WWI B5 Boots by William Lennon & Co.

 

William Lennon WWI B5 boots

William Lennon B5 Boots – A Handsome Brute of a Boot

If you have been following this blog or my recent Facebook/Instagram posts, it will come as no surprise that I have recently become somewhat obsessed by William Lennon & Co.  Having been thoroughly impressed by my 78TC custom work boots from William Lennon & Co. and the Pentrich boots from Stanley Biggs (also made by William Lennon), I was eager to try something a little different—something with the same rugged, old-world craftsmanship but with a more military-inspired design. Enter the B5 ankle boots, a classic British Army-style boot, available through Varusteleka.

First Impressions

Straight out of the box, these boots exude history. The design is based on the British Army B5 boot pattern, used from the early 20th century provided to troops in the Great War. William Lennon (estabished 1899) were one of the original contractors for these boots as use the same Brass Screw contrstuction and lasts, so these are more of a continuation series as opposed to replicas.

It’s a no-frills, tough-as-nails boot built for hard wear. The uppers are crafted from sturdy 3mm thick Black reverse kip butt hide, tanned in the UK.  Kip leather is a high-quality, full-grain leather sourced from young cattle, making it softer and more pliable than standard cowhide while retaining excellent toughness.

The heritage brass-screw construction, for which William Lennon is famed, is solid, and the double-layer leather mid-soles (natural finish as I prefer) combined with Svig rubber forepart and heel outsoles provide excellent durability and traction. Unlike the original Great War boots, which featured iron hobnails, this modern interpretation is designed for street wear without compromising on heritage aesthetics.

The simple seven-eyelet lacing system, combined with a no-nonsense soft-toe design, gives the B5 an understated but distinctly vintage look. The thick, black-finished Kip leather is substantial yet supple, with a deep, rich sheen that promises to develop character over time.

Fit & Comfort

William Lennon boots often require a break-in period, and the B5 is no exception. The thick leather and sturdy sole mean they start off feeling a bit stiff, but after a few wears, they begin to mold nicely to the foot. Sizing of the original WWI 2181 last is very generous, so consider a half-size down if you're between sizes.  At first I wasn't so sure about the squarish toe profile and wider instep of this last, but it's been growning on me and it certainly provides great walking stability.  

As you can see from the above photos, I have choosen to switch out the leather laces that came with these boots to 6mm flat waxed cotton laces from Italian Premium lace maker Laccico (highly Recommended).

Verdict

If you appreciate heritage footwear and want something that blends military history with everyday wearability, the William Lennon B5 boots are an excellent choice. They're built to last, age beautifully, and offer a slice of history with every step. The use of modern rubber outsoles instead of iron hobnails ensures they remain practical for daily wear while staying true to their rugged origins.

Check them out at Varusteleka.

Timeless Quality: WoolOvers Aran Sweater in Moss Green

 

Timeless Quality: WoolOvers Aran Sweater in Moss Green

A New Addition to a Trusted Collection

After seven years of unwavering performance from my original WoolOvers Aran sweaters in Charcoal, Navy, French Navy, and Kiltimagh, I am delighted to introduce the latest addition to my collection: a stunning Olive Green version. Back in February 2018, I sang the praises of these sweaters for their remarkable quality and value, and I am thrilled to report that this newest arrival upholds the very same high standards.

The first batch: 

Consistency in a Changing Market

In a market where many products seem to diminish in quality over time, it is heartening to encounter a brand that consistently delivers. This Moss Green Aran Sweater is indistinguishable in craftsmanship from its predecessors. The intricate cable knit pattern is as robust and precise as ever, and the overall feel of the sweater—from the soft, breathable wool to the impeccable stitching—reaffirms WoolOvers’ commitment to excellence.

Remarkable Durability Over Time

What truly stands out is how well my older sweaters have endured. After being in regular rotation for nearly half the year over the past seven years, they still look remarkably fresh. I’ve noticed almost no pilling, a common and frustrating issue with knitwear. On the rare occasions a bit of pilling has occurred, it has been minimal and easily removed, leaving the sweaters looking pristine. This durability is a testament to WoolOvers’ use of high-quality materials and meticulous production standards.

Here Styled with Selvage Denims from Pike Brothers, Natural Horsehide boots by William Lennon Co. and Watch my Baltany

A Note on Sizing

One detail worth noting is a slight shift in sizing. My original quartet of sweaters were ordered in size medium, providing a snug but comfortable fit for my 6'2" (188cm), 190-pound (88kg) frame. For the new Moss Green sweater, I opted for a size large to achieve an identical fit. It’s a reminder to always check updated size charts, but rest assured, the sweater’s fit remains perfect for layering under tweed sports coats—a combination I find both practical and stylish.

Here is the current sizing Chart (still nicely detailed to make ordering a fault-free as possible):

measurements of the garment

Size	length of the garment	width of the garment	sleeve length
S	27.6	17.7	25
M	28.3	19.3	25.2
L	29.1	20.9	25.4
XL	29.9	22.4	25.6
XXL	30.7	24	25.8

A Timeless Investment

This consistency in quality, fit, and style is rare in today’s fast-fashion landscape. WoolOvers has not only maintained their standards but has reaffirmed their reputation as a trusted source for timeless knitwear. For anyone considering investing in an Aran sweater, I wholeheartedly recommend this Moss Green beauty—and the brand as a whole. Huzzah to WoolOvers for proving that some things truly can improve with age, or at least stay as spectacular as they were from the start.