*EDIT: I haven't tested these personally but someone just recommended Minnetonka for a lower priced moccasin and...they seem pretty cool* Hello all! I just want to clarify, I was a bit harsh on L.L. Bean and I apologize for that. They are made quite different than how they used to be made in the 80's and are very different than Russell's. That being said, they are still handsewn, very well cushioned, and for $120, not a bad deal for around-the-house slippers (I think a no-foam version would be cool though). I got a little too hyped up on their history and what they were originally intended for and didn't make the above notes clear. I'm a big fan of L.L. Bean and just purchased two books on the brand so I can do a deep dive for a big vid. *THANKS SEE YOU SOON!*
criticizing companies that have downgraded quality (some very significantly) while relying on their past name power is very fair to do. companies shouldnt be allowed to just get lazy and rest on their laurels and expect everyone to keep being fans of the brand. fair criticism is welcomed and informative. not that i hate ll bean or think its crap, i have several bean products that i love, the winter slippers included. i got a good 2 years out of mine already and can prob get a bit more use too. theyre getting a bit rough due to sweaty feet though... and stinky. but ive loved them and recommend them.
I was so pleased to find this piece on Russell moccasins and decided to share my personal history with the brand. BTW, I am 73yo to put the following in a timeline. In 1964, I discovered a pair of Ike Walton upland game boots among my father's gear. He had inherited them from his father who was an avid outdoorsman prior to WWII and probably bought them in the 1930s. I wore them as a winter boot for two seasons (before my feet outgrew them), traipsing through deep snow in dense woods in perfect comfort. They were completely waterproof up to the their tops. About 6 years later, I discovered the Russell Chukka boot (a high top version of the Oneida) which was marketed as a canoeing shoe. I used them for that and as a "daily walker" for several years and often received compliments and questions about the sole. They were distinctive. I ruined them on a river rafting trip on the Chattooga River: I left one foot in the water over the raft tube and silt completely packed that foot. I never finished grieving the loss. They were among the very best things I've ever owned.
Regarding outdoor wear @12:30, the trick to wearing real leather mocs or any kind of 'historic' shoe outside is oil, oil, oil and then oil again. Every day, without fail. Tallow, neatsfoot, mink, whatever - but you HAVE to keep the leather impregnated or the shoes fall apart like the dead tissue and skin they really are. One step in a muddy puddle will dry them out, the next day (or the one after) you'll have cracks if you don't keep up on it.
As a Mainer, you've become one of my favorite content creators because of how much you reference New England/ Maine culture and history when talking about these products. Hope you had a good time up at Tumbledown!
If you ever go up nearby Mt. Blue to the lookout tower, you'll be walking up two sets of my team's stairs! I served there back in my Maine Conservation Corps days. There's TONS of our steps and waterbars on Tumbledown. Good on you by the way, Tumbledown is a butt kicker.
Sure, you can make a better moccasin for $450 than you can for $120. But, you can buy a great pair of boots for $450. It's insane to pay that for moccasins.
If you're near Maine, Rancourt actually has a sales room with try-on stock. Dave will probably be the one to pop out and help you. You can also schedule a factory tour, which I very much advise.
I've been wearing my Oneida Moccasins for 25 years, inside and out. They're still going strong. They weren't $450 back then and they were made to measure.
Great video as always. Quoddy is another Maine company that makes great moccasins. I had a pair in high school (long, long time ago) and loved them so much, I kept resoling and resoling until there wasn't enough upper left to stitch anything onto.
@@TheIronSnail They are my first pair of moccasins so I don’t really have a comparison. They seem to be well made. I got the bison leather and it’s nice and thick, 8-9 oz I believe. They do have a butt stitch around the vamp and one at the heel. Should last a long time.
A double slip knot works best for tying these leather laces. Start with the traditional way of tying laces, but then take the loop through the hole a second time (2x then pull tight) to keep the laces from unraveling
I also found Russell’s a couple of years ago and want to buy a pair some day but on a couple of occasions I contacted them about sizing, the service was really bad (rude/short)…and slow. I couldn’t bring myself to the $450 for the Oneida’s in that instance so I went with one of the Maine OG’s…Rancourt & Co and I love their mic slippers. Had them for about 8 months. I know they may not be Russell’s but I saved $250 and got great service! Don’t let go of your Maine roots!
Rancourt is great! I think Russell was bought (by Luke and a few others guys) since then and the service is a bit different now. They used to do mainly custom boots and I think had a backlog of like 1,200 orders and couldn't catch up and were under pressure (based off what I heard) Anyways back to Rancourt -- I just got my first pair of boots from them and am breaking them in! I'm planning an entire video on Maine makers actually
@@TheIronSnail I’ll look forward to the Rancourt review then. I have several of their loafers and love their Harrison Boot in Chromexcel. Will keep a pair Russell’s on the bucket list!
