered the boots 352 days ago. My take is that Sagara's popularity has exploded their lead times, which might put off some potential buyers. I have a Fortis order that is 207 days old at this point. My Jakkrabbits latest order took 75 days, much longer than their estimate of around 45 days. The Indonesian makers have rocketed in popularity and their production times and prices have likewise expanded. This trend will likely continue...

[@ryanpiyo98]

My Junkard order so far is 97 days. Their lead time is 3 to 4 months, so I'm suspecting an extension by 2 weeks to a month because Tangguh informed me March orders would only begin production in July. So if I'm being optimistic, it's early Aug that I'm getting my boots. I plan to get a boondocker as well, just unsure whether to stick with Junkard or try Jakkrabbits. Sagara and some of the bigger or popular makers are pretty expensive nowadays.

[@thrashsis5412]

I'm Indonesian, I love heavy boots, I had an Ariat and I used it for working and it's durable. The arch is 1.5 inch, it's comfy for me

[@ryanpiyo98]

Think Junkard is incredibly underrated as well. One of the few indo makers with a very detailed website and lots of interesting designs. Their new SC-X last is a good sign to me too. They are refining their lasts, which is the one area Indonesian makers may lack sophistication compared to longstanding american or european makers. Patiently waiting for my boots!

[@robotduck77]

Also for dress shoes, should check out Fortuna shoes in Indonesia, I believe their factory also in Bandung.

[@Stridewise]

Yes I didn't have time to visit them unfortunately, but I do have Onderhoud and Briselblack coming up too!

[@kato2395]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="377">6:17</a> In your previous review the water was leaking inside and you said that the norwegian welt is not really working, has they improved on that?

[@joebiggs135]

Fascinating

[@Stridewise]

this is my favorite comment so far

[@franky3fingers337]

Most Indo boots are just a finely made product and worth every penny. Have a few myself. BUT PLEASE, makers in Indonesia. Hire communications people to your teams. Have a dedicated person to handle customers and their expectations. A theme with many (not all) makers is to ghost their customers while they get their queue in order. Better communications would do your businesses a world of good.

[@briteppr62]

Agreed! Better communication would be beneficial.

[@wenderis]

This! Altho, yes it is part of their charm and part of customers frustration. Not unlike tourist that went to Bali for culture and then frustrated that the laundry woman ghost 'em for a ceremony in the temple.

[@briteppr62]

@@wenderis I’ve no idea what you’re getting at here? The inherent charm of Indonesians leads to customers and tourists frustration?

[@brucewayan8861]

@@wenderisbacotttt

[@arisfurqon9581]

Cordovan is definitely for dress shoes, using it for outdor boots is overkill. Thats why those boots are luxury.

[@ManateeOnRye]

I am actually waiting on some Jakkrabbits as we speak. Some of the cleanest looking monkeyboots

[@Stridewise]

Oh cool! Did you see my video on them? kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIvdfqhmpcp9oKM

[@exxie1]

As an Asian, I support the Indonesian leather goods more than anything

[@jaydawg4014]

Thoughts on onderhoud?

[@Stridewise]

I actually have a video with him too! It's really cool, he treats his shop like a sort of 'university' of bootmakers, teaching them his skills

[@not-a-raccoon]

Stride wisely, even in Norway 🇳🇴🇳🇴

[@Stridewise]

thanks for watching, Norway!!

[@damienmills293]

The music over the conversation is really annoying. I muted the sound and read the subtitles.

[@gron-go]

...what? Seriously? You did not visit Jakkrabbits Boots?!!!11 🤦🏼🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏿‍♀️😢

[@Stridewise]

I only had time to go to 3 workshops but they're all super legit - Briselblack and Onderhoud next in this series!

[@gron-go]

​​@@Stridewiselooking forward to watching it )) I actually empire my Jakkrabbits boots that's why strongly suggest you visiting them and posting a video about them here. 👌

[@gerrydelacruz5374]

Crossing your legs to have your soles close to your interviewee. F-ing rude.

[@user-vn8ej6hl3m]

Nike should buy this company