UNMARKED: A 4-Foot Review of Mexico's Luxury Casual Boot

[@BB-gl7zt]

Happy this brand exists as an alternative to Viberg for the cost conscious boot consumer.

[@SaltShack]

Heading to their website now. Thanks for another great video. You need to do a video about the maximum number of boots an individual over 50 should own and get them all broken in before death. I think I’m approaching that number.

[@1mooseman]

I have had their green waxed suede hiking boots (the Yulka) for a few years now. The leather is from LeFarc and is very high quality with a nice soft leather lining. Nice thick midsole. And the cleanest stitching i have ever seen on a boot. Unmarked is a hidden gem. Glad someone is finally doing a video on them. Well done sir.

[@auggieheschmeyer7333]

Shoutout the Freenote RJ-2. That jacket is gorgeous.

[@df540148]

Great to see a video review. I love their patterns but just haven't read or seen any on person reviews. Did get to see some in person at a vintage store in CDMX last year but never tried any on. Really dig the ropers and cowboy boots.

[@simonmandrakejones]

I bought a pair of Unmarked boots a few years back. The QC wasn't good and that burned me on the brand.

[@frankvillatoro2331]

I bought some DB Hunters in Black Chromexel back in 2021. They LOOK great at first, but they had bad grain break on the shaft, and although it was Horween black chromexel, the leather was noticeably much thinner than the White's MP, and the heel stacks had deep cracking. I ended up giving them for my dad. I think they are a great value for the price back then - under $400- but definitely not up to par with my PNW and Japanese made boots. Customer service was AMAZING though!

[@Brajin1]

Cool video. One thing to call out is Viberg is machine lasted and machine stitched. That probably allows them to have tighter controls/reduce variation.

[@Stridewise]

yeah what's funny is viberg sell their boots as hand lasted but they're not, i've got a new viberg video coming out some time soon that addresses it

[@Brajin1]

@@Stridewise looking fwd to seeing it. Honestly I don’t think there is anything wrong with Viberg using more automated processes. The quality is good and they have stock available. If you’re going to spend $800 bucks, at least get your boots fast lol.

[@shawndevlin3286]

Ordered a pair of hunters in black with the white stich down, I received total black, returned for the proper ones. They fit true to brannock size. Hopefully I get the proper ones, long way from Canada. These are my first pair of stich-down boots, the wrong ones looked very good and for a second there I wasn't going to return them for it being a hassle, but they were very sorry and paid for the return shipping, great CS. I live outside of Vancouver and Viberg is on the Island, one very expensive ferry ride to buy over priced boots[I HAVE A PAIR]. Once I get the correct ones and wear them a bit, I'll give some more input for you guys who want to try them out.

[@916beats]

I have the DB Hunter in Olive Suede - excellent value @ $390. The first 3 wears were pretty brutal from all of that leather, but since then it's been smooth sailing. Thanks for reviewing something other than PNW boots. I suggest Grenson Brady boots next!

[@groovygannon]

Great anothe tab I have to have open in my browser while I price out all boots.

[@jgb0017]

I have two pairs of Unmarked boots-one Archie and one MTO in kangaroo with their toe bug. I’ve owned them for two or so years. They’re great boots. I often wear my kangaroos when I have to take down trees behind the house (no, not massive trees) because they’re tough.

[@Dan-lq6dg]

My 5-year old Leon-made Thursday Captain boots have held up great. Recently had them resoled

[@oliverross8633]

Definitely keen to get a pair of these down the line! It'd be awesome if there were a few more sizing options for the hunter cap toe, I think I'd need a US 6 so I guess I'd be using their custom boot option

[@gaylongraham077]

Wanted - build quality and leather thickness of Vibergs with the anatomical shape of barefoot boots. Zero drop with an 8 to 10mm thick vibram soft cristy sole, possibly in a flexible but durable Kudu cinnamon leather. Brass eyelets and stretch laces for easy on-off. All blacked out version and a Loden version with a medium brown cristy sole. Maybe from you Viberg or Truman would listen - I think there's a market for PNW durability in the barefoot boot space. Flexible durable leathers like Kudu and Bison can help bridge that gap. Jim Green is close but lacks the QC refinement to match a near Viberg asking price.