Your sleep commercial cracked me up! As a Firefighter for many years, I've slept in big rooms with many different people, your description of how you sleep fits your personality perfect! Not a bad thing, it just fits, lol You’re awesome Micheal!
I have almost the same shoe made by Rancourt in Maine. They use an 8 oz. chromepak leather for the outsole. I agree that it is an astonishing shoe. Rancourt uses a traditional saddle stitch on the vamp plug -- not the overlap stitch -- which is a very reliable stitch and still great -- just not as puddle resistant.
You are spot on for calling out LL Bean. That Moc is not the same as the ones from the 80s and 90s at all. I finally wore my old ones into the ground, re-upped, and got a new pair, and as much as I want to love them, I literally hate them. They're so far away from what they were that I kind of resent them. They don't break in; they break down. They make noise as your foot moves inside them, Meh... I appreciate your review and am now saving up. I am hoping the Oneidas will bring me back to a once very happy place. Now, if you can figure out what the hell happened to Brooks Brothers Shirts, that would be great, too.
I live in Milwaukee and jog past the sidel leather factory every day. They make beautiful leathers but it reeks when they are tanning the hides. Either way I love WI company’s supporting each other!
Great video. I just got a pair of LL Bean moccasins (I don't know which ones specifically). Thanks for telling the history of the shoes, it's pretty cool. BTW I have zero issues with the LL beans so far. It's a good buy for me. They feel like they'll last
I just bought some camp mocs too! Testing them out as we speak I may have been a little too harsh on the Beans since I was holding a $450 moc in the other hand, my bad!
For a number of years the Timberland mocassins were my go-to casual shoe. I mean I might only have had two or three pairs in my whole life. And one of them I had so long I probably had it resoled… And I got a tear in the leather; I got it repaired you know… It’s a relationship.
I got a pair of russell boots at a thrift store for $100 that they dont even make anymore brand new. They are Joes Ph with a really soft and flat gum sole and are honestly the best footwear I've ever owned by far. idk how I got so lucky to own them but as soon as I saw the design of the mocs I knew they were either russells or knockoffs. Cool video! Maybe I will get some mocs too :D but for now just lucky to have my moc style boots. Cheers everyone. if you ever hesitate on buying a pair of these and can afford them, just do it. They are the highest quality thing I've ever worn and seem meant to last for life!
I have two very different Minnetonka, Minnesota USA circa 1995. One is Deer skin. Very soft, very thin, very comfortable indoor only. The other is same design but much thicker and different animal skin, maybe cowhide. Both, I think are made of 2 pieces of leather, excluding the interior footbed.
On day I drove up and parked in front of Abercrombie & Fitch on Madison Ave. in NYC in my go anywhere Land Rover and left wearing a pair of Oneida lace ups. Those were the days. THE most comfortable shoe I've ever owned. Wore them walking the streets of Manhattan. Alas, a hole eventually wore throught, and I didn't know they could be redone.Otherwise, I'd probably still have them. I do have a pair their tracker boots, custom made with a thin rubber sole. Bullet proof. Russell no longer makes the Oneidas to measure ... and, the price. Wow!
Gokey is also a mid-west shoe maker with a long history as an outdoor specialist. Their original claim to fame was/is their snake bite proof boot, specified for the rattlesnakes of their area. They featured a double layer of heavy leather in the upper which extended nearly to the knee. Rattlesnake fangs could not penetrate the upper. They were popular among hunters.
Can you do a Tin Duck Denim and Ciano Farmer Denim jacket review? They make really nice jackets that rivals Ship John. There's hardly any reviews on these brands on youtube.
First off, found you from your days as Harris of 'Theo & Harris" semi-fame. Enjoyed you then and enjoy you now. Second, I hate the fact that you have made me like these moccasins so much. I shouldn't... But I must...
I live in Canada and ordered a pair of Oneidas last year .. unfortunately the left one was too tight so I had to return them.... very sad.. they are more expensive now and duty is approx 200 bucks ( still waiting on my duty refund a year later btw )
Great video! Idk though, 700$ seems very steep, I've never tried the Oneidas but they seem very similar to what my local leather shoemaker makes for over half the price
They are certainly very pricey, no doubt about that -- it's the small specifcs, the true moccasin construction + the overlap seam. I didn't mention double or triple vamp construction in this video but in general it's just an incredibly slow process to build a shoe like this That being said, I'd love to meet your shoemaker!
