Reviews
Read DIY reviews and experiences shared by the Patina Project community. See real feedback on quality, fit, durability, and how these products perform over time.
34 reviews
I had fun wearing something I made and getting to experiment with 2 different types of leathers.
DIY Service Boot in Metta Catharina Shell CordovanBy Da_Desired • April 6, 2025"Wore them a lot when I went out with my girlfriend to the mall and diner, had a few rainy days and generally wore them around the house...."Read the full review
Ostrich so soft it’s like a second pair of socks.
DIY Cowboy Boot in Kango Tobac OstrichBy thenewreligion • April 2, 2025"Worn 2-3x per week. Very comfy when they are the shape of your foot! Have been in the rain and puddles and don’t spot. in dry dirt but not mud, maybe now that the dome is over though :) mostly to office and travel and indoor events. To the rodeo but just the stands, fishing from the dock...."Read the full review
Made my first boot and it didn't even fall apart.
Corder & Hide Derby Boot in Badalassi Carlo Machiatto NemesisBy mllcb42 • April 6, 2026"These have been more of an office boot than something seeing hard labor. Worn 4-5 days a week since the start of the dome, primarily in the mild Florida winter. Saw a little snow, successful trips through the airport without setting off the metal detector (was a concern when making them), and even a Boot Camp appearance...."Read the full review
How will this go? Do I trust the maker? Horse High Tops?! Let's ride.
DIY Hand Stitched Hi Top in Guidi Blue Reverse HorsebuttBy bricra1983 • September 29, 2025"Not yet. Per the rules...."Read the full review
Not bad for a first build
DIY Custom Model in S.B. Foot Itasca ChestnutBy evsnova74 • April 2, 2026"Apart from the typical use at work, on my knees half the day working on floors, occasionally I would find myself in the woods cutting firewood, or out in the wood shop, even yard work here and there. I'm not too hard on boots generally but these did just fine...."Read the full review
A great journey with my selfmade boots through snow in Germany, rain in Scotland and a lot of miles
DIY Service Boot Model Stacy in Conceria Walpier Natural ButteroBy germanshoeguy • April 5, 2025"I wore them every other day for the first three months, then almost every day after I realized that double doming was not the way to go. I wore them to work, to the train, on a few hikes, on a trip to Scotland, and in all kinds of weather - from dry and sunny to snow and a lot of rain...."Read the full review
A worthwhile endeavor. Hoping to make many more pairs.
DIY Lace To Toe in Austrian Cow Leather, vegetable Tanned, (reversed) waxed fleshBy baschdln • April 5, 2024"I’ve worn these boots almost exclusively and almost every day. I wanted to wear them as if they were my only pair which means do all task while wearing them but also take good care of them This included a lot of rainy bike commutes (because Denmark…) to the office but also when doing smaller tasks around the house and garden. I like that the leather is easy to clean and easy to give a gentle shine.
There’s been a few situations in which they got very wet or once completely soaked in mud but were always easy to clean up again. The right boot has suffered more because my bike has studded tires in winter and when in a rush they got scratched.
I’ve also spent 10 days in our cabin in the middle of the woods in Norway over New Year’s in very cold (-25°C/-13°F) conditions and hip-deep snow. That was not planned as I was sure I had some Red Wing ice cutters stored there which was incorrect. Soles performed terribly in the snow as they became very hard and offered zero grip and provided virtually no insulation. Next year I’ll choose some mini lug soles as a minimum...."Read the full review
Coasterdome
DIY Drink Coaster in tandy 3-4oz natural veg tanBy august_september • April 3, 2026"Every drink, every day. It rides in my pocket or my backpack, no matter where I go - it went to Virginia, Atlanta, Chicago, Florida. Restaurants, cafes, at home...."Read the full review
Strange texture at first, but as patina developed it's become a joy
DIY Phone Case in Badalassi Carlo Bone PuebloBy JollyGoods • December 5, 2025"It has been on my phone every second of every day except to take progress photos..."Read the full review
Learning experience in cordwaining
DIY Service Boot in Horween Natural ChromexcelBy pillar13 • April 1, 2025"I wore these everywhere I went for the most part. In eastern PA we get all kinds of weather and these held up great...."Read the full review
Favorite boots I made! (So far)
DIY Derby Boot in Maryam Macchiato TPR HorsebuttBy pillar13 • April 4, 2026"I wore these most days, from office work, to church, working on my cars, and shoveling snow...."Read the full review
First pair of boots I made, rode hard by a first grader.
DIY Cowboy Boot in Water BuffaloBy thenewreligion • April 2, 2025"Wore them to school, in the yard, in the mud, to church...."Read the full review
My first hand-stitched belt. A fun and long lasting project I'll be wearing for years to come.
DIY Belt in Hermann Oak Natural Veg TanBy film_raine • April 6, 2026"I've worn this belt every day this dome save for a few formal occasions. It's broken in nicely and taken a beating...."Read the full review
Hand crafted wallet will be used for life!
DIY Bifold in Horween Dark Cognac Shell Cordovan & Conceria Walpier Chocolate ButteroBy poppyseed55 • April 6, 2026"Perfect for everyday use. Carries exactly the amount of cards and cash, while being stylish...."Read the full review
