A boot that will make you jealous of when it was considered an average everyday work boot

BigMunnyMunro9 months ago
GREB 1960s Kodiak Steel ToeUnknown Leather
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Maker

GREB

Model

1960s Kodiak Steel Toe

Leather

Last

Unknown Last

Unknown Last: 8D

I customized the fit of them slightly when I resoled them by putting in a higher arched (riveted!) shank, that along with the tall logger heel definitely gives them plenty of arch, originally the arch was similar to a Munson last but now it’s much more 55ish

The fit and feel is very good, they have a moderate arch but a decently sprung toe, the heel is comfortably narrow giving a nice locked in feeling and the forefoot is nice and roomy making sure there’s absolutely zero pinching or anything from the steel toe caps even though they have a fairly low profile toe compared to some others I’ve worn

Sole

Biltrite GRIPLUG Half Sole

3 months, current sole

Biltrite Neoprene Nylon-Cord Full Sole

Worn for 9 months, resoled on May 14, 2025

Heel

Panco Triple-Wear

Worn for 3 months, current heel

Cat’s Paw ‘Twin Grip’ Heel

Worn for 7 months, re-heeled on May 14, 2025

Biltrite Basketweave Heel

Worn for about 1 month, re-heeled on October 3, 2024

Purchased from

eBay

More about this item

The kilties are from Canada West boots in Red Dog leather

Why I own this

Ready To Wear
Workplace Needs
Style

I purchased these since as a mechanic I need to wear protective footwear but I also enjoy the heritage of traditional work boots so I sought out a vintage pair with a protective toe cap and was able to purchase these locally, I also really like the nylon corded biltrite soles because the grip you get on oily shop floors is honestly unmatched

How I sized

Unknown Last: 8D
Tried On
Compared to Other Lasts
Trial Shoe

I based my size off of other boots I had worn from the same brand, but still ended up a little bit different (they actually fit me better than I expected)

Ordering process

Purchased from eBayTotal cost: 160 CAD Lead time: Less than a day
Direct Message

I messaged the guy selling them and then came over to see them and try em on and left with a lighter wallet but I was the owner of a pair of boots I’m confident I’ll never see another pair of

Use & wear

Physical Work
Outdoor Activities
Leisure
Cold Temperatures
Hot Temperatures
Dry Climate
Humid Climate
Wet Conditions
Extreme Conditions
Snow

I’ve worn these for just about everything and they’ve been just about everywhere I’ve been, I wear them when I’m working in the shop, I spend long days standing on concrete in them, I’ve worn them hiking, fishing, foraging, and logging (clearing land on family property) They’ve held up very well and the build quality is something I cannot question, I’ve yet to wear them in the snow and ice because well, it’s not winter yet but I expect they’ll shrug it off like they have with everything else

Leather

Unknown Leather
Patina Process
Care Routine
Break-In
Color Change
Durability

The leather on these boots has incredible depth of colour and very dense and firm grain but is still very supple and malleable at the same time, I almost want to think that it’s a type of leather similar to shrunken calf because of the way the leather is textured with a fine pebbled look similar to shrunken hides, the leather also feels a little thinner than my other cowhide boots but denser so it makes me wonder if they had potentially used a horsehide for its tighter grain. The colour is a beautiful dark red with some darker brown tones in lower wear areas, on one of the toes the hide has some prominent healed scars from when the animal was still alive that appear darker than the surrounding leather giving some beautiful character. I maintain this leather with primarily 60yo Capo Arctic Dubbin but my can is starting to get down to the nitty gritty so I’m going to look into something that’s still available, I’m looking at either Huberd’s or Gold Label Dubbin (mainly leaning towards gold label because a 500ml container for under $20 is a lot of bang for your buck) I also try to brush my boots off at the end of every day to remove dust and cover up scratches and cuts in the leather

Fit

Unknown Last: 8D
Arch
Comfort
Toe Box
Heel
Length Feels Right
Volume Feels Right
Ball Feels Right
Satisfied with the Fit

The fit is very good and they have one of the most comfortable lasts I’ve worn, at least for my feet, there’s plenty of room in the toe box preventing the steel toe from any pinching and the heel is nice and tight and comfortable keeping me entirely locked in, the arch is moderate but the support is very good

Craftsmanship

GREB 1960s Kodiak Steel Toe
Design
Construction
Finishing
Durability
Stitching
Hardware

I really like the unique paneling of the upper and the vamp construction where the front is wrapped around with the layers of the vamp being on top preventing area where the heel counter and quarters meet from creating a place where sticks and branches and such can get caught and snag. I appreciate the larger eyelets that vintage boots used because it gives a lot more options for what laces to use and makes tightening and loosening easier The stitching is all very tight and most places are triple stitched which gives some nice peace of mind

Sole & heel

Biltrite Neoprene Nylon-Cord Full SoleWorn for 9 months, resoled on May 14, 2025
Durability
Traction
Design

These soles are some of the best, at least for what I do, they’re incredibly oil resistant and decently hard wearing, also the cords coming out of the black rubber never gets old

Biltrite Basketweave HeelWorn for about 1 month, re-heeled on October 3, 2024
Traction
Durability
Comfort

It was okay just a little on the hard side making it a little slippery

Cat’s Paw ‘Twin Grip’ HeelWorn for 7 months, re-heeled on May 14, 2025
Durability
Traction
Comfort
Design

I really like this heel, great grip nice soft compound, only negative I can see is that it seems to not be the longest wearing rubber ever but idgaf I feel like a baller when I wear them

Final thoughts

Would Recommend
Good Value

I think they’re an absolute steal for the price and encourage more people who are just getting into the boot world to look backwards and find something unique

Written by BigMunnyMunro
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