Leo is one of the most comfortable lasts for me. And GS us one of my top 3 favourite brands , solid bang for the buck. Especially their B grades which are brilliant. I have multiple pairs from GS and pretty much enjoy all of them.
Very thourgh and informative rundown. Thank you for all that info. I am on the cusp of ordering a pair of GS boots. My hold out is that I am all over the place with sizing on my other GYW boots and I don't want to get the wrong size.
If you think Diesel’s are heavy, try the Brass Boot. They’re over 2 pounds 😅 Your take on GS’s being tanks, stiff and needing tight lacing is spot on. You have to cinch the lacing tight all the way up and let the leather yield to your instep. I own an Edward in Color 8 and wore them with a navy and grey suit everyday. They broke in beautifully. The weight is still there. Not like kicking around in my Higgins Mills. But I still prefer the heftier leather and solid build construction of GS. Really enjoy the great detail and pacing of your review videos. Exceptional!!
I have the same 2 pairs of Grant Stone boots as shown & discussed in this video, the Edward & Diesel boots in Natural Minerva & Navy CXL respectively. My GS Field boots are in dark burgundy Kudu. I ordered the Edward first, 1/2 size down from my Brannock size and they pinched in the toes, had to exchange for 1/2 size larger, my true Brannock. I ordered the Field boots next in my true Brannock but they were significantly loose. I could not exchange them since they were purchased as a B Grade but they fit well using a foam insole and thick socks. The Kudu leather was soft & supple. It's odd that you found them stiffer than CXL. I have had no difficulty or discomfort breaking in any of them, although that's still ongoing. In conclusion, FWIW the GS Floyd last (Field, Brass boots) is considerably more roomy than their Leo last (Edward & Diesel) and it was a mistake to assume that I needed the same size in each type. I purchased both the Field and Diesel boots as B grade and it is virtually impossible to identify any defects in either. GS B Grades are superb value at around $240/pr., just make sure you know your correct sizing as they are final sale.
My brown CXL Diesels are super broken in and I have no heel slip. They are my best all day, 20,000 step a day boots. I have a new pair of Vibergs that may beat them, once they break in, but GS is incredible value. I think the all leather construction just takes time. Totally worth it. The only GS product that I have that is resisting break in is the tan calf cap toe boot. That is a stern leather. My saddle tan Diesels broke in very well. The forest kudu cap toe can pinch my toes but I have that issue with most cap toes. I just think it’s a pinch point for me.
@@chalkboardshoes no, they call it Crimson, but I believe that is just Horween Brown CXL. I have a couple things in natty CXL and I just don’t find it to be a very versatile color. Whereas I can hike in mine and brush them off and go to a nice dinner.
Totally agree with the heel slip, I have the black cxl with leather outsoles. i really have to have them snug. If it's too loose my foot shakes around and if too tight it's just uncomfy
How many times did u wear your Minerva boots? I'm from Poland, bought some polish boots with thick, veg-tan leather and it took like 150-250km for them to break in and finally by at least not intusive. They are still hard, but leather has formed to my foot and they do not rub. I think u just need to wear your minerva GS boots more, they still look new!
I think I wore them 8 times as of making this video. I had a pair of British C&J dress shoes that I believe were made from pure veg tan leather. They took probably 30 wears to start feeling softer. I think you're right that I need to wear them a lot more.
@@chalkboardshoes I'm sure of it :) You are in this stage, where u wore them for some time and they still feel pretty bad, so It's understanble that frustration creeps in. But It's all leather, they will form :) Maybe try some non-slip insole from some kind of textile material to limit heel slippage. That might help a lot.
I'm surprised you found the Kudu tougher to break in than CXL. Both the reverse Snuff and Storm Kudus were more supple than CXL to me, although all are quite soft and comfortable, especially compared to GS's calf and Minerva offerings. Only the suede and Kangaroo options are softer in my experience. Haven't tried the bison but I hear that is also very soft.
Good review. For me it all about the last. GS is not best for me. Only boot I need E width to be comfortable. Probably my fault but I can't stop my tan Essex diesels from squeaking in the sole after got them wet.
