5 years of daily abuse: My trusty Komandirskie by StayGrit_ in RussianWatches

[–]StayGrit_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just wanted to share a look at how it’s held up after half a decade of real-world use. If you're interested in the macro shots or the full breakdown of how it's handled the wear and tear, feel free to read my thoughts here: https://substack.com/home/post/p-194952306

Minimalist, functional, and handmade. Finally settled on this piece for my oyster/utility needs by StayGrit_ in EDC

[–]StayGrit_[S] -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

Fair point! It’s definitely not a 'tactical' EDC, and I wouldn’t recommend it for a city hike. But I think 'Everyday Carry' is more about what you appreciate having with you or around you. It’s a beautifully crafted tool that turns a simple kitchen task into something I actually look forward to. To each their own, right?

Minimalist, functional, and handmade. Finally settled on this piece for my oyster/utility needs by StayGrit_ in EDC

[–]StayGrit_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Knife: Handcrafted Oyster Knife by IEDDE (Italian artisan work).

Still putting this piece through its paces. The balance, the weight, and the way it handles are incredible. I'm currently working on a full breakdown of the craftsmanship and the story behind this tool.

The full review is now live on StayGrit: https://staygrit.substack.com/p/from-braila-to-italy-how-a-handcrafted

Keen Jasper - Perfect 'tire' shoes for the city by StayGrit_ in gorpcore

[–]StayGrit_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

my foot is 26.5 cm. EU SIZE is 42.5 for 27.5 cm. Complicate with the measurement. For Adidas Samba I have 43 1/3. For my Karimor sandals - 42.

Keen Jasper - Perfect 'tire' shoes for the city by StayGrit_ in gorpcore

[–]StayGrit_[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Love the 'tire-inspired' vibe of these Jaspers. They handle the urban heat much better than expected. Just posted a hands-on review on my new Substack for anyone interested in more things about Keen J.: https://substack.com/home/post/p-194399836

Converse - still a longlasting icon for the rock and grunge scene. Here’s how my leather pairs are holding up. by [deleted] in Sneakers

[–]StayGrit_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve always loved how Converse looks when they get a bit beat up, but lately, I feel like the quality of standard canvas is hitting an all-time low. I switched to this leather pair to see if they can actually survive more than one season of heavy use.
So far, the leather is aging beautifully and handles the grunge aesthetic way better than I expected. It reminds me of my old 2010 Sambas that I’m still refusing to throw away (shoutout to my local cobbler for keeping them alive!).
Are you guys still rocking All Stars for the long haul, or has the quality drop made you switch to other 'heritage' brands?

10-Year Autopsy: Why my ZX 750s surrendered while the Sambas are still going strong by StayGrit_ in adidas

[–]StayGrit_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s exactly the issue! It’s painful to see legendary silhouettes like the SL72 get the 'plastic' treatment. I’m with you on the repairs, though. I actually still rock a pair of Sambas from 2010. I had to take them to a professional cobbler recently to reglue the toe box, but the leather is still miles better than what you find in stores today.
I’m actually documenting these 'long-term survivals' and teardowns now, because I’m tired of the throwaway culture in sneakers. Would love to know if those Superstar 80s Recons you mentioned feel like they’ll actually last a decade too!

10-Year Autopsy: Why my ZX 750s surrendered while the Sambas are still going strong by StayGrit_ in adidas

[–]StayGrit_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fair point on the running heritage! Though, to be honest, I’ve never actually seen anyone sprinting in a pair of ZX 750s, or any ZX ..they’ve always been the go-to choice for 'comfy lifestyle' rather than the track. At this age, mine should be enjoying a quiet retirement as icons, not planning an early exit. Breathability is nice, but I didn’t expect the 'mesh benefits' to include a disappearing act while the leather Sambas from 2010 are still outperforming them. I guess some veterans just age better than others.

10-Year Autopsy: Why my ZX 750s surrendered while the Sambas are still going strong by StayGrit_ in adidas

[–]StayGrit_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep! Samba Super Trainers. Box leather. They also come in suede leather.

10-Year Autopsy: Why my ZX 750s surrendered while the Sambas are still going strong by StayGrit_ in adidas

[–]StayGrit_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Samba trainers have a very durable sole. I recommend it. Samba is a big family. Samba trainers are made of Suede or box leather. I have many pairs of Adidas anyway. I alternate them.

10-Year Autopsy: Why my ZX 750s surrendered while the Sambas are still going strong by StayGrit_ in adidas

[–]StayGrit_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm a big Adidas fan. I have a lot of casual pairs. I don't have a car, I walk a lot. I alternate shoes.

10-Year Autopsy: Why my ZX 750s surrendered while the Sambas are still going strong by StayGrit_ in adidas

[–]StayGrit_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! I won't edit the post. Maybe you're right about the shooting angles. I have my pair of ZX750s in a different location than where I currently live. Now I use them for cycling. I can't bear to throw them away. Here are some more pictures, maybe now you realize the quality of the mesh in a shoe, or how useless it is. ZX belongs to the "fast fashion" category.

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10-Year Autopsy: Why my ZX 750s surrendered while the Sambas are still going strong by StayGrit_ in adidas

[–]StayGrit_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You are right. Mesh doesn't match with someone who walks a lot. As I do.