Portuguese boots

I’m based in Estonia, which is in Europe, and we get proper snow in winter. The boots have seen dry asphalt, wet asphalt, snow, some forest trails, and gravel roads.

The leather wasn’t overly stiff at the beginning, even though it was 2.2 mm thick and unlined. It was interesting to see the color changes develop — they started to appear after about 3–4 months. The heel area began to develop a shine. In some places the leather is rougher, and in others smoother, which created a nice contrast in the end. I brushed them a couple of times a week, and during that time I applied Saphir Renovateur once.

On the website, the insole length was listed as longer than it actually is, so I initially ordered a size 38. I immediately exchanged it for a 39. The last is too wide in the heel for me, so I didn’t get a secure heel fit. I have a high arch, and there’s no arch support. After about 80 hours of wear, the cork has started to compress, and I can now slightly feel the insole under the middle of my foot. For quite a while, I struggled with heel slip. The sole was also too stiff. My calves would get tired because I had to compensate and hold my foot in place. The break-in process has been very long and still isn’t finished. On one foot, my toe was slightly hitting the top of the toe box, so I thinned the insole in that area. The width felt right. The heel felt too high, and it wasn’t the most comfortable to walk in.

Beautiful red stitching. There were some glue residues visible alongside it. Two layers of the leather sole started to separate slightly at the edge. I like that the boots are made from local leather and are inspired by 1950s Portuguese work boots.

A nice Vibram sole. It didn’t slip in winter.

The heel felt too high.

Good value for the price, but I haven’t quite managed to get them fully comfortable for myself yet. They will likely continue to improve with time, and the patina will keep developing. I have a high arch, but my Sagara boots—with a single midsole and a sock liner—fit snugly around the heel right away and also provided arch support. The weight is good as well, not too heavy. Mine are about 650 g per boot.