Over these past six months these boots have been a constant in my life. They have taken me through at least 200 miles of long walks to my favorite parks and coffee shops, to my first strike vote, to adventure with my grandparents, to taking care of chickens on El Rancho, through my fourth year as a teacher, through supporting students who protest against injustice, to seeing Zack Fox live, to the MOMA with my dad, through a road trip to San Diego, to visit family in the hospital, to hikes on the beach, to seeing Bad Bunny live, and even to trying on wedding dresses! These boots have become a part of me! It’s crazy how six months can pass with the blink of an eye, but stoping to document each change can remind us of all of the beauty in each day.
I would be lying if I said that the first week of the Thunderdome went smoothly. As I started to break in my boots, I thought I was having the same issue I’ve had with almost every shoe I’ve ever worn. Tightness around the balls of my feet, and blisters developing by my big toes and pinkies. I was so bummed, thinking that somehow my measurements were wrong, and that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy these stunners the way I’d hoped. The leather was STIFF! Luckily, as I continued to put in the miles, I was rewarded as the leather softened up (very) slowly, day by day. By now, the leather has shaped perfectly to my toes, by ankles, and even my calves! This leather has aged beautifully over the past 6 months! As I wore my boots daily, I witnessed the lightening in red color at the bending points, and a darkening in the leather on the tongue from rubbing on my laces. I have really enjoyed getting a close look at the beautiful folds that have developed on the upper. The only maintenance I have done so far is brushing the boots off a couple times after getting in too much mud and dirt. I am excited to see how conditioning the leather may change the look, but haven’t done so yet. These boots are incredibly durable, and I have no doubt that that will last for at least my whole lifetime. I look forward to continuing to see the red change overtime!
The Unbuffed Horshide has changed quite a bit in both color and texture! When I first received my boots, the side panels were beige colored with a matte-like finish. Overtime through rain, mud, dirt, and my general clumsiness (😅), the side panels have become much darker. On both sides the panels have dark brown and black scuffs, and have started to develop a shinier patina. Again with these boots, I have only brushed off dirt and mud a couple times but have yet to condition or polish them up!
These boots fit perfect in every way!
These boots are perfect. I could have never imagined a more beautiful, well-fitting boot. I am in love with every detail, and couldn’t be more in awe of the construction of these works of art.
The sole has aged beautifully along with the rest of the boot, I’ve never slipped or felt unsturdy and love to see Brian’s logo imprinted into dirt & snow!
This has been an incredible experience. I have loved not only seeing my boots age overtime, but have truly appreciated the task of taking fresh boot pics every month. I was able to commit to these boots, even when life threw so many challenges my way. The experience of meeting Brian, having my feet measured, designing my own pair of boots and appreciate the incredible craftsmanship has made me so much more grateful for good quality crafts. I am so grateful for my Role Clubs, and don’t think any other pair of boots will compare.