Mel Compo

Mel Compo is a writer, editor, and general word-geek from Brooklyn, New York. When they’re not writing about the finer side of men’s footwear they can be found lurking around the streets, trains, and museums of NYC, ostensibly doing something urgent but actually just looking around for menswear style inspiration.

The 8 Best Boot Soles You Should Know About

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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

Does It Matter If Your Leather Conditioner Has Petroleum?

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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

The Pros and Cons of Kangaroo Leather

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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

Nubuck Vs Suede – What’s the Difference?

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To start, let’s be clear: both suede and nubuck are types of leather. We don’t blame you if you’re confused — suede and nubuck have a totally different texture than what you typically picture when you think “leather.” Leather is what you get when you take an animal hide and tan it to produce the … Read more

Vegetable Tanning Vs. Chrome Tanning Vs Oil Tanning Vs Combination Tanning Leather: What’s Best For Your Boots?

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When we talk about tanning leather, we don’t mean leaving it out on the beach to get browned in the sun. Tanning is the process of turning an animal hide or skin into durable, usable leather. Once the animal skin has been stripped of its fur and degreased, the water needs to be processed out … Read more