The best non-dress boots in the world! Click here for written reviews on White Kloud: almostvintagestyle.com/2018/0... almostvintagestyle.com/2020/0... Follow me on Instagram: almostvinta...
Thanks for the shoutout bro! We can always respectfully disagree, and that makes for some fun conversations. One thing we can definitely agree on is that these are world class, beautiful boots!
These boots absolutely look like the person who made them is head over heals in love with their craft. They are absolutely stunning and I definitely think it is fair to say that the material and construction quality is superior to many of the boots being produced at the moment. The attention to detail and sheer labor poured into them makes them undeniably exceptional from a construction and aesthetic standpoint. Sheesh! So good!
I also immediately recognized that Leder Ogawa shell cordovan by its unique luster and shine. I can almost feel the smoothness of the shell through the video (it has more of a slight texture than Horween’s shell does, has more of a “bite” and structure to it as well-very veg tan-y). Anyways, gorgeous boots and great review.
Absolutely. He is quite passionate about what he does and I love that. He takes the time to make everything perfect because he really cares about his boots being that good for his customers
xbxs looks good if you like the designs. Zerrows seems OK too, but their designs are quite polarizing. I think I would go with Rolling Dub Trio over Zerrows.
@@almostvintagestyle Thanks for the reply. xbxs' derby is akin to Vibergs and their plain toe service boot is pretty cool for being rather flat. Yeah, I think Zerrows' engineers via East West apparel look nice, but other than these I haven't spotted anything else of interest. I'll check out Rolling Dub Trio.
I do think they are a bit overpriced given their quality control issues, but they do make a better service boot design than anyone else in my opinion. The question is if the aesthetics outweigh quality concerns.
Just came back from visiting Show-san in Saitima and ordered a pair of boots similar to Jake's in the video (May 2023). Show-san is the coolest guy and had to come get me on his bike at the train station, because I got five different directions how to get to this shop from people at the train station including the Police Station, none of which were correct. I couldn't figure out how to get there until Show-san came to get me, but now I know! Just so you know at least the right direction, if you have arrived at the train station from Japan, Show-san's shop is located on the left side of the train station and going back toward Japan on the left side of the tracks... If you are coming on the train to Japan, then his shop is located on the right side of the tracks and after getting off the train you walk towards Tokyo on the right side of the tracks...
There are people like Brian the Bootmaker here in the US who can hand welt resole. However, with these I would absolutely send them back to the man who made them.
Any thoughts on Quan Shoemaker? I just ordered a pair of his boots he was super responsive on Instagram. His boots look gorgeous hoping they quality will be as good.
If you are getting his top of the line boots, you would have to see him in person. If you are getting his Letterman boots, you would probably go 1 size down from Brannock, unless you have wider feet in which case I would suggest going down only .5.
Hey,, would you mind saying how much these cost..?? ..or maybe about how much he ends up charging usually on a typical pair.. (ignoring all the plane tickets n hotel bills of course... lol) ., are they like..$1.5k $2k.. 2.5k?.. 3k..?? I imagine it's one of those.. I'm guessing like 2.5k usd.. Btw, F the haters and their snarky comments,, i appreciate all your efforts 👊
Great question, but it very much depends on the exact specs and how custom the sizing is. He does offer full bespoke and I think those would be at least $5k or more. Also, his pricing has changed a lot, even since I got my second pair. I think with the slight last modification, hand welt, heel shine, and shell cordovan, these would be at least $3.5-4k. Even his most affordable Kack and White bros boots went up to $1k now.
@@almostvintagestyle That is awesome to hear! I personally wouldn't visit Japan to get sized for a pair from White Kloud or Clinch unless I had a significant other to go with, and even then that wouldn't be for 3-4 years ago least I think. But if he comes visit here I'll definitely head up to LA. You don't have to meet him again if ordering a 2nd pair do you?
The arch support is not as extreme as the 55 last, but it is still quite good for me. If you went fully custom, you could certainly discuss that with him and I am sure he could make it happen.
A Goodyear welt is not a stamp of quality just a way to do shoemaking cheaper. A hand welted boot or shoe is far and away higher in quality, craftsmanship and skill than Goodyear.
@almostvintagestyle6877 About the solestitching: the machine made outsole stitch is most likely done because of the rubber soles. works just better on rubber. Also makes sense due to the rubber being exchanged frequently. 5:30: The handmade threads are very common in traditional shoemaking! it is a regular part of the trade and the apprenticeship in many countrys. Traditionally there are even more materials made by the shoemakers themselves, like the wax for treating the threads, the paste for gluing and hardening the stiffeners, several other substances and even some tools... that was because using raw materials and making stuff yourself is often cheaper and ensures better control over the quality and interaction of different parts. For example the thickness of the sole threads then will be matched with the size and purpose of the footwear and the thickness of the leather. Or the curve of your awl gets customized to your way of welting and prepping the insole. Off course all that is rare nowadays and definetly worth being enthusiastic about ;)
Yes that is what I heard as well. As you said, it's definitely something other bespoke shoemakers do. I'm mote enthusiastic about it because it's so rare for casual-style bootmakers to do something like this. He does also make the wax too. In fact, I'm not sure anyone else in his category does it.
@@almostvintagestyle that's true! i guess in american bootmaking a lot of this got simplified due to a tendency to slightly bigger manufacturies with higher production...
These boots are just too glitzy. The phrase “pimping your ride” comes to mind. In this case, not too much chrome but too much hi gloss surface. To the pint of being tacky
Haha yeah Tesla is insanely overrated. It's not bad, it's just overrated by a lot of people. If you want leather to age beautifully, there are superior options. Also, chrome tanning is not environmentally friendly and it takes much less time than vegetable tanning.
Exactly…he’s literally obsessing over the most minuscule details, which screams self absorbed. I could care less about the edge finishing etc. I’d MUCH rather have a strong gemming and Goodyear storm welting and other structural elements that you don’t see that matters. 🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️
Some ppl just don't appreciate art.. That's what it is at the end of the day.. art.. craft, hardwork, and heritage.. (a nod to history and classic design / aesthetic )
@@DrMJJrfor a boot that price.. of course the minor details matter.. I love the high shine on the heel.. it's practically a signature for the brand.. you're going on about storm welts..?? Smh.. there's nothing structurally that could be better about it for him considering he's just wearing them causally.. as if they should be armor plated or something.. it's an artsy heritage dress boot.. what do you expect here