@@TheIronSnail I don't doubt the construction is solid, in my experience a frayed stitch is a frayed stitch. I'm never getting into a situation where my shoes, with their overlapping seams or multi vamp construction are getting punctured through so many layers. With all my leather boots for casual or work wear; I just take them to get restitched as that is the most likely point of failure. From a business POV, the level of material used is a bit excessive for what is essentially a light-on-the-foot moccasin. I don't doubt this gentleman takes great pride in his work and it takes a long time to make. I bought tea and coffees for my local shoe shop and spoke with the owner today and showed him your video actually! His business is family owned and operated and they've been making shoes for a few generations, they have the process down to the tee, with the help of his family they make the process very quick (it definitely helps having a good team!). If anyone is looking for a good quality moccasin, don't be discouraged by that 700$ price tag, you can get a great pair for much cheaper if you look around your local shoemakers (etsy is great too!)
As someone who just bought LL Bean slippers - he's right. I bought *slippers* but I wouldn't buy Bean's moccasin for moccasin use. Because a moccasin is supposed to be a light weight all-purpose shoe, and Bean's *aren't*. They do make a cozy slipper though.
My father and grandfather wore Russells, but I always thought they wee too expensive. Maybe time for me to admit they were right and try a pair. Thanks.
Rubber dust and barge cement blended and applied as a sole topcoat will greatly extend the life over wet leather worn over rocks. And not interfere with wildlife stalking stealthiness.
Very cool, I love these in depth videos. After a couple of years on the fence I finally just ordered a pair of boots from them, can't wait to try them out for the first time. I wonder how many other great early designs in shoes, clothing, and especially leatherware fell by the wayside over the years, that may have not gained the initial popularity of the Russells?
Congrats!! Honestly I bet it's a lot of makers. Rusell used to be a PNW brand that also used moccasin construction on other products and they pivoted, got bought and sold, etc. A LOT. I bet there were so many brands making amazing products that just didn't hit every stride they needed to and couldn't sustain themselves
It did not go unnoticed that you were also using a LL Bean Boat Bag (Boat and Tote, I think it's called). Tough as iron. Tools, pic-a-nick snacks (Yogi Bear), whatever.
* Such comparisons usually slice both samples down the middle to show the difference in construction. For $450 a pair, I’d like to see that comparison.
I'm glad to see that Russell is getting more and more attention. Wisconsin was the center of the US timber industry until about 1915 when there was just too much clear cutting. So Wisconsin has a heritage of great boot and shoe makers, largely for the same reasons that the Pacific Northwest boot makers do today. Chippawa, Thorogood, Russell and Allen Edmonds (and also Red Wing - across the river in Minnesota) were the best you could buy at one time or another. Chippawa is ghost of it's former self, Thorogood has found a niche in workboots that are affordable but 2 or 3 levels of quality above what big box store brands. Allen Edmonds is the luxury brand that seems to have recovered a slump, and Russell's just about disappeared entirely. I'm never going to able to afford a pair of these, but at least now it seems that Russell is going to last for a few more years instead of being bought up by a big corporation and sticking the Russell name on the cheapest footwear they can make overseas.
This was a fun video to watch! I have a pair of tall knee-high Minnetonka moccasin boots, and they're quite comfy! Great content so far! Consider me subscribed!
I think the L.L. Bean's items are no longer made in the USA. That said, I've owned the Russell items and while they are very comfortable, they will wear out reasonably quickly when walking on pavement only. Mine were purchased in the late 1970's BTW. While I could afford them then, It's a huge stretch today.
I really regret doing business with WC Russell. They are not reasonable people when it comes to customer service. Completely botched what should have been an easy and carefree exchange.
I love this channel but my wallet hates it lol. I cant believe how much history there is behind a pair of moccasins. Now heres a topic i would like for you to deep dive on 5.11 tactical pants vs royal robbins 5.11 vs woolrich cargo pants.
" . . while I scream through the night and beg for help . . " --> along with listening to the whole story for context, this zinger is top 100 funniest ever, certainly for those who have experienced this themselves. • Sometimes I have experienced my legs or arms or even torso twitch while teetoring on the verge of sleep. But, a few times I have awakened from a brief, seemingly two seconds of not being able to breath, and I must say they have been - for reasons I'm not entirely sure of - the most terrifying seconds in my life, Ever. I bolt awake with a quick gasp, and TERROR. Terror from what I don't know, I suppose it's from that second of not breathing. Thank God it lasts less than a half minute, with each second better than the last. So terrifying that nothing could eleviate it. So terrifying that you want to jump out of your skin. " . . while I scream through the night, and beg for help . . . . . . ."
I just received a pair of Wassookeag moccasins that were slightly too big. Sadly, they went out of business a few days after I got my moccasins. So, based on this very informative and very cool video, I ordered a pair of Russell moccasins then a pair of Russell lace up boots. By the way, are you wearing a Vaer watch?
