Store Blog

Introducing Fracap

Fracap is a new brand to the shop for FW18 and we are thrilled to be able to offer these gorgeous boots to Canada. Family owned and operated, we've brought in two different models of the brands classic “Magnifico” model, which dates back to 1948. Now renamed the Fracap M120 & M127 respectively, the essence of these very special boots are enhanced as they have been specially designed in conjunction with us here at Muddy George based on our specifications!

THE ORIGINS

The original Magnifico boot was designed by Alfredo Cappello, the current generations father and nephew of the founder of the company Antonio, who started the company in 1908. Alfredo started from the idea of creating a durable and comfortable boot to be used both on the mountains and in everyday life. So he created a style that mixes an extraordinary simplicity. When their mother saw the final version of the boot she said: “magnifico”. That’s why their father decided to name it Magnifico.

Fracap is based in a small town in Puglia, Italy called Monteroni di Lecce (ironically the heel of Italy).This is where Antonio started the factory and they have never moved. In the early 20th century, Monteroni was called "scarpa pulita" (clean shoe) as many show artisans were setting up shop there. 

 

THE LEATHER

Fracap selects only the best Italian vegetable tanned leather for their boots. Each boot is made from one large piece of leather, that’s why the process is still handmade using the same mold as that their father did before them. Michele and Antonio Cappello repeat this process everyday for each pair that comes out from the factory. They use leather for the lining and Italian “Vero Cuoio” for the insole. They are made of calf leather only, in order to allow the most natural perspiration to your feet.

THE DETAILS

Military Structure: Fracap uses the same mold that had been once designed for the Italian army. This means giving the boots the best comfort while keeping the Italian charm.

Milled Outsole: Each outsole is milled by Antonio and Michele to give the final shape to the boots. This is one of the most delicate steps in boot making and Antonio and Michele lean on a combined experience of over 40 years to get it done. This is why they can still handcraft this process - since outsoles are gloved to the midsole, they can easily resole the boots every time you need.

 

Ideal Stitching: This technique of stitching the top part of the boots to the midsole is used for military boots. It ensure strength and durability. This technique provides an immediate comfort to your feet since the internal part of the boots are softer.

Finishing: The last part is the one they love the most. They wax each pair of boots to give that special natural shining surface that they like. Each boot includes an added pair of red laces, as well as leather conditioner, a cleaning brush and additional insoles.

Introducing Astorflex

Hand crafted entirely in Northern Italy, Astorflex takes a responsible, transparent and sustainable approach to its laid-back footwear. Described by some as “the best desert boots in the world,” originally founded in the 1800s, the brand’s sixth generation factory follows a greener line under its latest owners, hemled by Fabio Travenzoli

At the beginning of the 19th century, in Castel D'ario (Mantova) where the first shoe factory was set up, there were lots of small, family-run workshops that produced handmade footwear with leather uppers annd wooden soles. However, after the first world war, at the outset of industrialisation, the young Travenzoli brothers started to produce different types of footwear using the "Ideal" method (outer stitching along the edge of the sole). 

Ensuring that each step of the production and sales process is as transparent as possible, the current incarnation of Astorflex features vegetable tanned leathers, water-based colors, non-solvent glues and natural rubber soles for a final product described as “100% ecological.” All of their models are designed and developed to a be comfortable: above all they are flexible, soft and quickly adapt to the user's feet. They use Italian leather from master tanneries in Tuscany for the uppers.

The lining and insoles are vegetable-tanned calf leather, obtained by soaking the leather in a mixture of water and powdered oak bark and mimosa, without using dies or colour finishes. This process makes the leather healthier, hypoallergenic and guarantees greater sweat absorption for dry, odourless feet. Most of their soles are in natural rubber consisting in coagulated latex from the rubber tree (hevea brasilianis). The various shoe parts are assembled using water-based adhesives.

la scarpa buona - the good shoe

Mother Day Gifts...From A Men's Store

I know, I know...what does a menswear store know about Mother's Day gifts?! Well, I have a mom and I buy her gifts...so a lot! What can you buy for a woman from a menswear store? If you’re still stuck on this one, we've got you covered. We did the rounds and picked out the bits we'd be happy to hand over to our own mother. Putting family first is like second nature to us ...don't let this mother’s day pass by, we've got a decent selection of gifts to help you out.

The Laboratory Perfumes Amber Eau de Toilette tops every gift idea on the market. First things first, it smells incredible. If you’re not familiar with Laboratory Perfumes, they specialise in producing gender-free fragrances in the heart of London. Amber is the original scent they first developed back in 2013, it’s what got the brand off the ground and it’s now become their signature (and best seller). If you think she'd prefer a softer scent, try their Tonka fragrance - a fine balance of floral fruitiness with peppery undertones. Give this one a go for mother’s day and you won’t be disappointed.

Woolfell  have been a Muddy George staple since day one and they’ve never let us down. Their craftsmanship is second to none, basing their products on a need to create useful and durable products. Their Cabin Carry-All, available in Black or Tan, as the name suggests, carries all! The spacious bag is great for overnight or weekends away (get mom a weekend spa package too!?) and comes with a adjustable shoulder strap. The leather will age beautifully, just like mom =)

These Velva Sheen Pigment Dyed tees have been a big hit this season, and we haven't even seen warm temperatures yet. Available in 11 different colours, these vintage inspired pigment dyed tees are cut from an overdyed US cotton and are detailed with a patch pocket to the chest and a classic ribbed crew neckline. More importantly, the seamless tubular knit construction also adds comfort and longevity. They run small so you're bound to find a size that will fit her.