We’ve been through a lot, you and I. From the daily connections - walks to the park, Costco runs, backyard romps. To the special moments - tramping across the cobblestone streets of Lisbon, hiking up the rough-hewn steps of Sintra, scaling the heights of Seattle. You’ve been there for me. Midwestern winter meant we trudged through snow and slush and muck. Subzero weather turned the snow into icy sand, abrasive to edge dressing and uppers alike. Portugal and Seattle were rainy and treacherous, but you handled them like a pro. No Bean boots or galoshes needed here. Backyard goofing and yard work meant mud and dirt. Stooping down to wipe noses, tie little shoes, clean up spills and console feelings. Sled pulls in the back yard, bicycle races in the cul-de-sac, and sidewalk chalk exhibitions for the neighbors all added character to our adventures. You were my supportive partners-in-crime through it all.
You have redefined patina for me, my loves. I like a good challenge, and I got it. At first it didn't seem like you had any fun tricks up your sleeve – no wax to rub off, no teacore to wear away. Just an aniline finish in mid-brown hue, uncorrected grain selected by the hands of a leatherworker. Perfect in its simplicity and function. Break-in was straightforward. We spent only a few hours together the first week, but then that slowly increased as my obsession grew. As the miles added up, the scuffs and dirt and strains of life slowly took effect. A beautiful richness developed within the brown tones of the leather. Hints of burgundy peeked through. Your supple harness leather molded to my feet. Toes collapsed and hide marks began to emerge, reminders of the animal you once were. All this combined to reveal the natural grain character and microstructure of the leather. Man meets nature - to form beauty beyond the sum of its parts. Hours spent caressing, brushing, conditioning, nourishing. Nights spent stuffed with paper towels after we got carried away in the snow and rain. Bick 4 for your uppers, and Skidmore's for the edges. Healing your wounds. That is how love blossoms. Running hands over your surface, feeling the marks and contours. Age looks good on you. I marvel that even after all this time, I still find myself stealing furtive glances. Hello there, gorgeous.
We fit like two pieces of a puzzle. The MTM last is spot on. Roomy enough for toe mobility and thick socks. Ankle support is lovely. I've walked hundreds of miles in these without any issues. Looking forward to walking hundreds more.
My expectations were blown away. Stunning. More than one person has called them the platonic ideal of a brown boot. Hard to disagree. I don't want to take them off at the end of the day. Photogenic doesn't even begin to describe them. Flawless.
The 430 is a pretty good sole. The heel has worn at an average rate. The mini lugs under the toebox are quite durable. Grip has been pretty good on snow and slush. Wet surfaces are fine, too.
Every time I wear these they make me think of Dennis, and that makes me smile. He's a wonderful person and an excellent bootmaker. This was pair #25 for him, and I hope to see many more beyond that from him. His skill is on par with any other maker I've encountered, and yet he approaches his work with the open mind of a beginner. He is always striving to improve his craft, and it shows. The past 6 months have been an absolute delight - to get to wear something made by hand with such passion and talent is truly special.