[@josephteifer9714]

I ordered the DB HUNTER CAP TOE FULL BROWN CXL in 8.5 Eur E/US D. I am an 8.5D on the brannock device. I wear an 8D in both Grant Stone and Parkhurst. I wear an 8.5D in Oak Street Boots. They all fit comfortably. Unfortunately, the Unmarked boots are not an Eur E/US D. They really are tight. Their return policy (it is stated on their site) is expensive in that shipping back to Mexico is according to them about $120. My message is, communicate with them before buying. Returns are not pretty and for the price I will stick with Grant Stone, Parkhurst, and Oak Street.

[@Gentleni]

I was literally about to buy GS Navy but a Navy CAP TOE 😊

[@davecarr5892]

I have two pairs of their Chelsea boots. One in rough out and one in brown bull shoulder. They are exceptionally well made and fit my foot perfectly. Highly recommended them

[@Stridewise]

roughout chelseas are so good

[@bladerealm124]

How do they compare in size and fit to your Thursday Captains? (if you own those)

[@MahBok78]

I do like what I see. But I have 4 pair of derby boots. I need more oxford & non lace boots.

[@thec.tysonsynopsis7280]

I have a pair of Unmarked Archie monkey boots, I'd still go a half size down. I'm a true 9.5D, but got a 9D in Unmarked, and they were still a little big so I had to get another insole.. I'd suggest going 0.5 sizes down from your sneaker size.

[@MahBok78]

Even if I could afford a pair of viberg SBs (Which I most definitely can't) even their smallest size would be too wide. I might want the all navy one of these. & speaking of the Cromexel lottery, I have noticed my new Thursday Vanguards crease differently @ the flex points of my feet than my Captains. & I thought the only difference would be the colors.

[@danshakuimo]

"For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of Viberg" -Nick 2:13

[@Stridewise]

more esoteric religious references on the channel please

[@TheRaizerx]

Definitely worth it BUT... why buy these new when you can buy almost new, hardly used Vibergs for $500-$600 2nd hand? And even if these vibergs are "used", the clientele for vibergs are not doing anything hard with them. They like the idea of hardy good looking boots, selvedge denim, Filson/Dehen outerwear etc. to sit in their air-conditioned offices. I suspect they get troubled having to use their vibergs in rainy weather i.e. it is meant for this type of use, but the did I condition the leather the previous night? Will the water spots remain? etc.

[@Stridewise]

yeah i don't know about comparing every product new to the price of other products second hand. i get your point but it feels apples orangey to me

[@TheRaizerx]

@@Stridewise I didn’t intend to detract from the merits of Unmarked boots but admittedly did. $500 isn’t or shouldn’t be spent in a vacuum. But, I cannot ever recall seeing a navy cxl boot from viberg, whites, Truman etc. and suspect if such a thing existed, it would sell for an absolute premium.

[@Cuthloch]

@@TheRaizerx Whites has run navy cxl mto multiple times through Baker's and maybe also through their website. Truman's had a navy cxl roughout a few times as well for a bit cheaper than this, 450 I believe.

[@TheRaizerx]

Hah, had no idea. Thanks!

[@bradfrench8762]

How does it compare to the diesel boot?

[@Stridewise]

heavier and more casual, less 'smart casual'. also the construction is different (GYW vs stitchdown)

[@hectorb3960]

How do they compare quality wise to Truman’s?

[@bladerealm124]

How do these compare in size and fit to your Thursday Captains and Beckett Simonon boots? I'm just over a 9.5D brannock but 9.5D fits me perfectly in Captains (the OG last was a bit tight on my pinky toe, the Nirvana last had plenty of room, and the new kingmaker last is perfect). I'm a 9.5 in Parkhurst and a 10 in Beckett Simonon. Should I go 9.5 or 10 in Unmarked?

