Reviews
Boot and shoe reviews from real owners. Honest evaluations of quality, construction, sizing, fit, comfort, durability, and patina development.
Reviews
Boot and shoe reviews from real owners. Honest evaluations of quality, construction, sizing, fit, comfort, durability, and patina development.
Hiking Heaven
Russell Moccasin Safari in Walnut Timberjack & Sahara TwillBy namawalla • August 21, 2025"These are the boots I reach for when I know I’ve got hard wearing ahead. Hiking, camping, or just working in the yard...."Read the full review
The Elegant Athlete: Bourbon Shell Chukka
Vass Hungary London Chukka Boots in Horween Bourbon Shell CordovanBy Huntsman • August 9, 2025"Chukkas are capable.
Chukkas compete in almost any role without hesitation — pairing with denim on a lazy Sunday or anchoring a tailored suit on a brisk Thursday in the city. They cross seasons with the ease of a practiced traveler, never out of place, never overdone.
Their roots in sport and saddle remain, lending them the quiet confidence to tackle cobblestones, pavement, or the creak of a wooden floor. They’re a boot for workdays that spill into dinners, for travel days that turn into discoveries.
Chukkas are, as such, beautiful — because here, form is function.
Their clean lines and ankle height aren’t style accidents, but the distilled result of purpose: enough coverage for support, enough openness for freedom.
Then comes the material — Horween Bourbon Shell Cordovan...
It is leather in its most storied form: dense yet supple, a mirror-like surface born of months of tanning, hand-oiling, and slow curing. Its color holds depth like a glass of fine whiskey — amber and chestnut tones shifting with the light, developing a patina that tells the story of its wearer’s miles. Shell doesn’t crease so much as ripple, a testament to its tensile strength and longevity.
Vass Hungary manufacturing process is nothing short of obsessive.
Hand-lasted so the upper conforms like sculpture to the last. Hand-stitched welt, its white thread an artisanal contrast against the bourbon leather — each stitch placed by eye and awl, every pass a deliberate act. Beneath, natural antiqued JR double leather soles with closed channel stitching and steel toe taps speak of durability dressed in elegance.
These things are elegant athletes.
Poised, balanced, built to move — yet executed with the grace of a handmade instrument. The bourbon shell chukka doesn’t simply accompany the wearer; it becomes part of their stride, aging into something rarer and more personal with every step.
In a world that mistakes noise for luxury, this boot whispers — and those who know, hear it clearly.
I am fortunate to have these and grateful when I take the pleasure to wear my bourbon chukkas...."Read the full review
Grail For Boot Craft & Grail For The Boot Cult
Viberg Service Boot BCT in Horween Black Teacore Double Cordovan ButtsBy Huntsman • August 3, 2025"The generational culmination of Horween’s tannery alchemy and Viberg’s bootmaking, this is more than footwear—it’s well over a six-month labor of love, science, and stubborn craftsmanship.
Viberg & Horween created this Black Pigment Teacore Service Boot from Horween’s Natural Crust Double Cordovan Butts—the most ambitious leather they’ve ever worked with. At 3.5–4mm thick, it’s the heaviest in Viberg’s 92-year history.
The leather begins life as Shell Cordovan—same hindquarter cut, same 60-day bark pit tan, same hot-stuffing, hand-oiling, and 90-day cure. But here’s the twist: the shell layer remains hidden. No secondary shaving. No added dyes to the teacore. What you’re left with is **hide over shell**—thicker, tougher, and unapologetically raw—then dressed in a deep black pigment that will slowly reveal its terracotta core through creases and wear.
This boot feels like armor but wears like sculpture. The teacore beneath will emerge uniquely with every scuff and flex, recording your journey like a leather-bound diary. No two pairs will age the same.
Built on the sleek yet anatomical 2030 last, it features:
270° stitchdown construction – water-resistant and resoleable
Brogue cap toe – subtle character
Brass eyelets – aged elegance
Dainite sole – grip without bulk
This is not just a grail for the boot craft—it’s a grail for the boot cult. For those who see leather not as a material, but as a medium. For those who want their boots to speak.
