The Evolution of Thursday Boots: How a Startup Disrupted the Footwear Industry

In a world crowded with overpriced designer boots and disposable fast fashion, Thursday Boot Company emerged as a game-changer. Built on a simple promise—premium boots at a fair price—Thursday has gone from a small Kickstarter project to a powerhouse in the direct-to-consumer space.

Here’s how Thursday Boots evolved from startup to standout.

🚀 2014: The Kickstarter That Started It All

Thursday Boot Company was founded in 2014 by two Columbia University grads—Nolan Walsh and Connor Wilson—who were tired of the trade-offs in the boot market. You could either spend $400+ for high-quality boots or settle for $100 pairs that fell apart after a season.

So they launched a Kickstarter campaign with a goal: create a boot that’s durable, stylish, and affordable.

• The campaign raised over $275,000

• It offered their first signature boot: The Captain

• Focused on Goodyear welt construction, full-grain leather, and minimalist design

The message landed—and so did the orders.

🔨 2015–2016: Refining the Core Collection

After their Kickstarter success, Thursday moved fast. They scaled up manufacturing while staying committed to quality.

Key milestones:

• Introduced the President Boot (plain toe)

• Expanded leather options (including Horween Chromexcel)

• Began offering Chelsea boots like the Duke and Diplomat

• Kept pricing under $200

They also doubled down on their direct-to-consumer model, cutting out retail markups and offering luxury-level boots for less.

🌍 2017–2019: Brand Recognition & Global Reach

As word spread, Thursday Boots started gaining serious traction.

• Featured in GQ, Esquire, Men’s Health, and Forbes

• Built a loyal customer base through Instagram and word of mouth

• Released women’s boots, including the Duchess Chelsea and Knockout

• Opened up international shipping

• Broke into accessories: belts, socks, leather care

This period solidified Thursday as more than a niche brand. It became a go-to for everyday guys looking for smart, stylish boots without the markup.

📦 2020–2022: Resilience & Expansion

Even during the global supply chain crunch, Thursday Boots kept delivering.

• Invested in in-house quality control

• Released limited edition leathers and collaborations

• Introduced new lasts and fits to improve comfort

• Launched wide-width options for select styles

• Grew beyond boots into sneakers, jackets, and dress shoes

Their core product stayed consistent, but their lineup became more versatile—appealing to both the rugged and the refined.

👟 2023–Present: More Than Just Boots

Thursday Boot Company is no longer just about boots.

• Rolled out Premier sneakers with minimalist styling

• Expanded outerwear, including leather jackets and waxed canvas pieces

• Built a custom factory-direct supply chain

• Maintains an average review score of 4.8+ stars across thousands of buyers

Today, Thursday is known for doing what many legacy brands won’t: delivering top-tier craftsmanship, modern style, and real value—all without the retail markup.

🧠 Why the Name “Thursday”?

People often ask: Why Thursday?

The founders picked it because it sits between work and weekend—just like their boots. The name reflects their design philosophy: versatile footwear you can wear anywhere, from the office to off-grid.

🔍 What Sets Thursday Apart?

• Direct-to-consumer pricing (no retail markup)

• Goodyear welt construction at under $200

• Timeless, not trendy

• Small, curated product line—not seasonal overload

• Unmatched value in its category

Final Thoughts: Thursday’s Evolution Is Just Getting Started

From a Kickstarter underdog to a category disruptor, Thursday Boot Company has built a brand on trust, craftsmanship, and style that lasts.

Their evolution proves one thing: when you focus on value, quality, and your customer—not hype—people notice.