Subcultural Staples: The Monkey Boot
Very few footwear silhouettes lack as much historical context as the Monkey Boot. Shrouded in mystery, yet widely recognised. Past its initial introduction, its history is at best rumoured, with varying word-of-mouth accounts of its history still swirling today. Which is perhaps what makes its allure so enduring.
A distinctive ankle-length boot, exported to the UK in the early 60s as a product of the Czechoslovakian army, it quickly found its way onto the feet of London’s East End. With rugged tractor soles and signature butterfly stitch detailing, it gained traction among working-class Mods, offering an affordable, refined style and a rejection of more mainstream styles of the time.
The 70s saw Mod culture transition and ‘Hard Mods’ of the era adopted a tougher, more utilitarian style. Polished or not, Monkey Boots became the uniform of choice, playing their part in the blend of Mod and early Skinhead aesthetics. Whilst alternative footwear styles were gaining notoriety and national press, the impact of Monkey Boots was ever-present, on-stage and on the feet of bands like The Jam and The Specials, marrying mod style with the energy of the Ska movement.
Throughout the 80s, the style found a place with underground scenes across America, finding a new audience among punks, skaters and goths alike. Proving an affordable antidote to mainstream choices, it was also hardwearing and American teens quickly adopted the style as an emblem of self-expression.
Today, the Monkey Boot remains an if-you-know-you-know choice. Classic yet tough, refined yet loaded with attitude. An enduring style that inspires continual reinvention, paying homage to its subcultural roots while offering contemporary appeal and versatility.
In our collection of Monkey Boots, we’ve turned up the volume with contemporary design and material cues. Each interpretation is a unique example of George Cox’s commitment to both craftsmanship and industrial design details that stand the test of time. Staying committed to the George Cox DNA, and our inherent desire to do things our way. Our take on the Monkey Boot dials up the industrialist design codes, whilst honouring traditional craftsmanship. The result: footwear built for a bold, modern world.
