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For 5 days a week, amongst backpack landmines, desk legs, and middle schoolers' feet, these navigated a carpet and tile workplace. Wearing these 5 days a week was not the plan originally, and they ended up on my feet most weekends as well. My wife has noticed that I have a new excitement for walks around the block and onto the mountain park trails that neighbor our house. I even climbed a few boulder problems in them with the ultimate goal of summiting without a scratch. I haven't been unduly abusive in my wear, and there has not been a lack of maintenance, but I have definitely carried them into the world well beyond their intended classroom habitat. They have handled everything well.

The break-in went well, and discomfort never blistered up. The leather's initial cloudy coolness has warmed to a shiny, light reflecting finish. A "pebbled" look, that I assume came from the tumbling process Badalassi Carlo employs, is subdued and classy. Pull-up and the light teacore exposed from a few nicks and scratches add to the complexity of this leather that is hard for my amateur photography to capture well. Although the leather is not very thick, the Garret Cotto has been extremely durable, rarely showing wear and healing itself well with minimal, daily brushing. I conditioned a month in and, aside from occasional scuffs needing some spot conditioning, waited to fully condition again until the final photoshoot. Venetian Shoe Cream was the only product applied.

I really needed new shoes for work a couple of years ago. I researched and brannocked and dropped some coin. The guy who gave me my measurements did not seem like he knew what he was doing so I cannot stand behind the measurement he gave. I like shoes fairly tight, maybe as a response to over 25 years of cramming into climbing shoes, some as small as US 6.5. I originally purchased, and still own, Oak Street's Trench Oxfords in US size 8. They were too big (I've since made insoles and kilties and now they are fine). When these Lakeshore Jump Boots came out from OSB in a US 7.5, I began to drool. Imagine buying another pair of expensive shoes on a teacher's salary with a family of five though. Well, I abstained until a Memorial Day Sale broke me. Upon arrival, they fit like a glove and provided a good break-in experience. Recently, the left heel began moving just enough to feel discomfort at the end of the day. Surprisingly, loosening my laces helped, but I also glued in a thin heel liner over stitching that was abrasive. I used chestnut W&C bridal leather and it matched and conformed very well to the calfskin lining within.

I have a new respect for what goes into shoe construction with my hobbyist cordwaining adventure that these boots and this competition absolutely helped inspire. The boots are a lovely shape, well clicked, and have held up exceedingly. For the price, these made-in the USA boots are stunners and Oak Street definitely has its customer's back if any issues transpire. My pair missed on the brass quarter rivets this limited edition was supposed to have, but this is mostly a cosmetic issue. Functionally, the loose stitching going up the lining at the heel is a bit more concerning and did result in a DIY project for the left heel.

My limited experience is that of Dainite soles, and I like the Dr. Sole's half-sole much better. It feels harder, but rolls better over terrain rather than flapping down. Grip is better too, although it also gets slick on wet tile. Gravel trails, bouldering on sandstone and daily use on other surfaces haven't been a problem. The durability is also excellent.

As a history teacher, the deadstock Cat's Paw heels were so alluring, and they have performed admirably for their age in their traction, feel, and durability.

These look and feel great. The whole experience of the Patina Thunderdome has only added to the history they will carry-on. Each photo shoot for these boots was a special moment I will cherish. Using my Grandfather's WWII trunk felt fitting for the "jump boot" context. Setting up mirrors with my kids for infinity shots was a blast. Beautiful, natural places near and dear to my heart were also my backdrops. These boots ain't just boots anymore.