@@chalkboardshoes I know. Guess all feet are different. Big toe gets pushed in on leo 10D but a 55 lasted Nicks in 10 C is good. I only buy one brand of boot now. Not Nicks.
I want to mention one thing - you said no other manufacturer puts as much leather in the construction as Grant Stone does at this price range. I would argue Parkhurst is comparable, and maybe even better in some regards (e.g. external heel counter cover is actually a cover).
@@whereRbearsTeeth I should've clarified - these are all quite personal, and I didn't mean to say they are objectively better. The biggest thing is that I like the last more feels better on my feet. I think their Chelsea boot is much more versatile than Grant Stone's (I think the Grant Stone is really clunky honestly with such a big opening and a strangely narrow and long last). I like that the edges are neatly rolled, and that the shaft is unlined for breathability. I think Grant Stone's quarters are sewn too close together, which doesn't help my skinny ankles. The Diesel's eyelets are a bit too big for my taste. My Grant Stones's welt is just a bit wider than my Parkhursts, which I'm not a huge fan of. My Parkhursts as a whole have better clicking, but this is probably just luck of the draw because it seems their clicking is quite similar. However, I do prefer Grant Stone's finishing, particularly on the welt joint. I like that Grant Stone has options with a flat welt which I prefer the aesthetic look of. Grant Stone is also just more consistent in stock and leather selection.
I'm willing to bet that Parkhurst would probably feel better on my feet, because I've heard they are less stiff than GS. But I cannot say yet because I have no experience.
@@chalkboardshoes Rose Anvil is doing a collaboration with them, however, I don't know much either. I just bought a pair of Higgins Mills in the light brown suede and the Landons in nubuck. So I won't be making any additional purchases for a while...I do love the Trumans in Olive Wax. Please have a great Sunday!
@@chalkboardshoes That and they just look off to me. Almost flat. I still like them but wish they had just the basic eyelets that come one heritage type boots
Wait you said this video was a sponsored video but then you also said #3 @ 2:13 you said “is this my favorite pair of GS boot you bought so far.” I’m confused. Did you buy these or were they given to you? Not a big deal but I had to play it a few times because I was confused. Thanks in advance!
I like your videos, but there are some biased and incorrect information in this one.. Kudu leather is definitely softer and more supple than CXL leather. I have several kudu shoes/boots, and they are softer and lighter than the CXL, and required no break-in. I'm also not a fan of your and other American vloggers' efforts to idealize the construction of GS boots. It only shows incompetence and activism. The fact that all parts of the shoe are leather does not have to be a sign of a higher quality GS shoe or their construction compared to e.g. AE Higgins mill boots. The manufacturer combines various materials in order to produce a shoe with such features that he knows from experience that his customer demands and appreciates. Not everything is motivated to save on materials. By the way, the leather is heavier and less flexible also due to the fact that the skin of an older animal is used. Such leather is of lower quality and is also cheaper. And GS does not provide such information anywhere. For example, the leathers that GS used for their Edward Natural Minerva or Cap toe British Tan Calf boots are very hard/stiff, inflexible, and even after 1-3 years of wear, they do not soften and are not really comfortable. I wouldn't be surprised if it was a second grade hide from an old animal. In these cases, I don't really care how "quality" the construction of the shoe is. Most of the shoes/boots I have are from Tricker`s, AE, GS, Loake and Sanders, but I have also tried (and returned) boots/shoes from other manufacturers (see below). And it is interesting that boots from Tricker`s and other English manufacturers are mostly lighter than GS, while their construction is just as strong, they are tankers, using the highest quality materials. I feel that you American vloggers only present popular manufacturers with strong marketing, thus limiting yourself to comparing only about 10 American manufacturers (GS, AE, Caswell, Parkhurst, Alden, Nicks, Red Wing, Truman, theoakstreet.., or low-quality Thursdayboot ).. Under this influence, you often spread simplified stories, for example, obsession with the stitch density, all-leather construction, singing the praises of CXL leather, etc. It would not hurt to look, for example, at English or Italian production, and recognize their great tradition and quality. Anyway, thanks for your video reviews and fingers crossed!
