These Boots DOUBLED in Price 3 Years Later! Kreosote Nail Shank Boots

The Kreosote Nail Shank boots have gotten more reactions than any other footwear I've shown on this channel. I purchased them for $900 several years ago, and since then they've doubled in price! The question is: are these hand made, bespoke boots worth nearly $2,000? In this video I give you the run down of my three years of experience with the Kreosote Nail Shank boots.
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Reviews of clothing, boots, and accessories for men, along with style advice and life philosophy. I've been working with my hands for my entire life as a mechanic, tow truck driver, and eventually a licensed electrician. Being a blue collar guy, I look for certain elements in a product: is it durable? Is it high-quality? Will it perform well over its service life? Whether boots, pants, jackets, or tools I believe it's best to buy once and cry once by getting the best you can afford. With so many options these days, choosing the best product can become a difficult decision, but that's where I come in. Helping you stay stylish, rugged, and handsome.
I don't care where it's made as long as it's made well and allows you to own less and own better.

[@UglyGenius]

Not so sure about the lighting on you in this one. You come across as a very enthusiastic FBI informant.

[@stevek8401]

I agree...Carl, why is the video so dark ????????????

[@nijkk2567]

😅

[@andyackerman7123]

Had you at…. Deep throat?

[@louderthangod]

I like it but just a touch too dark.

[@TrojanMars1]

Horrible lighting!

[@cscearce2000]

I feel like past 500-700, the diminishing returns start to go up a lot

[@EastofVictoriaPark]

I'd say 300-500 is even more so.

[@Davidg368]

To me once it get past that range is starts to become a fashionable thing like women and shoes

[@Inbal_Feuchtwanger]

@@EastofVictoriaPark I used to always buy $150-200 shoes like Georgia boots and Danners before they jacked up the prices. Going up to about $300 Red wings has been a noticeable difference in quality for sure. Feel like Im in that sweet spot at about $300

[@phraktl]

These are absolutely stunningly beautiful. $1800 for an ultra-casual boot is a yard too far - even though I find myself ashamed of how much I want these.

[@cdakskid]

I absolutely think they are worth it if a master craftsman is putting in 70-90 hours make extremely special boots with a unique design, made to fit you perfectly. At the low end of 70 hours, that is only $25 and change per hour of work for someone at the absolute peak of his trade. I don't think that is remotely unreasonable. That also doesn't include the cost of materials, design time and other things that you mentioned. They are definitely not worth the price if all you care about is utility, but I greatly appreciate them for what they are. I wish I got in on the 7 boot Murawski run in green leather. Those looked incredible.

[@Lucifaar]

When I can spend a third the price on a pair of nicks, and get almost as good of a boot, it is completely unreasonable. For 1800 the boot better feel like I'm not even wearing a boot. Nicks already does that at $500 - $600.

[@reezethevampire]

I ordered my pair almost a year and a half ago when they were $1500 on a 24-month wait list (I still don't have them). I sure am glad I ordered when I did; I couldn't be more excited. Only six months left to wait!

[@amanasd26]

You'll be waiting more than that, just an FYI. He's just finishing mine that I ordered 3 years ago. I bought them when they were still $900 when the brand was still MYG like Carl indicated in the video . It will be worth it, but don't assume the timeline.

[@Lucifaar]

That's insane. Much too long for how much you paid.

[@reezethevampire]

@@Lucifaar I was well aware of the wait before buying them, so it's no big deal. Paying a lot doesn't mean I get special treatment; everyone paid that much.

[@elizabeth_grant]

That is definitely not how costs vs price works. Economies of scale works in the opposite direction, and that is correlated with the company growing larger and consequently more efficient. What we most likely have here is demand vastly outstripping supply and the price increasing drastically because they can.

