Oak Street Bootmakers Field Boot

Second Thunderdome and a completely different experience this year for me. Last year I wore Viberg shells that darkened considerably, rolled a bit, and reflected some denim crocking but otherwise looked brand new after every brush. The OSB Maryam horse rump crust boots this year were a different experience entirely. Of course, they darkened considerably as well and bear the effects of wearing raw denim with them nearly every day and rolled rather than creased, but otherwise there’s no mistaking these for new boots. The scratches, scuffs, and tears eventually blended into the background but upon close inspection you can see every mark made on these boots in the last six months. While the boots were different, they trod a similar path to the Vibergs. To and from work every day (lots of office chair patina). Another Thanksgiving pheasant hunt. Two ski trips this year – to Whistler and back to Jackson Hole. And a day spent trekking around Yellowstone in the snow with a herd of Bison. Given the extensive water spotting last year, preventing them this year didn’t even enter my mind. The most important day in the life of these boots was February 23. Somehow between work and home that afternoon, the left boot received a sizeable gash on the ankle. I still have no idea how it happened as I didn’t memorably bump anything sharp, but there it was when I got home that evening. The care routine this year was relatively simple. Brushing after wear and using shoe trees at night (most of the time). If they got particularly dirty, the boots received a wipe down with a damp rag. The boots typically received the rag treatment followed by a light application of Bick 4 before pictures once a month. My second extended experience wearing one pair of boots to do everything was as enjoyable as the first. Different boots and experiences that led to a similar place - a well-worn pair of boots with permanent traces of where we walked together in the last six months.