KATO x White's Oxford - Triple Black

Construction

At its core, the Oxford is built using White’s handsewn stitchdown construction, the same process used in their most respected boots. Each pair is hand-lasted, hand-welted, and hand-bottomed by experienced bootmakers in Spokane, Washington.

The build involves more than 25 individual stages, each performed by hand. The result is a shoe with exceptional structure, durability, and long-term serviceability—something rarely seen in footwear of this style.

The stitchdown method also allows the shoe to be resoled and rebuilt, ensuring it can remain part of your rotation for years of wear.

Leather

The upper is crafted from Black Chromexcel leather, produced by the historic Horween Tannery in Chicago. This full-grain, combination-tanned leather is known for its balance of strength and flexibility, natural water resistance, and deep, rich surface character.

Chromexcel begins structured but gradually softens with wear, developing creases that reflect how the shoe is worn. It’s a leather that rewards time and movement. As it ages the black surface wears away slowly to reveal the brown teacore underneath, which results in a handsome patina.

Last & Fit

The Oxford is built on White’s C461 Sprung Toe Last, a medium-arch last originally developed by the Buffalo Shoe Company for loggers working in dense forest. Its design helps keep the toe from catching on branches and debris while moving through uneven terrain. The last features:

• A distinct upward spring at the ball of the foot

• A slightly shallower toe box

• A supportive medium arch, similar to the renowned 55 Arch-Ease™ Last

The result is a shoe that feels structured and stable underfoot while maintaining a clean silhouette.

Details

These subtle details reinforce the collaboration without disrupting the all-black aesthetic.

• Handsewn stitchdown construction

• Black Chromexcel leather upper

• C461 Sprung Toe Last (medium arch)

• Oxy hardware

• Black-stained leather midsole

• Single-row sole stitching

• Vibram 2060 outsole in black

• Two horizontal stitch lines on the tongue in Kato signature orange thread

• Kato logo debossed on the tongue

The black Vibram 2060 outsole provides lightweight cushioning and traction while maintaining the clean stance of the shoe. The black midsole keeps the Triple Black look consistent from top to bottom.

A Different Kind of Oxford

Most Oxfords are designed for offices and formal settings. This one carries the DNA of the Pacific Northwest—rugged construction, dependable materials, and a silhouette that works just as well with denim as it does with tailored clothing.

Part boot. Part Oxford. Another step in the Kato × White’s Triple Black Series.