Idk about vacation vs holidays. In Dutch we say vakantie for vacation, which is the same thing. I think holidays is a typically British term that most other languages don't use and the US didn't adopt either. The US also drives on the right like normal countries etc, its not the US that is different it is the UK :)
Wait a second, if you look closely at the shoes Harrison Ford is wearing in these pictures.. thats a slightly different shoe. It laces up. I was looking at the Russell website and it looks like all their lace up options have rubber soles, the only option with this sole is the Oneida. Did he order a custom pair? I kinda want the shoes he's wearing. They look great
Until recently all the Russell footwear was custom ordered, of course they had a few favorites that were more commonly ordered over the years. You could pick the height, the leather, the soles, single or double vamp, etc.
As someone who daily’s their field coats and done tumbledown a few times I totally feel the L.L. Bean criticism. Call it coping but I agree that they’re just conforming to American needs post industrialization. There’s a deeper point here that American culture consumes and ultimately cannibalizes Native American culture. It’s not always the intentional actions that lead to it either. You admit it saying that you wish they provided a foamless option which I agree. I hope L.L. Bean considers making a more traditional moccasin, even if it costs a lil bit more. I think the brand does have a responsibility keeping the practice alive after popularizing the mass production. To equate it, I believe Old Town still makes Wooden Canoes through special orders. Cut enough corners and your square’s and octagon, is that really the same thing? Truth be told though I do be looking at that discovery sport 15 from Old Town like… 👀 Also hold a grudge with L.L. Bean because I forgot my bow and they said “no bow string for you ☝️🙂↔️”
*EDIT: I haven't tested these personally but someone just recommended Minnetonka for a lower priced moccasin and...they seem pretty cool*
Hello all! I just want to clarify, I was a bit harsh on L.L. Bean and I apologize for that. They are made quite different than how they used to be made in the 80's and are very different than Russell's. That being said, they are still handsewn, very well cushioned, and for $120, not a bad deal for around-the-house slippers (I think a no-foam version would be cool though). I got a little too hyped up on their history and what they were originally intended for and didn't make the above notes clear. I'm a big fan of L.L. Bean and just purchased two books on the brand so I can do a deep dive for a big vid. *THANKS SEE YOU SOON!*
You have nothing to apologise for! Your reviews are all a model of erudition. 🇬🇧
I have a pair of minnetonkas I've been wearing for ten years. They're my work slippers now, lol. Upgraded with the LL Beans for home use.
Michael, what about Rancourt & Company mocs?
try made in mexico 501s they hit different than the other countries- wranglers usually made in mexico
criticizing companies that have downgraded quality (some very significantly) while relying on their past name power is very fair to do. companies shouldnt be allowed to just get lazy and rest on their laurels and expect everyone to keep being fans of the brand. fair criticism is welcomed and informative. not that i hate ll bean or think its crap, i have several bean products that i love, the winter slippers included. i got a good 2 years out of mine already and can prob get a bit more use too. theyre getting a bit rough due to sweaty feet though... and stinky. but ive loved them and recommend them.
I was so pleased to find this piece on Russell moccasins and decided to share my personal history with the brand. BTW, I am 73yo to put the following in a timeline. In 1964, I discovered a pair of Ike Walton upland game boots among my father's gear. He had inherited them from his father who was an avid outdoorsman prior to WWII and probably bought them in the 1930s. I wore them as a winter boot for two seasons (before my feet outgrew them), traipsing through deep snow in dense woods in perfect comfort. They were completely waterproof up to the their tops. About 6 years later, I discovered the Russell Chukka boot (a high top version of the Oneida) which was marketed as a canoeing shoe. I used them for that and as a "daily walker" for several years and often received compliments and questions about the sole. They were distinctive. I ruined them on a river rafting trip on the Chattooga River: I left one foot in the water over the raft tube and silt completely packed that foot. I never finished grieving the loss. They were among the very best things I've ever owned.
Amazing story!! We actually still make the Chukka Model. It is releasing today in our Classic Builds Program
I have become addicted to this channel, despite it being essentially “man yells fashion history at you from a log in a bog”
LOL ill do one whispering
Regarding outdoor wear @12:30, the trick to wearing real leather mocs or any kind of 'historic' shoe outside is oil, oil, oil and then oil again. Every day, without fail. Tallow, neatsfoot, mink, whatever - but you HAVE to keep the leather impregnated or the shoes fall apart like the dead tissue and skin they really are. One step in a muddy puddle will dry them out, the next day (or the one after) you'll have cracks if you don't keep up on it.
As a Mainer, you've become one of my favorite content creators because of how much you reference New England/ Maine culture and history when talking about these products. Hope you had a good time up at Tumbledown!
New England for life!! Tumbledown/Weld is such a fantastic place
If you ever go up nearby Mt. Blue to the lookout tower, you'll be walking up two sets of my team's stairs! I served there back in my Maine Conservation Corps days. There's TONS of our steps and waterbars on Tumbledown. Good on you by the way, Tumbledown is a butt kicker.
