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The Federal is a 19th century boutique-style hotel that’s been elegantly reimagined. The marble floors and grand staircase in the two-level mezzanine lobby are awe-inspiring, and the 30 guest rooms, split among two buildings, are decorated with a warm contemporary flair. The Federal also offers two workout rooms and two meeting rooms for corporate and social events, and is pet-friendly, which is a rare treat.

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Outdoors, there’s plenty to discover right in Brunswick or on an easy drive to the coast. The beautiful Bowdoin College campus and Maine State Music Theater are a short stroll from the inn, and the downtown has many intriguing shops, galleries, and restaurants. The nearby Androscoggin riverfront offers a paved off-road trail, a dog park, and a boat put-in. A leisurely drive east leads to some stunning pristine beaches.

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The hotel’s restaurant,, is a must-visit too. It’s fabulous; the food, the design, the decor, everything. Chef Steve Corry (named Best New Chef by Food and Wine magazine in 2007, when he owned 555 in Portland) is serving up exceptionally prepared locally sourced dishes; full dinners, small plates, and a bar menu too. We started with Fireside Negronis, followed by impeccably fresh oysters and an Autumn Salad. We were tempted by the Seared Duck Breast with Glazed Carrots and Wild Berry compote, but we couldn’t resist ordering the chef’s Lobster Mac and Cheese, a Maine specialty! We’re already planning our dishes for our next visit, the Seared Tuna and local mussels.

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We hope November brings you some new adventures and new perspectives. We’re always here to outfit you with new shoes for the journey. Join on our next visit�� - "Maine, The Way Fall Should Be"

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The stately Fort Popham is a popular visitors’ site. It went under construction in 1862; it was intended to fortify and protect Maine's capital, Augusta, from potential (but unrealized) Confederate incursions, and to safeguard strategically important shipbuilding along the busy Kennebec River. The fort was built at the mouth of the river and near the site of the earliest European settlement in Maine, the Popham Colony.

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The structure has withered a bit over time, but it’s still a prime example of the early fortifications built along Maine’s coast. Composed of huge granite blocks, quarried from nearby Fox and Dix Islands, the fort had a unique crescent shape, almost 500 feet in length.

Inside the 30-foot-high walls were 36 cannons, each weighing close to 25 tons. On the back side of the structure, a low moated curtain was built, featuring 20 musket ports around a central gate. Despite Fort Popham’s many impressive features, it was never fully completed. It was rendered obsolete after construction began on Fort Baldwin, on the headland above. Fort Popham’s cannons couldn’t match the range of Fort Baldwin’s state-of-the-art artillery.

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In 1969, Fort Popham was officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Today the extensive remains of the structure continue to attract history buffs, but it’s also well-regarded for its fishing opportunities. Additionally,��the area is a haven for photography enthusiasts. The architectural remnants of the fort, the local wildlife, and the breathtaking landscape offer a plethora of appealing subjects. Otters, seals, and a diverse array of bird species inhabit the peninsula. Safety measures necessitate some restrictions, but most of the area is accessible, providing visitors with ample space to explore the beauty of Fort Popham State Historic Site and its surroundings.

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The site is also just a short drive from the lively little cities of Bath and Brunswick, which boast their own intriguing historical sites, unique museums, inviting shops, and great restaurants. We’ll share one of our favorite dining destinations in Brunswick (home to Bowdoin College) in our next post, as we continue to highlight some of the best of Maine.

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As the air turns crisp and the leaves turn to brilliant shades of red and gold, our thoughts turn to cozy sweaters, Fall Footwear,��apple picking and apple cider doughnuts. It's a time for coming together�� to celebrate the beauty of autumn. If you're seeking new ways to embrace this time of year, why not consider the fun of a local fair?

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In the state of Maine, agricultural fairs have a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. These fairs originally served as platforms for farmers to showcase innovative techniques along with their best crops and livestock. Today Maine is home to over 25 agricultural fairs, each offering a delightful array of adult and youth events, exhibit halls, midway attractions, delicious food, and captivating entertainment. Among these fairs, the stands out as a must-visit destination, proudly holding the title of the state's largest agricultural fair, and one of the oldest in the United States.

