It was fun wearing boots I made for this competition. I’m happy with the patina!

Lots of walking in Providence and London. They got over 20k steps per day during a week in Italy. Some urbex and only a couple hikes. London has been rainy so they have gotten wet many times.

The break in was easy, the leather is soft and stretchy even though it’s 5-6oz. It was honestly stretchier then I would prefer because the facings on the boot tops touch on one boot. I brushed them a couple times a week and used sapphire cream about once a month. The boots darkened very quickly because it is an aniline veg tan, but the shafts darkened less, very gracefully. The unstructured toe box collapsed immediately, and the boot tops have some rolls because it is unlined except for the vamps.

The fit is good, I shaped this last to fit my foot. The leather stretched a little bit so it’s looser then another pair I made on this last but still fits well, I can only wear dress socks with them. I am satisfied with the fit but would have preferred if the leather stretched less. Still fits very well and very comfortable though.

Amazing because I made them! I will not choose leather soles next time because they are more slippery then I would like. I would also prefer hardware that would patina, this finish on the buckles and eyelets resists wear. Clicking could have been a bit better but I had limited leather to work with. These boots are very durable.

More durable than I expected, I’m glad I did not have to resole them during the competition. Traction could be better but it’s what I expected going into it. Very comfortable and ages nicely.

It held up longer than I expected, it had good tractition. I put a leather/ rubber heel stack on it after the rubber top lift wore out. I want to go back to full rubber, this is too slippery.

Thank you, I would recommend these boots! It’s been fun!