Mel CompoSo, you’re serious about boots. You’re looking for the highest quality, the ones that will really last, and it’s got you asking the real questions like, “I want these boots to last ten years, will I be able to resole them?” We get it, and is resoleability (a word we’re choosing to believe exists) is … Read more
You probably already know that leather is made from hide, and that not all leather is created equal. The same is true here. Both roughout and suede are leather — they’ve been sanded to create a velvety texture, rather than the typical leather smoothness, but there are critical differences between the two. So what’s better: … Read more
Leather, suede, and nubuck: the three pillars of the quality boot world. Chances are, if you’re considering quality boots, they’re made of one of these three materials. But which is right for you? There’s a lot to consider when comparing leather vs suede vs nubuck: how hard you want to wear it, how much you’d … Read more
Everyone knows that a great boot starts with great leather. But where does that leather come from? It starts with the expertise of the tannery, where raw hides are transformed into the highest quality leather through the alchemy of the tanning process. There are countless of tanneries out there — really, we’ve reviewed everything from … Read more
Even if you’re not a leather aficionado, there’s a good chance you’ve already heard of shell cordovan. And if you have, there’s also a good chance you’ve wondered, “Why is this type of leather so darn expensive?” Named in part for the city of Cordoba, Spain where it was first produced in the seventh century … Read more
Break-in pain is the ultimate paradox of new boots. One day they’ll fit like a dream, but for now the elements you love, like the stiff, high-quality leather and the thickness of the sole, can make you dread wearing them. But never fear — we’ve compiled the ultimate collection of tips and tricks to make … Read more
What exactly is a boot shank? Simply put, the shank is a load-bearing piece of steel (or another hard, flexible material) that is sandwiched between the insole and the outsole of your shoe. It usually sits between the ball and heel of your foot, under the arch. You can’t see it, but it’s there to … Read more
If you’re dropping real money on your boots, you want to be sure that you’ve got the best from the sole up; we’ve got this quick and handy guide so you’re ready when the rubber (or leather, or cork) hits the road. 1. Leather Soles Usually considered the dressiest of all soles, it’s also the … Read more
If you’ve already invested in a pair of quality leather boots, you probably know how important leather conditioner is. A good conditioner will do a lot for you: smooth out small scratches and imperfections, soften and add suppleness, protect from salt and dirt, degrease and clean the surface, and revitalize the luster of the leather … Read more
Quick, where does your leather come from? Cow, calf, or sheep, usually, but there’s another option that you need to know: kangaroo. Kangaroo leather, also sometimes called K-leather, is what most people would call an exotic leather, though that term typically brings to mind rare and exalted animals. In truth, kangaroos are to Australia like … Read more