Wadaken Mil Spec U Tip Oxford

  • Opera’s Full Grain Flesh-Out Leather tanned in Toscana, Italy

  • Thick Veg-Tan Leather Insole

  • Hand Cut and Hand-Lasted

  • Storm Leather Welt like Yuki’s Old American Work Boots

  • Original Cortina Sole (Yuki thinks this is the Best Sole for Yuketen)

  • Handcrafted in Italy

A Classic U-Tip Oxford done Yuketen style! This timeless shoe design has been a staple in American style for decades and continues to be a popular choice. The Wadaken Mil Spec U-Tip Oxford was introduced as part of our Fall / Winter 2023 collection and is part of our Made in Italy collection.

Our Director, Yuki Matsuda’s design concept with the Made in Italy collection is to take classic, well-loved American footwear styles and produce them in an artisanal, small historic Italian factory in Mount Sibillini, Italy (part of the Appennines). Simply put, American style, Italian craftsmanship, Yuki’s Japanese sensibilities, and excellent materials.

The origins of this style aren’t necessarily American, but it is a classic and timeless style. This style was named after one of Yuki’s friends who has a love for vintage military officer footwear. When Yuki saw the sample for this shoe, they reminded him of his friend who he knew would love these, so he named them after his friend.

The uppers of the Wadaken Mil Spec U Tip Oxford are meticulously cut and hand-lasted using the most beautiful full grain, flesh-out Tosca leather from Opera Leather tanned in Toscana, Italy. The tanning process for Tosca leather involves turning the leather inside out, which creates a unique texture and finish. The outer surface of the leather has a soft, suede-like texture, while the inside retains the smooth and durable grain side.

Taking inspiration from Yuki's old American Work Boots we utilized a Goodyear storm leather welt. In "Goodyear welt" construction our thick leather midsoles are welted to the outsole using a strip of leather (the "welt"). A "Goodyear storm leather welt" uses a different welt with a built-in side wall protecting the upper for a more moisture-resistant, tight seal. Our way of Goodyear storm leather welt construction is labor intensive and time consuming but provides superior artisanal construction and quality allowing for increased comfort and durability, additional water-resistance, easy resoling and provides a beautiful, finished look. This storm welt has a scalloped built-in side wall, adding to the finished look but also the scalloped design of the welt helps to channel water away from the foot, providing additional protection against wet conditions.

To finish of the foundation of this shoe, we chose the rugged yet sophisticated Made in Italy Cortina Lug Sole. The Cortina lug sole is characterized by its deep, widely spaced treads that provide excellent traction on rough and uneven terrain. The treads are designed to channel mud and debris away from the sole of the boot, which helps to prevent slipping and improves grip. It is durable and long-lasting, while still flexible, allowing the foot to move naturally and comfortably while walking.

 

Where to Buy

MANDOMBUGS
China