Oak Street Bootmakers
Trench Boot
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.
Oak Street Bootmakers
Cost: 398.4 USD
Availability: Stock Model
Lead Time: 4 days
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Complements the rest of the sole, no issues or concerns to report.
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.