Flame Panda
Service Boot
From @stook In Stitchdown Marketplace, Originally Direct From Peng
I love rough out leathers and wanted to see how a natural one would patina over the course of 6 months. When these became available in the market place, I was excited to try my first pair of Flame Pandas and by the contrast of the natural HB heels against the rough out vamps and uppers. Seemed like a no brainer. I was/continue to be extremely impressed by how durable the leather(s) have been. These boots have taken on work in a production winery, been soaked in the rain, trudged through snow, and have averaged a minimum of 2 miles/day over the past 6 months. This was my first pair of Flame Pandas and I get the hype. Gorgeous construction and intensely durable. All of the cheers to Peng.
@stook1 aka Zach put these up in the marketplace for a price that I couldn’t refuse. Especially given the usual price and lead times for FPs. Incredibly grateful to him and the SD community for making the transaction possible.
Two months of involvement in a production winery: been splattered with fermenting grape must, brushed up against and clambered over countless barrels. Many months of walking 2-3 miles/day to and from work in DC. Lots of rain, snow, and office chair heel clicks. Usually wearing black denim, hence the light crocking. Wore these to fancy wine dinners, in cellars, on Oregon beaches, in Georgia clay, through many vineyards and countless TSA scans. They have been complemented by many customers that incorrectly thought I couldn’t get any stranger (ever heard of a Discord dedicated to handmade boots?) and hyped up by passersby on the streets of NYC. Perhaps most importantly, the laces have been the pride and joy of our cat, Sesame.
The leather has evolved slower than anticipated, albeit beautifully. The rough out portions have become gorgeously nappy, while the smooth heels have captured evidence of every mile and environment this pair has seen. There has been a modest transition to a darker color for both expressions of the natural horsebutt and the break in was much faster and easier than expected. Care routine has primarily just been brushing, with occasional conditioning (Venetian) of the heels and contrast tongue.
This is one of the most comfortable pairs that I own. Plenty of room in the toebox while my heels feel nicely snug and supported. Good arch support—not too aggressive, not lacking. No need for added insoles for my relatively low volume feet and felt comfortable with any thickness of sock and for waking any amount of miles. Never a blister in early break-in or wet conditions. Boots were thoroughly soaked but my feet never wet. Everything was spot on.
Stitching is intricate and impeccable. Beautiful balance of style and function. Apart from blowing through the first pair of standard FP laces, I could not ask for anything more regarding construction and durability. Peng is a wizard and I am forever an FP believer.
The sole has been super durable, comfortable, and has great traction in wet conditions and light snow. I walk a lot, so I’m very happy that I didn’t completely blow through the heels this time around. Though, I will be sending these to Unsung for a heel replacement very soon.
Peng’s craftsmanship is hard to fully without seeing a pair in person or wearing the boots for oneself. I am blown away by the construction, durability, and effortless, timeless beauty of this pair both new and 6 months in. Thank you to all involved in allowing these boots to reach my feet. These are boots that I love to wear and plan to continue wearing for a lifetime to come.