Sure, you can make a better moccasin for $450 than you can for $120. But, you can buy a great pair of boots for $450. It's insane to pay that for moccasins.
Town view are very well made in Maine, for half the price.
I agree. These are essentially slippers for $600. Even Russell boots are over a grand
This is unreal. I just started shopping for a pair of mocs this week.
Perfect timing. Thank you snail man!
you're quite welcome!
If you're near Maine, Rancourt actually has a sales room with try-on stock. Dave will probably be the one to pop out and help you. You can also schedule a factory tour, which I very much advise.
I have a pair of Russell Upland birdshooter boots that i purchased 50 years ago. They are still functional.
I've been wearing my Oneida Moccasins for 25 years, inside and out. They're still going strong. They weren't $450 back then and they were made to measure.
Harrison Ford and Tom Selleck?! Some of the coolest dudes.
fully agreed!
Tom Selleck turned down playing Indiana Jones because it wasn't cool enough for him.
Cool indeed, but I should care what they put on their feet?
@@ooyginyardel4835 if you aspire to be one of the coolest dudes
Course you for introducing me to the Russel Moc Co. I must have them. Your channel is great, keep it up!
I can't say I'm a fan of moccasins but that was a great video. I appreciate learning the history of these shoes. Thanks!
thank YOU! for watching!
Great video as always. Quoddy is another Maine company that makes great moccasins. I had a pair in high school (long, long time ago) and loved them so much, I kept resoling and resoling until there wasn't enough upper left to stitch anything onto.
Quoddy + Rancourt + Yuketen mega video is in the works!
@@TheIronSnail dont forget oak street
I bought a pair of Wassookeag moccasins. Hand sewn triple sole. Heavy duty and very comfortable.
Oh! How are they? I was actually thinking of snagging them
@@TheIronSnail They are my first pair of moccasins so I don’t really have a comparison. They seem to be well made. I got the bison leather and it’s nice and thick, 8-9 oz I believe. They do have a butt stitch around the vamp and one at the heel. Should last a long time.
I still wonder how you only have 137k subs! You deserve far more for this production quality.
thank you so much!
The likely reason is found in a question : How many cool people are out there ?
A double slip knot works best for tying these leather laces. Start with the traditional way of tying laces, but then take the loop through the hole a second time (2x then pull tight) to keep the laces from unraveling
I also found Russell’s a couple of years ago and want to buy a pair some day but on a couple of occasions I contacted them about sizing, the service was really bad (rude/short)…and slow. I couldn’t bring myself to the $450 for the Oneida’s in that instance so I went with one of the Maine OG’s…Rancourt & Co and I love their mic slippers. Had them for about 8 months. I know they may not be Russell’s but I saved $250 and got great service! Don’t let go of your Maine roots!
Rancourt is great! I think Russell was bought (by Luke and a few others guys) since then and the service is a bit different now. They used to do mainly custom boots and I think had a backlog of like 1,200 orders and couldn't catch up and were under pressure (based off what I heard)
Anyways back to Rancourt -- I just got my first pair of boots from them and am breaking them in! I'm planning an entire video on Maine makers actually
@@TheIronSnail I’ll look forward to the Rancourt review then. I have several of their loafers and love their Harrison Boot in Chromexcel. Will keep a pair Russell’s on the bucket list!
Dude - I just found your channel and I love your reviews and content. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.
thanks for watching!
Your sleep commercial cracked me up! As a Firefighter for many years, I've slept in big rooms with many different people, your description of how you sleep fits your personality perfect! Not a bad thing, it just fits, lol You’re awesome Micheal!
LOL! thanks!! I'm a miserable sleep partner
Can you do a video about clark wallabees/padmore and barnes p204. I think the history is interesting, and it would be nice to compare quality today
I have almost the same shoe made by Rancourt in Maine. They use an 8 oz. chromepak leather for the outsole. I agree that it is an astonishing shoe. Rancourt uses a traditional saddle stitch on the vamp plug -- not the overlap stitch -- which is a very reliable stitch and still great -- just not as puddle resistant.
Because of you, my friend, I now must own a pair. Because of you, my enemy, I must own a new loan. "Son of a beach".
Love your videos, informative and highly entertaining. Thanks!
I've been waiting for this video since your comment on Rose Anvil!
that was a great vid!
You are spot on for calling out LL Bean. That Moc is not the same as the ones from the 80s and 90s at all. I finally wore my old ones into the ground, re-upped, and got a new pair, and as much as I want to love them, I literally hate them. They're so far away from what they were that I kind of resent them. They don't break in; they break down. They make noise as your foot moves inside them, Meh... I appreciate your review and am now saving up. I am hoping the Oneidas will bring me back to a once very happy place. Now, if you can figure out what the hell happened to Brooks Brothers Shirts, that would be great, too.
