The Rise of Square-Toe Side-Zips: 2026'S Freshest Camion Alternatives
By Elena Rostova
1. Vagabond Shoemakers: The Everyday Scandi Contender
Based in Varberg, Sweden, Vagabond has long served as the design sibling to Our Legacy at accessible prices. Models like the Jeff and Eyra lines feature distinct angular toes and heavy profiles. While Vagabond opts for cemented soles over resolable stitchdown construction to keep prices below $250, the brand uses surprisingly durable cowhides that soften well. For anyone testing whether a blunt square toe fits their wardrobe before spending $600, Vagabond offers the most accessible entry point.
2. Morjas: Heritage Construction with Angular Flair
Stockholm-headquartered Morjas manufactures its shoes in Almansa, Spain, relying on century-old artisanal methods. The brand's side-zip lineup leans slightly more traditional than Our Legacy, softening the toe box into a chiseled almond-square hybrid. Morjas uses genuine Goodyear welt construction and Spanish full-grain calfskin. These boots run approximately $410, making them easily resolable for a decade of wear while providing refined proportions for tailored trousers.
3. Sunflower: The Direct Copenhagen Competitor
Copenhagen collective Sunflower creates modern tailoring that rivals Our Legacy's aesthetic. Their seasonal zip boots are made in Italy using vegetable-tanned hides and durable brass zippers. Featuring an uncompromising square-toe silhouette and dense rubber soles, Sunflower's boots sit at $490. They match Our Legacy's finishing stitch-for-stitch, providing a tailored European option that avoids mainstream hype.
4. COS: Minimalist Proportions for the High Street
London-based COS routinely produces clean minimalist leather footwear. Their square-toe leather ankle boots carry a pared-back aesthetic with hidden internal zippers and subtle lug outsoles. Priced at roughly $250, these boots use soft, chrome-tanned leather that requires virtually zero break-in period. However, they lack the multi-year durability that welted boots provide.
Elena Rostova holds a Master's degree in Public Health Journalism. She covers groundbreaking medical research, holistic wellness trends, mental health awareness, and nutritional science.
