GS Edward boots 6 months of wear, leather just started aging

I’ve worn these Grant Stone Edwards 5 days (9 to 5 deskjob) a week for work during Thunderdome. Due to the harsh weather conditions in Eastern Canada, I’ve worn them inside in an office environment, but had the chance to wear them outside as well for approximately two months.

These boots were on final sale, I thought it would be a great leather to follow the patina process. My wife freaked out when she saw the original pale or natural color, as I usually wear darker brown boots. I had to explain that this leather will darken. Where do I start? Boy this leather is stiff and firm. The clicking is really nice, as the vamp developed some nice rolls, 0 grain break.I was expecting them darken them faster, they significantly darkened, but not enough to my liking. I believe more exposure to natural light would make these look darker sooner. 6 months don’t do the justice, I expect them to darken much more in 6 months from now. I haven’t applied any conditioner yet, as they didn’t need much care yet. I did spray 50-50% rubbing alcohol and water mixture on my left pinky toe area, as I still have some hotspots there at the end of the day, due to the stiff nature of this leather.

I heard the Leo last is generous, so I picked up this pair in 11D. Not sure if these were available in an E width back then, but I generally prefer an E width for my left foot. I can get by with thinner socks, but I feel like the toebox is too shallow to my liking. My big toe’s nails start feeling some light pressure at the end of the working day. I like the leather insole, arch support feels okay. The leather outsole and midsoles are very stiff, took several months to break in well. My steps are still loud indoors, due to the stiff sole. If I could change 1 thing in the construction, it would probably be a 270 degree welt. Due to the longer heel block I feel like my heels are not in a natural position during the landing. Great construction, these will stay boots in 10 years from now.

This is where GS punches above their price point. Love the design, construction, clicking, and the overall quality, aesthetics on these boots. Wish GS would make a very simple Brown Cxl configuration with rubber outsoles and darker eyelets. Top notch finishing, design on the dressier side, but boots will easily handle any moderate abuse during a city commute of even some light walk outdoors, although I would use other footwear for that purpose.

The added Raptor sole protectors by Dimar Shoe repair are surprisingly grippy on snow and in wet conditions.Glad I picked these, making the boots much more versatile.

Not a fan, when stepping on a tile after some wet conditions these feel slippery. Glad they added a rubber heel

I wish I bought these in E or EE width. If you know you have wide forefoot, don’t listen to the comments saying that the Leo last is generous. To a certain extent yes, but the toebox still tapered. Very versatile pair of boots, outstanding value and quantity. Extremely durable boots.