Boot Patina Update! Viberg Natural Shell Cordovan, Grant Stone Diesel Boot, Oak Street Trench Boots

[@pattgsm]

I was waiting for Mac and Dennis to enter frame and say, “What the hell are you doing?! Making videos about boots isn’t Charlie work. Those rats aren’t going to Jill themselves.” Lol All kidding aside, great video!

[@hughfajardo]

Those shell vibergs are looking like whiskey shell to me. So awesome 😎

[@DalesLeatherworks]

Phil!!!!!! Amazing video my friend, I love your insights!! Great lineup: Those Natural Shell Vibergs are Legendary. Can't agree more with your insights on the leather soles as well

[@PyroClit]

Damn that Vibergs looks amazing. I think this is the one im am getting, its super expensive af. dang.

[@stdsxf11]

Just got my Oakstreet Trench boots in natural CXL. I'd not heard of them before your videos. Fantastic quality and at 30% off during during Black friday it was a steal.

[@AshlandLeather]

Huge score. I'm honestly surprised at how comfortable my trench boots are. Love them

[@beagler4234]

Just picked up my first pair of Oakstreet also Trench boot in natural CXL with leather sole. Super comfortable and handsome. Nice review.

[@assadnasralla8539]

Those viberg natural cordovan boots are gorgeous!

[@tylerjohnson2080]

Just got my natural shell tony the ant and I am ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE with it. Looking forward to picking up some boots in CXL and a pair in Shell.

[@Kids11111]

You explain these things so well. You have a new fan in me!

[@banbaji]

Super interesting video thanks!

[@stephenathon]

I find that the Chromexcel footwear stretches out tremendously, so that you want a very tight fit at first. Maybe you could have taken an E width after all. If you don't already wear thick boot socks, I recommend it!

[@AshlandLeather]

This has worked for me in the past and I think I want to go back and live in that world

[@erichagen8053]

I think my Ashland wallet has been darkened by the indigo dye in my denim. The inside of the wallet is much lighter. Thanks for the patina video!

[@frente2zapatista]

Beautiful boots ❤️❤️❤️❤️ What product do you recommend to clean and condition Patina boots without darkening or hiding the contrast between the faded leather and the original color. ?????? 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥❤️

[@scuba_tron5332]

Beautiful boots! You mentioned you wore a wide in the grant stone, but I don’t see wide sizes available at oak street. Are they too narrow for you?

[@AshlandLeather]

No they are not too narrow on me. I did an interview with the owner, George, and he explains that their lasts are made to be a bit wide kzbin.info/www/bejne/npqkZYaLi7V3pK8

[@BC08]

Those Vibergs look so good

[@gabriellazcano9421]

viberg boots are super great, congrats!!!!!!

[@Ari-e6g]

Nice boots! Thank you Phil🙏🙏🙏

[@AshlandLeather]

Good to see you De Niro!

[@Ari-e6g]

@@AshlandLeather Hi Phil, i love my wallet. sometimes i just get it out of my jacket to smell the leather or to show it to my friends. Thank you again!

[@Camelwho]

I've done the lace wrap forever, particularly on my tall Russell Wingshooters

[@stephenathon]

Great video and commentary!

[@airmann4673]

Thanks for the update

[@ismaelcalderon2542]

Trench boots look wide. Do you know if the field boots from Oak Street have the same wide toe box?

[@livingtonu]

Have you tried Crown Northampton yet shoes of out England hand made yes they have Shell cordovan sneakers. FYI there shoes are made to order so they might take a few months.

[@xplorewithadi]

What size did you have on Vibergs? I think for reference you mentioned size 10.5 US for Asics right?

[@iHustleLXXXI]

I have a pair of the GS Diesel's in Dune just like yours. I love it so much! It's the second GS boots that I have purchased. With a little amount of polish the boots look like shell cordovan leather but at a fraction of the cost. The boots also crease nicely and is super comfy. The only thing I don't like about the boots is that when it rains the boots get water marks really easily. It's ugly looking but it eventually dried out for the most part. Otherwise, the boot is perfect. Nice video, Phil!

[@brianwarner44]

Yes man....i have the same problem..when I wear my Diesel Dunes to walk my dog in the early morning I get all th morning dew all over my boots...they get nasty as hell and this is the only boot I have that this happens. Other than that these boots are perfect

[@brianwarner44]

I just ordered the Oak Street Cap Toe Trench Boot in Brown Chromexel..the most expensive footwear I've ever bought...I'm nervous and excited at the same time...I hope they fit perfectly and I hope they patina well.