[@bonecollector1968]

Gotta go brannock size. True to size all day. I have the Archie. They are definitely good boots. Compared to Viberg though, tough one. Viberg service boot 10- Unmarked Archie 8. Price definitely reflects the quality.

[@Jay-rd6fe]

idk man went to their website and this boot is 490 dollar that is kinda expensive for mexican made when for 50 more u got some nicks wich is such a shame cus not ganna lie these look amazing

[@M1_u]

If you had to choose these unmarked boots or sagara boots which one would you rather get?

[@lgroves336]

I like the Navy configuration you are showing. They do not have this configuration available on their website.(in CXL) I was going to order a pair of these. Looking at the comments it seems like a hit or miss. Nicks, here i come again. They have some Navy and Cobalt.

[@Stridewise]

they do it's in the description! here www.unmarked.mx/es/products/db-hunter-cap-toe-navy-1?ktk=YnJHczhNLTJkZjBlMWNmYzhm

[@lgroves336]

@@Stridewise Thank you! I was looking for CXL in the header.

[@octapied]

Quality control and customer service is not good... Boots take over 65 days (15-30 days promised) to arrive with no communication and when they do arrive they have bad stitching and substituted soles (supposed to be Vibram) On top of it they are very prickly when dealing with CS/QC issues that are clearly their fault. Love Stridewise!!

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

Your opinion of them is definitely in the minority from what I’ve seen. Vast majority of people that have them speak highly of the boots and the customer service.

[@strengthandbulkMadness]

Why not buy the Dayton/Wohlford Parade Boot Brogue for almost half the price?

[@Stridewise]

why all the pearls? why all the hair? why anything?

[@strengthandbulkMadness]

@@Stridewisehaha, Looks like an amazing boot but it’s at a price where if you spend a little more….

[@TR_1923]

Unfortunately it's one more company who doesn't make wide boots. EE isn't really all that wide. A few PNW companies are pretty much the only options I've been able to find.

[@UranTCG]

Mind saying where you got your pants in this video? Are they just F&T 365 pants? Oh, specifically @ 1:25 and the beginning of the intro and in the rest of the shots with the green boots. They look like cayote duck canvas or something?

[@Stridewise]

no those are actually tanuki's yoroi pants, discontinued! i just sold them and am replacing with Freenote's tan Worker's Chino which seems similar. naked and famous's raw canvas pants also very similar if you can find em!

[@UranTCG]

@@Stridewise Ah I was specifically interested by the patch/fatigue pocket and textured look. But thank you for responding!

[@orlog3343]

Their boots look nice and different without looking weird. The time from order to being made and sent is super fast - like 2 weeks. But unfortunately their quality control is horrible. At least in my experience. Exposed and smelly glue on the insole, some marks from the welt machine, and worst of all the entire heel stack was clearly crunched and crinkled like the layers were fused together. Gently pushing it with a finger revealed that it was tearing apart somehow. Got on sale for like $300 and no solution since it was a sale item. For a shoe that is made for ordering to have the heels entirely loose and coming off immediately it’s just unacceptable

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

I’m calling BS

[@nateeaton1]

Do these boots have a true cap toe? Again, it seems like I’m the only one who bothers to ask this question, but it matters. I wouldn’t want to buy cap toe boot missing a true cap over the toe.

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

Why? “True” cap toes were a design feature that were used before the invention of steel toes in order to add extra protection to work boots. Obviously they added bulk to a boot. These boots are not work boots. It’s purely an aesthetic design choice.

[@nateeaton1]

@@whereRbearsTeeth I want that second layer of leather a true toe cap provides for protection. Why want something on a boot that has zero utility, that is just there for looks? To each their own, but it’s not for me.

