Why this boot matters
The 1000 Mile brought Horween Chromexcel to the mainstream heritage market. The original 1914 pattern married to premium leather created a sleek boot that's both heritage and refined. It's the dressy alternative to Red Wing's workwear aesthetic.
Patina notes
Chromexcel is legendary for its patina. Expect dramatic pull-up effects, rich color variation, and a leather that genuinely improves with every wear. This is the boot leather nerds obsess over.
Break-in reality
Moderate. Chromexcel is supple from the start, but the leather sole requires breaking in. The stacked leather heel can be slippery when new.
Buy if
You want the best leather in a heritage boot at this price point. You appreciate a sleeker, more refined silhouette than Red Wing.
Skip if
You need aggressive traction (leather soles are slippery). You want a chunkier workwear aesthetic.
Sources
- Wolverine · Accessed 2026-02-01
Specifications
| Leather | Horween Chromexcel |
| Sole | Leather with rubber heel |
| Construction | Goodyear welt |
| Made in | USA |
| Last | Unknown |
| Height | 6 inches |
| Toe | Plain toe |
About Wolverine
Best known for the 1000 Mile boot, which used original patterns from 1914. Wolverine pioneered the use of Horween Chromexcel leather in modern heritag...
Learn more about Wolverine →More from Wolverine
Wolverine 1000 Mile Cap Toe
The cap toe version adds visual interest to the clean 1000 Mile silhouette. Same legendary Chromexcel leather, same quality construction, with a nod to the military service boot aesthetic.
Wolverine Courtland
The Courtland brings Wolverine quality to a lower price point with American-made construction. It's their workwear-forward option, competing directly with Red Wing's moc toe line.