I feel like the issue with Made in China having a stigma is companies outsourcing to make more money and forgetting to care about making a good product. Chinese workers are just as capable as American workers making fantastically crafted products when given the chance to, its just that often their labour is utilised by companies obsessed with profitable products not quality products.
And how is this company not utilizing the 'cheap" labor to make a murder profit? There are companies selling boots of same/better quality for that price paying American or European workers a fair wage. So if somebody complains about capitalism, this company should not deserve any praise.
Fun fact, I know the owner of Grant Stone’s manufacturer, their family also do denim products and jeans altering, I had my pair of Naked and Famous jeans altered by them, they are amazing craftsmen. Edited: by manufacturer, I mean the manufacturer in Xiamen, China.
You should consider doing a series on captoe oxfords. A lot of us gotta wear them for work, so it'd be worth knowing what's quality and what's nonsense. A few brands to consider might be Allen Edmonds, Johnston & Murphy, Meermin, Thursday, Beckett Simonon, etc. Just an idea. I hope you're recovering quickly from Covid.
I would love to see this series, too! I'd like to see some of the british makers thrown in, too (Loake & Barker vs. more expensive shoes like Crockett & Jones or Trickers). But I also know I just suggested cutting 2000 dollars worth of shoes in half!
My father is looking at picking up one of the Chelsea style boots Grant Stone makes. I definitely see why. Not a big fan of leather soles but that Saddle tan upper is drop dead gorgeous. The eyelets and speed hooks look nice and sturdy to match. I wish more brands used hardware like this:
I have a pair of Diesel's like these that have a leather sole. The one I have is the Black CXL Diesel's with natural welt, midsole, and outsole. It's the best boot I have.
I happen to have a pair of these very boots and I love them! They fit well, they look good, and they're made from excellent materials. The construction quality is very good, as well. The Grant Stone Diesels are also dressy enough for casual occasions, too. I would recommend them without hesitation.
Glad you reviewed this product. For some reason, this boot seems to hit all the right notes - very attractive, incredible build/quality. I'll have to find a pair.
In addition to Grant Stone, your viewers would love to see a deconstruction/review of AE Higgins Mill and Alden Indy as all 3 boots are very similar in style and function.
I just received my diesel boots today in the bourbon suede. They look incredible! My first pair of Grant Stone shoes were very well made and super high quality. I ordered them a half size down as was recommended, but found them to be way too tight. I tried to break them in thinking I was just being a sissy about it, but ended up selling them as they began to hurt my feet. So I ordered my normal size 11D on these diesel boots, and the fit is much better. Maybe a little snug on the sides as was mentioned in the video, but I feel like they will mold as the leather breaks in. Honestly though, these things are incredible. I've now purchased and returned 3 different pairs of Allen Edmond shoes of various styles for quality control issues. These blow away the AEs I've bought. I can't wait to get them out on the street and see how they break in. Great review! I wish I saw this before I ordered so I could've picked up the discount code! Still think they're a great deal at full price though. Can't complain at all.
I had the same thing, if someone is reading this then order your brannock size on these boots, the last is not really as wide or big as you think. Also going from D width to E is great if you want to wear thicker socks, too.
My Diesel boots are Bourbon Suede leather with Dainite type sole. Incredibly versatile from long walks and working in the yard to a night out. Two years old and they still look great. 👍
Have you thought about developing a score for all the boots/shoes you review? I'm thinking something in the realm of the Doug Score from Demuro's channel, but a Rose Score?
I just need to figure out the parameters and values of certain things because different people value different things. That’s ultimately why I didn’t do it in the moctober series
Few USA boot makers. I worked at Norcross Shoes Rock Island IL as a foreman for a while. built boots . Ran the ovens, and boot stripping off the laths. Neat experience. Place is closed and all went to china.
I'm glad you're doing the sponsership from the boot makers again, the discount is nice and it's always very relevant towards my interest in this channel.
I was literally just thinking of suggesting grant stone. These look absolutely beautiful. If you want to look into another Chinese made brand that’s less expensive is Meermin. Also, did he mention how thick the leather insole was ?
I'd love a dress shoes series, like derbies or oxfords from the likes of Church's, John Lobb, ASOS, Cheaney, Edward Green. An expensive series for sure, but very interesting imo Even just a pair of Gucci loafers would be super interesting
A high end series would be awesome. If I must add, Weston should also grade leather that has more or less imperfection and leather imperfection inconsistencies between the same pair. For example, On my John Lobb rtw, that shoe when new, that leather had no imperfections what so ever. No scars, wrinkles, etc. Even the leather used in the lining is free from imperfections. However, my Allen edmond/Meermin collection is a different story.
northampton brands tend to punch way above their weight, so while it would hurt to see a pair of tricker's cut in half it would be interesting to see how they hold up.
