My Nora boots have had near constant wear since November 1, 2023. I have not worn them seven days in all that time, and three of those I did not wear shoes. I have worn them running errands, on road trips, to the beach, to the river, fishing on the Chesapeake Bay, to a Congressional Subcommittee hearing, to the chiropractor, out with friends, and taking care of my elderly parents. Wherever I went, my Grant Stone Nora boots went with me with my feet in them. They have been in rain, snow, sand, dirt, mud, grass, gravel, and sunshine.
The Badalassi Carlo Saddle Tan Minerva is a very thick, sturdy leather that has been tough to break in. The first couple of months my boots were very stiff and uncomfortable around my ankles. That same thickness makes my boots very supportive, however. Once a month I use Renovateur to condition them and I brush them with a horsehair brush. At the end of February I hand-massaged Pecard’s Antique Leather Dressing into my boots and that really made them more pliable. My boots started out a honey tan color and have worn to a molten caramel. They are just beautiful with the creases and folds molding to the shape of my foot. I tell people my boots fit me like a well-made pair of ice skates that hug my feet.
I have a long, narrow foot and the Luna Last fits me almost perfectly. I have an high arch so I added Tacco leather insoles which made them a perfect fit.
The Grant Stone Nora boot has been designed thoughtfully and are a sleek boot. They are constructed with high quality, durable leather which will give me years of wear after the contest. The stitching, eyelets, and speed hooks have really held up well despite the abuse of daily wear.
I am not a big fan of the Micro Stud Rubber Sole. I have found that it is a little thin and stiff for all the walking I have done; I would prefer a thicker more flexible sole. Also, the traction is fine walking on dry ground but anything wet I was slipping all over the place. Walking on a marble floor coming out of a rainstorm had me hydroplaning across the foyer.
My Nora boots are a really great pair of boots that I get compliments on regularly. I would, and do, recommend Nora boots and Grant Stone to everyone. They fit well, are well made, and go with everything.