These were the hardest boots to break in that I ever wore. But after a while, they were amazing!

I used these as everyday footwear. From working in a studio to biking to going to the grocery store. Surprisingly, they accompanied me on a three month trip to Japan, where it was a cool dry environment, and I didn’t wear them as frequently as I would have at home.

The leather is stiff. When I started wearing them, it was so stiff that I oiled them a few times to try to loosen them up. It just took time, but after the grooves were set up, it was great. The wax held up much better than I had expected. I thought much more of the brown would have shown through. Definitely a super robust leather that is going to last for years! And be easy to re-wax if desired.

The fit was great. But the leather was so stiff that at the beginning I found it was annoying around my ankles. I think it was more of a patterning issue than a last issue. Perfect arch, generally a well fitting last. I added a little poron to the heel to snug up the ankle, hoping it would help with the annoying break in. It didn’t, but I liked the extra cushioning.

I think I had a patterning issue with the curve of the vamp, causing extra wrinkles. The finishing was ok. The buckle was amazing — would definitely use them again! And the sewing was good. I always worry about the rubber half sole coming unstuck, but it wasn’t that much of an issue.

It was good. Good traction. But, when walking on sidewalks with grates the ripples would catch, which was annoying. Very good wear resistance.

Good — as stated above.

I made these boots during an extremely difficult time — I lost three close family members within 3 months. As the contest started, I applied for and then received a 3-month artist residency in Japan, so they came with on that adventure. The past year has been one of the most difficult, surprising, and growth-ful of my life. These boots were made of duress and worn during the regrowth. They are probably the most sturdy that I have made/worn, and accompanied me on a strange and magical year.