This is a very, very good video. I love the range of boots you're showing off here, all of which look fantastic and seem really well-made. The extent of my knowledge of boots pretty much ends at "Red Wings - some people like them," and "goodyear welt = good." It's awesome to see not only that there's a bigger world out there, but get this awesome, curated list of great options in a variety of styles and at a range of price points. It's also cool that each of these are genuinely boots I like the look of and would wear, which is not typically the case in videos like this. I'm noticing the current numbers that the algorithm doesn't quite know what to do with this video, yet, which is really a shame. Only 100 views per hour is in no way a reflection of this videos quality or utility to your audience, which, at least to me, is extremely high. Since you've spent the past few months living and breathing boots, it might be especially frustrating if this one doesn't end up breaking through. Super annoying, and hope things trend another way soon. Either way, really great work on this one, and I'd love to see more boot (and sock!) related vids later this year. Cheers!
Thanks so much for the kind words and encouragement, it means a lot. You hit the nail on the head with the performance, definitely a huge bummer that the algorithm’s a bit confused. Just changed the thumbnail out to hopefully be a bit more ‘eye catching’, we’ll see if it helps. Hoping things turn and pick up a bit with time, I’ve been getting into more clothing/apparel videos this year because it’s been a ton of fun, as I create more it should catch on I think. My winter jacket video a couple of months back started similarly and is sitting around 30-40k views now, hoping for the same here in time. Regardless though, happy to hear you enjoyed it. Smaller view counts are always easier to swallow when the feedback is good, thanks again!
Nice video. I have 5 pairs of Grant Stones, including the Diesel in Brown Earth and Storm Kudu and the Ottawa in Natural Kangaroo and the Edward in Rust Kangaroo. Now you've got me lusting over the Jungle Diesels. But I really shouldn't! But I'm really tempted, since the rumor on Reddit is that GS is discontinuing their kangaroo offerings.
You’ve got great taste, those were all in the running for me haha. Really want to get a pair of their field boots sometime down the road, they just have so many fun leather choices I can see how easy it would be to get to where you’re at. Hopefully the kangaroo stays, it’s so comfortable being a bit thinner and the texture looks amazing.
Before viewing, I had preconceived notions about your boot selections...then I watched and learned. Me, stuck in a rut with Nicks Boots, Blundstone, Frye, and Danner, I never looked any further. Thank you for posting your picks!
Glad to hear you got some new ideas! Definitely an incomplete roundup with so many great options around but I tried to mix in as much variety as I could without boring everyone to death. Those unmarked boots were such a dark horse pick for me, wasn’t sure what to expect and was so impressed with them. Planning another video in the fall most likely with a few other picks, should be fun!
Glad to hear there’s so much interest! I’ve been expanding out trying some new ones lately, darn tough has always been the default for me. No one seems to compete with the darn tough durability but considering comfort and style I’ve found a few I really like so far
Hi Josh, I loved watching the camping video it was very nice to see a different spin on it and looking forward to your next one! From seeing what you used to post it’s good to see you’re exploring different avenues in your content creation. In regards to your recent EDC video you said you were looking at good quality leather wallets, I recommended this wallet to you before, Nomad makes wallets and them being known for their leather goods they could be a solid option. Looks like they make different variations too.
Just chiming in with another suggestion -- after trying an awful lot of front-pocket wallets recently, my favorites are from Open Sea Leather. I've got a few, now, but my go-to is the Mini Gun Deck in kangaroo leather.
Thanks for the wallet recommendations, definitely making some notes! Glad you’re enjoying the different content styles too, definitely planning on more outdoor stuff as the weather improves
I just discovered your channel 20 minutes ago and great video. I have watched a lot of videos on boots over the last couple of years and you are the only one as far as I know who featured Hollis boots and introduced the brand Unmarked in a video, nice.
