USN Low Quarter Shoes - Black Calfskin
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Description
When John Lofgren sets out to build a pair of boots, he builds the most comfortable, highest quality boot he can. All of the work is done in Japan from start to finish, using only the highest quality leathers, Vibram soles, and John's own custom lasts.
Originally issued in 1941, John Lofgren's reimagining of the USN Low Quarter Shoe is both faithful in style and elevated in craft. Like the originals, these follow a very minimalist blutcher pattern, with a sleek plain toe and virtually no embellishments. Extremely handsome and versatile, they look great and style well in formal and casual outfits with ease.
Believe it or not, these are actually built on the same last as Lofgren's Monkey Boots. Despite this, the fit is actually quite different, as the lace-to-toe closure on the Monkey Boots give an entirely different experience through the instep and heel. As a result of their pattern, these fit much more snugly through the instep, and size about 0.5 size smaller than the Monkey Boots (see our sizing tab for a more specific breakdown)
They're sewn up from a soft but dense French calfskin leather that's been finished in Japan, while the inside is lined with Japanese cowhide. Featuring a handsome and consistent grain texture with a gentle shine, the calfskin leather breaks in and ages differently than most standard cowhides, stretching less and developing tight, narrow creases as opposed to the larger and thicker lines formed by CXL. Despite its stiffness, this leather does break-in remarkably well, softening and taking the shape of the wearer's foot and allowing for easier movement.
It's finished with very subtle (but no less exceptional) trims, from the tonal stitching and all black edge dye, to the blind eyelets, to the Quabaug heel - the outsole is actually leather, but each pair is finished with a Vibram traction topy for enhanced durability.
Choose 0.5 size smaller than your Brannock size for the best fit.
- Built on the John Lofgren 140 Last
- French Calfskin uppers (finished in Japan)
- Cowhide lining from Japan
- 360 degree Goodyear flat welt
- Tonal flat cotton laces
- Exclusive John Lofgren last
- Tonal brass hardware made in Japan
- 6 eyelets
- Leather outsole with Vibram topy
- Quabaug heel
- Goodyear welted construction
- Fully resoleable and rebuildable
- Tonal stitching
- Custom insole stamp
- Made in Japan
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USN Low Quarter Shoes - Black Calfskin
Size Guide
Built on the John Lofgren 140 Last, the same last as the John Lofgren Monkey Boots, but lacking the lace-to-toe configuration. The different lacing setup on these, combined with calfskin's relative stiffness and inflexibility (when compared to CXL cowhide) cause them to fit about 0.5 size smaller than the Monkey Boots. As a result, our sizing advice for both styles differs, despite them sharing a last.
Need help with sizing? Contact us.
- Narrow and low volume feet:
- 0.5 size smaller than Brannock
- D-Width and average volume feet:
- 0.5 size smaller than Brannock
- E & EE-Width and high volume feet:
- 0.5 size smaller than Brannock
Curious as to how we size our garments? Check out how we measure.