[@RenaissanceRoster]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@ianmedium]

I remember when you got these. For me these are the best looking boots you own. Every single thing about them is right and they have simply aged beautifully with time. I know they are more expensive now but I still think they are great value at the new price still. Remember, these are one man's vision and one mans hands making them. They are the working boot equivalent of something like Texas traditions custom cowboy boots and they have a small work force ( I think three in total)

[@TEstevao]

The Nail Shanks are so damn good looking. Truly a blend of form an function head and shoulders above the rest

[@SeemeonMars]

I start watching Carl and I just started buying more and owning more lol

[@carloschavez7830]

Same the difference now is I’m liking the stuff I own.

[@kfung4]

I like mid-range pricing items, they are good enough, as accident does happen, and sometimes isn’t your fault. A lot of high quality items doesn’t really last as long as most people think unless you baby them.

[@Blin93Ky]

That and the diminishing returns start to really kick in once you start to leave the mid tier range. The difference between a $200 boot and a $300 boot is night & day but the different between a $500 boot to a $600+ boot is very small.

[@MindbodyMedic]

you really need to know how to care for leather plus use trees etc OR even the most expensive shoes/boots will be ruined.

[@kfung4]

@@MindbodyMedic well, I know, but the accident I was referring to isn’t about boot care, it will be things like stepping on a nail, deep scratches by a trolley kinda accident.

[@rpnp2]

@@Blin93Ky Yes, I find this to true in my experiences. Unless I want something really specific, I usually just buy the mid tier high quality goods and help support a small business.

[@thenomenclature7243]

Well put together video brother, keep up the good work. 👍

[@blackwingvisuals5017]

I've had some boots customised by Brian thebootmaker because I love them. I couldn't let them die! It's all been worth the effort! And I live in the UK Brian is very good! These boots you speak of are just voodoo! If you want something you gotta be prepared to pay these boots light my fuse!

[@tripeee58]

I love them and was previously on the fence about "rough out" leather but now I'm all in!!! In a world of followers these shoes represent a chance at total uniqueness; one of a kind customization. Well worth it to me. I've had surgery that left one foot a full size smaller than the other and this means I have to always purchase for the larger foot. With this it would be a perfect fit. Depending upon how old you are a "lifetime" purchase of $1000 would divide out to $33 per year over 30 years! That's less that what many spend on coffee in a week! Quality always wins out over time. Thanks again for great content and production value!

[@gorinvera]

Great information thanks!

[@amanasd26]

So close to receiving mine, Gab is currently working on my nail shank and drifter collective that I had ordered. I also purchased them when Kreosote was still MYG hand made.

[@luvillan4641]

12:22 “hot rod attitude” is a really great way of putting it! Such a rad boot. A little too rad for my style if honest, but I still appreciate the art & craft 👍🏼

[@jacobrybloom4710]

These boots are no doubt something special but almost like an art piece is something special. I’d feel guilty about wearing them at $1875! I think the quality of wesco at the price point is such a good deal

[@iHustleLXXXI]

I don’t know if it’s just me but these seem like the Truman’s Java Waxed Flesh cap toed boots on their 20 last with how squarish the toes are in this video and your original video. I don’t have the “wear with all” to wait 3 hrs for these boots nor the money to be spending on a pair of boots. $1850 is a lot of money for a pair of boots that will only last me a few years. I don’t mind paying $1700 for a ergo chair but that’s because I work from home full-time and I sit in the chair 15+hrs per day 7 days a week. I don’t mind spending good money on anything but I would much rather not spend it on a pair of boots. I would probably buy it IF I were still commuting into the office but because I’m not it’s hard to justify such a purchase. Thanks for the video Carl!

[@juanmesa120]

Awesome Design…On it’s Own Class. You are right when you wear these boots you feel different!!!

[@jeremyl.7563]

Carl those are just so rad! I looked up this company when you had first mentioned them. Ironically they have another boot that I like more just because I like a taller boot. The lead time and price for me was like hmmm I think I'm to impatient to wait that long and there's the fear from the wife where the bedroom scene with Karen over top of Henry in Goodfellas would be re-created in my own bedroom. Non the less I think those are the raddest boots you've even shown and you my friend have some pretty bad ass boots!

