Interim Wear Review of the Grant Stone Diesel Tan Essex

Summary

In this interim review, the host discusses the Grant Stone Diesel boots made from Horween's English Tan Essex leather. The review highlights the high-quality craftsmanship and materials, such as the Goodyear welt, leather linings, and sturdy rubber outsoles. The boots are praised for their comfort, with the Leo last offering a great fit for the reviewer. Though the leather hasn’t yet developed its full patina, the boots show potential for aging well. Overall, the boots are seen as a fantastic value for the price, offering durability and style, and the reviewer looks forward to seeing how the leather evolves.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video provides an interim review of the Grant Stone Diesel boots made with Horween's English Tan Essex leather.
• 😀 The Diesel boots are made in collaboration with Horween, a renowned American tannery based in Chicago, known for its high-quality leathers like Chrome XL and Essex.
• 😀 The English Tan Essex leather is a full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather that ages well and develops a unique patina over time, showing signs of wear after just a few months.
• 😀 The Diesel boot features a simple, elegant design with a service boot shape, suitable for both casual and smart casual outfits, though it may become harder to wear with a suit as the leather ages.
• 😀 Grant Stone was founded in 2016, with boots made in China through a long-term relationship with a factory in Xiamen, where they maintain rigorous quality control standards.
• 😀 The Diesel boots are constructed using a Goodyear welt, ensuring water resistance and the ability to replace the outsole without damaging the upper.
• 😀 The outsole is rubber, modeled after the studded Day-Night outsole, providing a balance between dressy and grippy qualities, with good shock absorption.
• 😀 The boots are lined with soft full-grain leather, providing comfort and a luxurious feel, especially around the shaft, which is often a source of discomfort in some boots.
• 😀 The Diesel boot uses a Leo last, which offers a comfortable fit, particularly for people with narrow waist and arch support needs, while allowing space for toes.
• 😀 Despite only being worn 30-35 times over four months, the boots have developed some patina, and the reviewer is eager to see how the leather will age further.
• 😀 Grant Stone boots are priced well for the quality, offering good value compared to similar boots in the $300-$400 price range, with the reviewer expressing intent to buy more in the future.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video provides an interim review of Grant Stone Diesel boots made from Horween's English Tan Essex leather. The review covers the boots' construction, comfort, patina development, and overall quality after approximately four months of wear.

What makes Horween's English Tan Essex leather special?

Horween's English Tan Essex leather is part of their vegetable-tanned range, known for its durability, soft feel, and potential for aging well. It undergoes a fat-liquoring process that enriches the leather with oils, ensuring both longevity and a distinct patina over time.

How does the Diesel boot's design relate to its functionality?

The Diesel boot features a service boot design, which is inspired by military boots from the World Wars. This design is both elegant and versatile, suiting a variety of casual and smart-casual outfits, such as denim jeans and khakis.

What are the key materials used in Grant Stone boots?

Grant Stone boots are made from high-quality materials sourced globally, including Horween leather from Chicago, Charles F. Stead leather from Leeds, England, and full-grain leather lining from Milwaukee. The boots also feature a Goodyear welt construction, cork filling, and a leather and foam heel pad for comfort.

How does Grant Stone maintain high quality control despite manufacturing in China?

Grant Stone ensures high-quality standards by working closely with the factory in Xiamen, China, where the boots are made. The factory undergoes rigorous quality control processes, including inspections at various stages, from the production line to the final product being shipped. Feedback is continuously provided to maintain and improve quality.

What makes the Goodyear welt construction advantageous?

The Goodyear welt construction is prized for its durability and water resistance. It allows the boots to be resoled, extending their lifespan. The thick welt also provides a layer of protection between the inside and outside of the boot.

What is the significance of the triple-ribbed steel shank in the Diesel boots?

The triple-ribbed steel shank provides additional stability and arch support, making the boots more comfortable for extended wear. It enhances the overall structure of the boot and contributes to the long-term durability of the footwear.

How does the leather patina develop in the Grant Stone Diesel boots?

The leather patina in the Diesel boots develops gradually with wear, showing subtle color variations, creases, and spotting from exposure to rain or spills. The leather starts off with a more uniform tan color but will develop a deeper, richer look over time.

What is the recommended leather care for the Diesel boots?

The recommended leather care for the Diesel boots involves regular brushing to remove dirt and occasional application of neutral Venetian shoe cream. The boots are best maintained by avoiding heavy oils or saddle soap, as these could alter the texture and color of the leather. Light conditioning is advised to enhance the patina.

How does the sizing and fit of the Diesel boots compare to other brands?

The Diesel boots fit true to size for those with a US8.5 foot in D width, but since Grant Stone boots tend to run large, the reviewer wears an 8D. The fit is comfortable, with no pinching at the toes, and is comparable to other well-known brands like Alden and Parkhurst boots.