The Boot

Originally called the Mascoutin, after the tribe of Indians that inhabited the Fox River Valley, the Bird Shooter model is one of our longest running patterns. Updated in the late 1920's by Russell's President, Bill Gustin, the Bird Shooter was marketed to the outdoor community with great success in the subsequent decades.

Sold by Abercrombie & Fitch, Eddie Baur, and V,L&A of Chicago, the Bird Shooter found its way onto the feet of some of the most consequential individuals of the 20th century. Two pairs of this model are now housed in the Smithsonian Museums. One is a pair worn by Wiley Post who was the first man to fly to the Stratosphere in a fixed wing aircraft, pioneering the use of pressure suits. The second was worn for 2,050 miles by Earl Shaffer in 1948 when he became the first person to complete the Appalachian Trail. King Edward VII wore a pair on safari with Denys Finch Hatton in the 1920's. The WWII hero "Terrible" Terry de la Mesa Allen wore a pair when he led Allied forces into Sicily and North Africa. President George Bush Sr. favored the Bird Shooter for hunting and hiking. Adventure writers Robert Ruark and Bruce Chatwin wore the Bird Shooter collectively on every continent but Antarctica.

Nearly all Russell lace up boots can trace their lineage to Gustin's Bird Shooter, including the Backcountry and PH models. Attempts to copy the iconic lines and aesthetic of the Bird Shooter have persisted for decades, but the unique performance and craftsmanship has never been replicated. There is a solid argument to be made that the Russell Bird Shooter is singularly the most accomplished boot model in History.

The Construction

The Bird Shooter is made with our famous Double Vamp Moccasin construction. You can learn more about this unique two-layer moccasin construction on our Process page. The entire boot is leather lined for support and added water-resistance. The Gustin is 9" tall with Army Studs, top eyelet, and a pull loop. A hand-molded oak leather heel counter makes the boot lock onto your foot for ultimate control and stability. Please note that the boot itself takes very little break in, but there may be a short break in period for the heel counter to mold itself to your heel shape. This typically takes 2-3 days of wear.

Leathers & Sole Options

The differences between the leathers and soles we offer can help tailor the boot to your style or environment. If you would like to learn more about the specifics of these materials and their applications, follow these links:

Leathers

Soles

Specifications

9 inches tall
Double Vamp Construction
Leather lined for support and added water-resistance
Hand molded oak leather heel counters
Pull Loops
Eyelets over the instep for security
Army studs for easy lacing
Open top eyelet for secure knotting
Lightweight and water-resistant

Gustin Bird Shooter (Made To Order)