I started them in rotation, but realized I wanted to wear them everyday, and they could take it.

I have worn them nearly everyday since November in Minnesota. I work on a concrete floor, walk in a city, occasionally travel and spend time outdoors. I have little kids so carry bags and car seats — they could not be slippery.

The leather was great! It kept some of the beautiful glaze, which I was a little surprised by. I hand dyed the dark brown, which really wore well. The break-in was uneventful — they started super comfy. But about a month ago I realized that the leather has gotten beautifully soft, while holding the shape. The shafts are unlined and the vamps are lined, with a leather heel counter and toe puff — all totally breathable and good for all weather, from warm to snow. I knew they would sun tan a bit, but was surprised by how much the indigo of my jeans wore off. I think that the darkening is really beautiful in accentuating the movement of the leather. I conditioned them once, and brushed them off if they got very muddy. But overall, very little care/intervention.

Fucking awesome! I nailed this fit! The arch supported a little high, and the first week I was honestly a little nervous, but it quickly broke in. Now it conforms exactly to my underfoot. Plenty of toe room (how I like). I’ve worn them with tights and medium weight socks. I don’t care for super thick socks.

The one thing that I did have to do a few fixes on was the rubber sole tarting to pull away from the leather midsole(s). I didn’t sew the outsole on, just cemented it. There are two leather midsoles that are sewn on, but the outer rubber is just glued. There were a few spots where it started to peel. I used super glue to fix it. This happens naturally because leather and rubber are tough to glue together forever, so I’m saving my guilt for something better. Overall, I’m happy with how these look and functioned.

I am pretty happy with these soles. The heels wore down more quickly than I expected, which was a bit of a surprise. I do walk on concrete and live in a city, so wouldn’t necessarily complain, but it was something I noticed. The soles are also on the heavy side. Putting on trainers yesterday for the first time in ages felt like I might take flight! They were great for winter in Minnesota.

I made these as a gift to myself, and they saw me through some intense times. I learned a lot about boots — how I wear boots, and how I fit them. But, my main takeaway is that I am glad I threw down in the dome! It was really personal, I learned a lot, and thought about my relationship to my teachers and processes in new ways. Someone asked if I will keep wearing them after today? Answer: Hell ya!!