Good practical clothing is essential, but a good pair of boots is vital. I do love a good boot and Field & Country (link below) sell a very good boot; for both men and women. Over the last year or so I've tried out a couple of boots from their range; the Marsh Harrier and Osprey field boots are beautifully made (in Spain) from soft leather with a waterproof, breathable lining and robust Vibram soles.
I had always enjoyed the product development for the winter season, both when I was a store manager representative on the men’s product development committee at Clarks. It required a more discerning purchase and I recognised it was a trend as all year around fashion.
With challenging climatic conditions to minus 30 degrees and prolonged winter in the Caucasus I spent a lot of effort on product development with franchise partners. Even surprisingly whilst in the Middle East with up to 50 degrees, I spent a lot of effort on the Wolverine Industrial Boots range for the oil & gas industry. I always packed a good pair of Panama Jack Boots on my overseas ventures and recognise the importance of product that performed in adverse conditions.
As part of my background research for Field & Moor I visited trade fairs in Milan and London, found factory owners on trips to Spain and Portugal to understand their manufacturing capability and outlook. I visited 15 factories looking at every aspects of their operations and getting to know them as all were small scale family-owned businesses.
GF: I have been wearing the Osprey and the Marsh Harrier. The former has a higher buckled cuff, but otherwise the two models seems similar to my untutored eye - what are the differences between them?
GF: What plans do you have for Field &Moor in future? Any plans for other forms of country wear?
I offer a bespoke service with a more tailored options on the Osprey to wider fitting customer requirements where the straps required are much wider than standard. This takes two months from order, but allows customer to choose colour and lining options.
For the Autumn Season 2022 I'll be seeking a select few trade partners, either country gun store or distinguished brands that will take an offering from range to suit their regional client base.
On the Cumbrian fells wearing Field & Moor Osprey boots |
The boots are supremely comfortable and the flexible leather meant that there was no significant breaking in period needed for me. They take a little time to put on, but the high laces and (in the case of the Osprey) a buckled cuff mean that they can be micro-adjusted to fit and they remain secure in sticky, rough conditions or on very steep terrain. I've worn mine in bogs, steep leafy woodland, fording steams and on rough, tussocky moorland. They stay dry, secure and comfortable. The Vibram soles (which seem little changed very little in design since I bought my first climbing boots over 50 years ago), have outstanding grip on mud and even on wet rock.
I spoke to Field & Moor founder, James Waddell, to find out more:
GF: Please introduce yourself and tell us your background
JW: My Background: thirty plus years in footwear; Clarks, Aldo, Wolverine & Hush Puppies, Steve Madden and own label regional brands. I did three spells in overseas markets Far East, emerging markets of Caucasus and the Middle East, travelling to regional partners in Canada, USA and Europe.
I dreamt of setting up own brand based back in the UK, looking to utilise sourcing, brand development & selling experience that I had gained. I aimed to combine attending Country Trade shows and online direct to customer experience.
I'm a Member of the Society of Shoe fitters which promotes healthy well-made products. I enjoy talking with factory owners on how to get a well-made boot that fits and suits end use. Striving to put the consumer as focus of all activities within the supply chain and operations is vital to me.
JW: My Background: thirty plus years in footwear; Clarks, Aldo, Wolverine & Hush Puppies, Steve Madden and own label regional brands. I did three spells in overseas markets Far East, emerging markets of Caucasus and the Middle East, travelling to regional partners in Canada, USA and Europe.
I dreamt of setting up own brand based back in the UK, looking to utilise sourcing, brand development & selling experience that I had gained. I aimed to combine attending Country Trade shows and online direct to customer experience.
I'm a Member of the Society of Shoe fitters which promotes healthy well-made products. I enjoy talking with factory owners on how to get a well-made boot that fits and suits end use. Striving to put the consumer as focus of all activities within the supply chain and operations is vital to me.
Field & Moor Osprey boots |
GF: How did you come to start Field & Moor?
