Bright Shoemakers
Vulture (Extraordinaire)
Wardrobe 19
Cost: 731.58 EUR
Availability: Stock Model
Lead Time: Less than a day
I fell in love with the silhouette, especially in black. Having sold my "concert boots" a year ago, I wanted to own something similar for everyday wear and less formal concerts. Another reason was the brand and manufacturing being in Europe.
I went to the Wardrobe 19 store in Copenhagen and measured the boots in person. If I ordered the boots online, I would have gone with an EU44. They fit well, but I intentionally wore thin wool socks and heel slip was noticeable. Martin, founder of Bright Shoemakers, recommended a size EU43 and they fit snug at the right places. (Edit 05.10.25: They are currently very tight. Thin socks and cold CXL gave me a blister. I may need to convert to thick socks for the start) These will become my slippers in a few months respectively in a year's time.
It was a nice change of experience being in the store with the owners who designed the boots compared to ordering online. The atmosphere in Wardrobe 19 is great and the owners are very friendly. It was a deal done in an hour's time.
I wore the boots casually. I do not mind going to the forest to give them a nice cleaning afterwards. Mostly in dry conditions due to the climate. I wish it had rained more so the boots would collapse more, but it is what it is.
Since I bought them to be worn with thin socks, the break-in was a bit tough. I got some minor blisters but oh well, nothing too serious. After one month, these boots felt like a heavy pair of slippers. I am looking forward to an even better fit over the coming months. Since my patina game is not on the hard side, there are only minor scratches and tea-core spots around the boot. I wiped the leather three times so far and gave them some brush-sessions over the past few months.
Comfort is fabulous. I just grab these if I want to wear comfortable footwear. My other boots are probably jealous, but these just fit spot on. Sleek-thight toebox, good arch support and not much heel-slip.
I love the design. That toe shape drew me towards the boots. Construction is solid, can't complain about it. Stitches are not perfect, but I don't care about it, as long as the function is accomplished. This finishing reminds me that craftsmen have handled the boots.
Grippy and sleek looking. Leafs on a wet floor turn the boots into ice skates, but ok, it could be way worse.
Just like the half-soles
I feel like a million bucks wearing these: Looks are amazing and comfort is great. Many thanks to Martin and Kenan at Wardrobe 19 for the in person size advice!