I am fortunate and have such gratitude to be able to wear these beautiful beasts...."Read the full review
Elegant Endurance: A Bootmaking Masterclass
Vass Hungary Budapest High Boots in Horween Color 8 Shell CordovanBy Huntsman • August 3, 2025"These boots exhibit a depth of character that only improves with age—a fully handmade, classically constructed, and genuinely luxurious boot that remains highly functional.
Crafted from Horween Shell Cordovan, the leather develops an exceptional patina over time. The finish is glossy yet understated, with natural ripple effects—those distinctive cordovan rolls—adding a tactile sense of personality and movement.
Vass’s interpretation of the Goyser welt is masterful: hand-stitched with precision, it delivers a bold, rugged aesthetic. The full 360° storm welt provides structural reinforcement, paired with toe-plated double JR soles that give the boot an unapologetically masculine edge.
These are for true enthusiasts of heritage craftsmanship. Clicked by the legend himself, László Vass, this is one of the finest examples of bootmaking today—a grail-worthy piece.
I am fortunate and grateful to wear these...."Read the full review
Challenge your expectations with the Thursday Challenger. An attainable Urban Logger.
Thursday Challenger in Maryam Natural Horsebutt Overdyed BlackBy ZelieDad • July 9, 2025"I wore these boots nearly everyday since I got them in January 2025. They've been in snow, rain, mud, and ice, and have held up better than I expected. Walks through my neighborhood, hikes in the woods, and general everyday use...."Read the full review
Reliably durable with thick leather and superb craftsmanship.
Nicks Ridgeline Hiking Boot in Seidel Max Support Walnut SmoothBy danjr92 • July 4, 2025"Mainly use these for backpacking, hiking, and camping trips...."Read the full review
3 Month review
White's MP-Sherman Toe Cap in Maryam Toscanello HorsebuttBy Florianfloorwalker • June 11, 2025"Worn them twice a week. Really like the look although I realised be a us of thrbbrught color it does not just match any outfit, so there is room for me to learn...."Read the full review
Horrible from start to finish, garbage.
The 2 Monkeys Vaudeville in Brown HorsefrontBy itsyaboisqueak • May 31, 2025"I was embarrassed to wear these in public, and I work with people who think sneaker sole oxfords are classy...."Read the full review
Experience with vintage soles
GREB 1960s Kodiak Steel Toe in Unknown LeatherBy BigMunnyMunro • May 29, 2025"I worn these all the time for anything short of a formal occasion, they went through it all..."Read the full review
Great boot for every day.
Jim Green African Ranger in African Buffalo SkinBy unknown • May 14, 2025"Used as dog walking boots when damp...."Read the full review
From stiff starts to daily comfort—my month with Rhodes Bone Wedge Chelseas.
Rhodes Footwear Boone Wedge Chelsea Boot in LWG-certified bovine leathersBy Florianfloorwalker • May 12, 2025"2Month Update: Rhodes Bone Wedge Chelsea Boots
I received these boots on March 11. After a month, they’re now comfortable. I tried a thin leather/cork insole at first, but after a week I didn’t need it anymore.
Around the two-week mark, the boots started making loud creaking noises. Because of that, I wore them more for walks than for commuting—most people would probably feel awkward with the noise in a quiet office. The leather over the instep has softened, so that’s no longer an issue.
One problem remains: the lining still stains my socks. Otherwise, they’re breaking in well and feel good on foot. The Vibram Morflex sole is still lightweight and cushioned, which I appreciate for daily wear...."Read the full review
The Whites Perry Select have been great boots so far. I’ve put thick leather insoles in them.
White's Perry 8" Select in Seidel Natural Double ShotBy ZFitzGolf • May 10, 2025"I’ve worn them around the office a few days and mostly worn them to dinners or my nieces softball games...."Read the full review
Unusually styled, surprisingly comfortable—Trickers’ Dominic Monkey Shoe stands out without shouting
Tricker's Ethan Monkey Boot in Trickers Dark Brown FunchalBy Florianfloorwalker • May 7, 2025"Use & Wear:
I’ve had these for about two weeks now, mostly wearing them at the office 2-3 times a week. They replaced my usual office trainers, which wore out quickly. I walk to work, take the train, and bike, so I need something that’s not too warm or wet inside. These fit the bill for office wear and short walks after lunch. They get light use, but enough to get a feel for them...."Read the full review
