Having a good pair of handsewn moccasins is an asset to keep your feet warm and dry during winter. In this article, we’ll be looking at two of the most popular mocassin brands – Quoddy and Yuketen.
Both Quoddy and Yuketen shoes make use of fine animal leather, making all shoes handcrafted, and they both use vegetable-tanned leather.
Their biggest difference is that Quoddy makes some of their shoes from rubber and other materials while Yuketen uses leather only.
While comparing these two might seem difficult because of their keen similarities, we’ll be going deeper in comparison, therefore checking their histories and furthermore deciding which one will be the best for you.
History of Quoddy Boots
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Quoddy’s history traces its roots back to the rugged fishing village of Hackettstown, Maine, situated on the Bay of Fundy.
The company was founded by Andy and Shelley Quoddy in 1968 with the goal to produce a high-quality boot that could withstand the harsh, wet, and rocky environment of the Maine coastline.
The original design was intended to be a lighter version of the French Canadian-style boots of the 1800s.
With its proximity to saltwater as well as its proximity to New Brunswick, Canada which was a major supplier of rubber for footwear, Quoddy started producing rubber boots for the general public.
In 1951, the company began to make leather boots, and in the 1960s, they began to make leather shoes.
In 1977, Quoddy introduced rubber outsole boots and in 1979, the first cordovan boot was introduced.
The company has continued to grow and evolve with trends and the needs of the market producing rubber boots and shoes for the burgeoning fishing industry.
Products by Quoddy unify the latest in footwear design with traditional values: the best materials, superior craftsmanship, lasting designs, and uncompromising quality. They offer foot comfort, fashionable style, and durability.
History of Yuketen boots
Yuketen is a San Jose-based company founded by Kenji and Julia Yonetani and based on the Yuketen factory in Ise, Japan.
Kenji and Julia met in Japan when she was visiting family. Kenji started making boots there, supplying them to his relatives, who then sold them to customers all around the world.
The name, Yuketen, is a combination of Japan’s old capital and the word “ten” which is the Japanese word for “tens of thousands.”
Yuketen boots are high-end leather boots made with quality craftsmanship. Their emphasis on traditional leather workmanship and Japanese heritage in combination with contemporary design has won them wide acclaim from both press and fashion industry insiders.
Yuketen began as a company dedicated to making high-quality work boots, and it was only in the late 1960s that Yuketen made the transition from work to fashion footwear.
Why you should wear Quoddy Boots?
Quoddy Boots are made in Maine USA and are a company that still makes boots the old-fashioned way.
They hand cut the leather to their own specifications and cut, stitch, and seam the boot all in their own factory. The brand puts great pride in having their own manufacturing facility and in the quality of the product they produce.
They believe the quality of their product comes from their company not outsourcing operations. They do all their production in-house including all dyeing and finishing of the leather.
Quoddy Boots are a great way to keep your feet warm in the winter. Quoddy Boots are not just boots, they are like a second layer of skin.
They are made with the consumer in mind, and that is why they offer a vast selection of sizes, styles, colors, and heights.
Quoddy boots are made of all-natural materials such as wool, leather, and hand-sewn moccasin construction and use child-labor-free factories.
Quoddy boots are sturdy and durable and will keep your feet warm. You can tell that Quoddy boots are good quality when you try them on, as they feel comfortable from the first wear.
The felt lining of the Quoddy boots keeps your feet snug, while the exterior of the boots is made of leather. Quoddy boots are perfect for those who have smaller feet, and those with larger feet.
Quoddy boots are constructed with a single piece of leather, hand-sewn “penny loafer” style, with the left and right feet being mirror images of one another.
Quoddy boots have a chiseled toe and a high, rounded, external grain. Elaborate Quoddy boots are often made with an insole, hand-stitched, and using a bone, metal, or horn button.
Why you should wear Yuketen boots?
