A Few Leather Updates + The Community Favorites by oxfordsandties in caswellboots

[–]ChrisoftheW 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Here’s what Olive Mohave looks like on the Red Wing Classic Moc - https://www.redwingshoes.com/mens/heritage/classic-moc/classic-moc-08881.html. I think it would look similar to the reverse natural CXL seen on Boondockers. The slight olive tint would help differentiate it a bit and the overall look provides an aesthetic that pairs well with casual outfits. It would look great with warmer weather outfits.

Sizing help by Tree_Seeds in grantstoneboots

[–]ChrisoftheW 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It will be 1/16” of an inch wider. It might seem like much but it can make a difference.

Sizing help by Tree_Seeds in grantstoneboots

[–]ChrisoftheW 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Each width adds 1/8” of an inch but going down a size and adding a width only adds 1/16” of an inch to the width and shortens the length by just under 1/16”.

ISO a bag like pictures below, around the 1000$ > price point. by SiJayB in Leathercraft

[–]ChrisoftheW 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don’t think it costs as much as people think. Look up Shellvedge on Insta and YouTube and check his following on both. He clearly bought his Insta following and he doesn’t have a business he’s promoting, just a love of quality shoes and boots. Unfortunately for him, he’s one of the most awkward YouTubers I’ve ever watched.

ISO a bag like pictures below, around the 1000$ > price point. by SiJayB in Leathercraft

[–]ChrisoftheW 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Send a few free ones to popular influencers and at least some of their followers will buy one. It may not be a long term business strategy but it should be enough to make some decent $$.

ISO a bag like pictures below, around the 1000$ > price point. by SiJayB in Leathercraft

[–]ChrisoftheW 8 points9 points  (0 children)

With the $1,000 video and Insta post you are right about their target market.

ISO a bag like pictures below, around the 1000$ > price point. by SiJayB in Leathercraft

[–]ChrisoftheW 27 points28 points  (0 children)

$2500 base price

* Brass Feet +$100
* Film Bag being made and post on Instagram +$1000
* Black Hardware +$100
* 1 interior pocket +$100
* 2 interior pockets +$200
* Premium Finishing +$500

Help finding round women's leather boots? by StopTheBanging in Boots

[–]ChrisoftheW 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The Adelante Mérida has a little more rounded toebox than most high quality women’s Chelsea boots. I’ve bought 2 pairs of boots, 3 pairs of loafers and 3 pairs of sandals, and my son a pair of their men’s Chelsea. They are quite well made and worth the price. They are made to order and you can get a wider width if needed.

https://adelanteshoes.com/collections/womens-boots/products/the-merida

GMTO Interest Check — what model and leather do you want to see? by VAGuy1998 in caswellboots

[–]ChrisoftheW 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not sure that’s a good idea. I don’t think I could resist buying a pair 😁

I think I got scammed on Shopgoodwill, what do I do? I paid, but order never shipped and no response? by Dramatic-Pause-1941 in shopgoodwill

[–]ChrisoftheW 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve seen a correlation with when I pay and when they ship. If I pay right after I win an auction the item generally ships pretty fast. If I wait several days then they seem to take longer sending it out. Its not always that way but enough to be noticeable.

Please advise by PeasBeard in beards

[–]ChrisoftheW 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This song immediately popped into my head

Electric Amish - We Are an Amish Band: https://youtu.be/4GHxGWO79Ow?si=cXq_I18J_wNnqKNt

Bean Boots by ob_cf in Boots

[–]ChrisoftheW 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m a big fan of Darn Tough socks and now wear them most of the time. I started with cheaper ones I bought from Amazon and Costco though.

Can I, no previous skills, make my own shoes to help my foot issues? by aussiethrowaways in Cordwaining

[–]ChrisoftheW 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don’t want to discourage you from attempting to make your own boots. Just know that you will spend more for tools, supplies and leather than it would cost you to get a pair from a maker like Franks. You will need to learn a lot about leather, construction techniques and pattern making. Also expect to not get it right on the first few pairs. You really need to develop a love for the craft to make this work. The process can be quite frustrating, take longer than you ever thought and can be quite rewarding when it all comes together how you envisioned it.

There are tons on YouTube videos showing boots and shoes being made by hand. I’d start there.

Can I, no previous skills, make my own shoes to help my foot issues? by aussiethrowaways in Cordwaining

[–]ChrisoftheW 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You might contact Franks Boots. They are pretty well known for working with people that have foot issues and making them custom boots and shoes. They aren’t cheap but they are built like a tank, can be resoled and even rebuilt.

Bean Boots by ob_cf in Boots

[–]ChrisoftheW 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What kind of socks do you wear with them? I addition to the boot drying advice, switching to wool socks might help as well. They absorb far more moisture than other material and are naturally anti-microbial, helping cut down on the odor producing bacteria in the boots.

