These Guide Boots are made from Chromexcel leather from the Horween Leather Company in Chicago. When you see and touch this leather, you instantly know why Horween has become the gold standard. The surface is smooth and slightly oily to the touch. The unique double-tanning process of vegetable and chrome treatments yields a supple leather that is drop dead goresoue. Horween’s natural color is truly one of a kind. It’s in the brown family, but is much lighter in color with hints of grey and gold. The character this leather develops over time is really what makes Horween stand out. The leather takes on an incredible patina. You can see subtle highs and lows as the oils in the leather surface display from wear. It’s leather that’s beautiful on day one and gets even better with time. 

Our Guide Boots are inspired by the moccasin leather shoes worn by early wilderness guides and mountaineers. We've retained the iconic moccasin design in a boot that emphasizes comfort. From the crimping toe detail to the "heel kicker”, we ensured all those little hand-made touches shine through. Moc construction is known for molding well to the foot and our use of supple leathers and slightly more flexible Vibram outsole means you get great comfort right on day one. Brass eyelets and a padded ankle support complete the design.

Our Guide Boots are constructed by hand in Maine by a group of craftsmen with over 20 years experience making footwear. They have perfected their craft to the point where the industry's biggest and best names, including Sperry, use them for production. It starts with cutting the leather. Careful cutting without any stacking ensures only the best sections of leather are used across all the hides. The shoe's upper is hand-punched and hand-sewn with awl, needle, and thread on our proprietary last. True moccasin construction allows our Guide Boot to wrap and mold to your foot resulting in a superior fit. Other, less expensive construction methods will be stroble stitched and the leather pattern doesn't actually wrap under the foot. A Gustin embossed full-leather insole adds to the comfort and durability.

Gustin Guide Boots run true to size. If you typically wear a US 9 or EU 42 or measure 9 on a Brannock device, we recommend ordering a US 9.