The Journey is the Reward

Working, Walking, Weightlifting, Wore on vacation. Lot of snow, lot of rain. Not much dirt. Some people dust/ash from work.

Great leather, nice rolls, very little stretch, one small tear. Being hot stuffed, I’m sure it would’ve been fine without conditioning at all, but it has a very dry surface and sucks up conditioner like crazy. Care routine influenced by brief chat with Nick Horween at boot camp (I wasn’t planning on buying boot black, but he mentioned it in person), with deeper conditioning provided by tanner’s blend (Phil’s product; I listen to a lot of Full Grain Podcast).

Service boot last is true to brannock, and close to dead on, which I can see why some people find it to be too narrow. With the way I twist at work, I did get a little right pinky toe rub over time which the stiffer hh strip did not want to accommodate. The newer 1942 last is more accommodating in this area, but all that said, a good fit and I would not hesitate to purchase another boot in this last.

Overall excellent. Really fun to break in and watch the changes over time. Small signs of handmade crafting that add to the spirit of knowing just one guy made your boots.

Reasonable, not the best on ice, but what is. Mini lugs are not the best in a city where you never know if you’re stepping on glass or salt, but pick up way less detritus than full lugs. I wouldn’t hesitate to use a boot with these soles

Great leather, great build, great maker, great choice to personalize patina, overall great experience. Great chance to learn what every other day wear looks like on one pair of boots (It looks like I don’t wear my other boots, but these ones prove I’m not a total potato).