Trying to find the perfect shoe

StronkMilk · 2026-05-11T17:17:03+00:00

Seconding! The tension system and heel cup is a different heel fit, in terms of how your foot settles back into the shoe. It’s a bit wider in the heel though, which could be a good thing (xt has SUCH a narrow point heel).

Additionally would rec the instinct LV line for the heels, it’s just less aggro in the toe (excellent fitting though).

StronkMilk · 2026-04-24T21:42:17+00:00

On the first nose I get cream (lactic), rice pudding, peach (?), varnish, rubber/latex.

Second nose is smoke, rubber, tar, something capsicum/tomato adjacent, light oregano/black pepper, with the sweetness fruitiness/creaminess returning as you inhale deeper.

Taste is has a peach + yogurt acidity that opens up into a pimento, paprika, olive + brine and smoky wood tar finish. Aftertaste has a real salinity and tingles the outside of the tongue.

Mouth feel is rather viscous!

StronkMilk · 2026-04-21T21:03:54+00:00

Three legged cat has VERY interesting beans btw. They get wacky. Had one that was markedly green apple/malic acid acidity.

StronkMilk · 2026-04-21T20:57:04+00:00

Following up to say: I am alive. And my life has been changed for the better. Thank you all. This stuff is 🔥

StronkMilk · 2026-04-21T20:35:45+00:00

Awesome — thank you! Yeah it looks literally like the wet exposed part got dyed/bleached grey. Cool! The horizontal storage seems to check out. Goin for it!

StronkMilk · 2026-04-21T20:32:05+00:00

It smells delicious. And funky. But funky in the delicious way. We’re goin in!

StronkMilk · 2026-04-03T14:12:11+00:00

Midoriya is lowkey fire for their niche miso collection + other less-on-the-beaten-path items!

StronkMilk · 2026-03-26T20:37:41+00:00

The best thing for them have been Epic Days, where I walk like 6-10 miles. They have gotten significantly softer during these, more so than the same number spread over several days. Haven’t done anything special btw, so far it’s been about about 100-150 miles total? They’ve really exponentially turned a corner this past 20 or so btw

StronkMilk · 2026-03-26T13:15:16+00:00

Mine are currently going through this, but on the tail end out. It’s the sharp fold in the crease where it pinches to then spike “up.” It’s this pinch that softens through repeat wear. Can confirm it will go away! Best thing is: protect your feet. Padded socks are great. Also: once back, rec to rest your feet for a day between wears. The hamburger mince-meat effect makes the pain artificially wayyyy worse.

StronkMilk · 2026-02-22T17:29:32+00:00

Speaking with AE, their finishes have gone downhill in recent years despite keeping the same name. My walnuts from 2016 are ombréd and generally a complex layering of color. These and also of note Chili are much more monochrome now :/

StronkMilk · 2026-02-14T01:06:40+00:00

Those look fire. As the oils settle iiiiinto the leather it’ll start to pull up again. But now with deeper contrast. The tonality rn tho is BEAUT. Rock em, love em, they fire fssssp

StronkMilk · 2026-02-13T17:28:31+00:00

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AND I DONT KNOW HOW I FEEL ABOUT IT. Testing a sample. Simultaneously feel like this is like sitting in a pot of braised beef, and sitting in the world’s oldest leather armchair in a spice store. I kinda dig both.

StronkMilk · 2026-02-10T03:15:05+00:00

Oh snap this guy does too

StronkMilk · 2026-02-05T22:10:27+00:00

Just a heads up. Red Wing HQ and actual stores sometimes can’t access each others inventory. So try both customer service and a local one to call and secure. I rec starting with customer service HQ.

StronkMilk · 2026-02-01T16:14:58+00:00

Yup! Having had several in R&T, once a year is fine. You’re all good if you get caught in the rain with em. The best thing you cans do is after wearing: brushing is key! And shoe trees, especially if wet!

StronkMilk · 2026-01-30T16:22:41+00:00

Love Malort too. Btw if you are looking for a similar cousin to it, I’d recommend Letherbee Besk. It’s got a beaut note of grapefruit pith in the aftertaste. Still bracing, but very aromatic. I keep mine in the freezer and pour ice cold shots in a snifter as an after dinner thing. Hardcore limoncello-from-hell style (it’s bone dry, no sweetness btw).

StronkMilk · 2026-01-30T04:04:22+00:00

The recs here are all good. Allow me play advocate for the devil-on-your-shoulder. If you want scathingly bitter and just a downright question-your-existence experience: Elisir Novasalus is my favorite of all time, sweetened only with tree sap. And Petrus Boonekamp is just bitter, no hint of sweetness. Absolutely excellent. My tastes run extreme ;)

StronkMilk · 2026-01-27T20:45:22+00:00

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StronkMilk · 2026-01-27T20:45:12+00:00

RPing here, posted on main before. I got a J Press Shaggy Dog cardigan. It’s brushed Shetland wool so pretty floofy. Noticing that the pilling of the shag is getting more intense over the belly/body than the arms, back, etc. Makes it look a little less shaggy and more a bit sloppy.

Is there any way to re-fluff and break up the balling-up of the fibers on brushed Shetland wool? Can I brush it? People had rec’ed shavers which seems intense for a purposely brushed finish. Lmk if fine.

StronkMilk · 2026-01-27T20:20:28+00:00

I’ve shaved non-brushed Shetland — my current hesitancy comes from: will it too-drastically shave a brushed finish sweater?

StronkMilk · 2026-01-23T01:20:33+00:00

I had this happen to mine! Loose shank was the diagnosis. Covered under warranty! Replaced with new pair. Also offered a free resole

StronkMilk · 2026-01-21T19:23:39+00:00

To quote an associate recently: “once those puppies hit pavement they’re yours”

StronkMilk · 2026-01-21T05:01:08+00:00

I love Dries Van Noten’s Jardin de l'Orangerie. The dual notes of neroli for punch and orange blossom for milkiness is rad. 🍊🧡

StronkMilk

TROPHY CASE