Ok so far, with some small issues.
Meermin Derby Boot in Shinki Olive Shell CordovanBy StarWarrior • October 24, 2024"The break in process on these was one of the worst I've had but not really because of the leather. The last doesn't work the best for my left foot so when in combination with the shell cordovan the creases on the vamps dug into me a bit. After the breaking really got going, though, the shell softened and is now pretty comfortable and getting better every year...."Read the full review
Jakkrabbit Tamarin boots has been great to wear.
Jakkrabbits 7-Inch Tamarin Boots in Shinki Black Teacore HorsebuttBy Civil2010 • April 2, 2025"Break-in was easily, took a few days to be comfortable. Surprised the teacore still had its original black...."Read the full review
Monkey style
Jakkrabbits 7-Inch Tamarin Boots in Shinki Black Teacore HorsebuttBy Civil2010 • October 27, 2024"I am still in the break in phase. The leather is feels really nice but the I have Horween Reverse Chamois for the tongue and the gusset has been rubbing my ankle bone a bit. Trying to to adjust my laces and condition the gusset folds to see if it soften up...."Read the full review
A fickle and delicate beast
Viberg Service Boot BCT in Shinki Cognac Teacore HorsebuttBy thatguy92 • April 2, 2024"As a first time domer, this was really an interesting learning experience for me. The leather isn’t really a great patina play, but that was partially intentional with my formal dress. I wanted something that would evolve subtly while still looking classy, and therefore many other leathers worn in the competition wouldn’t be the right fit.
The main element of patina is really challenging to photograph in these pairs - the subtle teacore effect from medium brown to the lighter brown underneath. As these didn’t get rugged, off-pavement/carpet wear, this patina was subtle and most noticeable around the heal and upper parts of the quarter. The other element of patina (also difficult to photograph) is some of the typical subtle horsebutt striations which began to come through near the end. Note these were not your typical Shinki striations but deeper variances in the leather, particularly on the quarters and portions of the heel counters. As I continue to wear these boots, I’m most excited to see how these continue to evolve and show more depth in these portion of the boots.
While I will likely choose a different leather next year, I really enjoyed the “white collar” patina these developed. They still have years of wear in them and have grown into an option that can be worn well casually or in a dress setting...."Read the full review
M43 boots with an elegant touch ☺️
John Lofgren M-43 Service Shoes in Shinki Black Teacore HorsebuttBy palletshots • April 4, 2024"i was impressed how quick the brown tone come trough the black leather. i think it took around 2 months. the leather is pretty stiff and inflexible in the beginning but it imprved with wear...."Read the full review
Beautiful based black boots baby!
John Lofgren M-43 Service Shoes in Shinki Black Teacore HorsebuttBy paoaboot • April 2, 2024"The break in process went smoothly. Within the first week I walked around for maybe 2 miles a day and I didn’t encounter any discomfort. It probably helped that I had the thick black sign boot socks.
The leather didn’t need much care. Just light brushing and wiping whenever I think they look like they need some brushing and wiping, which didn’t really happen a lot. To be honest, when I used some conditioner I think some of the effects of the teacore patina became less visible (or maybe they were just particular dirty, idk). Although my pair didn’t really show that much, it was pretty cool seeing the lighter brown spots showing some teacore patina...."Read the full review
A pleasure at every step
Viberg Service Boot in Shinki Dark Brown Oiled HorsebuttBy sowakichi • April 5, 2024"Very subtle evolution, a forgiving leather not prone to easy scarring and that doesn't require too much conditioning. Will not become overly supple regardless of the amount of conditioning applied. Nice hues of lighter brown at pull up areas. Breakin instantly apart from quarters and counter still stiff after 6 months consistent wear. Care consisted of cleaning off the dirt with saddle soap and then applying Saphir oiled leather cream...."Read the full review
Worth the hype
John Lofgren Ludlow Boots in Shinki Timber Oiled HorsebuttBy Stuville77 • April 6, 2024"They just evolved slowly. No huge creases, just molding to my foot. Care is basically nothing. My favorite pair of boots...."Read the full review
Simply the best boots I own.
Midas Spalla Derby Boot in Shinki Natural Oiled HorsebuttBy StarWarrior • April 16, 2024"This leather was far more resilient than I was expecting. Held up amazing so far. Most drastic is the darkening around the toe and vamp area. This horsebutt developed some character but will really come alive after a few more months. I would brush regularly and conditioned them twice. Break in was a little long but after about 2 weeks of short but daily wear, they started to soften up. The foot bed is still a very hard temper so the feel underfoot is very solid, bordering on hard...."Read the full review
