Donkey Puncher 8" Boots - Burnt Dark Brown Ezo Deerskin

These are named for the folks who operated "steam donkeys", steam-driven winches used in logging at the end of the 19th century. The operators were known as "donkey punchers". Featuring a lace-to-toe design with a logger heel and curved panels along the vamp, these are handsome and sturdy pattern with an optional kiltie that can be laced into the front of the boot (or not). The leather, a deep chocolate-brown deerskin from Japan, is harvested from the Ezo Shika, wild deer endemic to Japan's northern Hokkaido region. The largest of the Shika subspecies, they live in rugged, snowy areas, and have been hunted for their meat and hides by indigenous Ainu people for centuries. These are wild animals, and are not raised for their leather - as such, each hide will have natural scarring and blemishes acquired during the animal's life. For such a tall pair deerskin boots, the leather had to be doubled up to achieve maximum structure and durability. The inner leather is fully oil tanned, while th