Brooks Brothers was bought by private equity awhile ago, which has destroyed them- like so many of the once great companies.
I live in Milwaukee and jog past the sidel leather factory every day. They make beautiful leathers but it reeks when they are tanning the hides. Either way I love WI company’s supporting each other!
I've actually never smelt a leather tannery but I heard it's something to behold
Great video. I just got a pair of LL Bean moccasins (I don't know which ones specifically). Thanks for telling the history of the shoes, it's pretty cool. BTW I have zero issues with the LL beans so far. It's a good buy for me. They feel like they'll last
I just bought some camp mocs too! Testing them out as we speak
I may have been a little too harsh on the Beans since I was holding a $450 moc in the other hand, my bad!
Gokey boots in Tipton MO make boots and moccasins that are top quality. You should check them out.
Carl is punching a wall right now watching this 😂
He's probably thinking "I can't believe I lost him"
@@TheIronSnail But are moccasins loafers? Is a taco a sandwich?
Carl who?
Thanks for this video! I learned and laughed lots!
thanks for the kind words!
For a number of years the Timberland mocassins were my go-to casual shoe. I mean I might only have had two or three pairs in my whole life. And one of them I had so long I probably had it resoled… And I got a tear in the leather; I got it repaired you know… It’s a relationship.
I did not know until now but the Oneida mocassins are the shoes I want for the rest of my life.
Now it's time for you try the Oakstreet Bootmakers Shearling House Moc and the Gokey version and then make another video. 😉
great vid..had no idea about the zeppelin backstory ...COOL !!!!
"...as I scream into the night and beg for help." 🤣
I got a pair of russell boots at a thrift store for $100 that they dont even make anymore brand new. They are Joes Ph with a really soft and flat gum sole and are honestly the best footwear I've ever owned by far. idk how I got so lucky to own them but as soon as I saw the design of the mocs I knew they were either russells or knockoffs. Cool video! Maybe I will get some mocs too :D but for now just lucky to have my moc style boots. Cheers everyone. if you ever hesitate on buying a pair of these and can afford them, just do it. They are the highest quality thing I've ever worn and seem meant to last for life!
I have two very different Minnetonka, Minnesota USA circa 1995. One is Deer skin. Very soft, very thin, very comfortable indoor only. The other is same design but much thicker and different animal skin, maybe cowhide. Both, I think are made of 2 pieces of leather, excluding the interior footbed.
the only channel i do not skip the ad
I love Nicks boots they make a really good moccasins boot
Cool video! Cool shoes!
Cheers from Milwaukee Wisconsin
On day I drove up and parked in front of Abercrombie & Fitch on Madison Ave. in NYC in my go anywhere Land Rover and left wearing a pair of Oneida lace ups. Those were the days. THE most comfortable shoe I've ever owned. Wore them walking the streets of Manhattan. Alas, a hole eventually wore throught, and I didn't know they could be redone.Otherwise, I'd probably still have them. I do have a pair their tracker boots, custom made with a thin rubber sole. Bullet proof. Russell no longer makes the Oneidas to measure ... and, the price. Wow!
Oneida
Gokey makes a near identical moccasin with the same 5-6 oz bullhide upper and 8-9 oz bullhide sole for $240 made in usa too.
Gokey is also a mid-west shoe maker with a long history as an outdoor specialist. Their original claim to fame was/is their snake bite proof boot, specified for the rattlesnakes of their area. They featured a double layer of heavy leather in the upper which extended nearly to the knee. Rattlesnake fangs could not penetrate the upper. They were popular among hunters.
Can you do a Tin Duck Denim and Ciano Farmer Denim jacket review? They make really nice jackets that rivals Ship John. There's hardly any reviews on these brands on youtube.
200%! Been a fan of Ciano for a long long time
@@TheIronSnail It took like 8 months to get my Ciano Farmer pants made. Has his timelines gotten any shorter?
First off, found you from your days as Harris of 'Theo & Harris" semi-fame. Enjoyed you then and enjoy you now.
Second, I hate the fact that you have made me like these moccasins so much. I shouldn't... But I must...
I live in Canada and ordered a pair of Oneidas last year .. unfortunately the left one was too tight so I had to return them.... very sad.. they are more expensive now and duty is approx 200 bucks ( still waiting on my duty refund a year later btw )
Great video! Idk though, 700$ seems very steep, I've never tried the Oneidas but they seem very similar to what my local leather shoemaker makes for over half the price
The Oneidas cost $413, it's the boots that cost around the $700 mark depending on the model.
They are certainly very pricey, no doubt about that -- it's the small specifcs, the true moccasin construction + the overlap seam. I didn't mention double or triple vamp construction in this video but in general it's just an incredibly slow process to build a shoe like this
That being said, I'd love to meet your shoemaker!