If you’re looking for a stylish and warm winter boot, then Yuketen Boots will be perfect for you. They’re made of 100% wool, so they’re not only durable but also lightweight, making them well-suited for all sorts of circumstances.
You’ll want to pair the boots with thicker socks since they are not insulated, but they will make any boot go from drab to stylish.
There are many reasons to wear Yuketen Boots, and those who really enjoy the outdoors are always at the top of the list. Yuketen Boots are the perfect outdoor boot with their thick, rugged sole, waterproof leather, and rubber heel.
Yuketen Boots also have great arch support, making them ideal for long walks and hikes. The wide-cut bottoms of Yuketen Boots also make it easy to walk across uneven surfaces.
Yuketen Boots are a far cry from your standard rain and snow boots. They may not hold the capability to change the weather, but they are undeniable and incomparable in their quality.
The craftsmanship is not just in the making of the boot, but also in the soles, which are hand-crafted with the finest natural rubber and a composition of up to 20% vulcanized fat from a horse’s back.
With a sole that is this durable, your Yuketen boots will be in top shape.
Yuketen boots are also great for hikes and running through the trails. The boots are available in a variety of colors and textures, so there’s sure to be a pair that will go with any outfit.
Comparison table between Quoddy and Yuketen boots
| Features | Quoddy Boots | Yuketen Boots |
| Sizes | Available in various sizing options suitable for everyone | Available in various sizing options suitable for everyone |
| Colour | Available in a variety of colors | Available in a variety of colors |
| Toe – protection | Chiseled toe | Located in front of the shoe |
| Flexibility | They have a flexible sole | They have a flexible sole |
| Outsoles | Rubber outsoles | Rubber outsoles |
| Made up of | Leather and Suede | Leather and cotton canvas |
| Insoles | Wool and rubber | Cork |
| Resoling | Difficult to resole due to hard leather | Difficult to resole due to hard leather |
| Break in | Easy to break in, takes a few hours. | Easy to break in, takes some hours of constant wearing |
| Value | Between $200-$400 | Approximately $200 – $700 |
| Looks | Stylish and subtle | Rugged and stylish |
Discussion of similarities between Quoddy and Yuketen Boots
Processing of the leather used
Quoddy and Yuketen use vegetable-tanned leather, a type of leather tanned without the use of chemicals. The leather is tanned using natural materials, such as tree barks, leaf extracts, and other sustainable ingredients.
The leather is then dyed in a process that may require more than 200 different steps. In comparison, traditional leather tanning uses chemicals such as chromium salts, lead, and arsenic.
Maine-based
These companies stand for the beauty of Maine and the Maine coast. Quoddy and Yuketen have been around for over 50 years and these boots are recognized across the globe.
Quoddy and Yuketen boots are made by hand in the small Maine community of Perry.
Handmade
Quoddy hand makes each boot by hand, in their Maine-based factory. They use traditional materials and hand-craft their boots with the highest standard of quality.
Yuketen also hand-makes each boot, with a focus on the quality of the leather and the construction of the boot.
Quality and craftsmanship
They both make shoes that are crafted well with attention to detail and durability. Every stitch is done with care and every stitch has a purpose in order to make it more durable
Design
One similarity between the two is that their boots are inspired by the traditional outerwear of Native Americans.
The design of their boots is based on the Native American tradition of wearing moccasins with long leggings.
Color
They both come In a variety of colors suitable for everyone.
Sizing
Their sizes are similar as they both have sizes suitable for every age.
Usage of both of these boots
- For outdoor activities, use Quoddy Boots
- For hunting, Quoddy Boots are the best
- For fishing, you should also opt for Quoddy Boots
- For hikes and runs through the trails, use Yuketen Boots
- For rugged outdoor sports, opt for Yuketen Boots
- For winter, use Yuketen Boots.
