Stompin' at the Savoy(in Nick's Handmade Boots)

I have exclusively danced in them! Two to 3 times a week, for several hours each time. Usually a combination of classes and social dancing. I also attended Swinging at the Savoy in Oakland this year, and wore these throughout. They have been worn only indoors as a result

I love how this leather has changed on me! It was fairly stiff when I first got them, not as rigid as a WC doublestuffed leather, but definitely limited my range of motion. Only took a few nights to get some nice folds started to loosen them up. I am particularly pleased with the way the leather creases, there is this lovely pattern of darker leather broken up by the lighter pull-up that makes for a fine texture across the creases. My care routine has been to simply brush with horsehair every other week or so

The 55 last may have been a bit much for me on these. It is difficult to know for sure, as I probably should have gone a half size up. I have found even midweight socks are on the uncomfortable side of snug. My pinkie toes brush the front edges of the boot, not enough to cause pain. The high arch definitely strains my foot a bit when combined with the greater range of motion of dancing. This only a problem when I haven't danced for a while though, so I think some more stretching would prevent this. I do feel very solid in the boots while dancing. My foot is locked in, and each step is very sure despite the leather sole. I will definitely consider getting another pair in this last for dancing now that I have a better idea of sizing.

These have been very solid for me. The stitching is very well done, and the glued portions have held fast despite the athletic usage. The edging has held up very well. I did find two of the eyelets weren't fully formed, and they were catching on the laces a bit. I believe this might have been related to the eyelet machine at Nick's boots being on it's last legs, I know they had to replace it shortly after. I was able to clean it up just fine with a file though. I also have had the sock liner start to pull up on me, but this is definitely because I get them warm and sweaty, then my foot rolls the front edge as I remove the boot. I believe if I had sized them correctly this wouldn't have happened.

The leather sole was perfect for me on these! I had previously danced on suede bottomed shoes. The leather gives me more ability to slide and spin, and the rubber sole allows me to ground myself with no risk of slipping. It is a very powerful combination for the way I like to dance.

See above

My journey with these boots began not with the first step in October, but months prior, when I was struggling to find joy in my life. I saw this contest as an opportunity to reconnect with a wonderful hobby that I felt I had lost when the pandemic hit. My previous attempts to return to dancing had failed, so this time, I sought to use the Thunderdome to guarantee my attendance. After all, I could hardly put a respectable patina on my new dance shoes if I wasn't dancing, now could I? I am happy to report the plan was a resounding success! In August, I started going to my favorite venue again to prepare for October. Once again, I was dancing twice a week, making new friends, and reconnecting with a side of myself left dormant for too long. Life was fun again, and I was beginning to see the light. That first week in October, I was delighted to discover my new boots improved my ability to dance! The 5" height and thick leather sides prevent my ankles from rolling, leather soles make slides and spins effortless, and the rubber heels let me plant myself more solidly than I ever could with my fully suede bottomed shoes. They even forced me to fix some bad habits in the way I positioned my feet, because my ankle is more limited in motion. I feel I have grown as a dancer because they fit my style of moving so well. After I took the final photos, I found myself smiling as I looked at these boots. They are inextricably tied to memories of joy, new friendships, whimsy, and warmth. They are now a poignant reminder of the difference between simply existing and thriving. Hope blossomed in my heart this spring, and I am thankful to Stitchdown for showing me how to plant the seed.