@@TheIronSnail I don't doubt the construction is solid, in my experience a frayed stitch is a frayed stitch.
I'm never getting into a situation where my shoes, with their overlapping seams or multi vamp construction are getting punctured through so many layers.
With all my leather boots for casual or work wear; I just take them to get restitched as that is the most likely point of failure.
From a business POV, the level of material used is a bit excessive for what is essentially a light-on-the-foot moccasin. I don't doubt this gentleman takes great pride in his work and it takes a long time to make.
I bought tea and coffees for my local shoe shop and spoke with the owner today and showed him your video actually! His business is family owned and operated and they've been making shoes for a few generations, they have the process down to the tee, with the help of his family they make the process very quick (it definitely helps having a good team!). If anyone is looking for a good quality moccasin, don't be discouraged by that 700$ price tag, you can get a great pair for much cheaper if you look around your local shoemakers (etsy is great too!)
Yah, Russell's are on my buy list; ridiculous handmade quality but I really want a pair of Backcountries.
what's your opinion on Quoddy ???
How do these hold up on concrete?
You should take a look at Johnson Woolen Mills this fall they have some great stuff and are made in Vermont
Super insightful!
shout out to tumbledown mountain being an awesome hike!
As someone who just bought LL Bean slippers - he's right. I bought *slippers* but I wouldn't buy Bean's moccasin for moccasin use. Because a moccasin is supposed to be a light weight all-purpose shoe, and Bean's *aren't*.
They do make a cozy slipper though.
The two tone Russell is my house shoe.
Gorgeous choice!
It’s interesting that there are hints of a danish accent in your accent… only very subtle 🤔😊✌️
Fascinating product in this episode's ad.
You need to do a video on the Russell B-52 Penny Loafer.
@Carl Murawski would kill me! But okay I will
@@TheIronSnail YES!!
My father and grandfather wore Russells, but I always thought they wee too expensive. Maybe time for me to admit they were right and try a pair. Thanks.
Rubber dust and barge cement blended and applied as a sole topcoat will greatly extend the life over wet leather worn over rocks. And not interfere with wildlife stalking stealthiness.
Very cool, I love these in depth videos. After a couple of years on the fence I finally just ordered a pair of boots from them, can't wait to try them out for the first time.
I wonder how many other great early designs in shoes, clothing, and especially leatherware fell by the wayside over the years, that may have not gained the initial popularity of the Russells?
Congrats!!
Honestly I bet it's a lot of makers. Rusell used to be a PNW brand that also used moccasin construction on other products and they pivoted, got bought and sold, etc. A LOT. I bet there were so many brands making amazing products that just didn't hit every stride they needed to and couldn't sustain themselves
There are a lot that survived, they just had to get really specialized. Hope you enjoy your Russells!
Are there any double leather soled moccasins with a “barefoot” shape/ wide toe box?
It did not go unnoticed that you were also using a LL Bean Boat Bag (Boat and Tote, I think it's called). Tough as iron. Tools, pic-a-nick snacks (Yogi Bear), whatever.
* Such comparisons usually slice both samples down the middle to show the difference in construction. For $450 a pair, I’d like to see that comparison.
Did you go up the brook trail or the chimney loop? I know tons of great spots here btw.
I'm glad to see that Russell is getting more and more attention. Wisconsin was the center of the US timber industry until about 1915 when there was just too much clear cutting. So Wisconsin has a heritage of great boot and shoe makers, largely for the same reasons that the Pacific Northwest boot makers do today. Chippawa, Thorogood, Russell and Allen Edmonds (and also Red Wing - across the river in Minnesota) were the best you could buy at one time or another. Chippawa is ghost of it's former self, Thorogood has found a niche in workboots that are affordable but 2 or 3 levels of quality above what big box store brands. Allen Edmonds is the luxury brand that seems to have recovered a slump, and Russell's just about disappeared entirely. I'm never going to able to afford a pair of these, but at least now it seems that Russell is going to last for a few more years instead of being bought up by a big corporation and sticking the Russell name on the cheapest footwear they can make overseas.
Try some Town View for less than half, hand made in Maine…
This was a fun video to watch! I have a pair of tall knee-high Minnetonka moccasin boots, and they're quite comfy!
Great content so far! Consider me subscribed!
Thank you so much!!
I wear Bastien Moccasins. Hand made in Wendake, Quebec.
I would’ve used your code for the sleep mask however on the uk website it didn’t want to work so had to use their new customer code to get 10% off.
LoL, I love my LL Bean moccasins. But I guess I need Russels now....
Nothing wrong with LL Bean mocs! I feel bad I was so harsh lol...that being said...Russells are fantastic
Oh wow, I didn’t know that about the origin of the term “vacation” in the US.
Mikey 14:43 what video is this?