Nestled in picturesque Fryeburg, this spectacular event unfolds over eight days during the first week of October, drawing an annual crowd of over 225,000. The fairgrounds covers��185 acres, and exhibits fill over 100 buildings.�� For those seeking a complete immersion, three camping areas are available, with approximately 4,500 reservations managed by the Camping Department each year.��

Visitors can delight in the presence of more than 3,000 animals, including majestic draft horses, ponies, racing horses, oxen, dairy and beef cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, and even rabbits. There are more than 32 horse and ox pulling events, as well as six days of harness racing on a half-mile track. For the kids and the young at heart, there’s a midway with over 50 rides.��

The Fryeburg Fair represents just one of the 25 fairs that take place throughout Maine from late August to October. Both Skowhegan and Bangor proudly host their own "state" fairs, a tradition that dates back to a time when a state fair rotated among different communities. Skowhegan's August fair, which commenced in 1818, proudly holds the title of "the nation's oldest continuously run agricultural fair," while Bangor's August event is heralded as "the largest state fair in Maine."

Maine’s country fairs are a true sign that Fall has arrived, and we’re happy to share the experience with you as part of our “Maine, the Way Fall Should Be” journey. Check out our new Fall Collection perfect for your Autumn adventure and be sure to join us on our next stop!

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OB�羺 & Co. is��proud to introduce the launch of its "Maine, the Way Fall Should Be" campaign. Inspired by the unparalleled scenic beauty and historic charm of our home state, our Fall-Winter collection is a tribute to the season's festive spirit. The campaign spotlights new products sourced and designed with the highest quality materials, and committedly crafted to honor and preserve OB�羺’s 57-year-old shoemaking tradition while incorporating some unexpected new details.��

This Collection welcomes our newest seasonal color, Driftwood; a wonderful waxy, rugged suede called waxy commander from C.F. Stead in England. This leather is weather resistant, and has a depth of character seldom seen anywhere else. The Men’s Collection also introduces new styles throughout the overall assortment, from additions to our boot lineup and casual moccasins, to updates to our Blue Isle Cordovan Collection, along with many holiday styles. The new materials and designs share direct lineage to OB�羺’s reputation for timelessness and quality. They’re crafted to provide our customers with exactly what they need for every moment of the day.��

Sunday September 22 welcomed the Autumnal Equinox; the air has cooled and the clocks are about to change, but there’s still so much to explore and do in our beautiful state of Maine. We’ve pulled together a list of some of our favorite fall destinations to bring you on this journey throughout our wonderful state. Travel with us weekly as we highlight these special places, accompanied by our exciting new fall products.

We’ll start and end our journey in Lewiston, home of OB�羺 & Co., and three generations of the OB�羺 family. Our first stop, perched on the highest point in Lewiston, is Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary. Mike, OB�羺’s Founder and CEO, grew up only two blocks away from this 450 acre preserve. He spent countless childhood days catching pollywogs and building rafts while exploring this adventureland. Nicknamed “the Crag,” is a well-loved landmark in the city, and offers hiking trails, resting areas, and remnants of old stone fireplaces and gathering spaces that were in use over 100 years ago.����

We hope you enjoy virtually exploring Thorncrag and our initial Driftwood Collection launch. Please continue to follow us each week as we share New Products and Maine experiences on our journey through, “Maine, the Way Fall Should Be”

Our second stop on our journey - Lewiston's Bon Vivant Restaurant shares our passion for Maine, the community and a product that is handcrafted and locally made.

For our second stop in our “Maine, the Way Fall Should Be” journey, we take you to one of our CEO and founder's favorite restaurants,Located in the heart of downtown Lewiston, Maine, the delightful Bon Vivant embraces the spirit of creativity with an ever-evolving menu showcasing the best local ingredients. Chef Michael Gosselin, a Lewiston native, serves up intriguing New American dishes with a decidedly French influence.

��Bon Vivant is the proud creation of the innovative team that launched an exquisite speakeasy-style cocktail bar, in the basement of the same building in 2018. A year ago, they expanded to create Bon Vivant, a full-service restaurant above their existing establishment. With a commitment to excellence, the team strives to provide top-notch cuisine, a thoughtfully curated wine selection, and impeccable service with a chic and inviting ambiance.

Steeped in history since 1895, the building housing Bon Vivant was originally part of a vibrant French-speaking neighborhood. The team installed a brand-new kitchen, an inviting Art Deco bar, and seating for 50 in a room that feels current but not pretentious; exposed-brick walls, fun patterned wallpapers, and bits of décor from local thrift shops.

