I’ve worn these boots for everything: work, travel, weekend walks with the baby, exercise (got many weird looks at the gym lol), yard work, etc. They’ve been excellent in every scenario!
I couldn’t find any info online about Seidel’s Mustang tannage, so I called the tannery myself. According to a Seidel sales rep kind enough to take my call, Mustang is a straightforward work leather, chrome tanned and then re-tanned in oils and fats (fat liquored maybe?). The color is a rich red brown that shows light, dry scuffs with wear that return to their original luster with dry brushing or scrubbing with a wet rag. The leather was extremely stiff at first (see early blister photo for reference!!), but now these boots fit me like slippers. I love the look and feel of the leather and it’s been fun to wear and maintain. Care routine: frequent brushing, occasional cleaning with a wet rag, and one or two conditioning sessions with Venetian shoe cream.
Thanks Oak Street! The Elston last is the foundation for all my best-fitting footwear, hands down. It’s snug in the heel, wide in the toe, and appropriately tall to allow toes to move without requiring a voluminous, bulbous toe. I have tried 3-4 lasts from different Goodyear welted brands, and the Elston is the first boot last that feels exactly right to me. I’m a 10EE on the Brannock and the Field Boot in size 10 is perfection for my feet.
Construction quality has held up great, and I love the design. I love how they look next to my front door in the morning, and I pause to enjoy them every day before putting them on. There’s one missed stitch on the welt, and it reminds me that these boots were made by hand, by a human craftsman, and I adore it. The hardware and leather are both looking great after 6 months of constant wear. Clicking is very tasteful; both vamps are perfectly matched smooth leather, while the more interesting and unique grain can be found on the inside quarters. I appreciate the uniqueness of these areas where the leather has its own distinct look and feel.
Soles are tough and durable. After six months of constant wear they barely look worn.
Hard-wearing and comfy heels. They’ve held up well on hikes over wet, slippery rocks, and feel grippy enough for work and play. After six months of constant use, heels show the slightest wear on the outside edges where they contact the ground.
I am so glad I decided to join the Patina Thunderdome for the first time at the very last minute, and so grateful I found these Oak Street Trench Boots on sale at the right time. These are now my favorite pair of all my boots and shoes. When I bought them they were well-made leather boots, but after wearing them constantly for six months, they have become MY well-made leather boots. They are uniquely marred, shaped and weathered by the way I’ve lived my life, and I love every crease and fold. I will never part with these boots!