@@nattran92 The problem is Weston has zero knowledge of higher end things. He's a t-shirt wearing zoomer who once said he has zero use for a dress shoe.
It would be nice to see some "cheap"made in italy boots\chelseas like Frau or Soldini cut in half. They tend to be well made and durable. Can you, pretty please?
I just received a pair of these boots and I am amazed at how well they fit my huge (13) wide (EEE) feet. As presented here, the boots are amazing quality and fit really well right out of the box. It will take some time for them to wear into my feet, but I am delighted. I found this company while looking for a work boot for my adult son. I had never heard of them or their reputation. Very stylish boot from my perspective,…..and I really like the color of these boots. Excellent customer service as well.
I got a pair of Grant Stone Diesel Boots yesterday based on your glowing review. They did not disappoint. I got the black with CXL leather with black rubber soles. I find the leather is just as good as my Alden Indy Boots with CXL leather (brown and natural).
Absolutely great boots ! If it had not been stated made in china, i would have thought it was made in Northampton England... in this case, the price tag would be about $700-800+
+1 I love my Higgins Mills. My next show will be grant stone after seeing this and that they are 100% pure leather. Wyatt seems so genuine a person too.
I have a Higgins Mill and this GS Diesel, both in Chromexel. The HM doesn't hold a candle to the quality of the GS Diesel. The quality of the construction and the leather will make the GS last YEARS longer.
I love my HM boots, but I too would love to see a video of how they’re constructed too! I have concerns over their use of cork insoles as opposed to leather. That said, they’re by far and away the most comfortable boots I own.
I understand your hesitation on made in China. I try for American made most the time. But I am really interested in trying Grant Stone. I mean, with Red Wing price increase, these are similar priced. 🧐
Just bought their chelseas and the veg tanned diesel boot and i fucking love them. For any on the fence, i feel this really is a must buy. They are comfortable and so attractive. For reference, i have IR's and thorogoods. This really changed my perspective on fine, long lasting shoes.
Companies who make cheap crap might move production to China to make even cheaper crap. Companies who make great quality products, but want to be able to offer great quality products at a lower price, also might choose to create products and partnerships for manufacturing in China. What's the difference? One company makes cheap crap and the other makes great quality products regardless of where the product is contructed.
I have 3 pairs of GS's. My first pair was the Crimson CXL Ottawa's, then the Dune CXL Diesel's, and the pair I'm waiting for tomorrow is the Black CXL Diesel's with the contrasting welt, midsole, and outsole. I have purchased 3 pairs already in this year. They make a great boot. For the price, you're not going to find any boots that's built better, have finer qc, use better quality leathers, and have a more sexy silhouette for any of their boots. I love how my Dune CXL patina's so nicely with a bit of brushing and some Saphir Renovateur.
You might want to take a look at Meermin (also made in China). Most of their boots are under $250 (dress shoes under $200) but seem really well made. I have a pair of their dress shoes and I think they're great! They also have hand-welted shoes for just over $300.
I have two pairs of Grant Stone boots, the Diesel in Kangaroo and the Ottawa in Kudu. I gave them a pretty good once over when I got them and everything looked really good with beautiful stitching. The stitching was tighter and far more even that on my White's MP M1 boot which was damn near double the price. I have to say the made in China bugs me a bit, but there are probably the best pairs of boots that I own.
As always awesome video Weston, really opened up my eyes for this boot maker a definite future purchase! Would really like to see you cut open a pair of Sneaky Steve from Sweden in the future!
This is what is fantastic about your channel, your ability to provide a logical analysis and argument. I had never heard of this brand, they look great.
Glad to see it's a solid boot, though I confess - $300 is Allen Edmonds money... Not sure why I'd choose the outsourced version for the same price point.
Yes! Been waiting for this one. I love my Grant Stones. Awesome video and as I suspected, no real cons since you can get rubber soles or a different type of leather if you want. Thank you, Weston!
I'm curious, did your sponsor cover most of shoes that you cut in half? Or did you bought every pair by yourself and sacrifice it from time to time? Because I find it bizarre how you kept pumping these videos atleast once every two weeks despite the various amount of money these shoes cost. Anyway. I'd like thank you for sparking my interest in boots construction, your channel truly are a blessing (I used to be a braindead sneakerhead, but after seeing how you cut those big brands products and it shows what cheap crap they put inside was a revelation to me lmao). Seriously, keep up the great works and I hope you recover ASAP from covid. Godspeed!
If the boot company sponsors the video then they usually send me 2 pairs to review. If it’s not sponsored I buy the boots. Fortunately the channel has grown to a point that it is making money and I’m getting independent sponsors like magic spoon and beard brand that help offset the cost of the boots in the video. In the early days of this channel (last year) I bought everything and viewed it as an investment. Good question!
Nice detail with the black rubber running through the heel block, just learned heel block 😁 good looking boot. Watching these be cut in half is like watching the crash test of a high end sports car....I don't like either.
