Mongrel Boots

The Mongrel work boots are handmade, tough boots, ready for anything. In 1930, brothers Stanley and William Cloros began their journey in the world of footwear by repairing old shoes and handcrafting new ones for local weekend markets. Their dedication laid the foundation for a family legacy in bootmaking that would span generations.

In the 1940s, William, the younger of the two, acquired bootmaking machinery from liquidation auctions and founded the Victor Boot Company, establishing a full-scale factory. In 1940, driven by the need to support the war effort, William pivoted production to create high-quality boots for Australian soldiers serving overseas. A commendable contribution to their country.

By 1960, the company rebranded as Victor Footwear Pty Ltd and expanded its focus to producing casual as well as work footwear for men and women. This era ushered in the third generation of the Cloros family, with William’s son, William Stanley Cloros, joining the business. Operating from a newly established factory in St Leonards, Sydney, Victor Footwear solidified its presence in the competitive market. especially the elastic-sided desert boots that became popular among consumers. The shared passion for machinery between father and son, along with a commitment to investing in cutting-edge footwear manufacturing equipment, became a hallmark of the company.

During the 1980s and into the 1990s, William Stanley Cloros took on the role of mentor to his two sons, Michael and Paul, instilling in them a love for boot craftsmanship. Under his guidance, they trained as pattern cutters and blossomed into skilled footwear technicians. As Victor expanded, it outgrew its facilities, prompting a move to a larger factory in Lidcombe, Sydney.

As the new millennium approached, Victor Footwear unveiled the ‘Mongrel’, a fresh take on the traditional work boot. In Australian slang, ‘mongrel’ epitomises toughness, determination, and no-nonsense practicality, qualities that resonated with hard workers across the nation. The Mongrel boots quickly gained popularity. Becoming recognised for their dynamic character and exceptional performance.

In 2008, while many competitors moved production overseas, the Mongrel brand took an opposing stance, constructing a new, purpose-built factory in Auburn, Sydney, and installing an additional Desma direct injection moulding machine, enhancing their production capabilities.

Mongrel’s commitment to preserving jobs in Australia and maintaining the highest quality craftsmanship has fortified its position as an iconic, all-Australian brand. This resolve was further underscored in 2018 with a significant investment in a state-of-the-art, 30-station Desma direct injection moulding machine equipped with amir® technology, the first and only machine of its kind in the country.

As 2020 rolled around, Victor Footwear proudly celebrated its 90th anniversary in Australian bootmaking. With the Cloros family’s presence spanning five generations, three generations remain actively engaged in the operations of Mongrel Boots, ensuring the legacy of quality, resilience, and Australian craftsmanship continues to thrive.