On our most recent visit, we ordered Mike OB�羺’s favorite drink, an Old Fashioned.

Later, sitting by the window table, we enjoyed local Bangs Island Mussels steamed in a rich broth of Allagash White beer, onions, leeks, garlic, preserved lemon, coconut milk, and herbs, served with perfectly grilled bread. We chose ‘Steak Frites’ for our entree, featuring a tender Black Angus, 10 oz. New York Strip with house-made bleu cheese butter and hand-cut French fries served with garlic aioli.

It was a meal befitting their credo, “bon vivant, come live well with us.”

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At OB�羺, it’s our ethos, too, to share with you, our extended family, the highest-quality products and experiences rooted in generations of unwavering devotion to craftsmanship and comfort. We hope you enjoy the newest additions to This Collection.��

And that you’ll continue to join us as we move on to our next stop in our Fall Journey ………..

This view of collecting has melted over in my love for boots and other footwear. I tend to gravitate towards things that are slightly different, or brands that allow the consumer to feel connected to the owner and team creating the products. OB�羺 and Co is one such brand.

From Leffot:

David Coggins has covered everything from����to����for the Journal, but for his latest collaboration with OB�羺, the limited-edition��, we sent him to the country around Ketchum, ID, once home to Ernest Hemingway himself. You won't be surprised that David caught some fish, but he also turned up a few must-visit spots in the shadow of the Sawtooth range.

Some places speak to you. The landscape and the light feel just right, and when you wake up you’re in a good mood. They may photograph well, but they’re even better in person. If you’re getting greedy then you might ask for good fly fishing and a place to drink afterward. That’s Ketchum, ID, all the way up the Sawtooth Valley to Stanley and south to Picabo. This is good country. When I first visited nearly two decades ago, I was completely transfixed. I’m not the first person who’s felt that way...

Demand for our hand-sewn products is at an all-time high and we are actively recruiting and training new hand-sewers to join our shoemaking team in Lewiston, Maine. Training these skilled craftspeople takes years, but we are beginning that process with three new��sewers-in-training.

Our current team of six hand-sewers has close to 200 years of combined experience. One individual has been hand-sewing for four decades; two others have fifty years of experience combined. Their��shoemaking knowledge is unmatched and we greatly value their commitment to OB�羺. They are the heart and soul of our operation.��

However, with demand increasing for our��hand-sewn moccasins, we’ve sought out other resources to meet customer expectations and maintain the quality of our��handmade footwear.��

We have selected three hand-sewers in the Dominican Republic to provide support to our growing team in Lewiston. These skilled��shoemakers will produce a small percentage of our labor component and the hand-sewn shoes will be brought back to Lewiston��to be finished. All other steps in the shoemaking process, including cutting and stitching will continue in our Lewiston, Maine factory. Only the hand-sewing component of some of our shoes will take place in the Dominican Republic. In total, less than 5% of our total labor component will be produced by hand-sewers in the DR.��

All OB�羺 handsewn moccasin shoes will be go through the exact same process of cutting, prefit, and stitching in our Lewiston, Maine factory. At that time some of the uppers will be sent to our partner in the Dominican Republic to perform the hand-sewing portion of the shoemaking process. We've set-up these skilled shoemakers with the exact same equipment, tools, knowledge, and quality control that we use in Maine. When the hand-sewing is complete, the uppers are transported back to Maine for re-lasting, bottoming (stitching soles to uppers), finishing, and packing.

We are confident that the high quality you've come to expect from us will not change. Also, it should be noted that there are no cost savings in outsourcing this small labor component to our partner in the DR, this decision was made solely in order to meet demand and our customers expectations.

The Dominican Republic has a reputation for impeccable craftsmanship with dedicated hand-sewers. Many American handmade��shoe companies began collaborative partnerships with the Dominican Republic in the 1960’s and those partnerships continue today.��

We are committed to sourcing the highest quality materials available and preserving the Maine shoemaking tradition. Our hand-sewers and entire Maine-based team continue to produce the finest shoes in the world for our��loyal OB�羺 & Co.��customers.��

Steel cutting dies are made by specialty die shops in North America.��The dies are made from patterns and specifications designed and engineered by our team then sent to the die shop for construction of the dies. Each die represents a part of the shoe - from the exterior parts like plugs and vamps to interior lining parts and counter pockets. Heavy duty cutting dies are even used for cutting blocker outsoles and midsoles - a blocker is a large outsole / midsole pattern that gets cut down to fit a specific sized shoe.��

A cutting die is used very much like a cookie cutter; the die is placed carefully on the leather by��a trained leather cutter��who��uses a large pneumatic press to force the die through the leather. The process is colloquially known as "clicker cutting". Care and attention have to paid as the cutting dies have sharp edges and the force of the press is enough to crush a person's hand.