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

@@nateeaton1 So get a boot with a steel toe…. I’m not really understanding your angle here. It makes zero sense to say that you want a true cap toe because your concern is protection for your feet (as opposed to aesthetics) when a steel toe boot offers far better protection. People buy cap toe boots for aesthetics, not the original purpose of protection. It’s not 1925 any more. Materials have improved. There’s a reason you’re the only one asking this question. Most people understand the obvious.

[@nateeaton1]

@@whereRbearsTeeth Steel toe boots are uncomfortable IMO, whereas a true toe cap boot, especially one with an unstructured toe, offers a little extra protection that could mean the difference between a punctured toe and a minor bruise. If I want one layer of leather over the toes, then I’ll get a plain toe boot. If I want a cap toe boot, then I’ll go with Red Wing Iron Ranger or Nicks Americana (or another brand that makes a true cap toe boot). It’s not a difficult choice for me.

[@TheRealNebari]

ID on the pants and jacket though?

[@Highland_Paddy]

But my brannock IS half size down from most my shoes, so this has been driving me crazy all week and already had to return a batch of boots from three different companies in a row now after sizing down with them gave me WAY TOO SMALL and the one company was supposed to be True-to-Size and also then said it sounds like I need to go half size UP next time. But here's another brand I can put in the MAYBE NEXT YEAR category, I guess.

[@Highland_Paddy]

I don't like chromexel as much as I'm supposed to and too much wonky stuff is annoying, so hopefully if the price goes up next year, the QC improves, too.

[@Highland_Paddy]

But you're not comparing these to Grant Stone, which I thought would be the obvious route, that which cost about the same but have less QC issues but I'm still wrestling with find the proper fit and don't know if I want to pay the Canadian toll and such to get the Vibrergs right now, either. Also crossed their heavy duty off the list until further notice because don't need five pairs of heavy duty any time soon.

[@Angel-AbC9]

I like the video but I need to know where do they stand against grant stone diesel and Truman rambler or other model . Then will I know to go buy or not so hopefully there's a comparison coming .

[@Highland_Paddy]

Truman will definitely have thicker and prettier leather than just about anybody.

[@Highland_Paddy]

He's saying they're automatically "better" than Grant Stone, I'd assume. [Except the QC issues may negate this claim?]

[@cheekibreeki9155]

What none of you know is that Viberg hires a first nations certified witchdoctor to perform the sacred ritual dance of quality hides and bountiful leather before every clicking session. Sometimes it fails.

[@alanward4671]

I'm absolutely not a boot guy (partly through lack of knowledge and partly because I went vegetarian a while back and took myself right out of the running) but I respect the knowledge and commitment. However, I also know folk who have become so obsessed over turntables that they don't even enjoy music anymore, just have their ears cocked listening for the tiniest imperfections in sound. Maybe better to just enjoy kicking around in great boots that fall just a little short of the absolute apex.

[@Stridewise]

ever since i made my own boots i quite like irregularities and wonkiness in my boots - at least, so long as they aren't super expensive

[@kennethkovacik4850]

I’m a 12 in iron rangers…so should I go up to a 12.5 or 13 for these??

[@Stridewise]

12.5

[@kennethkovacik4850]

@@Stridewise thanks!

[@kennethkovacik4850]

@@Stridewise I just ordered this boot in 12.5 D width. I also chatted with the help person, I ordered my cap toe boots in that light cream OIL VEG TAN leather!! So what custom configuration! Same price…actually used a coupon for $20 off!! $470 shipped. Can’t wait to see this DB Cap Toe in the creamy VEG TAN OIL leather!!

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

@@kennethkovacik4850you overpaid. They’re 20% off now

[@DalesLeatherworks]

Unmarked makes a great service boot but they do run small so beware!!!

[@TuneinR]

Mr boots!

[@thomashardy1851]

Not seeing why this is better than Parkhurst.

