The 5 Best Japanese Boot Brands

* Jake is the king of all things Japanese "Amekaji" fashion, check his blog (almostvintagestyle.com) Instagram ( / almostvintagestyle ) and KZbin (@almostvintagestyle)
* Full article + pics: stridewise.com/best-japanese-...
* See Jake's articles on Stridewise: stridewise.com/author/almost-...
* More Japan videos:
- The Best Japanese Leather Jackets (also with Jake!) • The 5 Best Japanese Le...
- The Best Japanese Red Wings • The 7 Best Japanese Re...
- 7 Reasons Japanese Jeans Are So Expensive • 7 Reasons Japanese Jea...
Japanese craftsmanship is world renowned for its meticulous attention to detail, something that makes sense given the common belief that if you're going to do something, do it as well as you possibly can. Of course, not everything out of Japan is perfect but the best boot brands on Earth are generally considered to be Japanese - if you're willing to pay the markup. Jake from Almost Vintage Style agreed to meet up and showcase his favorite boots of all time, and if anyone is able to make this list, he is.
00:00 Intro
00:49 Why Japanese boots?
02:15 Moto(r) Boots
05:37 John Lofgren
07:46 Attractions
10:21 Clinch
13:21 White Kloud
18:17 Other Japanese Boots
20:17 Japanese boots price
#japaneseboots

[@Stridewise]

Surprised by all the comments about me being on my phone - I'm reading notes I wrote about the companies, guys! Our script outline was on my phone, I wasn't scrolling Instagram lol

[@tommysmith7031]

I get what you are saying about reading notes, that is what I assumed. Perception is reality. It is like chewing gum, it looks bad. It appears some people were triggered by it.

[@redbrows3225]

It's so obvious that you are reading notes I dunno wtf people are going on about.

[@sparkscreatives]

That seemed pretty clear, I wouldn't worry about it lol.

[@miracleman.]

It was obvious to me.

[@zebratroopfan6695]

Just do you. You will never please everyone

[@jordangarrison7402]

I absolutely love Jake, I’ve had the chance to communicate with him a few times over social media and he is just a good guy!! I’m ready for the 5 Best American Boot Brands, mainly so I can hear Jake talk about Role Club and Nicks!

[@Waldemarvonanhalt]

I think what Jake's trying to get at in the opening is that Japan has a diverse range of esoteric and very dedicated sub-cultures and equally skilled businesses that cater to those sub-cultures. Very few countries are developed enough to support people pursuing hobbies/niche recreational interests to such a degree.

[@timl2116]

Just came back from Saitima and ordering my pair of White Kloud boots (May 2023). It was a great experience and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Show-san! My pair of boots are designed to go with custom insoles, because I have heel pain, so I went a size up from my typical 7.5D. I can't wait for them to be made, unfortunately they won't be ready until Sept. 2026, because he only makes 10 - 12 pair of custom boots a year...

[@alihuss.3545]

Nick emptied my wallet after his Indonesian boot video, and now he's gonna do it again

[@Stridewise]

Oh lord if the Indonesian boots were pricy for you you should stay far far away from Japan!

[@drzaius844]

@@Stridewise lol

[@bobjohnson6321]

a really nice collection along with good explanation for why they are high end. it is art and the finest materials and personal pride in production.

[@DMorgan77]

Some beautiful boots on that table, great video Nick.

[@CokeWithIceAndLemon]

Great post as usual, thanks Nick.

[@Stridewise]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@dasphoenixable]

White Kloud continues to be my unicorn. From the moment I saw them a few years ago, and read about the process it’s all I’ve ever wanted in a boot. At this point Viberg, Nick’s and Whites are my top 3 I own, one day unicorn, one day.

[@Stridewise]

That's a pretty great collection man! I'd probably put those at top 3 US boots too. Well, Alden. Where are your Aldens Alex!

[@georgecarlin2879]

@@Stridewise Noo, no Aldens, Nick. They gotta improve their QC game.

[@christophlaureys4848]

The rolling dubs are actually more in the lofgren price range. Would love to see Jakes experience with RDT and Zerrows

[@1979augistine]

Yes today's a good day because my man stridewise is dropping a new boot video . Thanks for the video

[@Stridewise]

This makes me very happy to read

[@albertmanuel5028]

I have a pair of Rolling Dub Trios and the quality is amazing. Tommy over at Butterscotch LB is taking pre orders on several Rolling Dub Trio styles this week.