Modern technology has allowed us to develop new tools like��automatic cutting machines in a process without the need for steel cutting dies and presses, yet the need for traditional "clicker cutting" is not going away any time soon.

Lactae Hevea soles are handmade in France by Reltex. The company invented this process of making outsoles from 100% natural latex rubber. The soles go through a 12 day curing process that builds a structure of microscopic air bubbles within the soles, giving them their signature comfort. Despite the soft cushiony feel of the sole they are still highly durable.��

If you're looking for the best in terms of quality and comfort, look no further than Reltex Lactae Hevea Outsoles. Shop our collection of footwear with Lactae Hevea outsoles.

Harrison Boot - Natural Essex

Blake Boot - custom order only

We have dozens of different shapes and types of lasts in our factory. Many are specific to handsewn shoes while others are meant for dress shoes or boots. The handsewn moccasin construction specific lasts are called "slip lasts" as they have a special hinge built into them that allows them to open in the middle so they can be easily "slipped" in and out of the handsewn uppers.

You'll notice that the handsewn lasts also have lots of holes around the toe as the leather gets tacked to the last during the handsewing process. Lasts used for our Blake stitch construction do not have these holes and they have a different hinge. They are also typically taller, with a higher vamp than a handsewn last.

Many of our lasts are decades old, they have been used for generations and passed down between family and amongst shoemakers. The handsewn lasts in particular have a very traditional shape and are often used by many different shoemakers in the same area.

Shoemaking lasts are vital assets to any great shoemaker. They give us the creative freedom to work with different shapes and types of construction while also best serving our customer. A wide variety of shapes, sizes, and widths means we can accommodate just about any foot. If you were to visit our factory you'd see literally thousands of lasts stored around the factory on wooden racks and in metal storage bins. We have entire rooms devoted to the storage of our lasts.

The rolling rack is an integral part of any shoe factory. If you were to visit our factory you’d see more shoe racks than just about anything else. We don’t keep a count but my guess is that we have hundreds of various types of racks throughout the factory.

While not perfect (the white noise you'll hear is the��cooling fan of a studio light), the sounds of handsewing are much easier to hear and appreciate in this video. Tacks falling on the workbench, scissors slicing through leather, and waxed thread being pulled through seams are all satisfyingly audible. I think we can all appreciate that the process of making a pair of leather shoes by hand is beautiful to watch and to hear. We hope you enjoy.

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Armstrong's takes great pride in making their products in the most sustainable way possible. By��using from local sources��that support sustainable farming, Armstrong's is able to reduce waste and become as energy efficient as possible.��

Most importantly, Armstrong's makes great products that preserve and protect our leather goods for a great price. It really is the best value in leather care.

This is precisely why we feel so strongly about their products. They make a great product using sustainable methods that is good for the environment. We use Armstrong's products on our own footwear and we highly recommend you give them a shot.��

Below we have a couple demonstrations on how to best use Armstrong's All Natural product on your OB�羺 footwear. Click here to browse Armstrong's All Natural and our other��leather care products.����

The need for these trees soon increased after the Revolutionary War for building ships and infrastructure, which��were much needed in the new American economy. The trees that were harvested for different needs were as follows:

• Pine and Oak - good for shipbuilding, much needed for the military after the war
• Cedar - used for construction, and still used today
• Spruce and Fir - used for paper-making due to its softness

After harvesting the trees they now had to make it to their destination. Loggers used to drag the trees to the river and float them down to where they needed to go. They created piers to enter the river which you can still see today. In the process of transporting them downstream, a fair amount of the logs were lost because they would literally become waterlogged and sink to the bottom. This method of transport was used until about 1976 when they started using ships and trucks to transport.��

Logging was an independent business until about 1820, when the industry started booming and camps were made. Each logging camp would consist of 12-14 men accompanied by their oxen. They stayed in true log cabins made of spruce, mud, and moss, and slept in the same bed with one blanket. They would rotate spots on the bed so people on the edge, in the coldest spot, wouldn’t freeze night after night in the winter.��������

This knowledge of the Maine forests soon spread and by 1832, Bangor was the largest shipping port of lumber in the world. In the following 55 years��over 8.5 billion board feet of lumber would flow out of the port.