Beautiful boots with high quality leather, solid construction and a superb fit and finish. If they were made in the USA, this would be a $500-$600 boot. Grant Stone collabs with a Chinese factory that stands behind their work! Worth the $360 retail price.
We need a Grant Stone wingtip boot. Especially if it has an inside zipper. Which is my preference for a casual dress style boot. Would definitely add one of those to my collection
This boot sounds like typical expat goods. Combines proper sourcing of materials with local labour. It'd be interesting to see if the quality remains in a few years or when the boss moves to the office and stop supervising in person.
You should do a series on Motocross Boots!! I’d love to find out how differently they’re all constructed before dropping another $600 on new boots haha
Made in China = bad just as much as Made in the USA = good. I think Grant Stone just goes to show that there are talented craftsmen everywhere just as there are people looking to make a quick buck everywhere.
Chinese production quality has caught up and is pretty good given STRICT quality control. It comes down to whose economy and workers you want to support.
For over the past month this has been my favorite TH-cam channel! I think you need to cut in half Patagonia’s new Wild Idea Work Boots, they’re made from Bison Leather!
Great video - love to see how they compare with Flame Panda - which are Chinese boots that are apparently only beaten by high-end Japanese makers but only a little more expensive than GS. Also next to some Indonesian options wich are known for value but perhaps not the top shelf materials
Love this video! Great review. I have been interested in them for awhile now and this really helps. Really impressed by the leather midsole. Are Truman boots on your upcoming videos?
This boot is the shining example behind what I say every time people debate whether or not it matters where a good is made. "Quality is about effort, not geography." To use a different example, Italian made shoes are renowned to be some of the best quality right? Well where the hell is that quality in the common project products? It could be there if the brand genuinely wanted to be better.
Lol Americans and Western countries always think highly of their products when in fact, their companies outsource to China and ask for the lowest price possible, of course the quality is going to be bad. I don't like China but even I know the craftmanship of their masters is top notch, they used to be the main source for silk and high quality crafts for a reason. The whole silk road was made a thousand years ago just for goods from their country.
My issues with not buying Chinese and preferring USA Made are economic and political. There's nothing that says China or any other country can't make a great product if they can get the materials, capital, and know-how together. I'm glad GS makes high quality, affordable boots. It's good competition to force USA boot companies to stay on their toes, no pun intended.
People forget that “made in USA” can be all lies. The FTC literally has no laws/rules that says if a company claims “made in USA” has to be made in the USA. Look it up yourself on the Federal trade commission website if anyone doubts what I said. I’ve had grant stones for 2 years and honestly they been great. They do crease “easy” because of the veg tan but they age extremely well with the patina. I love my American made products but sometimes your dollar can’t go far enough
My wife is Chinese and grew up in China. She was a Chinese National before moving here, and that gives her every right to talk about this subject without criticism from people who have never even been to her home country. Even SHE doesn’t trust Chinese products because they are cheaply made. Clothing especially. Cheap clothes are more expensive there, but lesser quality than the cheap clothes you find in the US that are made in China, because of company-quality regulations. Electronics such as cell phones are different. Chinese branded cell phones are well above and beyond any Android or iPhone. Even Japan can’t compete. But she will admit that there ARE plenty of quality things made in China that Chinese themselves make, you just have to be willing to pay a high price for it. I’m also a watch addict, and can attest that many of the watches made in China that go for Swiss watch prices, are actually built better than Swiss watches, and actually LAST. All successful and quality microbrands such as Zelos have everything sourced from China. Even the “Swiss Made” stuff has up to 60% Chinese parts.
I really enjoy your videos. It would be really nice if you feature some European brands in your videos like panama jacks (model 03) and Sendra boots (9049). Hope you are doing well and got some antibodies now :)
I just bought the GS Moc Toe Brass Dune Chromexcel Boot. The weight and craftsmanship of this boot is unbelievable. I literally dropped 300.00 bucks with a hesitation-to date I’ve always waited for sell’s. I have no regrets this company is top notch rather made here or in China. I may have found my one stop place for serious boots and shoes. The packaging is ridiculously fancy-both boots comes in a cotton bag within a very sturdy box with complementary shoe horn and extra pair of boot strings. These boots are 🔥 fire folks. A-1 company 👌🏾
Just saw another 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
I just got a practically new (worn a few times, but not broken in) pair of these for $100. It seemed like a deal too good to pass up and I'm pretty excited to try them out!
Dear Mr. Rose, The leather sole is not a "CON" (negative) like you said. The boot that you review is design for office wear where most offices have carpet. As you walk on the carpet and turn a corner, your knees will not be twisted or injure because the leather sole don't grab onto the carpet like a lug sole would and even a flat rubber sole would. Also a leather sole is great for dancing, it allow you feet to rotate and twist and turn on the hard surface of the dance floor without twisting your knees and/or ankles. Go and watch some of the Fred Astaire movies and note the shoes he is wearing while dancing. Don't feel bad, because a lot of people have the same opinion as you, good day.
