It's been a year since I watched this video. Not sure why it came up now. I have purchased 6 pairs of GS's and started a Reddit group. I have the Crimson CXL Ottawa's, then the Dune CXL Diesel's, then the black CXL Diesel's with leather sole, black cxl Ottawa's, and midnight suede and bourbon suede Ottawa's. I love the way GS boots look. They are by far the best boot that I have purchased under $400. Can't be beat!
It is normal to wear down the outside of the back of the heel first. When you walk you pronate to reduce shock to your joints . Pronation is the rolling action from the slightly outside back of the heel forward to the inside front of the foot at the first two toes (counting from big toe) If you underpronate/supinate the rolling action does not roll inside enough and you roll off at the outer toes. If you overpronate you roll too far inwards with the rolling action finishing at the big toe. If you supinate the heel wear is more likely to be on the outside of the heel If you overpronate the heel wear is likely to be in the middle of the heel or the inside of the heel. If you have a normal gait then the heel usually wears at the back towards the outside edge (outside corner if you had squared off heels)
Another great video! I took a chance and picked up the GS Diesel in Earth and was blown away with the quality, wearing them as i write this up! The boots are amazing but all the swag that came in the box just blew me away, love the boot bags, towel, steel shoe horn and all the other goodies. Would most definitely buy another pair from Grant Stone and the China deal doesn't bother me because the quality is on point, these boots are better built quality than my Higgins Mills!! Keep those great boot videos coming..
Hands down, the most beautifully constructed boot for the money, period. The fit and finish is impeccable on their offerings. I have Alden’s that run $200 more than my Grant Stone’s, and they’re nowhere near as nicely made.
I agree. These are high tier boots at low tier price. I own Red wings, Alden, Viberg, I have 3 pairs of GS . My first pair were the crimson diesel which get worn as often as my Alden Indy boots. I love the Leo last too. The fact that they are constructed in China bothers some people tho.
@@davel2734 Well, if I’m being totally honest, the fact they’re made in China bothers me, but not because I’m under the impression that inferior products come out of China (necessarily), it’s more due to me not wanting to support ANY Chinese company. China is the single biggest existential threat America is facing geopolitically, and IMO, it won’t be long until we’re in a kinetic war with them. But as for Grant Stone, there’s no denying they clearly have very skilled people working in Xiamen. Politics aside, I don’t have any experience with Viberg. When did you get your pair and what are your general feelings on their QC and value for the money you paid?
@@justinklein2982 I understand your point about China. I bought both pairs of my Vibergs used about 3 months ago but were practically new..not even broken in..I saved a substantial amount of $$$ on them. Cant say that I think they are worth their retail price but they are made very well for sure. Im impressed with the quality and detail and recommend them. If your on this boot journey I would say a pair of Vibergs are a must have.
I think we need a boot tier list. One list for overall (cost isn't a factor) and one accounting for cost. The boot world (especially budget boots) is getting bigger by the day. I know some brands are more fashion focused and others duty, but that's what makes it worthy of debate. I'd watch that.
I suffer from supination/pronation also, I wear down the outside of the heel quite fast. Some boots can use the same leather, it seems that some companies are more discerning in what parts of the animal they use. For example, in terms the belly versus the shoulder. I heard that Viberg chromexcel boots crease much less for this reason. Wyatt, the founder of Grant Stone, has said that many companies use the same materials so it is hard to distinguish yourself. Grant Stone tries to do this with their last, spacious in the toe box and snug fitting at the ankle. Grant Stone use their own outsole because of the width of their boot, when using ready mades outsoles they found that the stitching was going into the circular grooves. They thought this wasn't a good luck. I do have these boots and like them a lot. I didn't have a break in at all. I have Thursdays as well, if price is important for you then Thursday is a great option. If you are happy to pay a bit more, you great a lot value for extra money with Grant Stone.
The heels on my thrusday boots are done after only 4 months. I need to replace them . Ok . I walk funny on the left side but there is no way they should have went this fast .