JW: I felt there was a sufficient opportunity in the market for a new brand of country boot that combined craftmanship, comfort & style to cater for discerning customers who enjoy country pursuits and lifestyles. I was looking to scale it to around 1,500 – 2,000 pairs a year without becoming too big and impersonal. I was inspired by success of the enterprising guys behind Fairfax & Favor and followed their progress online and through PR whilst overseas as they gained traction with a new outlook and flair.
GF: Why Country Boots?
JW: I felt there was a sufficient opportunity in the market for a new brand of country boot that combined craftmanship, comfort & style to cater for discerning customers who enjoy country pursuits and lifestyles. I was looking to scale it to around 1,500 – 2,000 pairs a year without becoming too big and impersonal. I was inspired by success of the enterprising guys behind Fairfax & Favor and followed their progress online and through PR whilst overseas as they gained traction with a new outlook and flair.
GF: Why Country Boots?
JW: Great Question. I was looking for a combination of personal background and a product category in which I could carve out a good reputation for new brand.
I had always enjoyed the product development for the winter season, both when I was a store manager representative on the men’s product development committee at Clarks. It required a more discerning purchase and I recognised it was a trend as all year around fashion.
With challenging climatic conditions to minus 30 degrees and prolonged winter in the Caucasus I spent a lot of effort on product development with franchise partners. Even surprisingly whilst in the Middle East with up to 50 degrees, I spent a lot of effort on the Wolverine Industrial Boots range for the oil & gas industry. I always packed a good pair of Panama Jack Boots on my overseas ventures and recognise the importance of product that performed in adverse conditions.
As part of my background research for Field & Moor I visited trade fairs in Milan and London, found factory owners on trips to Spain and Portugal to understand their manufacturing capability and outlook. I visited 15 factories looking at every aspects of their operations and getting to know them as all were small scale family-owned businesses.
GF:Tell us about your products, the styles, materials and methods of construction.
JW: each product is named after a British bird of prey to appeal to the target audience.
The Osprey style got the brand some recognition in the Country Boot market. It has a double buckle strap around the top of the boot, giving it a distinctive look. The reinforced piece of leather acts as a “Gun Rest” on the vamp and has appeal to those that use a gun in field sports. It is also gaining some recognition to those who ride a motorcycle!
The Marsh Harrier style is the New nine inch rugged trekking & hiking boot. Again a storm welted construction that aids water repellence around the welt, as it utilises a wider part of leather that is folded back to form a barrier.
The Golden Eagle pull on boot is slightly longer and finishes just below the knee. It has a contrasting suede collar and elasticated gusset at the top to aid entry & exit of the boot. Like all in the country boot range, it's treble stitched for added strength and has a Sympatex breathable and waterproof lining.
The above are the three top sellers in the range.
The Osprey style got the brand some recognition in the Country Boot market. It has a double buckle strap around the top of the boot, giving it a distinctive look. The reinforced piece of leather acts as a “Gun Rest” on the vamp and has appeal to those that use a gun in field sports. It is also gaining some recognition to those who ride a motorcycle!
The Marsh Harrier style is the New nine inch rugged trekking & hiking boot. Again a storm welted construction that aids water repellence around the welt, as it utilises a wider part of leather that is folded back to form a barrier.
The Golden Eagle pull on boot is slightly longer and finishes just below the knee. It has a contrasting suede collar and elasticated gusset at the top to aid entry & exit of the boot. Like all in the country boot range, it's treble stitched for added strength and has a Sympatex breathable and waterproof lining.
The above are the three top sellers in the range.
Field & Moor Marsh Harrier (left) and Osprey (right) field boots |
JW: Good Question - The Osprey has a full bellows tongue, whereas the Marsh Harrier has a half bellows tongue. The Marsh Harrier would suit better a customer who has a wider calf fitting. There is a row of ski hooks in the lacing system of the Marsh Harrier which allows it to be drawn closer to the surrounding ankle. Although the Marsh Harrier is a hiking / trekking boot it would be ideal for use in muddy terrain as this lacing system is really required in more upland areas.