Thursday gives you a premium grade boot at discount grade price. This gives you a superior grade boot at a premium grade price. To do so both off shore. My Thursday Captains were made in Mexico. These were made in China. So it’s still a question of financing, how much can you pay? And for many these days you have the moral question. México is bad but improving. China is bad and getting worse.
Just about all of my boots are made in the US, but this is one brand where I'd make an exception. Been contemplating buying a pair for a while, and probably will get one eventually. I wish they'd make a cap toe version in shell cordovan though.
Great review as always. How many of those China made boots are US or other Western companies? The Chinese factories are merely following the requirements of their customers. You genuinely get what you pay for. The brands want to maximise profits & so skimp on materials, QC etc. The Chinese are more than capable of producing footwear of high quality - as shown here! If people have issues with products then they should take it up with the brands. Also; China does not have the same tradition in boot making that the US, UK or Italy has so it will take them awhile to develop their overall quality. But the general attitude of bashing Chinese products is disingenuous, inaccurate & usually typed out on a Chinese made iPhone. This is an excellent product & shows what can be achieved between the US & China when they aren't getting bogged down in stupid trade disputes.
the issue with "cheap chinese junk" is people for some reason expect to pay low prices for high quality when it comes to made in China. You get what you pay for. No one goes to Italy and asks them to make a boot for $50 and are surprised when the quality is subpar. It's funny when you hear about people buying $100 dollar walmart work boots that are made in China and then complain about lack of QC from chinese-made items. What can they possibly expect or ask for?
I would love to see what a pair of Hoffman composite toe lineman boot looks like on the inside. They are one of the best lineman Boots are for climbing but they are pretty clunky.
Grab a leather wallet, belt, camera harness, or MORE from the Rose Anvil shop here - bit.ly/44jXLNu
What color was this boot again on the website?
Who’s ready to see the Alden Indy being cut in half
And allen edmonds higgins mill please
I want to see it, but it would hurt so bad... The Indy's are so good, it would be such a shame to cut them in half.
Ergo Proxy I agree 100%
I may be able to make that happen for ya
✋
Appreciate the shout out, my man !
Mmmm leather 🤤 its too tasty
I feel like the issue with Made in China having a stigma is companies outsourcing to make more money and forgetting to care about making a good product. Chinese workers are just as capable as American workers making fantastically crafted products when given the chance to, its just that often their labour is utilised by companies obsessed with profitable products not quality products.
And how is this company not utilizing the 'cheap" labor to make a murder profit? There are companies selling boots of same/better quality for that price paying American or European workers a fair wage. So if somebody complains about capitalism, this company should not deserve any praise.
@@themann4633 100% agree
@@themann4633 preach
@@themann4633 Who is making boots of the same quality for the same price using first world labor?
sweat shops don't have to say anything else.
Fun fact, I know the owner of Grant Stone’s manufacturer, their family also do denim products and jeans altering, I had my pair of Naked and Famous jeans altered by them, they are amazing craftsmen.
Edited: by manufacturer, I mean the manufacturer in Xiamen, China.
What's the company that handles denim products called?
What are the working conditions in the factory like?
Ew Chinese
@@benningsniper9516 Based China 🇨🇳 🇨🇳 💪
@@hmmmhmmm6917 based cringe
You should consider doing a series on captoe oxfords. A lot of us gotta wear them for work, so it'd be worth knowing what's quality and what's nonsense. A few brands to consider might be Allen Edmonds, Johnston & Murphy, Meermin, Thursday, Beckett Simonon, etc.
Just an idea. I hope you're recovering quickly from Covid.
I would love to see this series, too! I'd like to see some of the british makers thrown in, too (Loake & Barker vs. more expensive shoes like Crockett & Jones or Trickers). But I also know I just suggested cutting 2000 dollars worth of shoes in half!
My father is looking at picking up one of the Chelsea style boots Grant Stone makes. I definitely see why. Not a big fan of leather soles but that Saddle tan upper is drop dead gorgeous. The eyelets and speed hooks look nice and sturdy to match. I wish more brands used hardware like this:
I get the shoe repair place to put thin rubber protective soles on all my leather soled shoes.
I have a pair of Diesel's like these that have a leather sole. The one I have is the Black CXL Diesel's with natural welt, midsole, and outsole. It's the best boot I have.
I happen to have a pair of these very boots and I love them! They fit well, they look good, and they're made from excellent materials. The construction quality is very good, as well. The Grant Stone Diesels are also dressy enough for casual occasions, too. I would recommend them without hesitation.
How was the sizing? Did you take your athletic shoe size, or did you have to go half a size down?
