BlkBrd Dallas – Natural Chromexcel – Moctoe Stitchdown Patina Thunderdome Review
See specs
Maker
BLKBRD SHOEMAKER
Model
Dallas Moctoe Boot
Leather
Last
US Men's Brannock: 13EE
Bobber Last: 13D
Fits good, the leather is very hard and will need some breaking in.
Sole
Heel
Purchased from
Blkbrd Shoemaker
Order info
Cost: 309 USD
Availability: Group Made to Order
Lead Time: About 1 month
See background
Why did you choose this item?
I am an old guy (63) who just found out about YouTube and started reading about boots and finally purchasing good Pacific Northwest boots. I found out about this thunderdome through the YouTube channel about a month before the thunderdome started. I didn’t have time to purchase PNW boots so I started searching and reviewing boots and which ones may patina well and found these Blkbrd boots. I reached out to Blkbrd and they assured me they would be in before the thunderdome started. I have been happy with them so far but I am not sure if they will hold up enough for the contest. I am very hard on boots with my job working in a ware house that makes commercial metal frames and doors. I weld, I load, I deliver to construction sites and I unload. These boots are good for the warehouse but not so good on construction sites. I enjoy being part of this work class thunderdome and may be the oldest guy in it but if the good lord is willing, I will be better prepared next year.
How did you determine your size?
I reached out to Blkbrd and they assisted me with the sizing. I measured my feet, did an outline drawing of my feet and told them what size I wear in the US. Blkbrd was very helpful and I am very pleased with this company. When I ordered the boots, there were no tariffs in place but when they shipped them there were and Blkbrd took care of the tariffs.
What was the ordering process?
My experience with Blkbrd was great. They were so helpful and communicated very well with me and answered all my questions. The shipping became complicated for Blkbrd because during the time they were making my boots, tariffs were put in place and India has some of the highest tariffs placed on them by the US. Blkbrd dealt with all of these problems and took care of the tariffs for me. Now I believe they have a process put in place for the US customers who want to purchase there boots. I am very pleased with this company and their integrity.
Use & wear
I’ve wore these boots most every day throughout the Dome while working in a warehouse, on active construction sites, and while driving a delivery truck. They’ve been worn for long hours on hard surfaces and rough ground, including pavement, gravel, and mud.
Leather
The Horween Natural Chromexcel has held up very well with heavy use. The leather is darkening and showing some creasing. High-wear areas show darker burnishing. Scuffs and scratches were inevitable with the environments these boots are worn in, but most brush out easily. The leather has proven to be tough.
Fit
The fit in the Bobber last feels broken in and very comfortable at this point. The heel feels secure and there is enough room in the forefoot for all-day wear without hot spots. Once I broke it in, it’s been easy to wear al day on hard surfaces and while driving. The boot really does feel stable and supportive. The boot is beginning to mold well to my feet.
Craftsmanship
I like the overall design — it’s functional, clean, and purpose-built without unnecessary details. The construction has held up well under hard use, with no major failures despite daily wear in demanding conditions. Stitching and structure have remained solid. The finishing is appropriate for a work boot. Overall, it’s a durable, honest build that prioritizes function over flash.
Sole & heel
The only weak point of this boot for me has been the Christy sole, specifically heel wear. The sole is very comfortable and the forefoot has held up reasonably well, but the heels started wearing down much faster than expected. Heel wear became significant enough that I ended up gluing and screwing on heel caps on both boots to keep them going through the Dome. Not ideal, but it kept the boots serviceable. The wedge sole is great for the warehouse but not to good on construction sites with uneven or rocky ground.
Final thoughts
Overall, these boots have proven themselves as a solid, hard-use pair. The leather has exceeded expectations and continues to improve with wear. My only real complaint has been the Christy sole, particularly heel wear, which required adding heel caps to keep the boots serviceable through the Dome. That said, they stayed comfortable and reliable despite the abuse. With a tougher sole option, this boot would be even better suited for the kind of work and environments I put it through.
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