Hard-wearing MHB Parkhurst boots that just go anywhere

Over the last six months I wore my Parkhurst TPR Bruciato Richmond boots everywhere, to work, to the grocery store, family trip in Florida, or Christmas in snowy Iowa. These boots handled it all. To be fair, even with the TPR infusion in the leather, on super rainy days, I would fall back to my waxed boots or my Goretex. Otherwise, whether it was cool, hot, mildly humid, or very dry, these boots were on my feet and they looked great the whole time.

These required almost no break in. The tongue and uppers were a bit stiff at first, but through use and wear has softened and molded to my feet and lower legs. The MHB in TPR Bruciato is a very hard wearing leather and could take just about anything I threw at it. Care was minimal and mostly required some VSC and brushing with a horse hair brush. They looked great on day one and on day 180; no doubt. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this boot to others or to buy another pair in a different colorway.

Hands down my favorite last from Parkhurst thus far, and I’ve tried their previous offerings with mixed results. These just fit great all around. The heel grips without being overly snug. Roomy toe box that doesn’t pinch, while still feeling supportive. I have found, perhaps due to the stiffness of horsebutt, that I can wear thicker socks with those pairs, versus my other leathers where I just wear normally thickness socks. I do have a bit of a low volume narrower foot, and the 602M is just a great fit for me.

I am a huge fan of Parkhurst and their Richmond cap toe boots. They’re almost always very well made and use some very unique leathers. They have a clean design that just works, whether for casual wear or in the office, though maybe don’t wear them with shorts or a suit. Most of my pairs I’ve had for a few years and the outsoles still have plenty of life and tread remaining. In my opinion, now owning about 9 pairs, they’re just good boots.

It is great for walking outdoors or on carpet tile. No problems. It even handled snowy Iowa with ease. However, in the early months, it was very stiff and a little bit of water would make them slick on smooth tile floors, so something to be mindful of. Overall, I think I prefer a Dainite sole, but the lug sole definitely made them feel more rugged.

No complaints. It’s holding up great and I tend to prefer a rubber outsole to a leather one for traction and durability.

I’m biased. Over 80% of my boots are from Parkhurst, on the 602M last, and most of those are the Richmond style. I’m a creature of habit and I just really like the look and fit and feel of these boots. If I had one complaint, it’s that the TPR Bruciato is so hard wearing that in six months it really didn’t “patina” all that much, which I think means it should last for a long time with minimal care and keep looking great.