@@aradoran yes . Just the rubber top lift . I have a few mm left . I have these to fix and a pair of Chelsea boots . Also a good pair of dress shoes. So I'm looking at $100 . It bugs me that I need to spend more money on the thrusday boots . On the good side I have been wearing them in the rain and they are fine . They are starting to look a bit beat up . Lol
I have both brands and would dare to say that GS seems better built, it’s just impeccable. You open the box and can tell their boots are next level. Parkhurst is of course very well made too.
Just bought a pair in kangaroo. I'm looking forward to them coming in! I'm not sure whether to thank you or blame you, but six months ago the only boots I had ever worn were Red Wing steel-toe work boots. I now have Thursday Captains and Scouts, Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill (in green suede - love these) and now the Grant Stones. I even have my wife in a pair of Thursday Captains. We live part time in Edinburgh and with the cobbled streets and uneven sidewalks the heel support is great is a service-style boot. Well, except the chukkas. Now, I'M STOPPING BUYING BOOTS!! I hope...
I just bought this same Grant Stone and a pair of Alden Indy’s. The Grant Stone in my opinion is a better made boot. The Grant is made from heavy grade leather and the color is so rich and deep. My Alden’s are great don’t get me wrong, I just feel that the Grant Stone is a more substantial made boot.
The GS is definitely a better built boot. Honestly the Alden is overpriced junk. Full of leather board. They are relying on the history of the brand to sell the boots.
Being made in China alone kills any interest for me, either bring back manufacturing to the USA and create jobs or go broke. So sick of people willing to sell out their own country and people because of a cheaper price tag..
its just frustrating people think its poor quality because its made China, no, its poor quality because you paid little. If you pay enough you would still get great quality, and a lot of times better for less.
I feel like a good 20% of the cost is shipping alone. So many trips from leather manufacturers across the globe to China, and then the finished product to the US.
Thanks man. I ordered these and they came in yesterday. Absolutely love them. Your review probably shows their appearance the best online (although Stridewise just put one up last week as well about this boot). Thanks again.
I'm also a US 10.5 in most shoes although I don't have much experience with boots. Nike, Adidas ect I'm 10.5 and Converse 70s I'm a 10. As I don't have free returns as an option from Australia so I'm extra keen to get the sizing correct on these before I order. If you have any experience with Nike, Adidas, Converse would you say you are the same? Thanks again, Great video BTW
I own the exact same boot in the the video, the Crimson Chromexcel Diesel boot from Grant Stone. And I own a black Thursday Captain boot as well. You can ask me any question you want regarding it. In my humble opinion, I think the Diesel boot is really what the Thursday President/Captain aspired to be, but came up short due to their budget restrictions of a price tag under $200 USD. If you can afford the extra $140 USD or so dollars for a Diesel boot, get that instead. Only go with Thursday if that extra money is just too much to spare.
@@Dominicreviews I'm a 11 D/E on the brannock device. I fall between sizes on the width. I'm not a big running shoe / dress shoe guy. I actually have more boots then anything else. I typically size up for dress shoes. For running shoes, I have 2 old pairs, and their size 11 and seem to be okay. A lot of boot-tubers here I find often suggest you size half down for the heritage boots. I personally don't. I find the 11 D on the Thursday Captain, as well as the Grant Stone Diesel fits me quite well.
@@deepstarsix thanks man, exactly what I want to know. Do you have any concern that Grant Stone are now made in China? But I guess Thursday are made in Columbia, so not much difference. I did hear a lot of people saying Thursday’s build is good, quality is good, just the leather itself is not as good as other more expensive brand, likely as you said, due to the cost control to ensure price is right for $195.
@@siquanwu3131 the GS are at a another level compared to Thursday. I’m not knocking Thursday as I did have a pair and they were very comfortable, but GS are a more substantial boot.
They have some nice suede boots as well. But a bit outside my price range rn. I'll stick with Thursday, and may buy myself some Grants once business (hopefully) picks back up and I start raking in some sweet, sweet wealthy people tips.
