A foundation of my boots collection. The Cap Toe Trench Boots from Oak Street.

J.III5 days ago
Oak Street Bootmakers Trench BootHorween Natural Chromexcel
Timeline photo 1
Worn less than a day
Timeline photo 2
Not yet worn

Maker

Oak Street Bootmakers

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Model

Trench Boot

Leather

Last

Elston Last

US Men's Brannock: 10.5EEE

Elston Last: 10.5

No modifications needed.

The Elston Last is unique in its naturally wide toe box. Where with any other brand I would be ordering a 10.5 in EEE, not so with Oak Street, they are very comfortable out of the box.

Sole

Heel

Purchased from

Oak Street Bootmakers

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Order info

Cost: 398.4 USD

Availability: Stock Model

Lead Time: 4 days

More about this item

Cap toe trench boots from Oak Street in natural chromexcel. Upon arrival, they were conditioned using venetian shoecream, I dont intend to condition or polish them against until after the competition. Looking forward to sharing this patina journey with you all. Good Luck, Everyone!

Why did you choose this item?

Availability: Stock Model
Style
Outdoor Activities

Oak Street is my go to brand for boots, I own several pairs from them. American made, Hand lasted, and even assembly being completed in upstate New York (my home state - something about my money staying local, it resonates with me). When deciding to participate in this year's Thunderdome, I felt the natural chromexcel would be the perfect fit for this competition.

How did you determine your size?

Elston Last: 10.5US Men's Brannock: 10.5EEE
Brannock Measurements
Compared to Other Lasts
Sized in Person

I went with my Brannock measurements. I prefer the Elston Last because of its naturally wide toe box. I typically run EEE on other shoe brands, oak street provides all day comfort.

What was the ordering process?

Purchased from Oak Street BootmakersTotal cost: 398.4 USD Lead time: 4 days
Online Store
Shipping
Discount

Very quick. Navigating the Oak Street website is no problem at all, they even through in a key fob as a token of appreciation for my years of doing business with them. Communication was quick and precise, Boots arrived at my doorstep 4 days after I placed the order. A great retail experience, as expected, and would not hesitate to purchase from them again in the future.

Use & wear

Office Work
Leisure
Outdoor Activities
Cold Temperatures
Hot Temperatures
Wet Conditions
Snow
Travel
Dry Climate
Humid Climate

At time of writing, I have only worn this specific pair for one day (as per stitchdown rhunderdome rules). However, I can say that they will be given the same treatment as my other boots. I'm a city boy who just recently moved upstate, so these boots will still be tracking on pavement. They'll be all weather boots, summer included, for leisure and the occasional field adventure.

Leather

Horween Natural Chromexcel
Durability
Care Routine
Break-In
Breathability

I LOVE Horween Chromexcel. Durable, Weatherproof, and Low Maintenance. I conditioned them once with venetian shoe cream, thats all they need for this competition. Break one was completed in one day. A firm snug fit in the morning, by the time I got home, 12 hours later, the boots were creased and formed around my feet.

Fit

Elston Last: 10.5US Men's Brannock: 10.5EEE
Comfort
Toe Box
Length Feels Right
Volume Feels Right
Ball Feels Right
Satisfied with the Fit

When going to Oak Street, I almost always go for the Elston Last. It was one of the , if not only, few boot options with a wide enough toe box that brannock width doesn't factor in. I am a 10.5 EEE with other brands, with Oak Street I can simply order a pair in 10.5 and know that they will be a Comfortable fit. Pair with some medium weight wool socks and you are good for any weather outing with these boots.

Craftsmanship

Oak Street Bootmakers Trench Boot
Design
Finishing

The Trench Boot is a pillar of The Oak Street Catalogue. Classic, vintage inspired, looks, the high contrast Barbour welt / Dainite sole combination. Combined with the hand lasting that the brand is known for, I've yet to own a pair that I was disappointed with.

Sole & heel

Dainite Studded Sole Black6 days, current sole
Durability
Traction

Dainite is a prerequisite for all my boots, this pair is no exception. Superior traction over leather in wet conditions, and more durable for city streets.

Dainite Rubber HeelWorn for 6 days, current heel
Durability
Traction

Complements the rest of the sole, no issues or concerns to report.

Final thoughts

Good Value
Would Recommend

Purchased at discount, what was already a great value was made even greater. Even after this competition, these boots will be a great complement to my collection.

Written by J.III
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