Well, I will say that I am a huge fan of British constructed shoes and boots. I have been trying to get my hands on Trickers for a while. I know they are made as well any other company out there. It's just hard to find something in my size that is available for a reasonable price. Having said that, I do have a video in the works on a Trickers model, but we'll see if it happens. I have several videos I'm working on right now. Thanks for watching even if you don't agree with my opinions (I never said my videos are unbiased). :)
The appearance of the last is as important as the comfort. AE is as common as Wolverine 1000 mile, Alden, and GS. There is no excuse for an ugly last when these mass produced companies can do it.
Green, grey, blue all in one boot. What a color!
Leo is one of the most comfortable lasts for me. And GS us one of my top 3 favourite brands , solid bang for the buck. Especially their B grades which are brilliant. I have multiple pairs from GS and pretty much enjoy all of them.
Top notch. I'm glad GS recognized your reviews and sent you these boots.
Thanks Mr. George!
Very thourgh and informative rundown. Thank you for all that info. I am on the cusp of ordering a pair of GS boots. My hold out is that I am all over the place with sizing on my other GYW boots and I don't want to get the wrong size.
If you think Diesel’s are heavy, try the Brass Boot. They’re over 2 pounds 😅
Your take on GS’s being tanks, stiff and needing tight lacing is spot on. You have to cinch the lacing tight all the way up and let the leather yield to your instep.
I own an Edward in Color 8 and wore them with a navy and grey suit everyday. They broke in beautifully. The weight is still there. Not like kicking around in my Higgins Mills. But I still prefer the heftier leather and solid build construction of GS.
Really enjoy the great detail and pacing of your review videos. Exceptional!!
Thank you! I've heard a lot of good things about the brass boots, but I do not own them.
Whites is having a clearance on their whites reserve boots. They're the same dress/casual style. You should check them out, you may really like them.
I've heard good things about Whites. Thanks for letting me know
Bit of advice - if your jeans are not selvedge don’t roll cuff them. Nice shoes thanks for the review
Knows bros call out! Love it. That guy is hilarious
yes, he is
I have the same 2 pairs of Grant Stone boots as shown & discussed in this video, the Edward & Diesel boots in Natural Minerva & Navy CXL respectively. My GS Field boots are in dark burgundy Kudu. I ordered the Edward first, 1/2 size down from my Brannock size and they pinched in the toes, had to exchange for 1/2 size larger, my true Brannock. I ordered the Field boots next in my true Brannock but they were significantly loose. I could not exchange them since they were purchased as a B Grade but they fit well using a foam insole and thick socks. The Kudu leather was soft & supple. It's odd that you found them stiffer than CXL. I have had no difficulty or discomfort breaking in any of them, although that's still ongoing. In conclusion, FWIW the GS Floyd last (Field, Brass boots) is considerably more roomy than their Leo last (Edward & Diesel) and it was a mistake to assume that I needed the same size in each type. I purchased both the Field and Diesel boots as B grade and it is virtually impossible to identify any defects in either. GS B Grades are superb value at around $240/pr., just make sure you know your correct sizing as they are final sale.
It seems most people feel the kudu is soft or similar to cxl, so I'm not sure why my experience is different.
Did you pick up a pair of the new Dark Olive CXL?
My brown CXL Diesels are super broken in and I have no heel slip. They are my best all day, 20,000 step a day boots. I have a new pair of Vibergs that may beat them, once they break in, but GS is incredible value. I think the all leather construction just takes time. Totally worth it.
The only GS product that I have that is resisting break in is the tan calf cap toe boot. That is a stern leather.
My saddle tan Diesels broke in very well. The forest kudu cap toe can pinch my toes but I have that issue with most cap toes. I just think it’s a pinch point for me.
When you say brown, do you mean the natural cxl color?
@@chalkboardshoes no, they call it Crimson, but I believe that is just Horween Brown CXL. I have a couple things in natty CXL and I just don’t find it to be a very versatile color. Whereas I can hike in mine and brush them off and go to a nice dinner.
Ah yes, I forgot about the crimson color. Seems like it's kind of overlooked.