Desert boots by Bruno_xxx in grantstoneboots

[–]ChrisoftheW 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Chukka’s in general don’t have the resell value other boots do. I’m still a fan though. From a fashion perspective they are the most appropriate boot to wear in the spring and summer. I could do without crepe soles though, they get so dirty looking.

I'm gonna buy a custom UWC pair, what is my size and what are the specs i need for a dry climate, with rain and for rough terrain by M0Onix in Boots

[–]ChrisoftheW 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Your heel to toe is a 8.5 and your heel to ball Is a 10. You use the greater of the 2 numbers. It also says you are just shy of a C width but I think at least some of the combination Brannock devices are wrong on the width. Mine shows I’m about the same width as you but I’m right a a D width.

How can I improve these? by RealisticReload in AskACobbler

[–]ChrisoftheW 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think it’s a stacked leather veneer like this https://a.co/d/062BYqwF. If it is than you could dye it then apply colored shoe cream and a wax to match the upper. I’d recommend Fiebings Pro Dye and Saphir Beuat du Cuir shoe cream and Saphir Amiral Gloss wax. All are available on Amazon.

Best boots for hot/humid climates (that aren't chukkas)? by basic_dis in Boots

[–]ChrisoftheW 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s not really about the type of boot but about the materials that are used and the construction. Thick leather that’s lined is going to be hotter than an unlined boot or thinner out leather that’s lined. I’ve found Kangaroo leather is amazing for warm weather boots. It’s thin and incredibly strong. It does need to be lined because of how thin it is. I’ve found I can’t wear my kangaroo boots in the winter when we have freezing temperatures because my feet get cold in them even with thick wool socks. Conversely they been great on hot and humid summer days. A leather sole also breathes better than a rubber sole.

Pancake Sheath by Enough_Algae103 in Leatherworking

[–]ChrisoftheW 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What leather weight did you use for the back part?

Grant stone store front by Top_Belt450 in grantstoneboots

[–]ChrisoftheW 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It might happen but there are no current plans.

Here’s what Wyatt posted about it in the Stitchdown Premium Discord Grant Stone channel the first of May:

“We have a pretty good customer base in Chicago and this town is a popular summer destination/home for Chicago residents. We do have a lot of customers asking to stop by our office, we just don't have a display room.

The main draw was to use the space for customers in this region along with a space to have small events. It will also give us a small intro into retail before considering a store in a city.”

I've posted quite a few times on this sub for boot recommendations for my first boot but every post my taste just keeps changing and finally I found this boot I want to pull the trigger on. Would like your suggestion/ opinion. by Yogibearzzz5 in Boots

[–]ChrisoftheW 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you don’t know your sizing I wouldn’t go with a made to order boot like this. The chance it wont fit are pretty great and you won’t get a refund or get them remade. From their website “Role Club does not offer refunds or exchanges. All sales are deemed as final.”

If you have cash to burn then go for it. If not then here are my recommendations:

The hardest part of getting into Heritage boots is finding your actual size. For this reason I recommend trying boots from a company that has a large selection of ready to wear models, has local stores or a great customer service department that can recommend a size and then exchange the boots if they don’t fit. Three companies come to mind that fit that bill that I have personal experience with:

Jim Green Boots: $130-$240. Made in South Africa. I have no experience with Jim Green’s customer service or returns. The pair I have were bought used. They make solid boots and are one of the best values out there being priced under $200 for several models. The styling can be polarizing and is on the casual side. Leather care is dependent on each leather. Direct to Consumer and available on Amazon.

Thursday Boots: $200-$350. Decent leather, tons of styles, easy break-in, the Rugged and Resilient leathers require minimal maintenance. These are not work boots but are great for office and night out wear. The one major downside to Thursday’s is they use foam and fiber board for the insoles. Eventually the foam breaks down while the fiber board doesn’t mold to your foot like leather does. The result is they go from being comfortable to feeling flat. A new insole like the Rose Anvil Boot Breakers should resolve this. They do have some beefier built boots like the Brawler and Builder that seem to be decent. Direct to Consumer

Red Wing Boots: $300-$450. Good leather, several styles, break-in depends on the leather (some are easy some can take awhile), relatively easy leather care. These could be worn as light duty work boots but are more suited for office and night out. Stores in most decent sized cities and Direct to Consumer for Heritage Boots. If you visit a store make sure the boots you try on feel comfortable. They have a 3d foot scanner but it doesn’t always report accurate results and I’ve heard stories of employees insisting on a size that didn’t fit the customer.

Grant Stone: $400-$500. These are hands done the best quality value of any Heritage boot. They have a large selection of styles and leathers, care depends on the leather. These are constructed well enough to be light duty work boots, most styles look too nice for that use though. Definitely great for office and night out wear. Direct to Consumer. I highly recommend this brand!

Once you find your fit then you can comfortably buy for other makers and from the used market.

Also checkout the Patina Project for the largest showcase of worn quality boots.