As the need for the wood changed, so did the lumberjacks. They started working for even bigger companies due to the demand��from newsprint and magazines. Since then, the industry has come full circle and many of the loggers are independent again. Now they focus on natural harvesting. This replicates what would be happening in the forests naturally, creating a better ecosystem on their land, which leads to healthier trees and healthier wildlife, while still getting the valuable resource of wood. Maine has been perfecting this practice for hundreds of years to try and build a more sustainable future.��

David OB�羺, the first generation of OB�羺s to enter the shoe industry actually started in the logging industry, following in his father's footsteps as a lumberjack. Fortunately, he decided that lifestyle wasn't for him and became a shoemaker, the rest is history.�� �� ��

- Matthew Gondek

Logging Camp Photo - The��Maine Boomhouses

Forest Photo - Maine Forest Service

The iconic and uniquely American boat shoe��embodies coastal spring/summer style. The utility, versatility, and comfort of our Read Boat Shoe make it one of our top picks for spring essentials. The outsole is siped, meaning it has grooves cut into the sole that provide��grip��on wet surfaces. The grooves separate when you step down and squeeze the ground to make sure slipping is not an option; a good quality for a shoe made for��the deck of a boat. Paired with Horween’s water resistant Chromexcel, this is the perfect option for someone who likes spending the warmer months by the water.����

Gilman Camp-moc

The camp-moc��is a style we have been perfecting for the spring and summer weather for��over 50 years. The Gilman Camp-moc combines the ease of a slip-on shoe with the aesthetic of a lace-up that’s extremely comfortable and starts to mold to your feet from the first wear. It’s made from Chromexcel leather and our signature Made in USA camp-moc soles that can take a beating. We��craft this style with some of the best materials in the world which just so happens to be made in USA from top to bottom.

Beefroll Penny Loafer

This American classic is by far our most popular loafer. The gets its name from the stitch attaching the saddle to the vamp. it resembles the look of twine a butcher would wrap around a piece of meat, hence the name ‘beefroll’. If you are going to choose one loafer to pick up this season, we highly recommend this one. It’s unlined, giving it extra flexibility and breathability for the warmer weather and the leather outsole is oil-treated for water-resistance and durability. If you slip these loafers on this spring you won’t regret it.

- Matthew Gondek

Court Classic 2.0

Inspired by classic tennis shoes, the Court Classic 2.0 is a great shoe for blending the sporty/casual look with a modern/tailored one. Our most popular sneaker is versatile in style, lightweight, and exceedingly comfortable. Our exclusive Made in USA Compass sole is one of the lightest we offer making this style great for all day wear. All of these factors make it the go-to sneaker for any spring or summer outing.��

Classic Ranger-moc

In our opinion, this is the style that is absolutely essential for your wardrobe. The timeless styling, superior materials, and comfortable fit make the four eyelet ranger-moc one of our favorite styles. The uppers and sole on the Classic Ranger-moc are made to combat the extremes of the Maine climate, so it has been wear-tested in some of the harshest environments in the country. The uppers are made from Horween’s Chromexcel leather, a waxy "pull-up" leather that give it highly water-resistant and low maintenance qualities.

Acadia Chukka

Just because the snow is gone, doesn't necessarily mean that your footwear will be able to cruise right through the upcoming months with ease. That is why we made the Acadia Chukka. It straddles the line of a cold and warm weather shoe because of the sole and unlined uppers. This style has a textured outsole that is tough to wear down and an upper that provides more breathability��than your average chukka. Take these on a casual hike through the woods, or a stroll through the city on a nice night out.

