Kustom Kraft Kyle

I began by doing a wardrobe and boot inventory. What colors and styles did I already have, and what was missing? What would go with the most outfits and would be the most wearable for daily life? What did I also just... love wearing? When my spot came up, Dennis and I started discussing leather options. He showed me a few hides, and then he pulled out one from Kobel, his local tannery. I knew that was the one. The perfect brown leather, with some natural grain pattern to it and some pullup. Somehow I didn't already own a boot in a darker shade of brown.The design I chose was brown on brown, tonal thread, with Mini Lug soles to aid in winter traction. Simple, yet timeless design. Goes with everything.

I shared tracings, measurements and similar sizing in common lasts. We discussed some of the unique dimensions to my feet - wide square toes, narrow heel. Dennis used those to put in an order for a custom last. Fit like a charm and looks great with the pattern.

It all started online. With a single picture in fact. Silky black suede, curves in all the right spots, teasing and calling out to me. Smitten. Hit me like a ton of bricks. Blame Ticho. I know I do. Bad influence, that one. That IG is pure temptation. So who is this maker? Kustom Kraft? Work is pretty good. Obviously knows what he is doing. Leatherworker. Nicest guy ever, huh? No way anyone could possibly be THAT nice. Then we connected. Said he had a spot on his waitlist. Well now I’m hooked. We talked some details, and he said he’d get back to me. As I waited, we bonded over shared interests - tea and pizza. Dennis really is that nice. Absolute gem of a person - talented, passionate, always seeking to improve his craft. The design itself was shared. I had a rough outline of what I wanted, and Dennis helped me refine that. The wait was long - he is after all a one-man band. The anticipation built. I could see him improving with every pair. Once he started, it took him only a week or so to finish. He focuses completely on one pair at a time, entering a zen-like flow state while he does - lasting, welting and finishing by hand. He shared pictures and asked about my preferences along every step of the build. It was a true collaboration, and the best, most personal customer service I could ask for.