10/10 Would Buy Again

These boots have seen all the conditions that the northeastern U.S. could possibly throw at it, and they’re still lookin’ good. Maybe even better than when they were new.

The boots started off very light beige and very stiff. After months of wear, they’ve broken in and patina-ed amazingly! The leather started off super stiff and cutting into my legs despite the socks. I would actually double up the cuff of my longer socks to ease the break-in of the top of the boot. Now, months later, they fit like a glove, and have become a handsome tan. They’re still a bit stiff when I initially put them on, but they warm up within a few minutes and feel amazing. The break-in and care was very simple. Break-in: wear, wear, and more wear. Care routine: brush when I remember to, and venitian shoe cream before and after winter.

After wearing them, I think I got a width too small. The leo last perfectly hugs my heel and instep, but my duck-feet needed it to be a bit wider in the ball and toe area. I usually am a wide, so I’m not quite sure why I ordered a normal D width. I might have gotten the boots on sale, and those were the only ones left. I wouldn’t recommend getting a width too small, but I was able to wear it, and now I hardly notice that they feel ever so slightly too narrow. They definitely stretched a bit, and now fit like a glove all around my foot. The ankle and arch support I get from these boots are great. I’ll be wearing these well after the competition.

The craftsmanship of this boot is amazing. While the grain looks a tad loose and the toe stitching still looks a bit skewed, I can see hardly any faults in the boot. I liked the leather, the lining, the hardware, the stitching… What’s more to say? It held up incredibly well as my main footwear for months.

The leather sole isn’t bad and is surprisingly grippy on smooth surfaces like tile. However, they were a nightmare to wear during the winter. With ice everywhere, I was in constant fear of falling. I did slip a few times, but was able to catch myself before hitting the ground. Definitely did not think the sole choices through when I started the contest during the nice Fall weather. It was interesting to try a leather sole for an all-purpose boot, but I think I’ll relegate the boot to warmer months after this competition.