@@RoyalFizzbin I went a half size down and they fit perfectly.
@@RoyalFizzbindepends… do you have wide feet?
I'd give that center cut score a solid 8/10, you didn't miss by much and it was more straight than normal!
Glad you reviewed this product. For some reason, this boot seems to hit all the right notes - very attractive, incredible build/quality. I'll have to find a pair.
I really want this to be done on designer's women's shoes.
i think they are doing women's shoe right now
In addition to Grant Stone, your viewers would love to see a deconstruction/review of AE Higgins Mill and Alden Indy as all 3 boots are very similar in style and function.
I just received my diesel boots today in the bourbon suede. They look incredible! My first pair of Grant Stone shoes were very well made and super high quality. I ordered them a half size down as was recommended, but found them to be way too tight. I tried to break them in thinking I was just being a sissy about it, but ended up selling them as they began to hurt my feet. So I ordered my normal size 11D on these diesel boots, and the fit is much better. Maybe a little snug on the sides as was mentioned in the video, but I feel like they will mold as the leather breaks in. Honestly though, these things are incredible. I've now purchased and returned 3 different pairs of Allen Edmond shoes of various styles for quality control issues. These blow away the AEs I've bought. I can't wait to get them out on the street and see how they break in. Great review! I wish I saw this before I ordered so I could've picked up the discount code! Still think they're a great deal at full price though. Can't complain at all.
I had the same thing, if someone is reading this then order your brannock size on these boots, the last is not really as wide or big as you think. Also going from D width to E is great if you want to wear thicker socks, too.
My Diesel boots are Bourbon Suede leather with Dainite type sole. Incredibly versatile from long walks and working in the yard to a night out. Two years old and they still look great. 👍
Great to hear man. I have my crimson ones in the mail, hopefully getting them tomorrow or the day after!
Have you thought about developing a score for all the boots/shoes you review? I'm thinking something in the realm of the Doug Score from Demuro's channel, but a Rose Score?
Neat idea!
I need quirks and features of Iron Rangers
Thissss
I thought about doing it for the moctober series so now I now it’s something people are interested in maybe I’ll do it for the next series.
I just need to figure out the parameters and values of certain things because different people value different things. That’s ultimately why I didn’t do it in the moctober series
These boots look beautiful, and it hurt a little when you cut them in half 😂
Few USA boot makers. I worked at Norcross Shoes Rock Island IL as a foreman for a while. built boots . Ran the ovens, and boot stripping off the laths. Neat experience. Place is closed and all went to china.
I'm glad you're doing the sponsership from the boot makers again, the discount is nice and it's always very relevant towards my interest in this channel.
I was literally just thinking of suggesting grant stone. These look absolutely beautiful. If you want to look into another Chinese made brand that’s less expensive is Meermin. Also, did he mention how thick the leather insole was ?
I'd love a dress shoes series, like derbies or oxfords from the likes of Church's, John Lobb, ASOS, Cheaney, Edward Green.
An expensive series for sure, but very interesting imo
Even just a pair of Gucci loafers would be super interesting
A high end series would be awesome. If I must add, Weston should also grade leather that has more or less imperfection and leather imperfection inconsistencies between the same pair. For example, On my John Lobb rtw, that shoe when new, that leather had no imperfections what so ever. No scars, wrinkles, etc. Even the leather used in the lining is free from imperfections. However, my Allen edmond/Meermin collection is a different story.
northampton brands tend to punch way above their weight, so while it would hurt to see a pair of tricker's cut in half it would be interesting to see how they hold up.
@@nattran92 The problem is Weston has zero knowledge of higher end things. He's a t-shirt wearing zoomer who once said he has zero use for a dress shoe.
Hey that shoe horn also looks like a bottle opener.
It is
@@joshlange6558 bottle horn
Soy Boy Ahoy Shoe opener?!
Or-Hey that bottle opener looks like a shoe horn lol.
Great review, Grant Stone makes an excellent product. I own two of their Ottawa boots and they've been holding up quite well.
It would be nice to see some "cheap"made in italy boots\chelseas like Frau or Soldini cut in half. They tend to be well made and durable. Can you, pretty please?
these are GORGEOUS i've been waiting for them
I just received a pair of these boots and I am amazed at how well they fit my huge (13) wide (EEE) feet. As presented here, the boots are amazing quality and fit really well right out of the box. It will take some time for them to wear into my feet, but I am delighted. I found this company while looking for a work boot for my adult son. I had never heard of them or their reputation. Very stylish boot from my perspective,…..and I really like the color of these boots. Excellent customer service as well.
Please dissect Allen Edmonds Higgins Mills!
6:58 SOOOO many times I've inquired as to where your toes should be in sleek\pointy shoes, and you finally answered!
I have boots by Grant Stone, Redwing, Thorogood, Wolverine, White's, and Ariat. The Grant Stone's are the best built. Their QC is top notch.