So glad you enjoyed it! I did a ton of research and testing for this one and had a great time making it. Those unmarked boots really took me by surprise, love the quality but they were so comfortable. Should (hopefully) have another boot video in the fall!
Great review, very professional. It sounds like we have similar shaped feet, so I agree very much with your opinion on Grant Stone’s Leo last. I’d recommend Viberg’s 2020 last as that fits my foot as well as the Leo last does. But be careful with Viberg’s sizing as they use UK sizing… one number down.
Is there any boot I can wear that is less hard on the knees? I wear brooks ghost max exclusively. But I am wanting to have a stylish alternative. Something for a date night that wont kill the knees.
Nice to find you. I’m also a 12.2 on the Brannock with a wide toe box, narrow heel and low volume foot. I need insoles in many boots to fit. I’ve found Taylor Stitch, Red Wing, Beckett Simonon and Paraboot tend to work well for this shape. Fascinated by the Danner/Huckberry chukkas.
Great to hear from someone with such similar foot (specs?) haha. I actually have a pair of Beckett simonon that just finally shipped last night on the way, looking forward to trying them. Red Wing is still high on my list to check out too, making a bit for paraboot and TS for the future. The chukkas are fun! I definitely understand why some folks won’t like them but they’ve been great and should do well for me this summer
I think the field boots are next for me! Eyeing the earth color but still haven’t settled and will probably hold off for a little while. The mocs are definitely fun, super comfy and the most sneaker like a boot has ever been for me
Nubuck doesn't mean it's going to be fuzzy, it just means there was noticeable correction done to the surface of the leather. Suede is a split hide, similar to nubuck but just like nubuck and roughout, can vary in how nappy it is.
@joshfenn I felt the same when I found out copper rough n tough from sb foot was a nubuck aswell lol. Sometimes they look very deceptive to due extremely minimal correcting of the top grain. Other times they will look as fuzzy as a full, un-shaved rough-out like my moss waxy mohawks.
I have two of these boots. The Diesel in black and the Hollis in olive. The Diesel is super impressive, although my timing was bad as I bought it right after GS raised their prices. I got the Hollis during a great sale so I only paid $206 for them. We'll see how they both do in the long term.
Sounds like you’ve got great taste! Reverse colors from my picks, haha. $206 for the helm is an awesome deal, definitely makes them well worth it. Hopefully GS is set without any more price increases for a while, but definitely annoying with that timing I’m sure.
Hi Josh, thanks for this informative review. I have a question, a bit off topic if you don’t mind. Regarding the Helm boots, what is the brand of the yellow replacement laces and what (if you can remember) is the length of the laces? Thanks.
The laces were actually a spare from an old pair of danners, the color is pretty common though for work boot laces, I know Amazon has some similar. 48”ish inches would be ideal for this boot I think.
I’ve got a few videos from last year for each season covering some favorites, but have more planned for this year! Should have something out in mid-April covering some pants if things go according to plan
That Astroflex is a sweet looking boot. I really love Chelsea boots look. I have a really high instep and find it hard to wear slip on boots. Just not enough room to easily slip on and off due to the throat of the boot. Those soles look so much like the old late 70s and 80s suede Chukka boots. Clark still make a model like that. Loved them when I was younger. Check out Clarks Men's Shacre Boot
Totally nailed the point with the 70’s chukkas, the Clark’s desert boot came back into style really heavily in the 2010’s, seems like they use the crepe soles quite a bit. It has its flaws for wet/cold weather but looks great and is really comfortable!
My personal top five boots, Trickers Henry i own three pairs, Trickers Burford and Trickers Stow, own two pairs and Crockett and Jones Coniston in rough out suede. Owned RM Williams and sold them, overrated overhyped and replaced with Ian Harold, fantastic boots. My Cheaney Balmoral boots and finally I've a pair of Jimmy Choo reverse waxed rough out suede Chelsea boots in brown Suede but looking a rusty colour now with lot's of wear.