[@AshlandLeather]

If you get the correct size you will be happy! They should serve you well for years

[@brianwarner44]

@@AshlandLeather Awesome ..thanks for the reply. Do you have a favorite boot company or a go to boot?

[@AshlandLeather]

@@brianwarner44 I have a lot of favorites but the most pairs I have are from Alden

[@nateeaton1]

Is there a real cap toe (full extra layer of leather on toe) on those Oak Street Trench Boots?

[@1k1ngst0n]

Oakstreet and Viberg doesn't seem to make wide EEE sizes like Grant Stone? Great video and all those boots look amazing.

[@AshlandLeather]

You can compensate a bit with the length of the shoe to get additional width. Apparently a 10E is also similar to a 9.5EE and also a 9EEE -- I could be mistaken on this but this is my recollection

[@drzaius844]

If you had to pick: Oak Street Trench or GS Diesel, in natty CXL? I’m close to pulling the trigger and leaning towards the Oak Street (I have a Diesel in crimson) but curious about your thoughts at this point.

[@AshlandLeather]

for me I would pick the natural CXL diesel boot. But, since you already have the diesel, I would suggest trying the trench boot. You will find it is more minimally built -- I find it a bit lighter weight to wear and I think the last hugs my foot more where the diesel has more room. Both are great. Tough choice

[@_iErik]

Are you waxing or polishing the toe on the Grant Stone boots? The toe looks a little darker than the rest of the vamp. Really great look.

[@AshlandLeather]

I've neglected those Diesels and never really polished them. I do know that Grant Stone does polish them before shipping. They might be buffing in a bit of extra polish (I think they use Venetian Cream) on the toes

[@mikester6192]

I would love to participate in this Patina Contest from Stitch Down this year.I have a pair of Horween Cognac Cavalier boots still brand new in box, I have strong urge to use them now.

[@Ikari777]

You can't officially enter anymore as it's been over two months since it started, but next year!

[@matthewsilfer2010]

How often do you brush your boots? I've seen a good brushing pull up enough oil to remove your minor scuffs so just curious

[@AshlandLeather]

Very rarely. Maybe 3 or 4 times a year

[@matthewsilfer2010]

@@AshlandLeather word, I mean if you like them they look great anyways

[@75thteaster54]

Excellent video bro

[@jessemantyh796]

This was a very helpful video thank you. Spending $600 or more on a pair of boots is a stressful thing, we need to arm ourselves with as much information as possible before taking the plunge. One question, do you feel that your vibergs are too heavy? Could you compare the wheat to the grant stones? Thanks

[@AshlandLeather]

I find the Vibergs to be very heavy (especially with the Danite sole) and the break in period is long. Having said that, they are very comfortable and stylish. What do you mean by comparing the wheat to Grant Stone?

[@jessemantyh796]

@@AshlandLeather Thanks for the response, I'm at compared to the weight of the grant stones boots

[@keenobservations3050]

I hand cut a thin sheet of leather to use as an insole for boots that become slightly loose

[@Iwantproblems]

What sizes do you wear for all three brands? It would really help with sizing perspective. Thanks

[@AshlandLeather]

Grant stone is 9.5EEE and 10.5E. Viberg is 10.5 (9.5 UK - they use UK size I think). Oak Street 10.5

[@drzaius844]

Wish Grant Stone had leather soles on their boots. Great video, that shell is lusty.

[@stephenathon]

Some of Grant Stone's boots still have leather soles! And they are awesome.

[@justin_t]

those shell cordovan are really nice!

[@qltyboots]

Looks awesome

[@jimmccoys5778]

Can you tell me where you got the round waxed olive laces for your vibergs? Thanks

[@AshlandLeather]

These were gifted to me by The Vintage Future -- I believe you can get them at Guarded Goods

[@RobertKirkpatrick84]

I like to do the rubber sole and a thick leather mid sole, the leather soles seem to get torn up too quickly

[@AshlandLeather]

Yeah I have only worn this leather sole for two months and it is definitely showing wear (I am walking on concrete a lot). The rubber soles (Danite) basically have no wear after more use

[@fegelxx8191]

Looks like the dark spot on the right natural shell boot has gone away!

[@chriskane1726]

What size did you take in oak Street compared to viberg?

[@AshlandLeather]

The Oak Street are a US 10 (UK 9.5) and the Vibergs are UK 9.5

[@stewartwallace5741]

Looking for a good winter boot for snow and ice, thoughts?

[@AshlandLeather]

Personally I just use a hiking boot I got from REI

[@prasannagunarathna3475]

Which brand is the last pair please ?

[@briansanchez1740]

I have natural shell grant stone boots that look like your vibergs. Almost Ravello shell.