- Matthew Gondek

Grafton Notch State Park

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Image via��http://www.newenglandwaterfalls.com/me-screwaugerfalls-grafton.html

Grafton Notch State park lies in the Mahoosuc mountain range in western Maine. One of the most popular features here is Screw Auger Falls, a series of waterfalls that were formed by glaciers more than 12,000 years ago during the last ice age. Glaciers created a huge split in the Earth’s surface near the mountains, causing a lot of the melting snow to run through Bear River and ultimately through the falls. The roaring falls in the spring are an amazing place to go to get a better idea of just how much snow the mountains in Maine can get.�� �� ��

The Desert of Maine

Yes, Maine does indeed have a desert. During the 1700s in Freeport, Maine there used to be a vast number of potato farms that covered the land. However, due to overuse, these soils eventually dried up and the sand from beneath soon made its way to the surface. This created what is now called the Desert of Maine and is one of the most unique places Maine has to offer. The many acres of desert sand surrounded by thick pine is an interesting and beautiful sight not seen anywhere else in New England. Visiting in spring before the height of tourist season can be a peaceful and relaxing experience.

Coos Canyon

Image via��http://www.newenglandwaterfalls.com/me-cooscanyon.html

Coos Canyon is an amazing stop for a short swim or a casual outdoor lunch. It is��surprisingly located at a rest area on Route 17 in Byron, Maine, not a typical spot for a series of waterfalls and hiking trails. The waterfalls that run through this park are stunning and the trails that surround it make for a nice casual hike through the woods. This is one of our favorite, low key, spots to visit in the spring as the snow melts off the mountains and runs through the Swift River. Don’t be afraid to take a dip, however, this time of year the water might be a little chilly.�� ��

Sugarloaf

If you thought Mainers would stop their winter fun when winter was over, think again. Sugarloaf keeps the mountain open to skiers well into May. The deep snowpack provides great coverage throughout the mountain even as the temps rise into the 60's. If you have never been skiing in shorts and a t-shirt, it may be time to make a trip up to the resort in the spring. And for you non-skiers out there, there are plenty of trails along the mountain to see some of the most beautiful spring views. Just be careful, it can be a little slippery.

Kudu is a��type��of wild African antelope native to the southwestern regions of the continent. Its preferred territory is made up of thick thorn brush and tall vegetation, causing the animal to acquire deep scratches and scrapes throughout its life. Oddly enough, they like to stay put in this habitat, even though it seems like they're taking a beating. The scars that develop are one of the most distinct characteristics of the leather as they are preserved in the hide during the tanning process. The most notable trait of kudu hides is that they are as soft as deerskin but much thicker and more durable, more like cowhide.��

So how does the tough skin get to the luxurious suede that we use on our shoes? The grain side gets buffed down to a nubuck, still preserving the distinct scars, and the reverse side (flesh side) is shaved down to reveal the suede. This makes the leather a little thinner, but the natural fibers in Kudu leather are so tight, that it still preserves its durable qualities. This is why we use it for our Byron and Harrison Boot. Kudu is tough and durable while still being soft and supple and the refined look of the suede side preserves the touch of sophistication we aim for in our footwear.

The kudu leather we use is tanned by one of the��finest tanneries in the world - Charles F. Stead - in Leeds, England. They are well-known worldwide for the quality leather they produce and somewhat specialize in kudu leather along with a few other tannages from African antelope (more to come on that front). If you've never worn our footwear in kudu suede, we highly recommend it. We're confident they'll become your favorite pair of shoes.

- Matthew Gondek & Kyle OB�羺

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Kudu image via Britannica��

Here in Maine we make things by hand because it's the best way to control quality and consistency. It's important to us to support others in our community who share our values, thus it was natural to bring Smith’s Leather Balm into our store.

Smith's Leather Balm started from an idea when��Shane Smith’s wife, Mandy, was reading the label of his leather conditioner. Concerned with the harsh and potentially harmful chemicals in it she came to realize it would be best to stay away from the product altogether because of what it could do to you, never mind your shoes. After seeing this, they realized how important it was to make their recipe as simple as possible. So, they got to work on what we now know as��Smith’s Leather Balm. They went so far as only using three ingredients:

• 100% organic cocoa butter
• 100% organic beeswax
• 100% pure almond oil����

When combined, these ingredients offer an all-natural balm that preserves (the cocoa butter), waterproofs (the beeswax), and conditions leather (the almond oil),��while being much safer than the alternatives. Together they��make your leather��goods��supple and soft and give them extra durability for longer wear.��

��Smith’s and OB�羺 & Co. both make products by hand for the same purpose-- quality and longevity. Maine is the best state to test this principle because of its environmental diversity of thick woods, rocky coastline and unpredictable weather. This is how we put both of our��products to the test and why making it at home is so important to us.��

Check out the video below for a better look on how to apply this balm to your OB�羺 shoes at home. And find our selection of the best leather care products here.

