Rugged, well-made boots that are built to last - just a few tweaks needed.

With a lug sole and waxed leather, I knew before I opened the box that these were going to be my every day wear pair. I wore them on hikes, on the bike, while walking the dog, and on holiday. Some months I wore them sparingly, but in others I used them heavily. Their performance in the rain has been nothing short of exemplary.

I love waxed leathers because they are so hardy. That said, this particular example wasn't great. It felt thinner and more cardboard-like than other Waxy Commander I've handled. The leather still performed perfectly in the wet, so no complaints there. The color change has been more subtle than I thought would occur. The most drastic patina has been on the storm welt. The leather being so stiff made it prone to scratches and scuffs so it didn't change color too dramatically. I didn't condition them, and they still hold up even 6 months of hard wear. That said, even today the leather is still quite hard and firm - maybe conditioning with VLB will help soften them up even more. Overall, if GS uses a better cut of Waxy, this boot would be unstoppable.

Actually quite comfortable at 9D. Not too wide or too long - just right. I like the Leo last from GS because the heel profile isn't too high, so the Diesel. Looks phenomenal

So I'm a bit torn on this pair. On the one hand, they are very well made. There is no doubt that craftsmanship is excellent and the attention to detail is great. When it comes to price-to-quality, GS is exceptional. However, I think the last and the pattern need a bit more refinement. 1. The heel is a bit too low. That's usually not a problem but it lends to slightly lower arch support. 2. The vamp is too long. I think the pattern would look better if the uppers moved a bit more forward and therefore reduce vamp length. 3. Facings are too close together - too much like a derby and not enough of a service boot. 4. A slight tweak of the heel counter wouldn't go amiss. 5. I'd also really love more options when it comes to construction. I'd prefer a flat welt over a storm or split welt in some models. Or a natural midsole when only a dark brown version exists. That said, these are all just suggestions/tweaks. Will take the boots from 7.5/10 to 9/10.

Really great sole. Hundreds of miles and barely a blip. Very impressive. Quite comfy too.

These were my first GS boots and won't be my last. I usually go with Viberg or Onderhoud for service boots but these have been great. A few tweaks to the design and perhaps some more customization when it comes to construction and these would be on par with the best of them. Even where they are I'd recommend GS to anyone looking for a well made pair of service boots.