I got a pair of Grant Stone Diesel Boots yesterday based on your glowing review. They did not disappoint. I got the black with CXL leather with black rubber soles. I find the leather is just as good as my Alden Indy Boots with CXL leather (brown and natural).
Absolutely great boots ! If it had not been stated made in china, i would have thought it was made in Northampton England...
in this case, the price tag would be about $700-800+
@Ed Barner
similar Crockett & Jones for example
about £500
Allen Edmonds are in a similar price range. Without made in China.
@@themann4633 No where near the same quality. And AE make decent footwear.
I’d really like to see a series on hiking boots
Can you do a review on the Allen Edmonds Higgins mills boots, would love to see how there constructed... Thx
Cant say how they are built but they are great boots. Love mine.
The Higgins Mill boot is my most comfortable dress/casual boot. I second this request for you to analyze it.
+1 I love my Higgins Mills. My next show will be grant stone after seeing this and that they are 100% pure leather. Wyatt seems so genuine a person too.
I have a Higgins Mill and this GS Diesel, both in Chromexel. The HM doesn't hold a candle to the quality of the GS Diesel. The quality of the construction and the leather will make the GS last YEARS longer.
I love my HM boots, but I too would love to see a video of how they’re constructed too! I have concerns over their use of cork insoles as opposed to leather. That said, they’re by far and away the most comfortable boots I own.
Love the look of that veg tanned leather. Wish they would make their country derby in it. I've been eyeing those Chelsea boots in Crimson CXL though.
I went with the dune cxl. You can dress them up and you can dress them down. Best clothing investment I've made easily
Please do Alden Indy or Shell Cordovans
I understand your hesitation on made in China. I try for American made most the time. But I am really interested in trying Grant Stone. I mean, with Red Wing price increase, these are similar priced. 🧐
Just bought their chelseas and the veg tanned diesel boot and i fucking love them. For any on the fence, i feel this really is a must buy. They are comfortable and so attractive.
For reference, i have IR's and thorogoods. This really changed my perspective on fine, long lasting shoes.
Could you cut in half a Yuketen Angler Boot please ?
These need a comparison to the Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill. Virtually the same looking boot. So it'd be interesting to see the differences there
Companies who make cheap crap might move production to China to make even cheaper crap. Companies who make great quality products, but want to be able to offer great quality products at a lower price, also might choose to create products and partnerships for manufacturing in China. What's the difference? One company makes cheap crap and the other makes great quality products regardless of where the product is contructed.
I have 3 pairs of GS's. My first pair was the Crimson CXL Ottawa's, then the Dune CXL Diesel's, and the pair I'm waiting for tomorrow is the Black CXL Diesel's with the contrasting welt, midsole, and outsole. I have purchased 3 pairs already in this year. They make a great boot. For the price, you're not going to find any boots that's built better, have finer qc, use better quality leathers, and have a more sexy silhouette for any of their boots. I love how my Dune CXL patina's so nicely with a bit of brushing and some Saphir Renovateur.
You might want to take a look at Meermin (also made in China). Most of their boots are under $250 (dress shoes under $200) but seem really well made. I have a pair of their dress shoes and I think they're great! They also have hand-welted shoes for just over $300.
For next year’s Moctober (there _will_ be one, won’t there? :P), I’d love to see the Ottawa boot and the Traveler penny loafer included...
I have two pairs of Grant Stone boots, the Diesel in Kangaroo and the Ottawa in Kudu. I gave them a pretty good once over when I got them and everything looked really good with beautiful stitching. The stitching was tighter and far more even that on my White's MP M1 boot which was damn near double the price. I have to say the made in China bugs me a bit, but there are probably the best pairs of boots that I own.
As always awesome video Weston, really opened up my eyes for this boot maker a definite future purchase!
Would really like to see you cut open a pair of Sneaky Steve from Sweden in the future!
I have the same boots. They’re very comfortable out of the box, which was a surprise. The stitching was immaculate.
Yes!!! I've been waiting for you to dive into Grant Stones!!!
This is what is fantastic about your channel, your ability to provide a logical analysis and argument. I had never heard of this brand, they look great.
Glad to see it's a solid boot, though I confess - $300 is Allen Edmonds money... Not sure why I'd choose the outsourced version for the same price point.
I had the same thought. For $340 I could get a name brand vs. website retail ... what was the name again?
Cause these are better, mostly by much better quality control, and much cleaner construction. Check r/goodyearwelt.
The quality on these is well above AE
Yes! Been waiting for this one. I love my Grant Stones. Awesome video and as I suspected, no real cons since you can get rubber soles or a different type of leather if you want. Thank you, Weston!
I'm curious, did your sponsor cover most of shoes that you cut in half? Or did you bought every pair by yourself and sacrifice it from time to time? Because I find it bizarre how you kept pumping these videos atleast once every two weeks despite the various amount of money these shoes cost.
