WHAT SETS MY BOOTS APART?

First, I am orthopedic bootmaker with a lot of experience.  I take pride and care about every client I serve.

MORE DETAILS

My measuring kit asks for more details than others which gives me the data I need to handle the challenges every foot presents.

MORE MEASUREMENTS AND DATA

I need measurements, tracings, footprints, I have questions about history and expectations and expected uses.  I want specific photos and to hear about concerns and experiences from the past.

CUSTOM LASTS

My boots are made from custom lasts made up for each foot, each of my boots is made by hand just for the foot that will wear it.

I PERSONALLY MAKE EACH BOOT

When you talk to me, you talk to the guy who is doing it all.  I only make one pairof boots at a time, so those boots gets all my concentrated attention.

MADE TO BE RESOLED

Van Gorkom Boots are made to be resoled again and again.  I build my boots to last as long as possible with reasonable care.

GOOD LEATHER, BRASS RIVETED, NYLON STICHED

My boots are distinguished by the quality of the leather, inside and out, the fact the soles have no threads to wear out, and they are brass riveted on by hand, over 100 hand-set rivets per boot.  This is a technique proven over the centuries in Northern Europe

          VAN GORKOM HIKING BOOT SPECIFICS

The boot upper is all one piece of 5 - 6 ounce top quality full grained rugged chrome-tanned leather.

My boots are lined with 3 -4 ounce deer-tanned cow.

The mid-soles and soles are water-proofed, glued, and brass riveted.

The hiker #132 VIBRAM sole is designed to be replaced when worn out.

Each boot has a treated spring steel shank, extending from the centre of the heel to just behind the ball of the foot.

The orthotic insole is sculpted from different densities of foam, leather covered, hand-sewn, and made expressly for the foot it will support  (and correct, if needed)  Many consider this the most comfortable footbed available anywhere.

The tongue is leather,  padded and full bellows.

No extra charge for the exclusive custom hand-made orthotic footbeds, (included with each boot)  and no extra charge for the custom lasts I adapt to build each boot around.

They come in two popular heights: 15 cm up the leg from the base of your heel and 18 cm up the leg from the base of your heel.

About the boots

Mountain Trekker

15 cm boots, most popular height, approx. 28 ounces each, depending on size. 

Mountain Stalker, approx. 10.5 inches high, (27 cm) orthotic footbed, same construction as Mountain Trekker, same weight, same leather, same price.   They have moderate ankle support, good protection, and you can tuck your pants into them if you need to.

1

18 cm Mountain Trekker, ultimate ankle support, too much for many situations

My one sewing machine is over 100 years old and treadle powered!

Van Gorkom hiking boots, newly lasted, drying in front of the shop wood fire.