We’ve Never Seen a Heritage Boot Quite Like This One Before

Somehow, partnering with Pappy Van Winkle is only the second most notable thing about Wolverine’s latest 1000 Mile Boot.

By Steve Mazzucchi

Published September 19, 2024

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Updated September 20, 2024

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When a couple of legendary brands like Wolverine and Pappy Van Winkle team up, the obvious headline probably includes the words “Wolverine,” “Pappy Van Winkle” and “Team Up.”

The only substantive mention of the feature is this blurb under the rubric Smooth Finish: “Built from Wolverine’s iconic 1000 Mile silhouette and finished with the added comfort, support, and style of a wedge sole.”

But looking more closely at their latest joint effort, the limited-edition Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle Batch IV 1000 Mile Boot, I couldn’t help but land on another prime takeaway.

Because while every other colorway and treatment of the classic boot — a total of 13 — possesses some version of a leather and/or Vibram outsole, this one has something different underfoot.

Wolverine 1000 Mile x Old Rip Van Winkle Batch IV Boot

$424.95 at Wolverine

A sole of its own

Interestingly enough, Wolverine calls very little attention to this detail in the promotion of the boot, which as the name suggests is the fourth such collab between the brands.

On the product page, the only substantive mention is this blurb under the rubric Smooth Finish: “Built from Wolverine’s iconic 1000 Mile silhouette and finished with the added comfort, support, and style of a wedge sole.”

wolverine wedge sole — Like the soles on other versions of the boot, the wedge has ridges for extra grip on sketchy terrain.

Perhaps I’m a bit more sensitive here because I personally love a good wedge sole. The treatment calls to mind Red Wing’s Classic Moc, but other brands embrace it as well.

Truth be told, for a long time my go-to motorcycle boot was an old pair of Wolverine 1000 Mile Jensons. Then I tried Danner’s Moto Wedge GTX and that one kinda grabbed the belt.

danner versus wolverine boots — The author rocking his two favorite boots: the Danner Moto Wedge GTX (left) and Wolverine 1000 Mile Jenson (right).

The main reason is simple. The soft polyurethane compound used in the wedge is noticeably more comfortable during long days on my feet and in the seat. It also provides a dynamic contrast that visually pops.

However, now that Wolverine is offering the best of both worlds — 110-year-old heritage styling and modern comfort — the game might change yet again.

Old standby features

Because along with that wonderful wedge, these new 1000-Milers pack a number of the familiar elements that have made this boot so beloved in the first place.

Designed and built right here in the US, they’re patterned after the time-tested 1000-Mile silhouette that dates all the way back to 1914. (In a corresponding nod to American craftsmanship, a portion of proceeds from each pair sold will be donated to SkillsUSA, the no. 1 workforce development organization for students.)

The upper is made of premium Lux leather from Seidel Tanning Corp. in Milwaukee. The boots also feature a durable, flexible 360-degree Goodyear Welt that enables them to be re-soled, extending their lifespan. They come with a pair of rugged rawhide laces as well as a cotton backup pair.

wolverine-1000-mile-boots-cuffed-jeans — In addition to the comfort factor, the wedge gives the bottom of the boot a fresh look.

One set of touches unique to this edition are those inspired by the whiskey for which it is named, Old Rip Van Winkle 10. (Part of Pappy’s extended family, this 10-year-old, 107-proof wheated bourbon costs just a bit more than boots.)

Those details include the hue of the upper, which resembles a dark, bourbon-y brown, as well as the hand-numbered Old Rip Van Winkle label on the tongue.

Finally, the first 100 pairs sold come with a pair of limited-edition coasters made from Old Rip Van Winkle bourbon barrel wood.

Sounds like the perfect thing to set your glass of high-end whiskey on while kicking your (comfortably wedged) feet up and enjoying the back porch view.