Anyway. I'd like thank you for sparking my interest in boots construction, your channel truly are a blessing (I used to be a braindead sneakerhead, but after seeing how you cut those big brands products and it shows what cheap crap they put inside was a revelation to me lmao). Seriously, keep up the great works and I hope you recover ASAP from covid. Godspeed!
If the boot company sponsors the video then they usually send me 2 pairs to review. If it’s not sponsored I buy the boots. Fortunately the channel has grown to a point that it is making money and I’m getting independent sponsors like magic spoon and beard brand that help offset the cost of the boots in the video. In the early days of this channel (last year) I bought everything and viewed it as an investment. Good question!
Nice detail with the black rubber running through the heel block, just learned heel block 😁 good looking boot.
Watching these be cut in half is like watching the crash test of a high end sports car....I don't like either.
Beautiful boots with high quality leather, solid construction and a superb fit and finish. If they were made in the USA, this would be a $500-$600 boot. Grant Stone collabs with a Chinese factory that stands behind their work! Worth the $360 retail price.
Unfortunately the discount code doesn’t work anymore 😕
We need a Grant Stone wingtip boot. Especially if it has an inside zipper. Which is my preference for a casual dress style boot. Would definitely add one of those to my collection
This boot sounds like typical expat goods. Combines proper sourcing of materials with local labour. It'd be interesting to see if the quality remains in a few years or when the boss moves to the office and stop supervising in person.
Alden Indy boots cut in half. Great boot and would be an awesome video and still made in America
You should do a series on Motocross Boots!! I’d love to find out how differently they’re all constructed before dropping another $600 on new boots haha
I see your mx boots and raise you Superbike racing boots 👊🏍🏍
Made in China = bad just as much as Made in the USA = good. I think Grant Stone just goes to show that there are talented craftsmen everywhere just as there are people looking to make a quick buck everywhere.
Chinese production quality has caught up and is pretty good given STRICT quality control. It comes down to whose economy and workers you want to support.
Yeezy boots cut in half?
For over the past month this has been my favorite TH-cam channel! I think you need to cut in half Patagonia’s new Wild Idea Work Boots, they’re made from Bison Leather!
All I want for Christmas is you to review OakStreet Boots.
Great video - love to see how they compare with Flame Panda - which are Chinese boots that are apparently only beaten by high-end Japanese makers but only a little more expensive than GS. Also next to some Indonesian options wich are known for value but perhaps not the top shelf materials
Would love to see the Thursdayboots Legend Chelasea boot featured!
Love this video! Great review. I have been interested in them for awhile now and this really helps. Really impressed by the leather midsole.
Are Truman boots on your upcoming videos?
I’d love to see Truman’s boots done. They look like a really quality boot to me I’d love to see how the hold up.
Meermin boots ?
It always breaks my heart to see you cut apart an expensive pair of boots. But I appreciate what you discover.
Can’t beat Grant Stone for Price Vs. Quality, beat other popular brands by a mile.
Hope your winter boot reviews come out soon!
Rubber block at heel is mostly for durability (as opposed to traction)
This boot is the shining example behind what I say every time people debate whether or not it matters where a good is made. "Quality is about effort, not geography." To use a different example, Italian made shoes are renowned to be some of the best quality right? Well where the hell is that quality in the common project products? It could be there if the brand genuinely wanted to be better.
Quality looks good, but for that price you can get American worker made products with an actual brand name.
Lol Americans and Western countries always think highly of their products when in fact, their companies outsource to China and ask for the lowest price possible, of course the quality is going to be bad. I don't like China but even I know the craftmanship of their masters is top notch, they used to be the main source for silk and high quality crafts for a reason. The whole silk road was made a thousand years ago just for goods from their country.
I dont have a pair of GS boots but i do have a couple of dress shoes from them and I love them. Really good prices for high quality shoes
EXCELLENT looking shoe!!! LOVE to get a pair, just cannot AFFORD them!!!
If the quality is there… I’ll buy it. I do favor US made… BUT lots of US stuff has crap QC and low quality
One day I would love to see you do an Allen Edmonds boot cut.
I pulled the trigger on the brass stone burgundy
My issues with not buying Chinese and preferring USA Made are economic and political. There's nothing that says China or any other country can't make a great product if they can get the materials, capital, and know-how together. I'm glad GS makes high quality, affordable boots. It's good competition to force USA boot companies to stay on their toes, no pun intended.
People forget that “made in USA” can be all lies. The FTC literally has no laws/rules that says if a company claims “made in USA” has to be made in the USA. Look it up yourself on the Federal trade commission website if anyone doubts what I said.
I’ve had grant stones for 2 years and honestly they been great. They do crease “easy” because of the veg tan but they age extremely well with the patina. I love my American made products but sometimes your dollar can’t go far enough
My wife is Chinese and grew up in China. She was a Chinese National before moving here, and that gives her every right to talk about this subject without criticism from people who have never even been to her home country.