[@Ikari777]

Jake knows his stuff.

[@ShubhraDebPaul]

Thank you very much Jake and Nick for this collaboration; truly informative. Saving this for future reference. Although this video was about boots I can't help noticing the concept of wearing hat in an indoor setting; very interesting. As far as I learned old-school hat etiquettes from elder generations, hats are usually taken off indoor (possibly to show respect to the establishment the hat-wearer is entering). Maybe that practice has changed nowadays. It's not a criticism by any means (I am not a connoisseur to do so), only a mere curiosity/observation. 😅

[@jihigh482]

Who the fvck cares? Jesus

[@randynovick7972]

This was fascinating. Thank you.

[@Stridewise]

Glad you enjoyed it Randy!

[@linosman]

Thank you for this introduction to White Kloud Boots. All of a sudden, the world is full of possibilities I never knew existed. This has truly been a life-changing event. 👺

[@Stridewise]

That's such awesome feedback!! I've been hearing about White Kloud since I first started making boot videos but they're so mythical this was my first time handling them.

[@johnjones5157]

Super informative 👌

[@vintagegatheringhub5799]

best of the best only in your collection!!

[@StolenAlias]

Y’all really thought Nick was scrolling Insta looking at boots during this huh? 🤣🤣🤣

[@silvermountainman2562]

I recently bought my first pair of Redwings. I got the 8111’s Amber harness. I am a size 11 sneaker, so I got the 10.5 boot. As they were breaking in … I noticed they are perfect with a thick wool sock, but to big with a thin cotton sock. I ordered the same boot, in a size 10, should be here in a few days. Kinda sucks ordering boots from EBay, but my local store is struggling to have proper inventory. I guess that’s the world we live in now … 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@centenoj85]

Another classic video Salute and be blessed

[@trinityhandmade3864]

Awesome video. This is the content we want!

[@Stridewise]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@frankrizzo7185]

Very interesting video thank you. For me I’m still of the mindset that boots should be a little on the rougher side so I will enjoy my Viberg’s (from NYC Standard and Strange) at this stage. Then again it’s a journey…

[@albertoclonado]

Great video, I’m curious to know more about how to style and fit Engineer boots. The Chelseas from John Lofgren seem top of the line, they’re in my long term plans! By the way, Jake’s website could use a search function (or I haven’t found it yet)

[@Stridewise]

Just about all websites' own search functions suck, I don't even trust my own - you gotta go to Google and write "site:almostvintagestyle.com cordovan" or whatever you're looking for :)

[@drzaius844]

14:07 the irony of a hard tailed softtail is making my day.

[@joepol905]

The red one is dope hope we have dat in our country

[@Stridewise]

You have what?

[@dheeraj3945]

8:55 What's playing in the background? Sounds amazing

[@marcosalcedobedoy1710]

Donde puedo conseguir informacion,catalogo y precio,su direccion?

[@joseluisgutierrez593]

About Keystone what are your thoughts?

[@JKA-TML]

Yay!!! More things I can’t afford.

[@joseluisgutierrez593]

If i want to the same oxford white kloud than you, how much i should pay? I really love them

[@ricatiman]

Have you ever looked at Canada's Viberg boots? It's worth your time to check them out.

[@vic225]

have you guys tried slow wear lion?

[@RayAzul7]

youtube is getting better at recommending videos. i dig this. thanks for the education

[@Stridewise]

Oh cool glad this came your way1

[@melghanbari4753]

How do you order clinch now?!? I’ll take used or new ! No where to be found!

[@williammarshall468]

I don’t know if you ever watch bespoke shoemakers on KZbin but the Japanese shoemakers make some beautiful shoes.

[@frankb5693]

Nick, I heard about the Brooklyn subway shooting this morning and I thought of you right away. Hope you are doing ok.

[@Stridewise]

Frank! I actually was on the subway in Brooklyn this morning but I wasn't part of that, thanks for thinking of me bro

[@orlog3343]

So much beautiful shiny leather on one table

[@SeemeonMars]

Visvim makes really great boots.

[@jhonpaulng6806]

One glance at the vidwo i know the red are the best quality everthing doesnt even stand a chance really

[@nimalvallipuram2570]

The most important criteria is not discussed. How comfortable are they on your feet?