Just picked up a pair on sale in Walnut. I have 4 pairs of AE’s and these are better made which is sad. My Longbranch boots have worse stitching and lots of loose grain. My Higgins Mills aren’t much better. The diesel boots have been a shock to me in terms of quality construction for price.
I just ordered some Higgins Mill on sale for $280 and They are super comfortable but there is a lot of loose grain on the shaft. For $60 more I think i might take the plunge on these
With Andrew releasing the 602 Last for Parkhurst at the start of 2021, and the updated build he has, it's beginning to be more of a matter of aesthetics, at least to me. With Parkhurst's newer build (thicker bends midsole, better footbed, heel counter, etc) they're on even footing with Grant Stone so it comes down more to fit, style and leather. You'll get far more interesting leathers with Parkhurst, but better finishing with Grant Stone. Also GS is a larger company so they have more ready to wear stock, where Parkhurst tends to sell out quickly. Both are probably the sweet spot as far as value goes. Parkhurst uses dainite, ridgeway, etc for soles, whereas GS has it's own 'proprietary' soles but GS shoes NEVER have a stitch out of place or loose threads, etc whereas my Parkhursts definitely do. Further, to me, the Parkhurst boot has a bit sleeker of a profile and combined with the more casual leathers, makes for a more kinda fashion-rugged boot, whereas GS makes use of more classic smoothout or suedes and has a less sleek profile, giving it a more classic boot style. Given that almost all of my casual wear is textured denim, flannels, chore coats, etc, I like Parkhursts style more, as it's got more, I don't know, character to it. But I would say that GS is gonna have a more versatile look and one thats easier to pair up with some chino's or more of a business-casual look.
I own both, the grant stones feel more substantial and heavier to me but that could also be due to its last. The Parkhurst is definitely slimmer, so it’s all preference on looks or what you will be wearing it with.
I would like to see a video of a pair of Ottawa’s. I just bought a pair and I would like to see what your thoughts are on that boot. I have the crimson cxl version and it’s perfect from the grain break to the style. I would say it needs a bit of work on the comfort but otherwise a perfect boot.
hey appreciate your videos, im trying to make a decision between the grant stone crimson chrome excel diesel boot, and the becket siminon pull up leather dowler boot brown. i like the contrast of the diesel, but it seems to be a little wider at the toe box, im going to be wearing them with jeans and a flannel mostly. whats your opinion between the two?
That’s a good comparison! Currently the top brands at their price level. I do think that GS is better built though, I was blown away by its quality, felt I was holding a very luxurious product.
@@albertoclonado I think I agree but both have their pros and cons. I think Parkhurst for example have a wider range of “exotic” leathers and use top quality 3rd party materials like real Dainite. However GS as you say have a better build quality.
I own a Parkhurst Allen in natural chromexcel, and a Grant Stone Diesel boot in crimson chromexcel. And this is strictly my opinion, but I think Grant Stone is producing a better product. In terms of fit and finish, polish, details, comfort, quality, all the way to the laces and bags (and the cardboard box?) that it comes with.
A lot of people recommend the thursday captain boots, but I've only seen bad reviews by the actual people wearing them. Weird. I wonder if they offer some type of incentive for people to advertise them.
Re: the 80/20 thing, Just FYI this boot costs 110% more than a Viberg, not 80%. The Viberg is sexy but man it seems cray that they are $800 for the same damn chromexcel. Going for KY first GS and hope they're a screaming deal!
