Rider Boot "Anders" Hiker Boot

On a recent visit to New York, we found Ron Rider—founder of the legendary Rider Boot Co.—reminiscing about a handmade pair of hiking boots he’d produced some years back. Ottawas, he called them. But they weren’t quite right: too pricey for the hiking community, too hiking for the style community. So he reevaluated, made some tweaks. And after several months in the making, we were among the first to get a look at these full-grain waxed calf boots. Introducing the Anders Hiker, available exclusively on Massdrop.

Made by Italy-based Maze, these decidedly woodsy boots feature a tough vulcanized rubber outsole designed to withstand the elements. Also built for battle is the hard Italian calf leather upper, which features a water-resistant wax coating that, when combined with a light layer of dubbin, makes the boots virtually waterproof. For added warmth on winter hikes, the Anders are lined with 100-percent wool. Structurally, they feature a storm welt for added protection against the elements, plus a bellows tongue and a padded Achilles’ heel. Five external Swiss eyelets and two speed hooks ensure the boots are snug.