~1 month review: punches way above their price point. Sizing could be better.

prospect_joeover 1 year ago
Sapatero Side ZipPhilippine Dark Mustard Calf
Timeline photo 1
Worn about 1 month
Timeline photo 2
Worn less than a day
Timeline photo 3
Not yet worn
Timeline photo 4
Not yet worn

Maker

Sapatero

Model

Side Zip

Leather

Last

743 Last

US Men's Brannock: 11.5D

743 Last: 45E

Sole

Purchased from

Sapatero Manila

Use & wear

Office Work

I wear these to the office 3-4 days a week. I avoid wearing them on days where the weather is especially bad.

Leather

Philippine Dark Mustard Calf

This is a local leather which I assumed was just a crust leather that they dyed tan. Which, meh. It feels like it's an aniline leather. It's held up well and looks great. It's relatively thick for this style, but not overly so. I'm very happy with this leather choice

Fit

743 Last: 45EUS Men's Brannock: 11.5D
Comfort
Ball Feels Right
Satisfied with the Fit
No Toe Room
Too Much Volume

Bar none, this boot has the best support in it out of any boot I own. A fantastic soft heel-to-toe drop, and great arch support. My heel is hugged, but not restricted. But --i need like 2 mm more room in the width at the toes. It's not painful or uncomfortable. I just notice that my pinky toe rubs against the side of the boot. I might try a tongue pad eventually as there is a little extra room in the instep and that would help keep my foot back and might give my toes a little extra room. But, overall, it's not a big deal.

Craftsmanship

Sapatero Side Zip
Clicking
Design
Construction
Finishing

The design, construction and finishing are all perfect. I don't think anyone can really compete sub $700. Let alone sub $500. Theyre clicked extremely well. There isn't a stitch out of place. The last is gorgeous. I asked for a boot that could go between formal and casual, but leaned western and they nailed it. They're probably my most complimented pair of all time already.

Sole & heel

Comfort
Design

They use a thin and flexible leather sole. It's very comfortable. I wish it were thicker, like a 9-10 iron jr. But, it fits the boot well.

Written by prospect_joe
Be the first to write a response

Shop similar

Affiliate Links

More like this

A half-hearted Thunderdome effort, but glad to have done it

Viberg Derby Boot in C.F. Stead Brown Repello Calf Suede
By RoosAndBeavers • April 5, 2026"Didn't wear as much as I wanted, but enjoyed the wears it got...."Read the full review
Thumbnail of review: A half-hearted Thunderdome effort, but glad to have done it
Read the full review

Simple, durable, beautiful. Piper will continue to treasure her Field Friend forever.

Green Hollow Gear Field Friend in Horween Storm Blue Cypress & Korba Purple Calf
By redmarengo • April 1, 2026"Riding shotgun, digging for voles, casual walks in the neighborhood...."Read the full review
Thumbnail of review: Simple, durable, beautiful. Piper will continue to treasure her Field Friend forever.
Read the full review

Absolutely Love these boots. Great Alden alternative.

BLKBRD Custom Fred Boot in Zonta Museum Calf
By ohheyboots • April 5, 2024"Mostly outside in Chicago winter. Held up very well...."Read the full review
Thumbnail of review: Absolutely Love these boots. Great Alden alternative.
Read the full review