A collaboration between Thursday Boots and Carl Murawski that almost didn’t happen!
The Story Behind The Brawler
Getting to the final product was anything but straightforward. My history with Thursday Boots is a bit rocky, and I didn’t want this collaboration to seem disingenuous. In the past nine years, I’ve made some very critical videos on Thursdays products, and never missed a chance to get a laugh at their expense.
Putting all that aside, the opportunity to make a boot in a style that only existed at the high end of the market (for a price almost anyone could afford) was far too good to pass up.
The Inspiration and Goal
The Thursday Boot look is one of refinement and sleek lines. A look which was at odds with my typical work boot-clad feet. I wanted to design a boot with more grit, more attitude, and a more aggressive style. We began looking at boots for inspiration like the Viberg 310, the Truman 20, and the Kreosote Nail Shank. All boots with the right look and prices reaching into the thousands.
Early Samples
The early samples weren’t what I had envisioned. Clearly the cap toe design wouldn’t work, and the first lasts featured a toe with a “beer gut” look instead of a chiseled jaw. If these were the rough draft, we had a ton of work to do.
A Glimmer of Hope
Crestfallen, I opened the final sample. What I found was very close to the idea in my mind: single-piece backstay, a more squared toe shape, and a leaner overall look. This was the jumping off point I was looking for.
Refinement
Over the following months, Nolan and I obsessed over the details. We trimmed the welt shelf, raised the heel a few millimeters, squared off the toe, and chiseled away a lean, mean Brawler boot.
The End Result
After more than a dozen attempts the final Brawler design was a reality, and choosing the leather options was next. Choosing from the world’s best tanneries, the four final leathers are like a boot nerd’s wish list.
Thursday Brawler in Medium Brown Harness
From Wickett & Craig Tannery USA, this cowhide leather is treated with oils and waxes, giving its signature luxurious sheen. These boots could easily be polished and dressed up to pull double duty in the office or in the field. This leather takes on red tones in a certain light, and the natural variation across the hide gives these boots character and texture. Antique brass eyelets and a brown pull tab add to the distinguished look.
Thursday Brawler in Black x Natural Teacore
Black/Natural Vegetable Tanned Teacore Horse Rump from Maryam Tannery in Italy will patina with time and wear, as the surface pigment scuffs and reveals the natural color beneath. This thick, tough leather will stand the test of time and only look better for it. Cut leather laces complete the look, though additional laces are included with each pair.
Thursday Brawler in Cinnamon Waxed Flesh
Coming from the famous Horween Tannery in Chicago USA, this Cinnamon Waxed Flesh is one of the most dramatically aging leathers in the world. As the surface treatment bends and wears, the leather fibers will come through to highlight wear areas and make your boots one of a kind. Well-worn Waxed Flesh boots regularly win the Stitchdown Patina Thunderdome for good reason.
Thursday Brawler in Bronze Brown Rambler
Easily the leather with the most “out of the box” character is the Bronze Brown Rambler from C.F. Stead Tannery in England. The marbles surface resembles a fine cigar, or well-worn baseball glove with its grainy character. These boots look like your favorite old boots from day one.
Price and Value
The Thursday Brawler is part of the Thursday Black Label Collection, meaning they use more prestigious leathers are assembled by the most senior artisans, and come with special packaging with additional laces.
The Price for the Thursday Brawler is $325, making them one of the best values on the market today. There simply isn’t another stitchdown boot with all-leather build quality in this price range.
Size and Fit
Thursday suggests sizing down ½ size for the Brawler. The toe box on these has more volume by design, so even those with wide feet shouldn’t have an issue wearing these boots all day.
The Bottom Line
It’s been a pleasure working with Thursday to create the Brawler. Through all my nitpicking and revisions they remained enthusiastic and receptive. I truly believe we have made something that will allow more people to enjoy the world of boots, especially if Thursday’s main line was a bit too sleek for their taste. The Brawler is the family member Thursday didn’t know they needed!
Guidance to special order Brawler Boots with a zipper, without laces and 2 inch heel?
Jók a cikkek !
Blacklader 1959 ?
Mendl bakancs ?
Üdv…. Magyarországról.
How about a cap toe version? Maybe if this one is a hit?
BTW: My Grandfather’s name was Carl. He was a hardworking man from Minot, North Dakota. His parents emigrated there from Norway. He built a successful carpet and linoleum business. Growing up with him helps me genuinely appreciate your “blue collar” persona and approach because it instilled in me a respect for the tradespeople who built this country. His (only) son, my 85-year-old father, now lives in Red Wing … yes, THAT Red Wing … but that’s a story for another time.
Take care
My mom was a professional ice skater with Ice Follies. She’d recount traveling through and skating in Minot, and every single time she did she’d always say “why not Minot” and laugh as if it was the funniest thing she’d ever heard. I’m not sure why, but she did. Your grandfather and father maybe watched my mom skate in Minot. P.S. – nice boots!