[@Dominicreviews]

Hello. Is this the dune colourway from Grant stone?

[@AshlandLeather]

Sorry for the confusion. Grant Stone calls the Natural CXL "Dune" -- it is the same

[@Dominicreviews]

@@AshlandLeather Got it. Thank you! Did you condition them at all?

[@AshlandLeather]

@@Dominicreviews No I have not but I think in an upcoming video I will polish them with Venetian Shoe Cream

[@alexanderzulkarnain9831]

Is Trench Boots gusetted tongue?

[@VF5]

Which is the better boots? Diesel or trench?

[@AshlandLeather]

Really difficult to say. I like them both is the answer. For the boots in this video I prefer the leather bottoms so I'd go with the trench. I like the finishing and crafting on the Grant Stone more. I like the last shape, comfort, and fit of the Oak Street more. I think a lot of this is subjective

[@EDHBlvd]

Those Vibergs are insane. Jealous.

[@wpaia]

What size sneakers do you wear?

[@AshlandLeather]

10.5" US Asics

[@InGrindWeCrust2010]

I have a sneaking suspicion that a Grant Stone 10E would fit me better than a 10.5E....

[@bravobear1844]

Does 14 oz shell cordovan from horween exist.. in black.

[@AshlandLeather]

I have never seen shell that thick. Most of the shells are around 5 oz

[@Angel-AbC9]

Nice video , by the way as fir the laces , I think it sucks to have it wrapped around the top off the boot , so I just simply cut it 5 inches on both ends so now I can tie it without the extra strings hanging and causing it to keep loosening itself .

[@briansanchez1740]

Try using super thick wool socks

[@stephenathon]

Yes, Smartwool makes some crazy thick ones! But Darn Tough are the best.

[@bassheadlife492]

Just put a sole protector on the leather sole

[@GoonieGooGoo910]

I like to put on super long laces and lace all the way up. Tie a knot at the end of the laces on both ends, and then you can be really quick with loosening it by just yanking them all loose. Then when you tie it, there are multiple options. You can do a normal knot, pull big hoops and stuff it, or wrap around. I found a video of how I tie them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5eUaKKCbb2gZ5o

[@couchsofa2977]

thanks for metioning chinese boots in the beginning. would suck to watch the whole video about them.

[@Dortch3]

I am considering the grant stone and am appreciative of your update. This is not a criticism...take it as a construction upon which to build: Chromexcel has been around quite a long time...much older than the personal computer age. Chromexel is one word, not (google) Chrome + (ms) Excel. It is pronounced Cro-Mex-Ul, with the accent on the second syllable. Rest easy, for you are not alone. This mispronunciation is rampant with millennials and gen x.

[@AshlandLeather]

Have a source for this? In the 15 years I worked at the tannery everyone pronounced it chrome excel including three generations of tanners that created this product

[@Dortch3]

@@AshlandLeather I do not...only someone correcting me years ago. Perhaps they were wrong leaving me now to research it.

[@internetcomment4440]

Charlie from always sunny anyone?

[@AshlandLeather]

Correct. I moonlight as a boot tester!

[@alphacapo]

Sole savers

[@tonymoore2100]

I won't buy anything from China anymore, so that's that for me and this company.

[@BC08]

I have a problem with it too. It’s not that I don’t think Grant Stone can’t produce a boot/shoe with comparable quality for less money with Chinese production it’s that I’d rather support companies that make it a point to keep jobs in America. I really like Grant Stone’s products too but the Chinese thing is a sticking point. Heritage boots are one segment that has truly American-made options….support those manufacturers.

[@tonymoore2100]

@@BC08 Exactly. Why buy from a company that chooses to build in China, under what's essentially a hard communist/nearly fascist regime, when you can buy from a number of amazing boot/shoemakers in the U.S?

[@BC08]

@@tonymoore2100 Agreed. I don’t know if I’d say nearly fascist though, selectively oppressive perhaps but it’s a full on fascist regime with no guaranteed freedoms and human rights violations that would shock the ignorant American hypocrites that genuflect for Chinese money…you know people like Lebron, Disney and politicians of a certain affiliation. The same people over here who get offended by words on Twitter while they wave cheerfully at 6+ million actual “forced laborers” that help produce their merch over there.

[@tonymoore2100]

@@BC08 I think you and I are on precisely the same page with this stuff. You hit many of my favorite talking points! Effing LeBron. Clueless.

[@stephenathon]

Not a fan of China either but I do like Grant Stone. Going to stop buying from China altogether? There's almost nowhere you would be able to shop in the US.