Who are the Japanese boot-makers that use shinki horsebutt?

[aorange]

Hello loungers,

I’m about a month out from my Tokyo trip and am trying to shortlist some boot makers to check out.

I’ve been rather enamored with the John Lofgren Black Shinki Horsebutt line lately, but after trying them out the engineers in person, I realized they don’t really work for my foot due to my low instep. I’d like to know which other makers use shinki horsebutt to make boots so I can try them in person in Japan (bonus points if they do styles that aren’t engineers, since to date no engineers have fit me).

As for why I particularly like shinki horsebutt, the hexagonal grain appeals to me. I’ve attached the photo that sent me down this rabbit hole in the first place.

 

[cbez]

I haven't seen any other Japanese brand using the shrunken style.

 

[aorange]

I haven't seen any other Japanese brand using the shrunken style.

Is that how the grain pops so much? I’d never heard of them shrinking the hides to get that effect. I thought that was just caused by the cordovan not being extracted.

 

[cbez]

Is that how the grain pops so much? I’d never heard of them shrinking the hides to get that effect. I thought that was just caused by the cordovan not being extracted.

yep. leaving the shell layer in doesnt do much except make the grain tighter and the creases more 'rolly' since it isn't as flexible.

 

[aorange]

yep. leaving the shell layer in doesnt do much except make the grain tighter and the creases more 'rolly' since it isn't as flexible.

I see, I was wondering why other offerings like Addict or Attractions didn’t look the same.

 

[DogFacePonySoldier]

My JLs don’t have that much hex grain, it’s there but more subtle.

 

[aorange]

I’ve come to that realization as well, I’ve messaged a few retailers for photos and there’s definitely a lot of variance in how they choose the leather for each pair.

Some have the grain on the heel cup, and some have it on the shaft. I think the specific pair I’d like to have would have smoother grain on the heel cup and more hex grain on the vamp.

I suppose I’ll be looking for a while, but I’m happy to spend the time to hunt for 100% satisfaction, especially since I recently got a pair of the Attractions 603 to play with.