Top 3 Yuketen Boots you should buy
| Image | Title | Features | Pros | Cons | Buy | Price |
 |
Maine Guide DB Boots with Christy Natural – FO G Brown | Leather Insole + Leather Tuck + Shank + Memory Foam + Arch Support | Retained structure and durability for a Long time | Expensive
Not particularly versatile |
Buy on website | $670 |
 |
Maine Guide 6 Eye DB Boots – Bandana Quatro | Outsole-Grade Leather Midsole + Rubber Midsole + Vibram’s USA-Made Christy Sole | the smooth grain side of the leather wears pleasantly against the skin, negating the need for additional liners | Polarizing design aesthetic | Buy on website | $680 |
 |
Blucher Rocker w/ Kiltie – Godzilla Black | 8 Layers of Leather, Rubber & PU Compound Bottoming Unit | made from 100% vegetable-tanned leather and will naturally accommodate the distinct shape of the wearer’s foot over time. | Could be considered culturally insensitive | buy on website | $605 |
Top 3 Quoddy Boots you should buy
| Image | Title | Feature | Pros | Cons | Buy | Price |
 |
MENS RING MULE | Moc construction in an easy to wear “Slip-On | Very comfortable to wear | No arch support | buy on website | $249 |
 |
CANOE SHOE | functional perimeter lacing system that allows you to reduce the heel for a good fit. | Excellent traction and support | Expensive to resole | buy on website | $295 |
 |
COMFORT LUG TERRA LACE | Exclusive Cored Vibram® Rugged Lug outsole.
Quoddy Revive™ Breathable Insole |
Very snug and warm on the feet | Might be uncomfortable | Buy on website | $275 |
FAQs on Quoddy boots
Are Quoddy Boots of good quality?
Quoddy Boots are known for their quality. They are made in Maine, USA, and are one of the few remaining shoe manufacturers that still make shoes in North America.
Do Quoddy Boots run large?
Quoddy Boots run large, so you should order a size smaller than what you would normally wear. If you have any questions about sizing, please contact customer service before ordering.
Are Quoddy boots waterproof?
Quoddy Boots are waterproof to a certain extent. They can withstand rain and snow, but they can’t withstand being submerged in water.
The upper part of the boots is made from high-grade leather that is waterproof. The sole of the boots is made from rubber, which also makes them waterproof.
Are Quoddy Boots Handmade?
Quoddy boots are handmade by a company that specializes in the crafting of boots. And they are made to withstand harsh winter conditions.
FAQs on Yuketen boots
Are Yuketen boots worth the money?
Yuketen boots are worth the money because they are high-quality products that will last you for a long time. They are handmade in San Jose and have a reputation for being one of the best bootmakers in the world.
Do Yuketen Boots run big or small?
The boots are true to size. They are not too big or small.
How are Yuketen Boots sized?
Yuketen footwear sizing varies according to the style. For example, desert boots are usually sized 12, but may be sized 11.5, 11, 10.5, 9.5, and so on.
Ojos mules are usually sized in a 12, but may be sized as a 10.5, 11, 11.5 and so on.
They have developed a sizing system that is easy to follow and understand for the customer. They take the width of the foot in millimeters and divide by 40.
This gives them the size of the boot. The height of the boot is the length of the foot. Yuketen has a size chart on their website that is easy to find.
Does Yuketen make boots for women?
Yuketen does not currently make boots for women.
Conclusion
After reading this article, you’d most likely have made your preferred choice of boots – Quoddy or Yuketen.
But remember, these two shoes are very similar in features and uses. So caution must be taken when choosing each for different purposes.
If you want a boot, made for rugged sports, harsh winter conditions, and high durability, go for Yuketen Boots because they are better in that aspect.
While, if you want a boot made for fishing, hunting, waterproof, logging, and all sorts of outdoor activities or a shoe with a snug inner lining, go for Quoddy shoes because they are better in that aspect.
Your preference depends on what you need it for, either rugged sports or comfortable outdoor activities.
The choice is now yours to make!
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