[@BB-gl7zt]

In what way

[@thomashardy1851]

@@BB-gl7zt The clicking is not good, the leather looks thinner, and the back stay is ugly, also their boot shaft is too long imo.

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

@@thomashardy1851you’re clueless

[@keithnorman6468]

Rather have Grant Stone or second hand Viberg. Unmarked’s patterns are kind of ugly too.

[@Stridewise]

what don't you like about these?

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

So is your face.

[@ajatkotwal]

U have to chill with the click bait. They are nowhere near vibergs. They are middle of the road thhin leather boots. You can even see how badly they crease in the video. I have a pair of unmarkeds and they are not even better than Grant Stone or OSB...

[@Stridewise]

well yeah i think i spend a lot of the video saying they aren't better than viberg

[@davecarr5892]

They are better than my Grant Stones for sure but I acknowledge it could be the way my foot fits in them. As far as thick or thin, I think you’re off base the leather on both of my Unmarked boots is quite thick. One is Toro Bull shoulder and the other is a natural rough out

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

@@Stridewise​​⁠​​⁠That’s the whole point. That’s why it’s clickbait. The thumbnail hints that they are viberg quality boots, then throughout the actual video you admit that they aren’t. This is the definition of clickbait. It’s fine if that’s what you want to do, but at least just be honest about it. It is quite obvious, after all.

[@Angel-AbC9]

Wow wow a slap in the face for viberg . You use these unmarked in the same breath as viberg lol The better test is putting these up against grant stone diesel boots , Truman boots , whites maybe ect.

[@Stridewise]

I mean the video concludes that they *aren't* a substitute for Viberg

[@Angel-AbC9]

@@Stridewise video made it like it was a close race lol

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

@@Angel-AbC9it’s called “clickbait.” This channel is known for it.

[@Angel-AbC9]

@whereRbearsTeeth lol yes

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

Better than GS?

[@bonecollector1968]

Not better than GS . GS has better QC, plus better customer service. I do however like my bison shoulder Archie boots though.

[@stephenbaron5681]

They look like very nice boot s and I would rather support Mexican under paid workers then Grant Stone (they are not the problem ) unfortunately China is a big problem and I could never buy their boots.

[@StolenAlias]

If you approach things with that mentality then you might as well stop driving the car you drive because of the materials it uses, stop using gas, stop shopping at the convenient big stores, and stop eating food with ingredients that weren’t made here. Maybe all that doesn’t apply to you but all I’m saying is that you’re never gonna be able to control if your money goes to a bad government or you indirectly supporting companies that use lower wage workers. You’re just limiting yourself in idiotic ways. With GS you’re supporting a good brand that makes amazing products by well paid skilled workers.

[@stephenbaron5681]

@@StolenAlias unfortunately there are some things purchase items that you can’t control, but went possible I choose to support America first and other countries Mexico that are not trying to destroy our country which China most certainly wants to, just look at the support they provide Russia.

[@StolenAlias]

@@stephenbaron5681 and look at the support we give Israel, what’s your point? Anyways, it’s just boots man, it’s not that deep.

[@stephenbaron5681]

Based on your misguided response, shallow is where you belong, stay out of the deep end of the pool.

[@neo7759]

Anything and everything made in Latin America is made using the cheapest material available and many corners are cut in the process by unskilled workers. I am from Venezuela and lived in Latin America most of my life and would never buy any quality items made in Mexico.

[@strengthandbulkMadness]

Colombia makes good clothing from what I seen there.

[@neo7759]

@@strengthandbulkMadness That is true, I forgot about Colombia. They make some amazing boots

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

You’re clueless

[@neo7759]

@@whereRbearsTeeth Actually I would say you're clueless. Why don't you go ahead and list one company or one product that is manufactured in Latin America and known for being quality and a solid brand. I will wait.......

[@neo7759]

@@whereRbearsTeeth Come on let's hear about all these amazing Latin american brands and manufacturing companies 🤣🤣

[@TuneinR]

Mr boots!