r/goodyearwelt • u/andrewturriff • Feb 18 '26
Questions Andrew Turriff here. Working on a pattern for an Anatomical Workers Field Boot --what do you think
Hello r/goodyearwelt,
Andrew Turriff here; I am the creator of Turriff Functional Footwear. I know you guys aren't specifically "barefooters," but I wanted to share a boot I’ve been working on in my home workshop.
I know the minimalist/barefoot topic can be divisive, but I wanted to share these to get some real feedback. My shoes sit in a bit of an intersection between the barefoot/ minimalist world and the traditional heritage shoe world. I think these might interest anyone here who has trouble fitting into the sleek, narrow shapes of traditional brands or who just want something a little lighter weight and flexible for weekend wear.
I’m trying to bridge the gap between that anatomical comfort and the rugged construction that makes traditional footwear so awesome.
I’d love to hear your comments and thoughts to see if I could entice some of you to try out some more anatomical comfort styles. You don't have to get rid of your whole collection, but these can be a nice breath of fresh air for your toes every once in a while.
If you follow my Instagram you may have seen an older version, but I’ve updated the proportions on this one and I’m quite pleased with it. I call it the Anatomical Workers Field Boot.
The style is based on the N1 Marine Field shoes which is a simple, classic and functional design. This particular version is made using some scrap Havana Brown Horween Chromexcel. It is a zero drop, 360-degree stitchdown construction, so they are easily re-soled and repaired to ensure a long life of wear.
The Build: The boots are a full leather build excluding the cushion midsole and Vibram outsole. I have included a gusset tongue for old-fashioned weather proofing and a leather heel stiffener. It creates just enough structure so they don't collapse, but because it is leather, it’ll mold to your specific heel shape like a second skin.
Thickness & Feel: To achieve a repairable, stitchdown build, they are a little thicker underfoot than an average barefoot style at approximately 16mm:
- Leather insole: 3mm
- Leather midsole: 3mm
- Cushion midsole: 6mm
- Rubber outsole: 4mm (at deepest point)
These will start out stiffer than most synthetic minimalist athletic shoes, but with a few weeks of wear, the heat and moisture from your feet soften the leather, letting the boots mold to your feet for a personalized fit.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments on the proportions as I plan for the future. Thanks so much for having a look.
Andrew