- Joined
- Aug 29, 2019
- Messages
- 143
Hi all
I just wanted to take a few minutes to answer a questions we hear from time to time.........who is Hoffman Boots? Hoffman's manufacturing was started by my dad and his two brothers back in 1973. Already cobblers for many years and a few generations of experience to build on, the brothers moved to North Idaho and all of its beauty. The logging industry was very robust in the 70's and the need for high traction calk boots (boots with spikes on the bottom) was growing. The type of calk used at the time were very tedious to make and expensive to replace. The three brothers came up with the idea of the replacement calk that loggers could change out themselves and began producing these type of boots. The Hoffman name was very common in logging camps throughout the northwest and still a large part of our business today with timber fallers, reforestation and tree planting crews.
In the 80's, they expanded into the utility industry. Building boots for lineman really took off. The development of the dual steel shank system was a game changer for lineman. The support these boots offered were second to none for guys climbing poles. With over 25 styles to choose from, supporting our lineman is still a mainstay in the Hoffman line.
In the year 2000, myself, my brother and sister, who all had worked for Hoffman's for several years, purchased the business. Although there was a good foundation set for future success of the business, there was always a desire by myself and my brother to add a hunting boot line to our offerings. After all, neither of us were loggers or lineman, but we grew up hunting and this was a passion for the both of us.
Starting with pac boots was a natural fit. We already were building some of the best pacs for the most demanding markets. I don't think there is anyone tougher on boots than loggers so building pacs for the hunting industry seemed a natural. With over a dozen models to choose from, we have something for just about everyone. If a person is looking for warmth as their primary objective, our felt pacs, like the Mountaineer or Voyager, with a removable 9mm felt liner are a must. For those on the go who are looking for a pac to be more mobile in, look at Thinsulate lined pacs like the Guide or our Pro series pacs.
The next piece of the puzzle was adding a leather boot line for high performance hunting. Knowing some of the best boots in the world for hunting come out of Italy, we went to work finding a company that not only had exceptional quality but also the history of making quality boots and the understanding of what hunters want. After several trials and error with several companies, we found a company that matched our needs completely. The third generation family had been providing hunting and hiking footwear in Europe for nearly 50 years at the time and the quality and performance spoke for itself. I like to tell this story because it is true. I received our final sample of our 8" Explorer boot the day before opening day of our elk season. The boot felt great but going up in the mountains of North Idaho with a brand new pair of boots that had never been worn.........well, I new better. Opening morning I laced them up and off I went. I was so pleasantly surprised of not only the support and comfort, but just the all around performance they gave me. I knew we had something special at this point. I had worn a lot of different boot through the years of hunting but nothing like this.
We have sense expanded our line with more than a dozen different offerings for men and woman. I am often asked why our boots are less expensive than other similar boots in its class and what is the difference in quality. I point out a couple things. Quality of our materials are second to none. We use Vibram soles and Sympatex waterproof booties. Both cost more than making your own sole or going to the orient to make a waterproof liner. Vibram is second to none for durability and traction and Sympatex is a German company who makes fantastic waterproof booties. They cost more but have been a proven liner with us in not only our hunting boots but several of our lineman boots for years. Our leather is heavy duty amphibious leather, the best you can buy in Italy. We also had a custom insole made that is higher end than most boots you get out of this region. Our tapered nylon midsole is the perfect blend of stability and support with the right amount of flex for comfort. Were we cut cost is advertising. We don't have a single sales rep on the road. My dad never did and always relied on word of mouth to increase the business. Seems odd but it worked. This is definitely a slower approach but none better, When someone you know recommends a product, it often means something. We sell lineman boots form coast to coast and we are the largest producer of calk style boots in the US. We don't mass market either. There are so many companies dumping tens of thousands of dollars into advertising that all go into the cost of the boot. Doesn't mean it is wrong, just something we do not do. Our marketing budget is very limited. That is why you can buy the best quality pac boot for $60 to $70 less than our competition. Our leather boots are the same. You can compare our Explorer boot to anyone's, in fact I encourage it. I just need a person to try our boot on, the boot will sell itself. I love going to some of the hunting shows when all of the boot companies are there. There are some great choices out there, Kenetrek, Schnees, Crispi and others and when guys come into our booth, I tell them you are at the show, try everyone's boot on and see what you think. They will all fit just a bit different. I may not get everyone back but I do get a high percentage back. This is when I know we are on the right track.
Anyways, that is Hoffman's in a nut shell. We are a fourth generation, family owned company (counting my grandfather and great grandfather as cobblers) who take pride in doing what we do. We strive for good customer service and bringing the best products we can to our customers. I do ask when your in the market for your next pair of boots, please give us a look.