Totally agree with the heel slip, I have the black cxl with leather outsoles. i really have to have them snug. If it's too loose my foot shakes around and if too tight it's just uncomfy
@@whereRbearsTeeth in terms of the size or width?
It's hard to say for sure without seeing your feet, but it sounds like the last might just not be great for you. Or it just needs more breaking in?
@@chalkboardshoesseemed like i did size them half a width small
Another great video.
Thanks Jon. Have I convinced you to try Grant Stone?
Get the Jungle Kangaroo leather in holiday sale; that's my first Diesel boot, and I couldn't be happier.
I've heard that one is very comfortable due to the kangaroo leather.
How many times did u wear your Minerva boots? I'm from Poland, bought some polish boots with thick, veg-tan leather and it took like 150-250km for them to break in and finally by at least not intusive. They are still hard, but leather has formed to my foot and they do not rub. I think u just need to wear your minerva GS boots more, they still look new!
I think I wore them 8 times as of making this video. I had a pair of British C&J dress shoes that I believe were made from pure veg tan leather. They took probably 30 wears to start feeling softer. I think you're right that I need to wear them a lot more.
@@chalkboardshoes I'm sure of it :)
You are in this stage, where u wore them for some time and they still feel pretty bad, so It's understanble that frustration creeps in. But It's all leather, they will form :)
Maybe try some non-slip insole from some kind of textile material to limit heel slippage. That might help a lot.
I'm surprised you found the Kudu tougher to break in than CXL. Both the reverse Snuff and Storm Kudus were more supple than CXL to me, although all are quite soft and comfortable, especially compared to GS's calf and Minerva offerings. Only the suede and Kangaroo options are softer in my experience. Haven't tried the bison but I hear that is also very soft.
It was surprising to me as well. I guess I could also consider Kangaroo. Do you have any experience with the waxed commander?
@@chalkboardshoes Yes it's just a little bit stiffer than CXL to start and wears in very nicely. I want that rawhide waxy commander that Viberg uses.
Good review. For me it all about the last. GS is not best for me. Only boot I need E width to be comfortable. Probably my fault but I can't stop my tan Essex diesels from squeaking in the sole after got them wet.
That's interesting because I've found the Leo to be a wide last in general. You're right though in that lasts will be hit or miss for all of us.
@@chalkboardshoes I know. Guess all feet are different. Big toe gets pushed in on leo 10D but a 55 lasted Nicks in 10 C is good. I only buy one brand of boot now. Not Nicks.
I want to mention one thing - you said no other manufacturer puts as much leather in the construction as Grant Stone does at this price range. I would argue Parkhurst is comparable, and maybe even better in some regards (e.g. external heel counter cover is actually a cover).
I have wanted to try Parkhurst for a long time, but the problem is they always sell out in my size very quickly. They are similar in price, for sure.
@@chalkboardshoes I prefer them to Grant Stone in many ways. I hope you get a chance to check them out!
@@whereRbearsTeeth We'll have to disagree then! I think Grant Stone's finishing is better, but I definitely prefer my Parkhursts.
@@whereRbearsTeeth I should've clarified - these are all quite personal, and I didn't mean to say they are objectively better. The biggest thing is that I like the last more feels better on my feet. I think their Chelsea boot is much more versatile than Grant Stone's (I think the Grant Stone is really clunky honestly with such a big opening and a strangely narrow and long last). I like that the edges are neatly rolled, and that the shaft is unlined for breathability. I think Grant Stone's quarters are sewn too close together, which doesn't help my skinny ankles. The Diesel's eyelets are a bit too big for my taste. My Grant Stones's welt is just a bit wider than my Parkhursts, which I'm not a huge fan of. My Parkhursts as a whole have better clicking, but this is probably just luck of the draw because it seems their clicking is quite similar. However, I do prefer Grant Stone's finishing, particularly on the welt joint. I like that Grant Stone has options with a flat welt which I prefer the aesthetic look of. Grant Stone is also just more consistent in stock and leather selection.
I'm willing to bet that Parkhurst would probably feel better on my feet, because I've heard they are less stiff than GS. But I cannot say yet because I have no experience.
