90% matchFilson
Same 1890s American field-outfitter lineage, Tin Cloth over leather
What changes: Apparel-led and factory-scaled rather than custom bench-made footwear
Brand profile
Russell Moccasin Co.
Wisconsin bootmaker crafting custom-fitted moccasins and hunting boots by hand since 1898, built on patented overlap-seam construction.
BerlinOrigin
UnisexFocus
Workwear / HeritageStyle
$$$$Price
4 brands like Russell Moccasin Co. like Filson, Orvis, Woolrich →
What to know about Russell Moccasin Co.
Built to your measured foot
Orders are made-to-measure from tracings and measurements at the Berlin, Wisconsin workshop, using patented overlap-seam and multi-layer moccasin construction with Vibram soles.
Hunting boots, not fashion boots
The catalog centers on field and bird-hunting footwear like the Gustin Bird Shooter, in production since around 1915, and the Backcountry.
Small output explains the price
About 30 employees make roughly 10,000–12,000 pairs a year by hand, and custom builds start near $600.
If you like Russell Moccasin Co.
90% match
84% matchOrvis
Wingshooting and fly-fishing outfitter with the same sporting roots
What changes: Broad retail catalog including rods and dog gear, not handcraft
72% matchWoolrich
American hunting-heritage wool, now with Italian design polish
What changes: Fashion-driven ownership and no bespoke element
70% matchBarbour
British country-sport equivalent in waxed cotton
What changes: Outerwear only, and far more widely worn as city wear
Brand facts
Russell Moccasin Co. hand-builds custom-fitted moccasins, hunting boots and field footwear at its Berlin, Wisconsin workshop, where the W.C. Russell company has operated since 1898. Roughly 30 employees produce about 10,000–12,000 pairs a year using patented overlap-seam and multi-layer moccasin construction, with Vibram outsoles and made-to-measure fittings. Signature models include the Gustin Bird Shooter, introduced around 1915, and the Backcountry. Luke Kolbie (Kingfisher Leatherworks) and Joe Julian (Julian & Sons) bought the company from the Fabricius family in August 2022; Kolbie serves as CEO. Custom builds typically run $600 and up.
- Founded
- 1898
- Origin
- Berlin, United States
- Price
- $$$$
- Focus
- Unisex
- Styles
- Workwear / Heritage, Gorpcore / Outdoor