Waldjäger

Waldjäger 

A TRADITIONAL DOUBLE-STITCHED HIKING BOOT

MADE IN GERMANY

EXCLUSIVE TO GHC OUTDOORS

Allow me to introduce you to the Waldjäger. A traditional zwiegenäht or double-stitched hiking boot. Handcrafted in Germany. These are works of art. Like Jötunn and Thunor, these boots are traditionally made hiking boots. They will serve you well for many years. 

The upper of the Waldjäger is made using Juchten leather which is 3.4mm/3.8mm thick. A highly durable leather, impregnated primarily with birch tar oil during the tanning process. This is an ultra premium leather from Italy. 

As you may know, I’m a huge advocate for the preservation of traditional skills and artisan workmanship. These boots encapsulate my advocacy perfectly. 

The Waldjäger is a boot for those who yearn for the rawness of nature. 

SPECIFICATIONS

• Juchten leather upper 3.4mm/3.8mm (sometimes referred to as Russian leather)
• Genuine double-stitched (Norwegian welt)
• Vibram® Roccia sole for exceptional wear and grip
• Leather lined
• Fully gusseted padded tongue
• 100% Handcrafted in Germany
• Rubber midsole
• Completely repairable
• Sustainable production
• Incredible ankle support and protection
• 4mm rubber midsole
• Category A/B hiking boot

CONCEPT

The Waldjäger is actually quite an interesting boot. Structurally, it is a traditional ‘mountain boot’. The traditional double stitching or Norwegian welt, means that the boot can easily be resoled and repaired. This construction method creates a very strong boot. This design is from long ago, when boot categorisation wasn’t a ‘thing’ and safety didn’t preoccupy every waking moment. The requirements were simple, a boot that was supportive and protective. 

The Juchten leather is thick and well oiled. It should therefore require little in the way of maintenance. It will provide you with good waterproofing and breathability. There is no waterproof membrane. These are boots for people who prefer to manage the microclimate of the boots themselves.    

I personally love this style of boot. My goal with GHC is to get people outdoors, preferably in well made boots. Boots such as these. However, sometimes this type of boot is just too much. Sometimes, the ‘drop’ is surplus to requirements in certain environments and the boots feel too heavy. This can put needless strain on your knees and calf muscles.

What if you wanted to wear this type of boot more frequently? 

What I decided to do, was to have the boot made slightly lower. Change the midsole slightly and use a lighter outsole. I wanted this traditional hiker to be more ‘UK’ friendly. If it was to be categorised, this boot would be around an A/B. Make no mistake though, this is still a seriously tough boot. It can handle being well above sea level. I also decided to opt for a slightly thinner Juchten leather. I think that this thickness is perfectly sufficient. 

The Waldjäger is perfect for established and less established trails, in the hills, mountains and forests. Yet also perfect for a dog walk, countryside ramble and for working outdoors in. You could easily reverse these design decisions, when the time comes to have them resoled. The choice is yours. 

WHO IS THE WALDJÄGER FOR?

This boot is for those who like to keep things simple. People who put their boots on before a hike or hunt and think nothing else of them until they take them off. The Waldjäger is also for those who appreciate traditionally made boots and want a truly sustainable product on their feet. These boots make a statement in nature but leave very little impact upon it. 

BUILT ON REQUEST

These boots are special and are therefore built on request. 

6 WEEKS BUILD TIME – BOOTS FOR A LIFETIME

If you don’t know already I’m a big believer in slow fashion and circular fashion. I really want to encourage people to change the way they purchase footwear. I’m for mindful consumption and supporting artisan craftsmanship. 

Built on request means that your boots receive extra attention when they are being made. There is significantly less waste producing boots this way and I’ll be with you every step of the way! The process isn’t that long. Please allow for 6-8 weeks. This time includes the manufacturing, shipping to me for quality inspection and shipping on to you. You won’t be disappointed. Always remember you can’t rush art!

I STILL ACCEPT RETURNS FOR PURCHASES MADE WITH THE UK! NOT A PROBLEM. INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS PLEASE READ MY TERMS HERE Shipping and Returns