A Glimpse Into the Bootmaking Process - Side Seam Stitching After the stitching is complete the boot leathers are ready to be sewn together. The vamp, with its lining applied, is joined to the top of the boot. The back of the boot - or counter - will also be stitched and then the side seams of the boots are stitched together. The excess leather is carefully trimmed from the inside of the boot, insuring a smooth seam. The boots are then sent through a hydraulically operated roller to flatten the seam and give it a finished look.