[@kevingipe8242]

Love the look of the toe box and toe cap on those

[@danielirvine7468]

What’s it’s been 3 years !! I remember when you got them and showed us with that tartan background in the bedroom. These boots are 🔥 man they look better now worn in Would love to see the green ones women in too . Gee 36 months I don’t have that kind of patience lol or the money I admire the craftsmanship amazing work! Thanks for the vid man have a cool week

[@Basboy]

Halloween 🎃 mood in this video

[@briansanchez1740]

I enjoy that loud factor when wearing leather heeled shoes and boots. I've gotten a few heads to turn when I walk into a room. It sounds more manly than walking around in squishy sneaker soles lol

[@heathspears8881]

Nail shanks boots are so bad ass!!! I want a pair of them sooner or later .. I’ll pay 💰 every penny. They are well worth it !

[@CrispyFrenFry]

I must admit that i don’t like the mail shank design but I’m also not a fan of bump toes. However, I do love his engineer boots but for the price and wait time I’m simply not his customer base. I work in the non-profit education sector so these are completely out of my price range. But to those who can afford it, I applaud you. Alas, I’m firmly in the bottom bracket of middle class with plenty of monthly expenses that goes towards cost of living and student loan payments.

[@yankeesfanforlife506]

Great Video Carl as always .. The nail shank boots are very nice and I was considering buying them until he got a little crazy with the price . I can see increasing the price 10% or even 15% which is still a bit much I don’t mind paying for quality but double the price in a year is just ridiculous, unreasonable and really unjustifiable so I’ll pass on the mail shanks for now .

[@richjuarezrj]

Thats a Bad Ass Boot my man! I am looking at a pair, we'll see where it goes.

[@smctunes]

Wow. In my search for the perfect boot this is actually exactly what I’ve pictured. Way out of my reach, though.

[@chaton20]

I’m a woman but love your content. Unfortunately, women’s fashion on KZbin is rarely about quality.

[@CarlMurawski]

I have a video coming out tomorrow you might really like!

[@InGrindWeCrust2010]

I'm late to the party but these are freaking awesome. For single builder, custom fit boots with this construction, $900 is a great value, so I can't see why $1850 wouldn't be if it's really something you want. Point of clarification: It's still hand-welting whether the welt is sewn into a gemming or directly into the footbed, as long as the stitching is done by hand. The latter is definitely more difficult and time-consuming.

[@baberoot1998]

Fantastic texture. I want to wear them with my tuxedo, next time I attend a wedding...lol. Gorgeous boots.

[@kawlreaper]

I should have bought these boots when I saw your first video. $1800 is just plain out of my range. :-(

[@barryrahn5957]

I love that sudden almost 90 degree downward shape to the side. I'm thinking it must feel very right.

[@arthur_shadows5078]

i love those too they looks the best i love them my fav boots too look cool then new but also better then they get old i love rustic look

[@SeemeonMars]

Did the owner explain the double in pricing. We all know what’s going on with inflation but double in pricing is pretty wild. I wanted a pair but for 2k I will be divorced. I don’t want to be divorced Carl. I want the boots. Please talk to the owner.

[@amanasd26]

His prices were way too low for the time spent on them, so they were improperly priced in the 1st place. Also cost of materials impacts things as well.

[@A_Man_Of_Culture_]

I ordered mine the same day I watched your original video on them and I still haven't received them. I've exchanged emails many times with him and there are still several people in front of me before I will get mine 3 years later. I'm sure they will be fantastic but waiting 3 entire years for boots has soured my experience so bad I doubt I will even want to wear them

[@renkylo2179]

3 years? can you guaranty you will be alive tomorrow

[@daianspahava8279]

Honestly they just look better and better and the look of them I would wear them but unfortunately the price isn’t for me personally but I can appreciate the fact that it’s made by hand and by one man and is limited to very few numbers Also Carl would you mind doing a episode on Reacher from the Amazon prime series especially since he wears the red wing iron rangers in their mule skinner colorway and his style especially his olive pants and black t shirt are a great outfit and your review of him especially in the New York scene and him wearing his outfits and what makes him badass

[@benvieira3895]

I see Carl Murawski in my feed and I click

[@MDRFoto]

While the boots are beautiful, doubling in price in 3 years is ridiculous. I understand the difference between a $300 and a $900 boot and definitely think it's worth it. But the difference in price on the same boot in 3 years is absolutely insane, even with the current rate of inflation.

