A great introduction, well constructed, and eventually a canvas for my DIY impulses
If I were more familiar with the rules I could have joined the regular dome, as it arrived mid October. I had work in for 2 weeks before the late entry period so unfortunately it was pre-owned for me.
I wanted this to be my introduction to heritage style boots, the intention being to best appreciate the time and work that goes into making leather functional and beautiful. This influenced everything from selecting a shop to the design of the boot and my eventual decision to do things myself.
I chose a family owned shop that traces back to our local leather capital, set a small but reasonable budget they could work with, and what I received was a pair that had cheap but durable leather, well put together.
This pair let me see all sorts of things and brought me different kinds of joy and fulfillment. I saw first hand why top coated leather isn't great, what kind of blemishes lay under the leather, and how much work it is to dye leather evenly (I did not manage to make it even)
I tried my hand and adding material, stitching and installing hardware myself. It's nowhere near the quality of the professionals, but I have a semblance of an idea of how much practice and skill it takes to work leather properly.
It's not perfect, it was never meant to be, especially not with the budget I set, but it's perfect for what I wanted. What it is is a pair of boots that fits like a glove, feels great for walks, and I'd pick first for most situations.
I'll keep wearing it, next on my list is to replace the sole protectors myself when I've worn through the lugs.