[@connorobrien7336]

Any one else catch that flash frame around 14:20? What were those boots? 🤔

[@Stridewise]

Oh shit! Those are the moto boots that randomly appeared there, oops

[@ManoloVintage]

I have a question for anyone that can answer it. I'm just getting into boots and I've noticed something with some of my dressier boots which I got rid of. I've noticed when I walk ,heal- toe, my toe slaps down hard. I also feel like I'm walking funny. My other pairs of boots give me a smooth walking experience. Any ideas why? Thanks

[@anonymousotter6455]

If no one answers here try asking this on r/goodyearwelt

[@talavb9301]

If I'm understanding you right it's probably something to do with the construction of the heel-block. Maybe it's higher than your other boots, maybe it's lower, maybe the heel-blocks on your other shoes compress a bit more when you step whereas this one didn't compress at all?

[@fraa888grindr6]

Not Tok-ee-o (three syllables) Tok-yo (two syllables) I used to have a Japanese roommate. The three syllable pronunciation drove him crazy.

[@eee3400]

same way that Italians must be highly annoyed by the mispronunciation of Giovanni as 'jee-o-va-ni'

[@fraa888grindr6]

@@eee3400 precisely

[@chidoiguan]

And the black ones?

[@priceandpride]

Japanese is perfection

[@tylerscarlett]

I got a pair of RDT and the build quality was less than what I expected in the sense that the ticking on the welt was uneven and absent in one area. Almost like the guy making it had not had his coffee yet that day. They shouldn’t have shipped a $900 boot that way. The material quality was excellent however

[@davidlandrum]

And I thought the wait times for a pair of Nick’s was bad.

[@jadormycc8819]

where can we get these boots?

[@splashpit]

Japan

[@drzaius844]

Welcome to LA, awesome video (again), the Brass Tokyo/Clinch engineer is sooooooo gorgeous.

[@starr0401]

I have two pairs of cheap Uniqlo suede chukkas. Alright I know Uniqlo products don't count. I do have them though.

[@jihigh482]

Ok?

[@strengthandbulkMadness]

White’s semi dress are basically the poor man’s White Kloud. White Kloud looks like it has a better finish on the edge and heel, that it.

[@Sohelanthropus]

Just to be sure, these aren't just handmade in japan, but the brand ceo and every is also Japanese right? Never been a fan of boots that aren't designed by its own country For example, Tecovas is an American company but its boots are made in Mexico I just buy boots from Mexican companies that are also made in Mexico

[@Stridewise]

I guess John lofgren isn’t technically but I think the rest are. And lofgren is pretty damn Japanese

[@Sohelanthropus]

@@Stridewise Gotcha, thanks for the quick response!

[@nampodong]

I want to have a variety of boots. However, I also want to enjoy the aging of boots by wearing one pair of boots for a long time. There is absolutely not enough time to do that with many boots. So all I need is a pair of boots.

[@hopej8560]

Jake looked like Hulk. What do you guys think?

[@Stridewise]

is this a compliment

[@richardwright4456]

I feel like I’m in class and the professor is about to tell Nick to put his phone away 😏!

[@Stridewise]

Haha I had our script outline on the phone that's all!!!!

[@kinangeagle133]

Legit and serious question: Is it ignorant of me to think that the John Lofgren, Attraction, and Clinch boots in the video look too similar to each other, and that they’re just really just different colors of the same style. Im not discrediting or saying the designers of these boots suck and just copy each other. Im just asking if it’s really worth getting one of the three boots over the other? Are my eyes just untrained? Does function and comfort really just force some boots to look alike?

[@AliMirza-lc1fg]

Not sure about Attraction, but the Lofgren and Clinch should look and feel different irl. The Clinch’s are hand welted so the insole to ground distance should be much less while the Lofgren’s use gemming so should have a bigger gap. Also I feel like a lot of the Clinch boots look slimmer and pointier.

[@Tain950]

Damn those Cherry Red Boots look beautiful. To bad that they cost $3000 😕

[@richfranks9161]

Only you can prevent forest fires.

[@Stridewise]

I... okay

[@davidr6026]

😊😊😊😊

[@kallumama5464]

13:58

[@damacknificent151]

I wouldn't use any of these boots for hiking. That's why companies make specific boots for that. These are all dress type boots.

