Designing Wayfarer

Wayfarer is my dream boots. That’s for sure. It combines all the best elements of my favorite shoes: Dr Marten’s classic 1460, Converse’s All Star and classic moc toe boots. One may argue, but as far as men shoes are concerned, those three will never go out of style.

The smooth black leather upper is a homage to Doc Mart, while the simple yet strong white thread lines would remind everyone of their pair of Chucks. The moc toe boots (I have Red Wing’s in mind), meanwhile, are represented by that iconic thick, ivory out sole.

Having the design in mind, I looked around to find shoe-maker that can make that vision of mine into reality. And Imperium Footwear did a really good job at that. They got the skills, and more importantly, they are one cool team to work with.

They also add a no small feat to my original design: the hand-painted red, storm welt.

You see. That red stripes aren’t there for looks only. They also make the boots more water-resistant in its weakest point, namely the lines between the soles and body. By folding the welt upward, as opposed to sew it along the fold like Goodyear welt, the welt act as a seal that prevents “leaking”.

Genius, huh? You betcha.

So here they are, folks. The Wayfarer.

Are they look like your dream boots, too?