[@johnready630]

Good advice Carl , I know Nicks and Whites and the 1 pair of Viberg I got on sale are plenty good for me and as far as I need or want to go in a well made boot. Didn't pay your electric bill ? 😁

[@arthurbarrios888]

I’ve got some role clubs that were over 1500, they sit on the shelf because putting them on and off is a work out 😢. I like and prefer my 6-800 range boots

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

EVERYTHING has doubled in price in the last 3 years! 😆

[@johnwen8810]

I totally agree that the "sweet spot" for boots, that combine functionality, durability and style, to give you the best-value-for-the-money, are those priced in the $500-700 range. These boots, for me, are more man-constructed than truly man-made. For those boots priced higher, I think you are paying for the intangibles, ie bootmaking as an art medium...lol. so then what is fair value for a piece of art? It is whatever people are willing to pay to own it. And with a 3 year wait at $1800 a pop, there are clearly enough people who think this price is right.... .

[@Calleditaday]

Filming by candlelight, brave choice.

[@TommySG1]

Nice boot…. Of course. Personally for me though the Nick’s / White’s platform is the highest tier I’ll personally go and honestly even that’s a stretch but I do own both. The 900 you paid is understandable even for this craftsmanship but 1800 is in ‘Bazaro World’ lol 😂

[@GammaBlack]

I like the structured toe box

[@enjoybendlife]

I own several great boots, but $1850 and a four year wait pushes the Kreosote boots into a category beyond high-end. I own two pairs of Wesco Boots, and even their two-year wait list is preventing me from ordering from them again. It sounds like a good business model for Kreosote, but the demographic of buyers couldn’t be any narrower.

[@CiroMastino]

The perfect boots

[@rogeliorodriguez1533]

I think I'd rather have a few pair of Nicks adjusted to inflation they'll be a good value in a few years. These are a boutique item, high end but rugged. I really want to know what that heel counter design feels like I bet it provides good rigid support

[@cullinmccartie5409]

I definitely wish I would of pull the trigger back when they were 900 and I didn’t have to wait three years, I hope that even if they stay the same price that wait time will come down a bit and I can make my order but that’s probably wishful thinking. I am however Thinking of going with some of the smaller up-and-coming brands as my first made to order boots I have high end boots like Trumans and John Lofgren’s but nothing that I have to pay that amount for and still wait months if not years.

[@BraveProgramZ]

Yup, probably going to order some at double the price with a 3-4 year wait lol

[@superspeederbooster]

that right angle toe is sooo pretty 😍

[@jonathandowney9]

You definitely feel it when you see them.

[@amanasd26]

do you own a pair?

[@jonathandowney9]

@@amanasd26 God I wish! But I have seen them haha

[@amanasd26]

@@jonathandowney9 Still waiting on mine, but he's making mine as we speak

[@rpow6861]

they look incredible tho

[@billystpaul8907]

I am sure they are a great boot.. but, 3 years..? I would go all in on a pair of Viberg's.. Might be just as good wit hout the wait,,, Thanks for the review Carl...

[@df540148]

Oh yeah, these are grail boots no doubt. But, the wait and price at this point are pretty obscene. Until Gabbard hires a couple guys and can bring down waits to 6 months max, I don't see myself dipping in to these.

[@rpow6861]

36 months!!!!!!!!!!!!! wow!!

