Boots for fighting the man

I mostly wore these walking the dog and romping around San Francisco bars. They’re a little too casual to feel natural at the symphony but they do ok in most other settings. They’re definitely overkill but it’s the first time in my life strangers have stopped me in the street to compliment my boots. More over, just knowing that the leather is whiskey rebellion evokes southwestern Pennsylvania everyday.

It’s a pretty stiff leather. It got a bit more supple but is still more supportive than comfy. I don’t have much experience but I’m guessing it was generally a pretty long break in. Out of the box it had crazy high/lows but pretty quickly opened up to a lighter tone that got rich and glossy with more wear and conditioning. I used obernaufs initially but I think I prefer VSC here.

This was my first time on a high PNW last and it was an adjustment! I was looking for more arch support so that was definitely evident. The last felt a little cramped on the pinky toe side with a bit too much room on the big toe side. I’m not sure if Franks does combo lasts but I’d have taken a narrower heel. From a pattern perspective, I’d like larger quarters. The lace facings were too broad for my tastes laced up. Overall I’d say it was a pretty honest 1/2 size down from brannock and comfy in all socks.

These are my tankiest boots. They feel impossibly tough. I was a little disappointed with the finishing since the brand stamp didn’t come super bright and there were some lasting wrinkles from the toe to ball. They didn’t really go away with wear as I’d hoped but the general creasing and patina definitely are more noticeable by the end of the dome. The the inside quarter panel of the left boot got a bit of loose grain, but that’s fine.

This thing was kinda a beast to break in but I the traction and durability are as advertised. I wouldn’t necessarily call it sleek but it’s a nice casual option. No complaints here.

These were really fun to kick around in for the dome. I wore them almost exclusively (when not in pre worn dome boots) and once broken in they really felt supportive for long durations. They’re so beefy I always felt like I could take on Washington in them.