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- Matthew Gondek

In a state with as storied a footwear tradition as Maine the mantel for "most iconic shoe" is hard won. Is it the ubiquitous Bean boot? Or the Ivy-style staple penny loafer? Maybe the uniquely American boat shoe invented and popularized by Paul Sperry? No, in our opinion Maine's most iconic shoe is the humble camp-moc.��

The trademark of the camp-moc is its comfort. The camp-moc's hand-sewn moccasin construction is lightweight, flexible, and molds to your feet in very short order.��Leon Leonwood Bean invented the style in 1936, basing his initial design��on the traditional hand-sewn footwear of northeastern Native Americans. But why was the camp-moc��created in the first place?

If you're familiar with Maine you may have heard of a place called "camp." However, camp has a different meaning in Maine than other parts of the country.��

Camp (n.) - a part time residence, could be a house, usually a cabin with minimal electricity, wifi, cell service, or access to food, independently owned and managed by��the property owner.

Why would��anyone want to invest so much time, effort, and money to get to a place like this? The answer is simple; Mainer's are country-people at heart so camps were created to escape the hustle and bustle of cities.��

Camp is typically in a remote location, sometimes with no paved roads for miles around, allowing one to embrace the freedom of the Maine woods. But a question remains, what do you bring to camp? Plenty of food, clothing, supplies needed to catch food (if you’re into that sort of thing), and the correct footwear for��the activities ahead. The correct footwear obviously being your camp-mocs.

But��what��makes the camp-moc an ideal shoe for camp? The answer is simple. It's a slip on shoe that fits nicely and is extremely durable while being lightweight enough for long walks on the trail. The camp-moc is a shoe you can knock around while tending to camp without a care in the world, since that’s the whole point of camp in the first place.��

Since 1967, a little over 30 years after Leon Leonwood Bean invented the camp-moc, we have been��hand-sewing this iconic Maine style. We've modified its design by��adding a sole that was built to combat the extremes of the Maine seasons. Our exclusive��American-made military-grade polyurethane camp moc sole has high shear strength, meaning it takes a lot of force to damage, high abrasion threshold - making them hard to wear down, flexibility in colder temperatures - keeping them comfortable when normal��soles would stiffen up, and high elasticity - making them comfortable right out of the box and perfect for trekking through the woods.��

The most notable characteristics of our Gilman Camp-moc��are the comfort and simplicity of the handsewn moccasin uppers. We craft them using traditional techniques that we have been perfecting for over 50 years with some of the best materials in the world. Unlined, full-grain leather like Horween's Chromexcel and Buckaroo makes for durable and water-resistant uppers that will still mold to your feet. The hallmark of camp-moc style is the leather lace running through the collar and plug of each shoe allowing you to tailor the fit while preserving the ease of a slip-on. Our Gilman Camp-moc is made in the USA from top to bottom and��truly embodies the��heritage of shoemaking in Maine.

- Matthew Gondek

Cabin photo courtesy of (instagram)

In this climate, it is more important than ever to "vote" for what you believe in. When it comes to small business, voting to keep your favorite places open can be done in one simple way, with your dollars. This is the best way to give your favorite businesses continuing support and to show them how important they are to you. Our crowdfunding event is here to give you the opportunity to vote with your dollars to help keep the tradition of handcrafted shoes in Lewiston, Maine alive.������

During this crowdfunding event we offer the opportunity to purchase our best selling fall/winter and spring styles for wholesale prices. These styles include the Byron Boot, the new Harrison Boot Redux, Rockland Blucher, Camden Derby, Beefroll Penny Loafer LH, Beefroll Penny Loafer Camp Moc, and the Baxter Ranger Moc. These are all offered in a variety of our most popular leathers including Horween's Chromexcel and Charles F. Stead's Kudu Suede.

How are we able to offer so many styles at wholesale prices? By making all of the funded styles in one batch. This makes production much more efficient than making them one by one. We are able to set up the factory for one particular style, and produce��each one��in one or two production runs. This increases the speed of production without compromising the quality of the footwear.

Which style will you help fund? For more information about the crowdfunding event, visit the crowdfunding page here.

