Expensive but zero regrets with John Lofgren Ezo Shika Donkey Punchers.

I work 60 percent of my day in an office and the rest of my day walking about on a factory floor and airplane assembly line looking at airplanes in various states of assembly. My walk from where I park my car to my office desk is about ten minutes and I choose to walk the entirety of it outside, rain or shine. When there is heavier physical labor at home outside, I throw on a pair of Wolverine Roper style boots but when the activity is done, I put my Lofgrens back on.

There was little to no break in required. The leather was very supple to begin with and has only gotten slightly more supple over time. I walked to my work/office Monday through Friday in rain, sun (not much in Seattle) and a little bit of snow. The boots were worn six days a week you could almost say religiously as I only gave them a day off on Saturdays. I didn't baby the boots over the past six months but I was cautious not to drag my toes or put the uppers down against abrasive surfaces like concrete or airplane structures. I think it would not take much to scar them. They received almost a daily horsehair brushing when I took them off for the day. I saddle soaped them twice over the course of the Thunderdome and waxed the sole edges a few times to protect them from water and rain damage. There are a few scrapes in the uppers and some crazing patina in outside ball areas, turning a lighter color. I can hardly tell looking back at the beginning that they have changed much in appearance but my coworkers all say they look better all the time.

The Donkey Punchers were comfortable right out of the box. I went with a half down from my Brannock with a 10.5D. I wore regular, not too thin or thick, socks. A couple of weeks in I added Stepprs insoles as there was still a little excess room in the ball to toe box area for my liking. They made the boots feel perfect!

Comparing to my Red Wing Blacksmiths, ten pairs of Truman's, Fryes and Wolverines there is no comparison. They are stunning! I was hesitant to spend so much on them but have no regrets. The stacked leather heels are so beautiful.. A coworker thought they were made from an exotic wood. Two toned triple stitching and the brass eyelets in contrast to the dark deerskin leather is eye catching! They appear to be delicate in construction but have held up extremely well over the six months.

The heels were absolutely gorgeous out of the box. Over time, the rain and ice-melt on the Seattle area sidewalks dulled them up. A little waxing brought them back to near new condition. I noticed that I dragged my heels more than any other brand of boots I own and the rubber wore down at an angle fairly quickly. The deerskin leather appears to be delicate but is surprisingly resilient.

Traction was not an issue as I was predominantly on wet pavement, dry concrete and office carpet. The times walking through airplanes that I had to balance on structure, I think Vibram Christy Wedge soles would have felt safer but the Vibram 700s supported me well. For the distance I covered every day in them, they have still kept much of their original tread. Comfort-wise, they were amazing!

At nearly $1400, I was very nervous about the investment. John Lofgren boots get a lot of great reviews so I had to see for myself. I have zero regrets in my purchase and these boots will never leave my rotation or collection.