Even SHE doesn’t trust Chinese products because they are cheaply made. Clothing especially. Cheap clothes are more expensive there, but lesser quality than the cheap clothes you find in the US that are made in China, because of company-quality regulations.
Electronics such as cell phones are different. Chinese branded cell phones are well above and beyond any Android or iPhone. Even Japan can’t compete.
But she will admit that there ARE plenty of quality things made in China that Chinese themselves make, you just have to be willing to pay a high price for it.
I’m also a watch addict, and can attest that many of the watches made in China that go for Swiss watch prices, are actually built better than Swiss watches, and actually LAST. All successful and quality microbrands such as Zelos have everything sourced from China. Even the “Swiss Made” stuff has up to 60% Chinese parts.
redwing do not have any thermoplastic in the upper
I really enjoy your videos. It would be really nice if you feature some European brands in your videos like panama jacks (model 03) and Sendra boots (9049). Hope you are doing well and got some antibodies now :)
Would love to see that as well!
I just bought the GS Moc Toe Brass Dune Chromexcel Boot. The weight and craftsmanship of this boot is unbelievable. I literally dropped 300.00 bucks with a hesitation-to date I’ve always waited for sell’s. I have no regrets this company is top notch rather made here or in China. I may have found my one stop place for serious boots and shoes. The packaging is ridiculously fancy-both boots comes in a cotton bag within a very sturdy box with complementary shoe horn and extra pair of boot strings. These boots are 🔥 fire folks. A-1 company 👌🏾
I have the all black diesel...so nice.
Love the vids, keep up the great work. Dying to see some Viberg’s on your channel sometime soon. Cheers!
Yes! Seeing Vibergs would be my #1 request!
Just saw another 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
From the look it hurts when you cut them
I just got a practically new (worn a few times, but not broken in) pair of these for $100. It seemed like a deal too good to pass up and I'm pretty excited to try them out!
Dear Mr. Rose, The leather sole is not a "CON" (negative) like you said. The boot that you review is design for office wear where most offices have carpet. As you walk on the carpet and turn a corner, your knees will not be twisted or injure because the leather sole don't grab onto the carpet like a lug sole would and even a flat rubber sole would. Also a leather sole is great for dancing, it allow you feet to rotate and twist and turn on the hard surface of the dance floor without twisting your knees and/or ankles. Go and watch some of the Fred Astaire movies and note the shoes he is wearing while dancing. Don't feel bad, because a lot of people have the same opinion as you, good day.
I would be interested in seeing your opinion of the boots made by Origin in Maine.
Love the videos! Can you cut open the keen utility Cincinnati mock toe
Have you thought about some Canadian made boots? Dayton Boots or Canada West Boots?
Glad you aren't just trashing chrome tanning anymore!
Hello James Franco. Thanks for another great video!
These seem far superior in looks and quality than Thursday. Thanks for the review!
But almost twice the price
Thursday gives you a premium grade boot at discount grade price. This gives you a superior grade boot at a premium grade price. To do so both off shore. My Thursday Captains were made in Mexico. These were made in China. So it’s still a question of financing, how much can you pay? And for many these days you have the moral question. México is bad but improving. China is bad and getting worse.
Weston you should go to Fez to check out the ancient tanneries, amazing and what a smell!
Just about all of my boots are made in the US, but this is one brand where I'd make an exception. Been contemplating buying a pair for a while, and probably will get one eventually. I wish they'd make a cap toe version in shell cordovan though.
Great review as always.
How many of those China made boots are US or other Western companies? The Chinese factories are merely following the requirements of their customers. You genuinely get what you pay for. The brands want to maximise profits & so skimp on materials, QC etc. The Chinese are more than capable of producing footwear of high quality - as shown here! If people have issues with products then they should take it up with the brands.
Also; China does not have the same tradition in boot making that the US, UK or Italy has so it will take them awhile to develop their overall quality.
But the general attitude of bashing Chinese products is disingenuous, inaccurate & usually typed out on a Chinese made iPhone.
This is an excellent product & shows what can be achieved between the US & China when they aren't getting bogged down in stupid trade disputes.
the issue with "cheap chinese junk" is people for some reason expect to pay low prices for high quality when it comes to made in China. You get what you pay for. No one goes to Italy and asks them to make a boot for $50 and are surprised when the quality is subpar. It's funny when you hear about people buying $100 dollar walmart work boots that are made in China and then complain about lack of QC from chinese-made items. What can they possibly expect or ask for?
I know it’s all for science and information but it still hurts me when I see a beautiful boot get cut in half.😭
I would love to see what a pair of Hoffman composite toe lineman boot looks like on the inside. They are one of the best lineman Boots are for climbing but they are pretty clunky.