Correction , as you mention about unmarked boot not being to protection and one must spend more for perfection is sooo false , Grant Stone at 390 and parkhurst 410, whites at 450 are perfected at lower price no need to jump to viberg ridiculous prices.
I was talking in regards to this hand stitched construction style. Grant stone quality is unbelievable (like I had talked about) but made quite differently. Viberg was closest in style to my knowledge with how they’re made and the style they’re going for. Great recs though!
Hi Josh I like your videos, I find them very relaxing and you gave me some very good tips for my travels gear. However I couldn't help asking this: don't you think it's unethical to buy leather shoes in 2024? There are a lot of vegan choices out there. Cheers mate and looking forward for the next video.
Thanks for the kind words on the videos and the considerate question/topic! I definitely see great points on both sides of the issue but I definitely lean on the side of real vs vegan leather products. Leather boots are made out of a by-product that would just become waste if not utilized for shoes and boots, compared to vegan leather which is purpose created and is essentially plastic, uses fossil fuels to create, and will last significantly longer in a landfill. Real leather is generally more durable in most cases and will remain useful for decades if cared for properly. Lots of caveats of course with both sides though, and I own products with vegan leather too. If the animals were being killed exclusively for their hides, or meat consumption was eliminated, the story would definitely be different. I’ve cut my meat consumption down by about 80% the past several years and would happily forgo my leather goods in a situation where it wouldn’t just be waste if we didn’t use it for something. Something like canvas or hemp would probably be a better alternative to both options but not exactly practical in the same use cases. Hopefully this wasn’t too much ranting, it’s a very interesting subject though that I’ve thought about a lot and doesn’t seem to have a clear ‘right’ answer from my perspective.
Thank you for your answer Josh. That's definitely a good point. I just wanted to point out that there would not be leather without the unnecessary death of the animal. I don't eat animal products obviously and I don't wear animals on my body. I don't consider not wearing leather a waste (unnecessarily taking the life of a sentient being is more of a waste), I consider it to be the byproduct of a terrible industry that is showed to be the first cause of global warming. And I think that answer to your worries about environment. I recommend you a video called "Animals in fashion" by Earthling Ed. Thank you also for not taking my comment as judgemental and for taking time to think about it, that is very important and means a lot :) cheers
Lol what a joke , I watched other reviews on those unmarked boots and the review mentioned the same comparison to viberg , this tells me unmarked told reviews to mention viberg , ha ha clever way to advertise there boots . I can say they look nice but certainly not on the same breath as viberg , that's blasphemy. Unmarked need to battle grant stone parkhurst orchitis and most likely unmarked are below those mentioned. Hey nice review overall.
This is a very, very good video. I love the range of boots you're showing off here, all of which look fantastic and seem really well-made. The extent of my knowledge of boots pretty much ends at "Red Wings - some people like them," and "goodyear welt = good." It's awesome to see not only that there's a bigger world out there, but get this awesome, curated list of great options in a variety of styles and at a range of price points. It's also cool that each of these are genuinely boots I like the look of and would wear, which is not typically the case in videos like this. I'm noticing the current numbers that the algorithm doesn't quite know what to do with this video, yet, which is really a shame. Only 100 views per hour is in no way a reflection of this videos quality or utility to your audience, which, at least to me, is extremely high. Since you've spent the past few months living and breathing boots, it might be especially frustrating if this one doesn't end up breaking through. Super annoying, and hope things trend another way soon. Either way, really great work on this one, and I'd love to see more boot (and sock!) related vids later this year. Cheers!
Thanks so much for the kind words and encouragement, it means a lot.
You hit the nail on the head with the performance, definitely a huge bummer that the algorithm’s a bit confused. Just changed the thumbnail out to hopefully be a bit more ‘eye catching’, we’ll see if it helps. Hoping things turn and pick up a bit with time, I’ve been getting into more clothing/apparel videos this year because it’s been a ton of fun, as I create more it should catch on I think. My winter jacket video a couple of months back started similarly and is sitting around 30-40k views now, hoping for the same here in time.