I have had customers purchase a pair of Osprey for driven shooting and a pair of Marsh Harrier for trekking and hiking.
GF: Who do you see wearing Field & Moor boots?
JW: The Country set has been well served for several generations by established brands such as Dubarry of Ireland, and the country collections of the highly regarded Northampton Footwear Brands.
Field & Moor is looking a carve a niche in providing country boots with character, styling & comfort as part of a package delivered by highly skilled craftspeople. The boots are positioned at discerning gentlemen (and now ladies) who want suitable footwear for their country pursuits and would not look out of place when wearing around town.
I'm now getting enquiries from customers who saw a colleague or friend wear them on a shooting day out. This is encouraging as it always takes time to build brand awareness.
Having the product photographed alongside other Country clothing and accessories brand has helped appeal via Instagram and seeing Field & Moor products on sporting goods brands website has proved invaluable.
Field & Moor is looking a carve a niche in providing country boots with character, styling & comfort as part of a package delivered by highly skilled craftspeople. The boots are positioned at discerning gentlemen (and now ladies) who want suitable footwear for their country pursuits and would not look out of place when wearing around town.
I'm now getting enquiries from customers who saw a colleague or friend wear them on a shooting day out. This is encouraging as it always takes time to build brand awareness.
Having the product photographed alongside other Country clothing and accessories brand has helped appeal via Instagram and seeing Field & Moor products on sporting goods brands website has proved invaluable.
Field & Moor March Harrier boots |
GF: You have used a designer, Hannah Styles? How has she contributed to the styles of your products?
JW: It's been been extremely useful working with Hannah, whose background is classically trained through De Montford University with Degree in Footwear design. Also, her outlook is fresh & I have found her to be strong on colours, fashion trends and styling.
Hannah works part time developing ranges for Hush Puppies brand in the UK and with Brands such as Field & Moor. She is aware of latest comfort technology and able to advise of fitting and standards of workmanship on sample development.
Hannah works part time developing ranges for Hush Puppies brand in the UK and with Brands such as Field & Moor. She is aware of latest comfort technology and able to advise of fitting and standards of workmanship on sample development.
GF: What plans do you have for Field &Moor in future? Any plans for other forms of country wear?
JW: Field & Moor has a stronger program for attendance at key Shooting & Game Fairs throughout 2022 to support its online retail shop. at www.fieldandmoor.co.uk.
We are attending the British Shooting Show at NEC in February (a three day event and the biggest International Shooting show in UK) through to the more modest Highland Fair in Aberdeenshire in July. I'm looking for suitable County Fairs that have strong agricultural and shooting pedigree.
I've extended the range to ladies options. This has helped as customers have returned on behalf of their partner who has shown an interest in the product. I plan to introduce fashion colours, the first being Teal Green leather in the Osprey & Golden Eagle in February which has had good customer feedback.
We are attending the British Shooting Show at NEC in February (a three day event and the biggest International Shooting show in UK) through to the more modest Highland Fair in Aberdeenshire in July. I'm looking for suitable County Fairs that have strong agricultural and shooting pedigree.
I've extended the range to ladies options. This has helped as customers have returned on behalf of their partner who has shown an interest in the product. I plan to introduce fashion colours, the first being Teal Green leather in the Osprey & Golden Eagle in February which has had good customer feedback.
I offer a bespoke service with a more tailored options on the Osprey to wider fitting customer requirements where the straps required are much wider than standard. This takes two months from order, but allows customer to choose colour and lining options.
For the Autumn Season 2022 I'll be seeking a select few trade partners, either country gun store or distinguished brands that will take an offering from range to suit their regional client base.
GF: Many thanks, James.
Note : I was given sample boots to try out - my views on them are mine alone.