Jim Hoffman
I just wanted to take a few minutes to answer a questions we hear from time to time.........who is Hoffman Boots? Hoffman's manufacturing was started by my dad and his two brothers back in 1973. Already cobblers for many years and a few generations of experience to build on, the brothers moved to North Idaho and all of its beauty. The logging industry was very robust in the 70's and the need for high traction calk boots (boots with spikes on the bottom) was growing. The type of calk used at the time were very tedious to make and expensive to replace. The three brothers came up with the idea of the replacement calk that loggers could change out themselves and began producing these type of boots. The Hoffman name was very common in logging camps throughout the northwest and still a large part of our business today with timber fallers, reforestation and tree planting crews.
In the 80's, they expanded into the utility industry. Building boots for lineman really took off. The development of the dual steel shank system was a game changer for lineman. The support these boots offered were second to none for guys climbing poles. With over 25 styles to choose from, supporting our lineman is still a mainstay in the Hoffman line.
In the year 2000, myself, my brother and sister, who all had worked for Hoffman's for several years, purchased the business. Although there was a good foundation set for future success of the business, there was always a desire by myself and my brother to add a hunting boot line to our offerings. After all, neither of us were loggers or lineman, but we grew up hunting and this was a passion for the both of us.
Starting with pac boots was a natural fit. We already were building some of the best pacs for the most demanding markets. I don't think there is anyone tougher on boots than loggers so building pacs for the hunting industry seemed a natural. With over a dozen models to choose from, we have something for just about everyone. If a person is looking for warmth as their primary objective, our felt pacs, like the Mountaineer or Voyager, with a removable 9mm felt liner are a must. For those on the go who are looking for a pac to be more mobile in, look at Thinsulate lined pacs like the Guide or our Pro series pacs.
The next piece of the puzzle was adding a leather boot line for high performance hunting. Knowing some of the best boots in the world for hunting come out of Italy, we went to work finding a company that not only had exceptional quality but also the history of making quality boots and the understanding of what hunters want. After several trials and error with several companies, we found a company that matched our needs completely. The third generation family had been providing hunting and hiking footwear in Europe for nearly 50 years at the time and the quality and performance spoke for itself. I like to tell this story because it is true. I received our final sample of our 8" Explorer boot the day before opening day of our elk season. The boot felt great but going up in the mountains of North Idaho with a brand new pair of boots that had never been worn.........well, I new better. Opening morning I laced them up and off I went. I was so pleasantly surprised of not only the support and comfort, but just the all around performance they gave me. I knew we had something special at this point. I had worn a lot of different boot through the years of hunting but nothing like this.
We have sense expanded our line with more than a dozen different offerings for men and woman. I am often asked why our boots are less expensive than other similar boots in its class and what is the difference in quality. I point out a couple things. Quality of our materials are second to none. We use Vibram soles and Sympatex waterproof booties. Both cost more than making your own sole or going to the orient to make a waterproof liner. Vibram is second to none for durability and traction and Sympatex is a German company who makes fantastic waterproof booties. They cost more but have been a proven liner with us in not only our hunting boots but several of our lineman boots for years. Our leather is heavy duty amphibious leather, the best you can buy in Italy. We also had a custom insole made that is higher end than most boots you get out of this region. Our tapered nylon midsole is the perfect blend of stability and support with the right amount of flex for comfort. Were we cut cost is advertising. We don't have a single sales rep on the road. My dad never did and always relied on word of mouth to increase the business. Seems odd but it worked. This is definitely a slower approach but none better, When someone you know recommends a product, it often means something. We sell lineman boots form coast to coast and we are the largest producer of calk style boots in the US. We don't mass market either. There are so many companies dumping tens of thousands of dollars into advertising that all go into the cost of the boot. Doesn't mean it is wrong, just something we do not do. Our marketing budget is very limited. That is why you can buy the best quality pac boot for $60 to $70 less than our competition. Our leather boots are the same. You can compare our Explorer boot to anyone's, in fact I encourage it. I just need a person to try our boot on, the boot will sell itself. I love going to some of the hunting shows when all of the boot companies are there. There are some great choices out there, Kenetrek, Schnees, Crispi and others and when guys come into our booth, I tell them you are at the show, try everyone's boot on and see what you think. They will all fit just a bit different. I may not get everyone back but I do get a high percentage back. This is when I know we are on the right track.
Anyways, that is Hoffman's in a nut shell. We are a fourth generation, family owned company (counting my grandfather and great grandfather as cobblers) who take pride in doing what we do. We strive for good customer service and bringing the best products we can to our customers. I do ask when your in the market for your next pair of boots, please give us a look.
Jim Hoffman