Regardless though, happy to hear you enjoyed it. Smaller view counts are always easier to swallow when the feedback is good, thanks again!
I really enjoyed the boot video. 👍
Glad to hear it!
We would like to see a sock video
Glad to hear it, thanks for letting me know!
Nice video. I have 5 pairs of Grant Stones, including the Diesel in Brown Earth and Storm Kudu and the Ottawa in Natural Kangaroo and the Edward in Rust Kangaroo. Now you've got me lusting over the Jungle Diesels. But I really shouldn't! But I'm really tempted, since the rumor on Reddit is that GS is discontinuing their kangaroo offerings.
You’ve got great taste, those were all in the running for me haha. Really want to get a pair of their field boots sometime down the road, they just have so many fun leather choices I can see how easy it would be to get to where you’re at.
Hopefully the kangaroo stays, it’s so comfortable being a bit thinner and the texture looks amazing.
Do it
Don't be afraid of the ostrich. I got a pair of ostrich hide westerns from jkwestern and that leather is incredible
Where did you buy your GS?
Before viewing, I had preconceived notions about your boot selections...then I watched and learned. Me, stuck in a rut with Nicks Boots, Blundstone, Frye, and Danner, I never looked any further. Thank you for posting your picks!
Glad to hear you got some new ideas! Definitely an incomplete roundup with so many great options around but I tried to mix in as much variety as I could without boring everyone to death. Those unmarked boots were such a dark horse pick for me, wasn’t sure what to expect and was so impressed with them. Planning another video in the fall most likely with a few other picks, should be fun!
Great take, loved the boot selection. Please do a sock video, I'd like to see your opinion on others aside from the wonderful Darn Tough.
Glad to hear there’s so much interest! I’ve been expanding out trying some new ones lately, darn tough has always been the default for me. No one seems to compete with the darn tough durability but considering comfort and style I’ve found a few I really like so far
Hi Josh, I loved watching the camping video it was very nice to see a different spin on it and looking forward to your next one! From seeing what you used to post it’s good to see you’re exploring different avenues in your content creation. In regards to your recent EDC video you said you were looking at good quality leather wallets, I recommended this wallet to you before, Nomad makes wallets and them being known for their leather goods they could be a solid option. Looks like they make different variations too.
Just chiming in with another suggestion -- after trying an awful lot of front-pocket wallets recently, my favorites are from Open Sea Leather. I've got a few, now, but my go-to is the Mini Gun Deck in kangaroo leather.
Thanks for the wallet recommendations, definitely making some notes!
Glad you’re enjoying the different content styles too, definitely planning on more outdoor stuff as the weather improves
I just discovered your channel 20 minutes ago and great video. I have watched a lot of videos on boots over the last couple of years and you are the only one as far as I know who featured Hollis boots and introduced the brand Unmarked in a video, nice.
So glad you enjoyed it! I did a ton of research and testing for this one and had a great time making it. Those unmarked boots really took me by surprise, love the quality but they were so comfortable. Should (hopefully) have another boot video in the fall!
Great review, very professional.
It sounds like we have similar shaped feet, so I agree very much with your opinion on Grant Stone’s Leo last.
I’d recommend Viberg’s 2020 last as that fits my foot as well as the Leo last does. But be careful with Viberg’s sizing as they use UK sizing… one number down.
Would love to check out a pair of viberg’s sometime, glad to hear the last should fit well!
Great video! I would enjoy a sock review video. Thanks for the hard work!
Thanks for the support!
Is there any boot I can wear that is less hard on the knees? I wear brooks ghost max exclusively. But I am wanting to have a stylish alternative. Something for a date night that wont kill the knees.
