From tannery to finished boot in only 100 miles.
American Bison is truly America’s exotic leather. The hides have been prized for centuries by both native tribes and settlers for their high durability and beauty. Once endangered due to the massive overharvesting in the 1800s, American Bison are now sustainably managed and harvested throughout North America. Raised on ranches in the American and Canadian West, the hides which are now a byproduct of the Bison meat industry, are transported to Law Tanning in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in a “Wet-blue” state. Wet-blue means that the hides have been stabilized with chromium salt that turns the hides from their raw off-white color to a slightly bluish tinge, thus the name Wet-blue. This process keeps the hides from spoiling during transport from the slaughterhouse and prepares them for the tanning process.
One of the first operations these hides undergo is a shrinking process that takes the hides from their enormous size down to less than that of a cowhide. This shrinking process accentuates the natural pebbling in the leather and results in an incredibly supple, yet durable hide. In some places, especially around the neck and shoulders, it resembles crocodile scales and in others it looks like the fine pebbling of a football.
Once shrunken they are then tanned into a beautifully rich full-gain leather with a waxy finish that wears well for both work and play. Once finished they make their way by truck 100 miles up I-41 to the quaint town of Berlin, Wisconsin where our team of bootmakers slowly transform the hides into our signature true moccasin footwear. The softness of Bison makes it a joy to work with and results in incredible uniqueness from boot to boot.
Few products can boast that the raw material and final product is created in such a small distance. Poised for a life of wear, our collection of Bison Premier Builds are a great example of the craftsmanship that our home state of Wisconsin has to offer. It is also a story of one of America’s first successful conservation efforts that saved the American Bison species and has allowed us to resume using these beautiful hides in our footwear.
Yours For Easy Feet,
Luke Kolbie
Bison Premier Builds
Cognac Bison Joe’s PH Premier Build
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Joe’s PH has become the favorite variation of Russell’s famous Safari PH. The configuration of choice for Russell COO Joe Gonyo’s personal boots, the name Joe’s PH stuck. This version is particularly favored for expeditions in Africa as the Joe’s PH is light, tough, and deadly silent. Made from Law Tanning Cognac Shrunken Bison leather with tan Scottish canvas quarters, it features a comfortable cushion collar at the top, plus a back pull loop to make it easier to pull on. The Single Vamp with a Molded Sole construction adds side-to-side support and protection compared to the Single Vamp construction of the Safari. A poron sock liner provides shock absorption and all day comfort. Brass lacing studs in the top three eyelets are standard to speed up morning lacing and to cap it off, Joe’s PH is paired with a Vibram 360 sole with 1/4″ wedge heel lift that prevents foot bridging and fatigue when walking in soft sand.
Chocolate Bison Backcountry Premier Build
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We have taken the classic 7″ Russell Hiker to the max resulting in a boot that is ready for any adventure in the backcountry. From stalking elk and rams to summiting 14ers, this is a Russell made for distance and durability. American Bison is unique among leathers due to its combination of durability and softness. The natural pebbling brought out by the tanning process follows the contours of the hide’s grain resulting in varying pattern that is stunning in our classic Bird Shooter pattern. These full-grain hides are tanned in Wisconsin at Law tannery. Hikers will appreciate the hand molded oak leather heel counters, which help lock the foot in place and prevent walkover. This boot also features Double Vamp Moccasin construction. Unique to Russell Moccasin, this technique provides the maximum water resistance an all leather boot can achieve, while providing superior comfort. Inside the boot is a poron sock lining for shock absorption. We recommend all our customers have a Backcountry in their closet as it one of our most capable and versatile boots.
Cognac Bison Backcountry Premier Build
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From stalking elk and rams to summiting 14ers, this is a Russell made for distance and durability. American Bison is unique among leathers due to its combination of durability and softness. The natural pebbling brought out by the tanning process follows the contours of the hide’s grain resulting in varying pattern that is stunning in our classic Bird Shooter pattern. These full-grain hides are tanned in Wisconsin at Law tannery. Hikers will appreciate the hand molded oak leather heel counters, which help lock the foot in place and prevent walkover. This boot also features Double Vamp Moccasin construction. Unique to Russell Moccasin, this technique provides the maximum water resistance an all leather boot can achieve, while providing superior comfort. Inside the boot is a poron sock lining for shock absorption. We recommend all our customers have a Backcountry in their closet as it one of our most capable and versatile boots.
Chocolate Bison Zephyr Premier Build
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American Bison is unique among leathers due to its combination of durability and softness. The natural pebbling brought out by the tanning process follows the contours of the hide’s grain resulting in varying pattern that is stunning in our classic Zephyr pattern. These full-grain hides are tanned in Wisconsin at Law tannery. Upgraded for 2024, this new Zephyr includes hand molded oak leather heel counters to prevent walkover. This boot also features Double Vamp Moccasin construction. Unique to Russell Moccasin, this technique provides the maximum water resistance an all leather boot can achieve, while providing superior comfort. Inside the boot is a poron sock lining for shock absorption. From upland hunts to daily wear, the Zephyr continues to be a staple of sportsman style after more than three quarters of a century.
Cognac Bison Zephyr Premier Build
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American Bison is unique among leathers due to its combination of durability and softness. The natural pebbling brought out by the tanning process follows the contours of the hide’s grain resulting in varying pattern that is stunning in our classic Zephyr pattern. These full-grain hides are tanned in Wisconsin at Law tannery. Upgraded for 2024, this new Zephyr includes hand molded oak leather heel counters to prevent walkover. This boot also features Double Vamp Moccasin construction. Unique to Russell Moccasin, this technique provides the maximum water resistance an all leather boot can achieve, while providing superior comfort. Inside the boot is a poron sock lining for shock absorption. From upland hunts to daily wear, the Zephyr continues to be a staple of sportsman style after more than three quarters of a century.