I think the L.L. Bean's items are no longer made in the USA. That said, I've owned the Russell items and while they are very comfortable, they will wear out reasonably quickly when walking on pavement only. Mine were purchased in the late 1970's BTW. While I could afford them then, It's a huge stretch today.
What happened to you on Theo and Harris ?
jamestown, Va mentioned. My day is made
I really regret doing business with WC Russell. They are not reasonable people when it comes to customer service. Completely botched what should have been an easy and carefree exchange.
Ok this is a silly question but I can't find the answer really anywhere. Would these be good for more of an urban setting?
I love this channel but my wallet hates it lol. I cant believe how much history there is behind a pair of moccasins.
Now heres a topic i would like for you to deep dive on 5.11 tactical pants vs royal robbins 5.11 vs woolrich cargo pants.
What is this shirt? It's exactly what I'm looking for!
it's from SEH Kelly!
@@TheIronSnail Thanks! Interesting looking brand, never heard of it.
Just going to gloss over how Tumbledown Mountain has a pond on the top, with an island in it, that when it rains has its own pond on it, Michael?
" . . while I scream through the night and beg for help . . " --> along with listening to the whole story for context, this zinger is top 100 funniest ever, certainly for those who have experienced this themselves. • Sometimes I have experienced my legs or arms or even torso twitch while teetoring on the verge of sleep. But, a few times I have awakened from a brief, seemingly two seconds of not being able to breath, and I must say they have been - for reasons I'm not entirely sure of - the most terrifying seconds in my life, Ever. I bolt awake with a quick gasp, and TERROR. Terror from what I don't know, I suppose it's from that second of not breathing. Thank God it lasts less than a half minute, with each second better than the last. So terrifying that nothing could eleviate it. So terrifying that you want to jump out of your skin.
" . . while I scream through the night, and beg for help . . . . . . ."
I just received a pair of Wassookeag moccasins that were slightly too big. Sadly, they went out of business a few days after I got my moccasins. So, based on this very informative and very cool video, I ordered a pair of Russell moccasins then a pair of Russell lace up boots.
By the way, are you wearing a Vaer watch?
Miami High Class of 89. I wore Sperry Top Sider all through school. I wish we had Crocs.😂
LOL! The modern comp
Hey! For all the boot videos you do, you should do one on socks!
Idk about vacation vs holidays. In Dutch we say vakantie for vacation, which is the same thing. I think holidays is a typically British term that most other languages don't use and the US didn't adopt either. The US also drives on the right like normal countries etc, its not the US that is different it is the UK :)
These look very nice. I can seem to catch the name
I miss you at "theo and harris". I only watched the channel because of you. can you please start your own watch format? 🥺
Do you find the Oneidas comfortable? I don’t think you said
cool canvas tote...Brand ???
"All I asked was for free merchandise." That's compensation. Period.
Wait a second, if you look closely at the shoes Harrison Ford is wearing in these pictures.. thats a slightly different shoe. It laces up. I was looking at the Russell website and it looks like all their lace up options have rubber soles, the only option with this sole is the Oneida. Did he order a custom pair? I kinda want the shoes he's wearing. They look great
Until recently all the Russell footwear was custom ordered, of course they had a few favorites that were more commonly ordered over the years. You could pick the height, the leather, the soles, single or double vamp, etc.
@@adamr63 thank you
@adamr63 nailed it! Their also used to be laced Oneidas and rubber soled Oneidas (I thiink they were called camp mocs or boat mocs then)
Good video, hate the boat shoe design ha, don't know why
I challenge you to do a budget-friendly list of your favorite clothing items
COMING SO SOON!
You're the coolest simp who ever lived, Mike!
now THATs what I'm talking about!
Dude, Town View Moccasins. Made in Maine. Town View.
Where can I buy a pair of these
Where can I buy the best ones???
As someone who daily’s their field coats and done tumbledown a few times I totally feel the L.L. Bean criticism. Call it coping but I agree that they’re just conforming to American needs post industrialization.
There’s a deeper point here that American culture consumes and ultimately cannibalizes Native American culture. It’s not always the intentional actions that lead to it either. You admit it saying that you wish they provided a foamless option which I agree. I hope L.L. Bean considers making a more traditional moccasin, even if it costs a lil bit more. I think the brand does have a responsibility keeping the practice alive after popularizing the mass production. To equate it, I believe Old Town still makes Wooden Canoes through special orders.
Cut enough corners and your square’s and octagon, is that really the same thing?
Truth be told though I do be looking at that discovery sport 15 from Old Town like… 👀 Also hold a grudge with L.L. Bean because I forgot my bow and they said “no bow string for you ☝️🙂↔️”
R.B. Slater once heard The Proclaimers say they would walk 500 miles and he responded: "why not make it 900?"
These are no ordinary moccasins. They are worth paying off in 96 comfortable monthly installments. 🙂
lol!