Tough but Elegant
John Lofgren Donkey Puncher Boots in Badalassi Carlo Cognac MinervaBy shakincheese • April 5, 2024"It’s held up very well I will certainly not win but they will last and look good for quite a while...."Read the full review
Journey of a thousand miles, journal mile 308
Jakkrabbits Gunner in Horween Black Chromexcel & Badalassi Carlo Oliva PuebloBy ListingToPort • April 4, 2024"An amazing leather that absorbs impacts and scuffs. After these 6 months, there is the slightest patina starting at the heels. I do a brush down about once a week. Treating with Venetian shoe cream once as prevention. Using a shoe brush just brings this right back to almost new.
Can’t really speak to break in as the Chromexcel is used in more rigid areas on these MTOs..."Read the full review
I've gotten so many intrigued questions and effusive compliments.
Master Zuo 1610-8-2B in Badalassi Carlo Yellow MinervaBy Janbiya • April 5, 2025"I couldn't find any info online about how Minerva leather in the Yellow color patinas, which was one of the main reasons I chose to Dome these boots it was for science!
This leather is very thick and rigid. It took a lot to break in.
In the beginning the color of the leather was a bright lemon that, over the course of the first couple months, darkened to a rich, mellow pumpkin. The pumpkin color is generally quite easy on the eyes and attractive.
At first I suspected that the leather would continue to darken continuously through the course of the competition as Natural leather are often known to do, but the leather didn't seem to darken anymore after December and even appeared to lighten a bit in the last two months of the Dome. However, depth of color still increases marginally.
I applied a minimal quantity of Saphir Renovateur on the toes, vamp crease, heels, and shaft sides when those areas were feeling dry in January with no appreciable change in appearance. It's possible that I could have darkened the leather more by using a greater quantity or a more aggressive conditioner...."Read the full review
Two of a kind, working on a full house
Grant Stone Diesel Boot in Badalassi Carlo Saddle Tan MinervaBy cuffcheckdenim • April 4, 2024"This leather is so tough and ready for anything. It changes with every brush, and it takes to brushing and conditioning like nothing I’ve ever seen. It’s slow to soften up at break-in, taking almost four months before it was feeling soft as butter all around, but this is a testament to its strength. Consider conditioning these regularly after the first few months. The Veg tan will thank you. It goes from a golden blonde to a burnt orange in a few months, especially when brushed and exposed to the elements...."Read the full review
My Everyday Boots
Grant Stone Nora Boot in Badalassi Carlo Saddle Tan MinervaBy specgirl8 • April 5, 2024"The Badalassi Carlo Saddle Tan Minerva is a very thick, sturdy leather that has been tough to break in. The first couple of months my boots were very stiff and uncomfortable around my ankles. That same thickness makes my boots very supportive, however.
Once a month I use Renovateur to condition them and I brush them with a horsehair brush. At the end of February I hand-massaged Pecard’s Antique Leather Dressing into my boots and that really made them more pliable.
My boots started out a honey tan color and have worn to a molten caramel. They are just beautiful with the creases and folds molding to the shape of my foot.
I tell people my boots fit me like a well-made pair of ice skates that hug my feet...."Read the full review
An amazing journey with the experience etched into the boot itself.
Jakkrabbits 7-Inch Tamarin Boots in Badalassi Carlo Bone PuebloBy neocynn • April 5, 2024"The natural bone has become so rich in color while forming to how I have worn them. They have picked up the brass from the eyes and speedhooks, the indigo from my jeans, and the scars from the world they have lived in. The over-dyed black bone is starting to show the lightest hints of its brown in the creases and areas of constant wear...."Read the full review
A hard crash course in my first long time wear of a heritage " work" boot, and im not going back
Grant Stone Brass Boot in Badalassi Carlo Saddle Tan MinervaBy SKopp • April 2, 2024"The leather scratches, gouges, and cuts easily. Early on it bothered me but know it's just character. It started extremely stiff, really digging into my ankles but now i dont even think about it. Soft and supple. In terms of care i brushed them on Fridays. Early on i conditioned them in only the hot spots to try and soften them up, which worked great. Whenever i dumped large amounts of paint on them i wiped them down with lacquer thinner. I also did a more thorough cleaning shortly before picture days. Ive tried a few different conditioners. Bick 4 (ok), venetian shoe cream (my favorite), and smiths leather balm (i liked this one too especially as added protection in winter months) and brush brush brush. Even thought my 2 year old daughter to brush her and my boots. After a few months ive really loved how darker and more red the leather has become. The little speckles of paint and primer used to bother me but not anymore...."Read the full review
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