[@TommySG1]

PS ~ Carl, I ordered my Nick’s Urban Loggers in a black roughout ‘Quick Ship’ back on November 20th, I just gave them a call last week and they told me they’ll be shipped ‘around’ 6 more weeks from now. The wait time seems longer than it stated on a ‘Quick Ship’ ahah! Have you heard about this kind of lead times? Thanks in advance, dig your feeds man 🤙

[@corneliuscrewe677]

That’s getting up around the ship time I had when I bought my Builder Pros 2 years ago, and that was the normal shipping.

[@joeyvonny5146]

What are your thoughts on Danner boots? Specifically the new Danner x Huckberry boots

[@Manlopsan2]

Hey Carl, have you ever tried out any Spanish boots? For example: Sandra boots, Panama Jack, Chiruca… Love your content

[@CarlMurawski]

I havent had the pleasure of trying those brands, but a lot of boots come from a factory in Spain called Hugal. They tend to make a lot of the boots for brands to white label as their own.

[@Manlopsan2]

@@CarlMurawski I didn’t know that! Always learning in this channel

[@BennyOcean]

They're amazing boots if you can afford them and don't mind the wait. The problem is that they're too nice to actually wear. They would end up for most people not actually being worn, you'd just buy them to have them, like a prized luxury watch that spends its whole life in a drawer. Watch collectors use the term "safe queen" for that kind of investment watch. These boots are a "safe queen" more than something that a normal person would actually wear.

[@111111111Tiger]

2000 bucks for any pair of boots is insane crazy.

[@mattno8074]

Are the uppers machine stitched?

[@seanclark5670]

Love thoses but it's 42 months out is it worth the wait alot can happen in 42 months

[@henryhartley9993]

Nice boots, you can see why they're the price they are with the amount of labour that goes into them....

[@thevtadventure1062]

Yeah I don’t know...

[@Vinniev007]

What about resole or repairs ?

[@davidingles6265]

Man, they're really cool, and the construction looks great, but I could never justify 1800+ for a pair of boots. That's just not sensible anymore. That's two months of my rent. If someone put 1800 dollars in my hand, it would alter the course of my life.

[@jsanc316]

Wish I could have afforded these at $900 or even after that. Said I'd get them after completing my phd program but idk if I can swallow $1850 lol amazing boots tho

[@60ri52]

what leather type is this? can it be found on any other boots

[@phraktl]

It's Horween Chromexcel

[@joem.7621]

Dark Murawski.

[@The_Irish_Fox]

my question is what kind of shirt are you wearing?

[@gabepaz2640]

Carl I’m watching you through KZbin on my tv and I can’t see you. It’s dark dark

[@CarlMurawski]

It is dark! That’s intentional though, I really don’t like bright and colorful. I prefer dark and textured.

[@allrequiredfields]

What happened to Kreosote? The IG page is gone.

[@KurniadiPrathomo-sp5zd]

Beautiful boots, but well Wesco and White's are already more than enough.

[@Solerf1]

For me there's no reasons to go north of $450 (Grant stone or Parkhurst). Whites or Nick's if, and only if you really need to hard work in them. Luxury materials like shell maybe but then the cost/benefits go away

[@czarcitizen6881]

No offense to JD Gabbard, but for that new price I would buy John Lofgren instead.

[@CarlMurawski]

To each their own! The two boots are quite differently made, but in a world as big as this there is a boot for every foot!

[@frankgonzalez3822]

36 month wait is too long for myself , regardless of the price or style.

[@Lucifaar]

I'm willing to spend 500 on a boot, but 1800 is too much for how little of a return you get on them. Why would I spend that much when I could spend nearly a third the price on some nicks and they'll be just as good?

[@CarlMurawski]

Totally different boots man. Different construction methods, and you're paying for a completely bespoke process with Kreosote. That being said, for most people the cost isnt justified at all and I agree with you. A good pair of Nicks with the custom fit option is plenty for 95% of people.

[@danielirvine7468]

These age well

[@rwolfhaus1234]

Not following the math. This super highly skilled maker produces say 35 boots a year (let's call it 40) at say avg $2100 w/ now a 44 month waiting list. That's $84K gross minus taxes, expenses and materials. Maybe if a part time gig, but the 70 to 90 hours per boot indicate this is full time. How is this sustainable?

