Baxter Boots & Shoes is another of those wonderful Australian success stories.  Founded in 1850 Baxter has been owned and run by the Baxter family for five generations. Valley Country doesn't just stock Baxter boots because they are an Australian icon, but because they provide boots suitable for all the family, with very good quality at very affordable prices.

The current factory is itself a local icon. Founder Henry Baxter purchased it and became the sole owner of the business in 1885. A bit of a devil and larrikin, Henry was a fine horseman and shooter, with many medals won in competition at the local shooting club. He also worked hard to build a thriving business, assisted by his seven sons.

Just as Henry insisted, Baxter boot uppers continue to be made from premium full-grain leather that ensures comfort, suppleness and robustness. Every hide is inspected for grain, texture and flexibility on arrival. Only those that meet Baxter's quality standards are used and others are rejected. Of course, every hide is unique with naturally occuring marks and creases that actually add to the character.

From the selected hides, the uppers are cut, then stretched with heat and pressure over a blocking press to shape the boot. The edges are smoothed and trimmed, then the seams, elastic sides and pull-tabs are double-stitched to the upper. A moulded heel stiffener and toe-stiffener are inserted for extra strength and comfort. To complete the inside, creamy soft leather lining is added, also a layer of cork filling that will shape itself to the wearer's foot. Then it is time to put the upper and the sole together.

Baxter still make boots with fully-welted soles. Although this is a labour intensive method, it ensures the uppers will not separate from the soles. The process involves stitching the upper to a tough welting strip with heavy, waxed thread.

Finally, in the finishing process, the heel is sanded and stained, the sole trimmed and the boot polished prior to final inspection, when the inspector's name and certification of quality assurance is recorded.

The "old fashioned" techniques end there. A fully computerised system controls component and finished-goods inventory, orders, & despatch.

To browse Valley Country's range of Baxter boots, please choose Baxter from the brands menu above, or browse Valley Country's boots & shoes category.