Thorogood Moc Toe

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a moc toe and why is Thorogood known for it?

A moc toe is built by wrapping the upper leather around and over the front of the foot and hand-stitching it in a U shape across the top, which produces a taller, rounder, roomier toe box than a conventional last. Thorogood has built the American Heritage moc toe since the 1950s and it is the shape most people picture when they hear the brand name.

Is the U-stitch just decoration?

No, it is the seam holding the wrapped leather together, which is why it is a structural feature. Boots that imitate the look with a stitched-on panel over a conventional toe box do not get the extra room, which is the entire practical benefit. On a genuine moc toe the shape follows from the construction.

Why do trades that kneel prefer moc toes?

The higher, rounder toe box does not press down on the tops of your toes when you kneel and the boot flexes, and it lets the toes splay under load rather than being squeezed toward a point. Carpenters and finish trades spend a lot of the day kneeling, which is why the shape became a trade standard.

Why are moc toes usually on wedge soles?

They developed together for the same work. A wedge runs flat from heel to toe so the whole footprint meets the ground and grips a ladder rung edge to edge rather than catching. Pair that with a roomy toe for kneeling and you have the carpenter's boot. See our Thorogood wedge range.

Do Thorogood moc toes run big?

Thorogood boots generally run about a half size large, so most buyers order a half size down. The roomy toe box can also make a boot feel larger than it is even when the length is right. If you have space at the front but your heel lifts, that is a length problem, and dropping the half size usually fixes both.

Are these made in the USA?

Most of the moc toe range is, built at Thorogood's own Wisconsin factories by an employee-owned company. The American Heritage and 1957 Series are the domestic lines. Job Site Series models vary. Each says so in the product title. See our Thorogood USA made range.

Can moc toe boots be resoled?

The Goodyear welted ones can, which covers most of the USA-made lines, and Thorogood operates its own recrafting service. A welt lets a cobbler replace the outsole without disturbing the upper, and a good upper outlasts several soles. Check the construction on the product page.

Do moc toe boots have safety toes?

Both steel and Thorogood's own Nano composite toe are available across the moc toe range, meeting ASTM F2413 for impact and compression, alongside plenty of soft toe models. Toe type is stated in every product title. See our Thorogood safety toe range.

Thorogood Moc Toe

Frequently Asked Questions

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