Workwear boots

Here you'll find our range of welted workwear boots from Yanko and Midas Bootmaker. Both brands offer the best possible quality within their price range, with rugged service boots, moc toe boots and NST boots.

From Yanko, we offer three different models in a variety of leather options - including two versions in Shell Cordovan. A collection that we at Skolyx have been involved in developing. The shoes are Goodyear welted and easy to re-sole, are fully leather lined, have heel stiffeners in leather board which conform well to your feet, and with durable rubber soles from Vibram or XL Extralight.

Skolyx is also the first European retailer ever to offer Indonesian hand welted workwear boots, this from the highly reputable brand Midas Bootmaker. The price of these, given the quality and level of craftsmanship, is simply amazing.

These are boots that are made to be worn hard, and will only look better and better with age.

What defines workwear boots?

Workwear boots are rugged, sturdy boots that are made to withstand tough conditions, while remaining comfortable. The type of workwear boots that we at Skolyx sell are, like most of our footwear, traditional versions that are made with high quality welted construction, which can be resoled and repaired. The models are classic service boots, moc toe boots and NST boots, which have been around for many decades and were originally pure work boots, but are now often worn as everyday shoes in many different contexts. The sole edges are usually left undyed so that the marks that often appear on this type of boot are not so obvious.

What are moc toe boots?

Moc toe boots are characterised by an apron seam, which runs along the top of the front of the shoe, and is derived from the same type of seam being found on moccasins. Moc toe boots also usually have a high, roomy toe box, and are made with soft lightweight wedge rubber soles. American Red Wing is probably the brand most associated with moc toes, but it's a boot model that many different manufacturers have offered for many decades, and has grown in popularity in recent years due to its comfort and versatility.

What are service boots?

Service boots were originally a military boot used by among others the US Army in World War I and II, but were later adopted by workers in the mining and logging industries, among others, where they are still a common sight in the US today. It's an ankle-high derby boot with heel cap and plain toe or with toe cap, usually with welted or stitchdown construction, and with durable rubber soles. The most iconic service boots are made by Canadian brand Viberg, but even here there are lots of different manufacturers in different price ranges.

What are NST boots?

NST is an abbreviation for Norwegian Split Toe, this is another classic boot model, which like moc toes has a so called apron seam, however usually with a lower edge, and here also with a split toe. Made with open lacing, traditionally with welted construction and often combined with a storm welt for extra water resistance. The name Norwegian Split Toe comes from the fact that it's a model derived from a type of shoe developed for Norwegian fishermen in the late 19th century, where high demands were placed on resistance to water.

What type of leather is used for workwear boots?

A difference from other more dressy welted boots is that among workwear boots, leather from thicker cowhides is generally used instead of smaller, thinner calf leather. The leather should be durable and sturdy, full grain leather where the entire hide is used is a must, and it's common for both smooth leather, nubuck and suede/roughout to be waxed and/or oiled to better withstand moisture. Both chrome tanned and vegetable tanned leathers are used, with slightly different characteristics. What distinguishes all types is that it's leather that acquires a lovely character as the natural patina of wear and hard use shows through in the material, where no two boots will look the same as the years go by.