Thanks for your video, after a year of waiting I just ordered my first Grant Stone boots, and I defintely purchased the Crimson Diesels. I have a question I want to treat them and want to buy a Saphir cream for them, what color do you suggest? TIA
Just saw a cobbler who did a video of a GS diesel boot resole. He showed that the boot has paper/synthetic material between the insole and the cork. Very disappointing. I was under the impression that GS didn’t use synthetic materials in their construction
Are these GS boots even comparable to the Oliver Cabell SB1 boots that you own? I like the look of the Oliver Cabell SB1’s but wonder if their quality makes them worth it. The Diesels I’m sure they are top notch
The SB1s are nice, but Grant Stone is a full step up. You can't go wrong either way, though. If you can swing the extra $100 or so, I'd definitely go Grant Stone
I wanna get a pair of grant stones so bad but it seems they're wider than most boots. My foot is a 10.5 C on the brannock device so I'm a little on the narrower side. I just don't want them fitting too wide if I buy a pair 😩
If possible can you show how these age? I really love these boots but find them a little to red for my liking but I've seen similar coloured leathers that age beautifully once they tone down a little and go a bit more matte. If love to see these in a year or two depending on how much they are worn. I'm in the process of buying my first pair of decent quality boots after much research and atm it's between these and possible the Edward Dark Oak Roughout. Decisions decisions lol
The playing field is not level. For anyone comparing Grant Stone to Alden, I ask 2 questions: 1) Would you work in that Chinese factory and with the standard of living in which they live? 2) Would you be supportive of the Alden workers getting the same wage and work conditions? Or do you pull the Democratic lever at the voting station in support of $15/hr minimum wage, free healthcare, and all the other social programs? I guess social equity is fine as long as you can conveniently close your eyes. So... slap on your Chinese boots and go off to your job and be happy that no one sent your job to China for someone that will work longer and cheaper than you.
@@BootSpy Main point being.... Let's have each others backs. Let's not fight hard for workers rights and then just offshore the work to where there arent those rights.
That's a stupid comparison first of all. Would you rather people starve in China and have no work all? If all foreign investors pulled out of China the people would literally starve. You would rather see people starve just to make a point.
not enough people add this kind of info into their reviews IMHO. Stay tuned for a full taste break down, including which seasonings go best with the Diesel
@@BootSpy in all honesty I’m thinking about getting either this one or the gray Kudu and the Truman Java Waxed Flesh. Only concern is how long the leather outsole would last on the kudu. You should send them this and get a sponsorship or a free pair of boots or something. As far as sizing goes, how do they compare to Thursday Boots?
I would not mind the fact that they are made in China. If Chinese can send their astronauts to a Chinese made space station and stay there for six months without a hitch, I would not doubt the skill they possess to make top notch boots and sell them at a very competitive price. Yes, low cost with high quality, only Chinese can do it. Thank you! China.
Yeah, everyone seems to think our objection to purchasing Chinese made goods is due to a supposed gripe over quality. Uh no, it’s not, it’s due to the fact that they’re an existential threat to the entire western world, they’re notorious thieves of western, intellectual property, and they’re a totalitarian regime that’s run by iron-fisted communists who are just exploiting our greed and capitalism, in general.
@@justinklein2982 Unfortunately our own government is more of an enemy than China right now. The Biden Administration cut US oil production. Now more Americans are out of jobs and prices going up. We are heading towards a socialist takeover.
@@strengthandbulkMadness it ain’t Biden presidents can’t do shit . Politicians have been fuckin over the people since day 1 . They look at for themselves not us . Divide and conquer they want us to fight each other
This boot is has mostly American materials. It is only put together in China. If you tried their boot you will change your mind about just buying American.
I'd rather buy the best boot for both quality and cost effectiveness. This boot would cost at least $200 more if it was made stateside, putting it in the price bracket of Nick's and Whites.
Trust me brother, I have a thursday boots, truman boot, and a granstone, thursday boots are thinner, lighter, wear and abuse, high variations, truman’s more bulky takes a while to ship if its MTO, and granstone is more sleek, QC is phenomenal and it looks and feels like an american boot, the Leo last catches most foot shapes, I have the edwards, soon to get the diesel Im fighting on which diesel, brown or color 8 😎. I have a pair of Honey Glazed shell coming this october $750 for some shell compared to $1,000+ Vibergs, this is a nice middle ground with very high quality, but aye the older we get the color our boot tastes get In my humble opinion, country doesnt matter Production Procedure, reputation, QC matters much more