FORESTA

FORESTA 

 Nel mezzo del cammin di nostra vita

 mi ritrovai per una selva oscura,

ché la diritta via era smarrita

Dante Alighieri – LA DIVINA COMMEDIA

THE FORESTA IS A MADE TO ORDER BOOT 

Nestled away in Stoney Middleton Derbyshire, William Lennon is the last remaining heavy-duty boot and shoe manufacturer in the UK. Their factory, ‘The Old Corn Mill’ is known by boot aficionados throughout the world.

Having the chance to work with William Lennon & Co. again was something I jumped at. 

Supporting local businesses is important to me, I hope it is to you too. Opportunities to support traditional skills don’t always present themselves. I fundamentally believe that it is these skills, that create an attainable pathway to sustainability.

 I hope you’ll agree that the FORESTA is a beautiful boot.

AT A QUICK GLANCE…

Naturally I had to use Charles F Stead leather for the uppers. This legendary tannery produces some of the world’s most exceptional leather. I personally love their waxy commander leather and for the FORESTA, it had to be the BROWN SNUFF.

A double leather sole, for uncompromising rigidity. Vibram® Grizzly forepart and heel, because good grip matters. 

Brass eyelets and the GHC pull loop. Simple. You will also receive two sets of laces. One leather and one cotton. You can trim the leather ones if you wish.  

The boot also has a leather lined heel quarter. A little luxury doesn’t hurt. 

MADE IN DERBYSHIRE. 

LEATHER FROM YORKSHIRE

IDEA FROM NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

100% MADE IN ENGLAND

INSPIRATION

The idea for this boot came to me during one of my many woodland walks. Woodland is my sanctuary. 

I took my design inspiration from the ammo boots and hiking boots of the 1930s. I love the timeless look of these boots. Raw functionality was my goal. 

Double leather midsoles and Vibram® Grizzly outsoles. The GRIZZLY offers superb grip across a myriad of conditions. Expect exceptional wear and grip. I decided to have the Foresta built on a semi-sprung last. This last shape provides a slight curve at the end of your feet. The idea is to facilitate a rolling motion as you walk. The intention being, to decrease the effort required to maintain a natural stride on uneven ground. This last was actually developed for the British ammo boot of the second world war.  

The Charles F. Stead leather. That rich snuff brown! I really wanted a leather that looked like the forest floor. Something earthy and dark. I think this colour is almost there. Waxy commander leather, is a patina machine too. But I also love its functionality The leather is also made in England. The tannery is about an hour away from GHC HQ. 

SLOW FASHION LIVING WITH NATURE NOT FIGHTING AGAINST IT

ON FEET

I love to test boots and find out their strengths and weaknesses. I also know how much my customers appreciate honesty. Opinion is one thing; experience is quite another.

Let’s start with the break-in period. It’s a little lengthy. I spent a week wearing them indoors and outdoors, though not on a lengthy forest walk! In that time, I also played around with lacing styles and different socks. Get to know your boots!

I love the semi-sprung last. There really is a ‘facilitation’ of a ‘rolling motion’. It might feel a little odd at first, but you’ll be surprised how quickly you adapt to it. Given the miles I walk, I’m all for something that makes it easier. It creates a ‘push’ off the ball of your foot without any real effort, hard to describe but wonderful! 

Rock solid stability is the first thing you’ll notice; I’d put money on that. This will feel strange at first. The uppers will not take to long to break in though. The leather is very strong, but it has a fantastic suppleness. 

The grip. It’s good, in fact it’s very good. I expect the wear time to be a lengthy one with these. Naturally, the sole can be changed if you prefer something a little different. The ankle height means the boots feel nimble and they don’t feel particularly heavy either. 

The leather lining around the heel quarter, gives the boot that dash of luxury. I think it’s a nice touch. 

MAINTENANCE

Waxy commander leather is very oil rich. I recommend regular brushing with a horsehair brush. I can also recommend a sparing amount of dubbin or wax being applied to the leather. It’s best to put some wax on the leather midsoles, though you shouldn’t have to do this as regularly as the leather upper.

When they get dirty, let them dry. DO NOT leave them next to a radiator or other sources of heat. DO NOT attempt to force dry them. Let them dry naturally. Once they are dry, wipe them down with a damp (not dripping) cloth and allow them to dry again. Then use a stiff brush to take off any dry chunks of dirt. You might want to wipe them with a damp cloth again after this step. Once you have dry boots again, brush with your horsehair brush. If you want to then add a layer of your chosen ‘leather food’ do so now. Depending on what you use, you might want to leave the ‘treatment’ for an hour to 24 hours. Then give them another brush. My advice is, keep it simple. You’ll find a method that works for you.

Why is this boot made to order?

Boots made at the request of the customer is something that I’d really like to push more. So, I am!

I don’t see made to order as being antiquated in a negative sense. I see it as being a return to how boots were once purchased. I spoke to William Lennon about this as an idea and received a very positive response. The waiting time is approximately 20 weeks for your handmade and traditionally lasted boots. Waste is minimized, which is great for the environment. All attention is focused on your pair of boots. You get a pair of boots that are handmade in England, in a unique way. Together we can keep this artisan process alive and well. I really want to encourage people on the path of slow fashion and mindful purchasing. Boots shouldn’t be disposable. 

REAL PEOPLE. REAL WAGES. REAL FUTURES. PROPER BOOTS!

WHY NOT CHECK OUT THIS BLOG POST ABOUT THE FORESTA FORESTA ENGLISH HERITAGE BOOTS

Sizing

To find your correct size, draw around the outline of your foot with a pen. Keep the pen straight and upright. Then measure the length of the foot from heel to the longest part of your foot, usually your big toe.

THESE BOOTS FOT TRUE TO TRADITIONAL UK SIZING AND ARE ALL MADE TO A G WIDTH. 

These measurements are a maximum allowance. If your measurement is close to the length or you wear thick socks, I recommend that you go up one size. If you have any questions on sizing, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. info@ghcoutdoors.co.uk