Blue Ridge Suede Moc Toe Boot

The moc toe boot was born on the American factory floor. The U shaped seam across the front of the foot, sewn by hand and on top, existed for a practical reason: it gave height over the toes and left room for the foot to swell after ten hours standing. It became a classic because it worked, not because it was pretty.

The Blue Ridge Boot takes that design and darkens everything. The upper is cow suede in a brown so deep that, in low light, it almost passes for black. Over that ground, the only points of color are blue, all muted: the topstitching that runs the moc seam, the padded tongue and a mountain range embossed on the heel counter.

A 5 in (13 cm) shaft that closes just above the ankle, a 1.2 in (3 cm) heel and a rubber sole with a traction pattern. Heavy enough to hold a wide pant hem, light enough for the whole day.

The blue details

The tongue is padded and made of muted blue suede, with the line's emblem embossed on it. The laces are flat and dark, with a blue thread woven through. None of the blues is bright, which is why they only show up close.

The mountain on the heel

On the heel counter, a mountain range is embossed in the same blue. It is the detail you do not see while lacing up and the person behind you does.

Metal eyelets and the suede

The eyelets are riveted metal, with a rounded edge so they do not saw the laces. Around them you can see the nap of the suede, which is the brushed flesh side of the hide. Suede does not shine, it marks with wear and darkens at the flex points.

Which pants

The short shaft and thick sole call for a wide hem falling over them. It works with corduroy, with straight cut jeans and with twill pants. It does not work with a tapered hem, which makes the boot look bigger than it is.

Technical details

• Upper: cow suede
• Toe: moc toe, with visible U seam
• Shaft: 5 in (13 cm) high, closes above the ankle
• Heel: 1.2 in (3 cm)
• Sole: rubber, with traction pattern
• Insole: polyurethane
• Lining: textile
• Closure: laces, with metal eyelets
• Details: contrast topstitching, padded tongue and embossed mountain, all in muted blue
• Color: Charcoal Brown
• Not waterproof and no steel toe

About the color

Charcoal Brown measures #2D2629: a brown so dark and desaturated that it reads as black indoors and shows its warm undertone in daylight. If you are looking for a true black boot, this is not it. If you want a dark boot that is not black, this is the point.

Which size to order

Measure your bare foot, from heel to the tip of the longest toe, standing with your weight on it.

Between two sizes, take the larger one. Boots are worn with a thicker sock than shoes, and suede gives very little. The Label column shows the EU number printed inside the boot. Feet over 10.6 in (27 cm) are not covered by this range.

Care

• Suede is cleaned dry, with a soft bristle brush, always in the direction of the nap.
• Water marks brush out once dry. Do not rub with a wet cloth.
• If it will see rain often, apply a suede protector spray before the first wear.
• Dry in the shade and away from heaters. Heat stiffens leather.
• Store with a shoe tree or crumpled paper inside, so the shaft does not crease.

The tongue and sole carry embossed marks. Wild Soul Co. has no affiliation with the brands that appear on the piece.