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Favorite boots to date!

Thomas_Steed_2 months ago
2
Frank's Boots Monkey BootHorween Natural Chromexcel
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Maker

Frank's Boots

Model

Monkey Boot

Leather

Horween Natural Chromexcel

Last

55 Last

US Men's Brannock: 9.5E

55 Last: 9E

Sole

Vibram 2021 Casual Wedge Sole Sand

Purchased from

Frank's Boots

More about this item

Custom build

Why I own this

Custom
Style
Outdoor Activities
Workplace Needs
Other

I ordered these custom confirmation monkey boots from Franks because I wanted a great everyday boot that i could wear all day throughout my everyday life. I can wear them for work, at the gym, throwing disc golf, or just going out for a typical walk for miles.

How I sized

55 Last: 9EUS Men's Brannock: 9.5E
Foot Tracing
Sized by Maker
Circumferential Measurements
Recommendation for Foot Shape
Compared to Other Lasts
Online Guide

I sent in a fresh fit sheet to franks and worked with Michelle directly on this build from fit to form.

Ordering process

Purchased from Frank's BootsTotal cost: 840 USD
Customer Service
Direct Message

It was great. I made the order by phone. I mailed in my fresh fit sheet. Worked out all the specific details with Michelle to come up with the perfect end product.

Use & wear

Outdoor Activities
Leisure
Travel
Cold Temperatures
Wet Conditions
Snow
Office Work
Physical Work
Dry Climate

I've been using these boots almost daily. I've definitely taken care not to abuse them in any laborious work I've done in them, as I'm not running them in the work dome. Being they are a chromexcel, I waited until the last month of the competition, once I knew the Idaho winter was over, before conditioning with bick 4 to minimize darkening, and allow the natural patina to keep showing through. They've been through miles upon miles of walking, freight work, gym use, office work, snow, mud, and my toe drag the few times I've thrown disc golf in them. In all, they have had a lot of love and been fantastic. Frank's built them like tanks, super supportive, and the best form fit I've got, and the toe box hasn't even really started to flatten yet, but the toe spring is fantastic. Couldn't ask for a better boot in this style.

Leather

Horween Natural Chromexcel
Patina Process
Care Routine
Break-In
Color Change

The break in has been great. They are fully leather lined, so the cxl has some healthy beef behind it, so the boot maintained solid structure as it's continuously molding to my foots shape more and more each day. The patina has been beautiful. It's developing a rich tan/brown/red deep tone from where it had originally started. My care routine was very minimalistic. I cleaned them once a month with 1 baby wipe each the evening before taking the monthly photos. March 8th was the first time I applied a light bick 4 conditioning coming out of the winter weather, and I will do 1 more cleaning and conditioning the day before final photos.

Fit

55 Last: 9EUS Men's Brannock: 9.5E
Comfort
Arch
Instep
Toe Box
Length Feels Right
Volume Feels Right
Ball Feels Right
Satisfied with the Fit

They've become more and more like a glove as time goes on. They nailed the sizing, and the fit just keeps getting better by the day!

Craftsmanship

Frank's Boots Monkey Boot
Design
Construction
Finishing
Stitching
Durability
Hardware
Lining

I feel that Frank's did a phenomenal job in every aspect of this build. Not a single thing could be improved.

Sole & heel

Durability
Comfort
Traction
Design

I'm absolutely amazed at how well this wedge sole has held up with as many miles as I've put on them. I had figured by this time I'd potentially be a few months out from a resole with how soft they are, but these chunky dogs still have tread along the edges of the ball of my foot. The most wear they have is on my left heel where I've supinated slightly more than my right foot. These are a very comfortable sole, and have allowed the foot bed to do a phenomenal job forming to my foot. Super comfortable. And really give the silhouette I was specifically looking for when I conceptualized the design on these boots.

Final thoughts

Would Recommend
Good Value

Wouldn't change a thing. Best fit and function I've got in a boot thus far. Worth every penny on this custom build.

Written by Thomas_Steed_
2
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