Hello, curious what you think of these Goral sneakers...The Mellor II - Maryam Tpr Verde. I think its Horween leather.
I do not know much about those, but I'll look into them. Thanks
@@chalkboardshoes Rose Anvil is doing a collaboration with them, however, I don't know much either. I just bought a pair of Higgins Mills in the light brown suede and the Landons in nubuck. So I won't be making any additional purchases for a while...I do love the Trumans in Olive Wax. Please have a great Sunday!
I love my Grant Stones. The only thing I don’t like is the eyelets.
Too big?
@@chalkboardshoes That and they just look off to me. Almost flat. I still like them but wish they had just the basic eyelets that come one heritage type boots
Wait you said this video was a sponsored video but then you also said #3 @ 2:13 you said “is this my favorite pair of GS boot you bought so far.” I’m confused. Did you buy these or were they given to you? Not a big deal but I had to play it a few times because I was confused. Thanks in advance!
I noticed that error when I finished the video. I meant to say "gotten" not "bought". They were a gift.
Nice review, but your shirt , if you’re on RUclips up your image dude.
I like your videos, but there are some biased and incorrect information in this one..
Kudu leather is definitely softer and more supple than CXL leather. I have several kudu shoes/boots, and they are softer and lighter than the CXL, and required no break-in.
I'm also not a fan of your and other American vloggers' efforts to idealize the construction of GS boots. It only shows incompetence and activism. The fact that all parts of the shoe are leather does not have to be a sign of a higher quality GS shoe or their construction compared to e.g. AE Higgins mill boots. The manufacturer combines various materials in order to produce a shoe with such features that he knows from experience that his customer demands and appreciates. Not everything is motivated to save on materials.
By the way, the leather is heavier and less flexible also due to the fact that the skin of an older animal is used. Such leather is of lower quality and is also cheaper. And GS does not provide such information anywhere. For example, the leathers that GS used for their Edward Natural Minerva or Cap toe British Tan Calf boots are very hard/stiff, inflexible, and even after 1-3 years of wear, they do not soften and are not really comfortable. I wouldn't be surprised if it was a second grade hide from an old animal. In these cases, I don't really care how "quality" the construction of the shoe is.
Most of the shoes/boots I have are from Tricker`s, AE, GS, Loake and Sanders, but I have also tried (and returned) boots/shoes from other manufacturers (see below). And it is interesting that boots from Tricker`s and other English manufacturers are mostly lighter than GS, while their construction is just as strong, they are tankers, using the highest quality materials.
I feel that you American vloggers only present popular manufacturers with strong marketing, thus limiting yourself to comparing only about 10 American manufacturers (GS, AE, Caswell, Parkhurst, Alden, Nicks, Red Wing, Truman, theoakstreet.., or low-quality Thursdayboot ).. Under this influence, you often spread simplified stories, for example, obsession with the stitch density, all-leather construction, singing the praises of CXL leather, etc. It would not hurt to look, for example, at English or Italian production, and recognize their great tradition and quality.
Anyway, thanks for your video reviews and fingers crossed!
Well, I will say that I am a huge fan of British constructed shoes and boots. I have been trying to get my hands on Trickers for a while. I know they are made as well any other company out there. It's just hard to find something in my size that is available for a reasonable price. Having said that, I do have a video in the works on a Trickers model, but we'll see if it happens. I have several videos I'm working on right now. Thanks for watching even if you don't agree with my opinions (I never said my videos are unbiased). :)
I feel like it was disrespectful to GS by comparing it the Leo last to AE 1757 last. The 1757 last is the worst among so service style boots.
Is the 1757 really that bad?
I have 2 pairs of AE Higgins Mills (1757 last). They are very comfortable and wear well. I find them more comfortable than my GS diesel (ostrich).
The appearance of the last is as important as the comfort. AE is as common as Wolverine 1000 mile, Alden, and GS. There is no excuse for an ugly last when these mass produced companies can do it.
Nothing works with denim. Denim is the worst looking material if you want to look nice denim is perfect for labor
r/unpopularopinions