🐢 Slow & Steady As She Goes ⛵️
See specs
Maker
Unmarked
Model
DB Hunter Cap Toe
Leather
Last
Sole
Purchased from
Unmarked
Order info
Cost: 490 USD
Availability: Stock Model
More about this item
Very solid and heavy boots. Probably due to the 🔩 brass nails. They started snug and have loosened up.See background
Why did you choose this item?
I wanted to obtain the Unmarked DB Hunters ever since Stridewise put out a comparison between them and Vibergs. I love the Horween Navy CXL, it's unique while being a versatile color. I work in an office, so these will get plenty of steps strolling around the cubicles and labs.
How did you determine your size?
The guidance on the webpage seemed out of date when we ordered (early November 2024). Unmarked recommended getting sizing info from Grayle, but I couldn't find the app. Some recommended true to Brannock length, but I went with half size down from my Brannock, and that fit well, though slightly more snug than my Iron Rangers.
What was the ordering process?
This was an order by proxy. It was a Christmas gift, so I sent the exact link with my size info to the purchaser. There was not a lot of shipping information or arrival estimate. This is to be expected with Unmarked since they say on the webpage that orders are made in small batches and shipped in bulk for conservation.
Use & wear
I mostly wore these to the office every other day, trading days with other boots to give these DB Hunters a rest.
Leather
These did not change appreciable color over the course of the Dome. Only hidden, high-wear spots started to show the natural tannage under the Navy blue-green.
Fit
The last is snug, with mild arch support. I've worn these with thin 2mm boot breaker insoles which help with high mileage days. Without the insoles, the tighter lacing keeps me strapped in.
Craftsmanship
I like the parade service boot style in general, and Unmarked has a unique pattern on the backstrap as well as the signature woven pull-tabs. Some of the finishing and stitching was rough, undone, or scratched from day one. Not enough for a complaint but noticeably not perfect. I love the heavy Dainite soles with the brass nails in the waist. There are plenty of small touches that give this boot a unique charm.
Sole & heel
Bouncy and grippy. The soles have hardly been worn down from 6 months of treading.
Final thoughts
The DB Hunter is an excellent service style boot. The Navy CXL was the most unyielding part of the journey, barely changing color over the course of the Dome. I'm honestly fine with it changing slowly by degrees. The refined, smart look of the 7" parade boot should be somewhat uniform.