I’d check into some wedge soles or more sneaker-like boots? Also could also get some good quality insoles to slip in and that should help a ton
Nice to find you. I’m also a 12.2 on the Brannock with a wide toe box, narrow heel and low volume foot. I need insoles in many boots to fit. I’ve found Taylor Stitch, Red Wing, Beckett Simonon and Paraboot tend to work well for this shape. Fascinated by the Danner/Huckberry chukkas.
Great to hear from someone with such similar foot (specs?) haha. I actually have a pair of Beckett simonon that just finally shipped last night on the way, looking forward to trying them. Red Wing is still high on my list to check out too, making a bit for paraboot and TS for the future.
The chukkas are fun! I definitely understand why some folks won’t like them but they’ve been great and should do well for me this summer
I own a pair of the Grant Stone Reverse Snuff Kudu field boots, and love them. I like those Danner mountain mocs too!
I think the field boots are next for me! Eyeing the earth color but still haven’t settled and will probably hold off for a little while. The mocs are definitely fun, super comfy and the most sneaker like a boot has ever been for me
I got the grant stone chelsea boot and the last fits really strange its like tight in the toes and isnt as tight in the heel
That’s too bad! Haven’t tried the Chelsea but I think it uses a different last compared to the diesel. The Leo last has a pretty generous toe box.
Nubuck doesn't mean it's going to be fuzzy, it just means there was noticeable correction done to the surface of the leather. Suede is a split hide, similar to nubuck but just like nubuck and roughout, can vary in how nappy it is.
That’s kind of what I figured, just threw me for a bit of a loop compared to other nubuck I’ve had in the past.
@joshfenn I felt the same when I found out copper rough n tough from sb foot was a nubuck aswell lol. Sometimes they look very deceptive to due extremely minimal correcting of the top grain. Other times they will look as fuzzy as a full, un-shaved rough-out like my moss waxy mohawks.
I have two of these boots. The Diesel in black and the Hollis in olive. The Diesel is super impressive, although my timing was bad as I bought it right after GS raised their prices. I got the Hollis during a great sale so I only paid $206 for them. We'll see how they both do in the long term.
Sounds like you’ve got great taste! Reverse colors from my picks, haha. $206 for the helm is an awesome deal, definitely makes them well worth it. Hopefully GS is set without any more price increases for a while, but definitely annoying with that timing I’m sure.
Hi Josh, thanks for this informative review. I have a question, a bit off topic if you don’t mind. Regarding the Helm boots, what is the brand of the yellow replacement laces and what (if you can remember) is the length of the laces? Thanks.
The laces were actually a spare from an old pair of danners, the color is pretty common though for work boot laces, I know Amazon has some similar. 48”ish inches would be ideal for this boot I think.
Thanks, much appreciated!👍🏻
Should make a video what pants to wear with them. I’m having a hard time to find pants.
I’ve got a few videos from last year for each season covering some favorites, but have more planned for this year! Should have something out in mid-April covering some pants if things go according to plan
I’ll look for the video and watch them
Fantastic video.
Thank you!
That Astroflex is a sweet looking boot. I really love Chelsea boots look. I have a really high instep and find it hard to wear slip on boots. Just not enough room to easily slip on and off due to the throat of the boot.
Those soles look so much like the old late 70s and 80s suede Chukka boots. Clark still make a model like that. Loved them when I was younger. Check out Clarks Men's Shacre Boot
Totally nailed the point with the 70’s chukkas, the Clark’s desert boot came back into style really heavily in the 2010’s, seems like they use the crepe soles quite a bit. It has its flaws for wet/cold weather but looks great and is really comfortable!
Yes, Socks!
Working out some plans for the coming months, glad to hear you’re interested!
My personal top five boots, Trickers Henry i own three pairs, Trickers Burford and Trickers Stow, own two pairs and Crockett and Jones Coniston in rough out suede. Owned RM Williams and sold them, overrated overhyped and replaced with Ian Harold, fantastic boots. My Cheaney Balmoral boots and finally I've a pair of Jimmy Choo reverse waxed rough out suede Chelsea boots in brown Suede but looking a rusty colour now with lot's of wear.