[@CarlMurawski]

It's not. I know his expenses and cost of living are super low, and I expect to see some kind of shift in the coming years. Another thing to keep in mind is that Gabbard had a whole career before starting Kreosote, so I think he's doing what he loves now that he's in his 50's and not necessarily worried about the longevity of the business.

[@baberoot1998]

I want to ask him to make me a pair...(but deep down inside...I hope he says no)...lol.

[@kristianpeterson2571]

This uh....This video is for people in a higher tax bracket. I'm an out of work actor, so for now I'll stick with my Thursday Boots, Vanguard Indigo's. I don't doubt the "value" of the $1,800 boots. Trust me. I have tons of instagram pics saved of these beauties. It's just a pipe dream for most of us out here.

[@momsberettas9576]

I will buy them when they are $800 again.

[@amanasd26]

So never? prices will not come down unless you find a pre-owned(unlikely) version.

[@TooTallDesk]

Idk how far those Alden Indy's will really go... Rose Anvil (and others) got me thinking they don't compete with the other listings at that $600 price.

[@crownhandle]

Hey, why are you sittin in the dark? Good video though, thanks.

[@Davidtime]

Wait time is…. 3 years?! Lol

[@amanasd26]

yup he's one guy hand welting boots.

[@hipolithipolitowski8643]

Jesteś z Polski?

[@CarlMurawski]

pozdrowienia ze Stanów Zjednoczonych!

[@hipolithipolitowski8643]

@@CarlMurawski Dzięki wielkie. Nagraj po polsku jakiś filmik w tematyce Twojego kanału. O odzieży z USA, i innych produktach. Pozdro!

[@CarlMurawski]

@@hipolithipolitowski8643 Nie mówię po polsku na tyle dobrze, żeby nagrać wideo!

[@hipolithipolitowski8643]

@@CarlMurawski Ok, rozumiem.

[@louisdebenedictis2584]

So I would like to meet this man and speak face to face with him. Travel is not an issue for me. I would more importantly would like very have the gentleman measured my feet. please let me know what you think about this idea? respectfully Louie

[@thesheepthemightythecrazy]

Once a pair of footwear gets past 300 for me it becomes like those super expensive handbags that girls buy. So, I will 1000% pass on this kind of boots. Mongrel boots from Australia is really good.

[@rossgerace9143]

I think you walk so much faster because your wallet is so much lighter.

[@retiredgoon512]

$1850…….that’s ok 3 year wait…..I’ll pass

[@CarlMurawski]

Thats the straw that breaks the camels back for most. Its a loooooong time.

[@stevie9361]

He isn't gonna turn anyone away. Don't be such a fool. Might as well tell people "don't buy my boot".

[@jesusverdugo2537]

Amy carhartt content coming soon?

[@CarlMurawski]

Only if they have a cool new product worth covering

[@pixxburgh420]

Amy carhartt passed away im sorry to tell you, she had a flannel attack, and unfortunately didn't stand a chance. Casket will be closed, and no viewing, but the family asks you send some kreosote boots to me in lieu of flowers, thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

[@kartikchary]

@@pixxburgh420 😂😂😂😂 lmfao

[@straycatkid]

I don’t come here to *not* watch you toss your hat onto the hanger.

[@michaelshearer3559]

That's absurd, no matter how you want to rationalize it. The cost, and the lead time. There are entirely too many other great alternatives, and this coming form a guy who spends way too much on all things gear and clothing.

[@donaldbean6291]

Crap I thought they where a resolded iron ranger

[@The_Zilli]

beaut of boots but not worth it. Sorry, just under 2k is a bit much especially when you can probably just get a pair of boots customized entirely for less.

[@m3rkaba86]

Go, watch Rose anvil's latest video on the Alden Indies. They were probably the worst boots I have ever seen.