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The collaboration between Oak Street Bootmakers and Billy Reid on our exclusive Cap-Toe Trench Oxford is just natural. A partnership that came to life through an adored mutual friend, a shared appreciation for pieces that get better with wear, and, some years later, a phone call. The rest is history.  

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“George, the founder of Oak Street Bootmakers, and I share a unique bond. We both were friends with the late Justin Townes Earle (legendary country and folk artist), and that was the connector. Justin loved Oak Street and introduced me to the brand back in 2010 as he was constantly wearing their boots. Justin also introduced George to our collection when George was at Justin’s New York apartment and saw racks of our clothes that Justin would show him and talk about the details in pieces. We both missed Justin dearly and the truly special person he was to both of us.

Making shoes is not easy, and doing it in the USA is even more challenging. Oak Street has defied the odds, and I have so much respect for their approach and their products. When George and I finally met, we shared our stories about the industry, our mutual friends, and the idea of making special things together and teaming up our brands. We couldn’t be more proud of the product we’ve been working on and love being able to share the genuine connectivity of our relationship.”

– Billy

The Cap-Toe Trench Oxford is handmade in the U.S.A, chock-full of reliable Oak Street craftsmanship, and features signature Billy Reid touches, like our heirloom ribbon stripe in the design details. It combines the classic silhouette of a heritage military officer’s shoe with the rugged charm of a gentleman’s hunting boot.

More on George & Oak Street

George Vlagos, founder of Oak Street Bootmakers, is the son of John Vlagos, a reputable cobbler born in Pagrati, Greece. Growing up, George spent his days observing and learning as his father’s cobbler assistant. Today, George and his team operate out of Chicago with the mission of preserving the tradition of American Bootmaking. They offer the world’s only collection of shoes and boots with Goodyear Welt, Genuine Handsewn, and Stitchdown construction methods crafted entirely in America. All of Oak Street’s footwear is fully recraftable (meaning it can be re-soled again and again), backed by their Factory Guarantee, and made using the finest and most durable materials available.

“Billy Reid has long been on the shortlist of brands that we have wanted to collaborate with. As a designer, Billy shares my personal commitment to preserving America’s most timeless styles and making sure the details of American craftsmanship continue to remain relevant. So I was thrilled when Billy reached out—and even more thrilled when he made it clear any footwear we co-developed must maintain all the charm and character for which our handcrafted boots and shoes are known.

Working with Billy was even better than I had hoped. He saw certain details as essential while embracing the nuances of hand craftsmanship. From the hand waxed roughout leather to the lugged commando sole, the Trench Oxford we developed is truly special—and a shoe we never would have been able to do on our own. Each year, more and more designers are choosing to manufacture footwear overseas and we are proud to be part of Billy Reid’s effort to help further our mission to preserve the tradition of American shoemaking.”

- George Vlagos, founder of Oak Street Bootmakers


We’re all really proud of this shoe and can’t wait for you to experience it yourself. It goes with everything, it’s rugged but also beautiful, and you’ll be wearing it for decades.


For Oak Street professional care accessories and details on their Factory Recrafting Service - visit oakstreetbootmakers.com.

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