- Matthew Gondek

When I made plans to attend Bread and Butter in Berlin I knew that I had to make time to meet some friends and contacts in France. My flight was connecting through Paris, so this was a no-brainer. At the top of my priorities was to visit Reltex in Virieu, a very small mountainside town situated between Lyon and Grenoble. It was a little bit of a challenge to get there: two and a half hour train, met at the station by Patrick Giroud, the President and founder of Reltex, and then a 45 minute drive on winding roads just outside of the French Alps.

I instantly found Mr. Giroud to be warm, welcoming and humorous. He truly has a passion for his trade, it is no surprise then that he continues to do it even at 72. Reltex and Mr. Giroud are responsible for bringing the world Lactae Hevea (pronounced lack-tie heavy-ah, the "h" on "hevea" is silent but you'd sound pretentious pronouncing it that way in this country) latex outsoles. Lactae Hevea literally means milk of the hevea tree in Latin. The soles are made from the sap or milk of the hevea tree. Essentially, it is 100% natural latex rubber.

The milk is harvested in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam using sustainable methods and shipped to the tiny town of Virieu in France, where a passionate and intelligent man developed a process for creating the most comfortable and durable rubber outsoles in the world. There really is nothing like it in the world, and nobody else does it. It is tedious and expensive and imprecise.

The milk is poured by hand into steel molds. The steel molds are resting in a warm water bath and will set in the bath for one hour before they remove the sole and transfer it immediately into a cold water bath. At this point, the soles have the consistency of jello and are an odd off-white color.

The rubber soles have a uniquely porous micro-structure, and the cold water bath helps keeps those pores open while the material cures. After one full day in the cold water they go into a hot-air dryer for one day. The dryer is huge and has hundreds of wooden shelves to hold the unfinished soles. After 24 hours drying, they put the soles back into the water for a day to keep those pores open, then back into the dryer for a full week until the soles are finished. The final process is trimming any imperfections and inspecting the final product before packing. It takes roughly 10-12 days to produce one pair of soles, a stark contrast from the minutes or hours it takes other manufacturers to produce rubber soles.

At Reltex, producing these latex soles is a fluid process (no pun intended). If they feel the soles need more drying, they dry them longer. The colors are difficult to master as well because they are working with a natural and living raw material. Each batch will be a slightly different color. The drying, which speeds up the curing process, is only half the battle. The soles actually take months to properly cure. But with a worldwide culture that needs immediate gratification, we just can't wait. So when we cut and trim these soles to fit our shoes, we get to see the uncured milk inside the soles. We typically cover it up with dye, however in just a short couple of months the soles will cure fully and that light natural milk color will be gone.

In our opinion Lactae Hevea soles, while expensive and imprecise, are the greatest outsoles in the world. They offer unparalleled comfort and durability. Not to mention they look great on just about any style of shoe we produce and the story of how they are made just doesn't get any better. We are currently expanding our offering of Lactae Hevea soles but for now you can find them��here

Ranger-Moc in Peanut Bison Pull-up

Ranger-Moc in Peanut Bison Pull-up

Ranger-Moc in Smoke Bison Pull-up

Ranger-Moc in Smoke Bison Pull-up

Hamilton Boot in Smoke Bison pull-up

Hamilton Boot in Smoke Bison pull-up

lining of color 8 chromexcel belt

Color 8 Chromexcel belt, 1.5" wide

lining of color 8 shell cordovan belt, MADE IN USA

Genuine Horween Color 8 Shell Cordovan belt

Color 8 Shell cordovan belt, 1.25" wide

OB�羺 & Co. Shoecrafters
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Alden
http://www.aldenshoe.com

Red Wing
http://www.redwingshoes.com/

Allen Edmonds
http://www.allenedmonds.com/

Quoddy
http://www.quoddy.com/

Russell Moccasin
http://www.russellmoccasin.com/

White's Boots
http://www.whitesboots.com/

Genesco / Parent company of Johnston & Murphy
http://www.johnstonmurphy.com/group.aspx?name=men/usa (beware: most shoes not manufactured in USA)

Danner
http://www.danner.com/

Chippewa / Justin Boots
http://www.chippewaboots.com/
http://www.justinboots.com/en/

Wesco
http://www.westcoastshoe.com/wesco/home.asp

New Balance (beware: very few styles actually produced in the USA)
http://www.newbalance.com/

Weinbrenner / Thorogood
http://www.weinbrennerusa.com/dspNavCategory.cfm?rootID=