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

J.IIIOctober 2, 2025
  • 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
    Physical Work
    Extreme Conditions

    At time of writing, I have only worn this specific pair for one day (as per stitchdown thunderdome 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 Black10 months, 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 10 months, 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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