Van Gorkam Stalker Boots

Van Gorkam Stalker Boots Gear Review by Pete Ward
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Van Gorkom Boots are a “made for your feet” custom boot that will provide many years of service with normal upkeep. Charles Van Gorkom has been making world class hiking boots for 28 years, and has become widely known to the hiking community, however those of us that are hunters are just finding out about him. Age weight and terrain are all taken into account in building a Van Gorkom boot.

The boots I am reviewing are a new line for Charles that uses the same construction methods as his hiking boot; only they are built for the type of hunting and terrain that I frequent. Unlike the hiking boot that is made with above tree line trips in mind, I wanted a hand made boot that would fit like a glove, and allow for long days in the forest and prairie lands of Alberta. I primarily hunt on foot, stalking and use impromptu blinds, so a flexible lightweight traction sole was decided on.

After a call to Charles we came up with a boot design that sounded like a winner. It would be made with softer and lighter weight leather than the hiking boot and a lightweight Vibram lug sole to provide traction in our gumbo mud. It would also provide strong ankle support and flexibility. I want to feel the ground under foot and be able to kneel down without the usual discomfort to the toes that we get with run of the mill boots and at the same time walk for miles over varying terrain without killing my feet.

Charles was up to the task and the stalkers were born from this Idea. Shortly after a measuring kit arrived in the mail and the “CUSTOM” part became evident. Measurements of each foot and ankle are taken, as well as a tracing of each foot. This is normal practice with many boot makers, but with Van Gorkom Boots the process of building a truly custom boot takes another step. The next step is to rub a bit of Baking soda into a damp sock and stand on a special sheet of litmus paper.

This gives Charles a footprint showing the actual characteristics of your feet and weight distribution for the custom built orthotic foot beds that are made for each foots requirements. If you never had a boot with these, you have never experienced a perfect fit and truly comfortable boots. To see just how these measurements are used I am copying an email from Charles.

Hello Pete,
Remember me? Well, the day has finally arrived, and I’ve begun your boots. The first step is analyzing your stats and data, and then building a set of lasts. Your right foot is 1/2cm shorter, and is sickle-shaped, so your right big toe would always have problems in off the shelf boots. It looks like you walk off to the outside on your left foot—right also? (Called pronation) Both of your feet have lower volume than the stock boots, and are a little wider, so you’d be walking on the edges of your insole. I think you’re going to like what I’m making for you, and don’t expect it will require much of a break-in period.

I hope all is well with you. Charlie Van Gorkom, boot maker.

As you can see from the above e-mail the Van Gorkom boots are custom built for your feet, and not for fashion, although they do look good.

I will copy Charles here with his description of what a Van Gorkom boot is:

“A Van Gorkom custom hunting boot is not, first of all, a special sole, a special lining, a special mid-sole, bells and whistles fancier than any other manufacturer. A “Van Gorkom custom-hunting boot” fits anyone’s foot better because each boot is individually designed and built for the foot that will wear it. This is part of why it is more comfortable. It is more comfortable because I don’t cut corners on quality leather used in the construction. Calfskin leather lining is more foot-friendly than any other material, and doubles the cost of the materials used in the boots, which is why most other manufacturers don’t use it.”

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