Some boots are chosen. Others choose you. These boots were a gift from Peng, the master behind Flame Panda, but they were more than just a handcrafted pair—they were an offering, imbued with his philosophy of craftsmanship and energy. Peng builds with deep intentionality, believing that the things we wear should bring good into the world. These boots embodied that belief, carrying forward his dedication to craft and connection. From the moment they arrived, they weren’t just a product of Peng’s hands but an invitation—an unspoken conversation between maker and wearer. This particular conversation started in September 2022. I was eating breakfast and scrolling Instagram when I came across a long and winding post from Peng at Flame Panda. I had revered his work for years—an artisan whose craftsmanship and philosophy deeply resonated with me. That morning, his post was different. He spoke about his relationship with his customers, the love and loyalty they had given him, and his desire to give back. With that, he announced his three-year anniversary boots—eight pairs, given freely as a gesture of gratitude. This pair was one of them. From the start, they weren’t just mine—they were ours. The maker shaped them with his hands, but their story wasn’t finished. That part was up to me. These boots shouldn't just sit on a shelf; they were meant to be worn, to be shaped by time, and to tell their own story through use. That’s the essence of true craftsmanship: it doesn’t end when the work leaves the maker’s hands—it continues with the one who wears it.
Peng uses tracings and measurements to size. I found his sizing to be spot on.
Ordering from Flame Panda requires patience. Peng is notoriously and self admittedly inconsistent at responding to messages.