Best of Bonnechere

Best of Bonnechere - Leather

Bits of worn boot soles, an empty purse and a lumberman's caulked boot - grist for a great Canadian song, perhaps? The change purse, while fine, was likely discarded when worn through. The boots danced up and down wet slippery logs, providing the log driver a surefooted sense of security.

Caulked boot

Collection: Best of Bonnechere
Object: Boot
Material: Leather, Steel
Period: Mid 20th Century

These are serious boots, caulked (pronounced corked) both heel and sole, for traction in the bush and on the river drives. The steel spikes stab into whatever the logger is walking on, eliminating much of the chance of a slip or fall. Spikes wear out and require replacement on a regular basis. The stacked leather heels and half soles made for easy repair. Many boots feature replaceable screw-in corks. "No Caulked Boots Allowed" was a popular sign in many an establishment looking to save its floors.