3 Months

Oct-Nov: These boots have walked lots of dogs, raked leaves and power washed the driveway. Nov-Dec: November was a blustery month in the PNW. These boots slogged through the downed branches and wet leaves while walking enthusiastic dogs. Dec-Jan: December is more of the same: outdoor dog walking in PNW rainy muddy weather 🐾 Jan-Feb: January saw more dog walking through all terrain which included being tangled in brambles and lots of mud. Feb-Apr: These boots got near daily wear walking dogs tin all weather and varied ground.

Oct-Nov: The waxy stag leather has a very dry appearance. I know that’s the intended matte look. The leather lightened up quickly with wear. It also picks up scratches and scuffs easily, to the point that I’m worried about durability. They show more wear after a month than my navy CXL boots do after a year. What break in? Maybe a day? Comfort from the word go. They are regularly brushed with horsehair. Because they are so soft I’ve been diligent about keeping them in cedar trees to slow the creasing down. After a particularly wet and muddy session with a power washer I couldn’t stand it anymore and conditioned them with Saphir R which darkened them back to the original color and also gave them a slight sheen. Nov-Dec: I acquired smaller sized cedar trees which are easier to install after each wear. The original ones I used barely fit and I worried about stretching this soft leather too much. I brush them off regularly after almost every wear. If they get particularly wet they get the next day off and I wear something else in rotation. I conditioned them the last week of November a few days before the December picture window to give them a chance to lighten back up a little. I actually like the dark color they get right after conditioning. Dec-Jan: Oh the toe creasing! The boots scuff so easily. To my dismay some scuffs are literally chips. The scuffs (and patina) kind of disappear with conditioning that darkens them up. These boots have experienced very wet and muddy conditions this month but kept my feet dry. They had near daily wear. They clean up nice enough. I conditioned them heavily at the beginning of the month right after the photo submission and then lightly a week and a half before the month’s end. Jan-Feb: Beware of blackberry vines hiding in grass! Black Waxed Deer suffered worrying scuffs. The little flaps of leather on the toes have me concerned about the longevity of this leather. I conditioned them right after the January photo submission and again mid-month. They are stored in shoe trees almost every night and get brushed regularly. Feb-Apr: They cried for frequent conditioning during February. I used Saphir Medaille d’Or Oiled Leather Cream with Neatsfoot Oil because it’s supposed to be more matte. I consider this leather to be somewhat porous and on the thirsty side. I was very happy with the results of this variety of Saphir as the boots were less shiny after conditioning. They were conditioned shortly before the March submission and you can see they are darkened. I did not condition them at all during March. They seem to have settled into what they are going to be, very comfortable casual walking boots. They seemed less thirsty during March so I simply used a horse hair brush as needed.

Oct-Nov: They fit perfect and have all the comfort of hightop sneakers. At some point I will probably add a half arch. Nov-Dec: They continue to feel good on my feet. They are loosening up a little bit and I will be adding a half arch. Dec-Jan: I added a half arch. They were slightly uncomfortable for about a week as the top felt tight. Then I was used to them. Jan-Feb: Oh so comfortable! I look forward to wearing these boots almost everyday. Feb-April: I consider these to be very comfortable and at this stage maybe too casual for the office.

Oct-Nov: I’m loving the quality and build so far. I’m worried about the durability of the waxed stag leather. The wedge soles were not my first choice but I’m appreciating the comfort. I miss speed hooks, a lot. Nov-Dec: Still loving the boot construction. Coming to peace with the reality of stag leather and the fact that it wears softer than chromexcel. Dec-Jan: These boots are holding up well. No flaws in construction or finishing have emerged. The most comfy boots ever. Jan-Feb: The construction is holding up. Stitching remains intact. Feb-April: Everything about the construction of this boot with the exception of the leather is holding up well. The lining helps beef the stag up a bit but cannot keep it from being very vulnerable to scuffs and abrasion.

Oct-Nov: Aesthetics are just ok. Comfort can’t be beat. The edges show all the dirt and stains but clean up good enough with a damp rag. I have to be careful on more slippery slopes than I do with lugs. Nov-Dec: COMFY. The traction is different from lug soles and takes getting used to. Dec-Jan: The crepe sole is looking dingier and dingier. It’s a trade off for comfort. The heels are showing wear which is normal for me. Jan-Feb: I like the comfort of the wedge soles. They are showing a lot of wear. Feb-April: They are very close to needing replacement due to heel wear. I will probably continue to wear them until my feet start to roll.

I love the comfort of these boots. The leather and soles are very casual. I don’t know if I will buy stag leather again due to how it wears. However they are to most comfortable boots I own. I didn’t initially like the crepe sole but now consider it a great alternative to sneakers. When I take them in for resoling I will happily pay to have speed hooks added.