Great picks! Haven’t heard of Ian Harold before, I’ll be sure to check them out
Jim Green African Ranger Barefoot Boots 🐸🥾
Would love to get my hands on some Jim Greens!
@@joshfenn favorite boots I’ve ever worn ! Affordable, high quality, handmade, durable, and comfortable! The working man’s boots !
Correction , as you mention about unmarked boot not being to protection and one must spend more for perfection is sooo false , Grant Stone at 390 and parkhurst 410, whites at 450 are perfected at lower price no need to jump to viberg ridiculous prices.
I was talking in regards to this hand stitched construction style. Grant stone quality is unbelievable (like I had talked about) but made quite differently. Viberg was closest in style to my knowledge with how they’re made and the style they’re going for. Great recs though!
We don’t live on a globe. We live on a flat stationary plane.
Do socks for sure.
Still working on it! Ended up being a bigger project sourcing and testing than I had anticipated.
Hi Josh I like your videos, I find them very relaxing and you gave me some very good tips for my travels gear. However I couldn't help asking this: don't you think it's unethical to buy leather shoes in 2024? There are a lot of vegan choices out there. Cheers mate and looking forward for the next video.
Thanks for the kind words on the videos and the considerate question/topic! I definitely see great points on both sides of the issue but I definitely lean on the side of real vs vegan leather products.
Leather boots are made out of a by-product that would just become waste if not utilized for shoes and boots, compared to vegan leather which is purpose created and is essentially plastic, uses fossil fuels to create, and will last significantly longer in a landfill. Real leather is generally more durable in most cases and will remain useful for decades if cared for properly.
Lots of caveats of course with both sides though, and I own products with vegan leather too. If the animals were being killed exclusively for their hides, or meat consumption was eliminated, the story would definitely be different.
I’ve cut my meat consumption down by about 80% the past several years and would happily forgo my leather goods in a situation where it wouldn’t just be waste if we didn’t use it for something. Something like canvas or hemp would probably be a better alternative to both options but not exactly practical in the same use cases.
Hopefully this wasn’t too much ranting, it’s a very interesting subject though that I’ve thought about a lot and doesn’t seem to have a clear ‘right’ answer from my perspective.
Thank you for your answer Josh. That's definitely a good point. I just wanted to point out that there would not be leather without the unnecessary death of the animal. I don't eat animal products obviously and I don't wear animals on my body. I don't consider not wearing leather a waste (unnecessarily taking the life of a sentient being is more of a waste), I consider it to be the byproduct of a terrible industry that is showed to be the first cause of global warming. And I think that answer to your worries about environment. I recommend you a video called "Animals in fashion" by Earthling Ed. Thank you also for not taking my comment as judgemental and for taking time to think about it, that is very important and means a lot :) cheers
I can’t stand the look of those Danner/Huckberry boots. It’s like they couldn’t decide to make a sneaker or a boot.
Yeah it’s definitely a divisive look. Moc chukka with a sneaker sole is a combo I’ve never seen. I like them but know they’re not for everyone
Lol what a joke , I watched other reviews on those unmarked boots and the review mentioned the same comparison to viberg , this tells me unmarked told reviews to mention viberg , ha ha clever way to advertise there boots . I can say they look nice but certainly not on the same breath as viberg , that's blasphemy. Unmarked need to battle grant stone parkhurst orchitis and most likely unmarked are below those mentioned.
Hey nice review overall.
I love the insult/compliment combo in these types of comments, thanks I guess?
You must be smoking some good shit finn there’s way better boots out there than the ones you mention you must be one of those rich ones
Obviously impossible to make a video covering every great boot in existence. Not allowed to have some fun and share?
This has to be the dumbest comment I’ve read in quite some time.