[@Stridewise]

Who said these are hiking boots

[@damacknificent151]

He mentioned if you go hiking around 4 minutes in.

[@thefam9179]

Is there Japanese boots of this quality that make dressy/causal boots like Thursdays?

[@ukkari420]

You should check the Brother Bridge and Clinch. They have originaliy dressy / causal boots.

[@Cotivity]

The heels are a bit hocus pocus...

[@robertsmithUH60driver]

Sweet boots for sure. $$$$ but you get what ya pay for.

[@BlastingDUBSTEP]

John Lofgrens comments about Chinese and Indonesian made footwear really left a bad taste in my mouth. I used to be a big fan of the the boots, hell the shadow shell combat boots were a grail of mine. I can’t support a company that has bigoted beliefs like that though. There are plenty of other bootmakers out there making great products anyway.

[@georgecarlin2879]

I'll never buy anything from him. Hopefully, White Kloud grail boots one day.

[@TAdamRox]

That's just one comment in a long line of really combative and aggressive behavior. His comments on Dr. Sole, his comments on Wesco, etc. It really ticked me off because he is going after real manufacturers and real craftsmen, while he himself is basically just a marketing guy doing private label deals.

[@georgecarlin2879]

@@TAdamRox Exactly! So hypocritical. Plus why single out Chinese and Indonesians and not Colombian and Mexican and other makers elsewhere?

[@joeyc8622]

China is know for mass produced low quality products and that is simply a fact.

[@yueminwang3551]

Dude gets so angry when Dr. Sole put real cork into his boots. I am sure the foam padding in his boots is "ethically" sourced and better than cork.

[@ShutUpBubi]

The weeb tax on these boots is CRAZY Can't beat American Made period

[@ShutUpBubi]

No boot is worth $1000 and I'd say 99.9% of boots aren't worth $600 either

[@ShutUpBubi]

That being said the quality and style of their boots is pretty amazing but my broke ass won't be able to afford them anytime soon

[@edielim5393]

IF THOSE ATTRACTIONS ARE A LOT 444 THEY ARE NOT JAPANESE HORSEHIDE THEY ARE MARYAM HORSEHIDE GET IT RIGHT BRO

[@sahilc6656]

Barely 5 mins in to the video, my eyes hurt due to the speed of scrolling ya'll do with the picture. Slow down man, wth?

[@Stridewise]

Sorry man! I didn't have video b roll for this one so I tried to make the pics dynamic

[@lukehendrickson3669]

SW is eh but Jake is cool.

[@Stridewise]

sweet

[@user-hc5pi5zh5j]

Really terrible look being on your phone during no? Seems quite rude.

[@xylus420]

Caught my attention too! Terrible

[@Stridewise]

Pls see pinned comment

[@Stridewise]

@@xylus420 Pls see pinned comment

[@cozmicblade4410]

First

[@lukehendrickson3669]

lol

[@edielim5393]

john lofgren>?? r u even serious???

[@MrDominic1109]

What's the point of making video about boots but no closed-up shots of the boots?

[@Stridewise]

The pictures, I hoped, would do them justice. I was in Jake's neighborhood using his camera, boots, and time, so I wasn't able to do all the close ups I'd have liked. Alas!

[@edielim5393]

MOTOR YES LOFGREN NO!

[@georgecarlin2879]

Exactly. Just say No to Lofgren.

[@jerrymclaren6663]

Hey dude your doing a commercial lay off your cellphone Duh!

[@Stridewise]

see pinned comment, dummy

[@freddyfox5002]

Japan just doesn't do fashion or style very well. They just imitate, but makes great quality.

[@laxmitty21]

Every boot maker rn is just imitating the past. Also that is sorta true but they do quality better than most anyone else

[@orlog3343]

Yohji… CDG… to name a few …

[@brian.phillips1985]

That's literally every boot company, they are a retro style

[@xylus420]

If you can’t keep your attention on your guest, don’t bring them! Looks like you’ve got ADHD!

[@Stridewise]

I do lol but our script outline was on my phone, that's all!

[@alphacapo]

talking about a boot nobody can get unless they take a week off work and fly to Japan and spend 4k. WTF

[@blackcatsarenopussies]

Imagine you step on the little guy's toes on the bus

[@TheCyclingCardio]

Damn..this channel is going to make me broke 🫠