Hi, I'm sorry for leaving a comment after so much time. I'd like to purchase these beautiful boots (I love Grant Stone Diesel style and shape): what size would you suggest me? I own 2 pairs of Wolverine 1000 mile in size 7US - D. Thanks a lot and congrat for your great reviews 🔝🇮🇹.
Great review man!! I own 4 pairs of Grantstones and am absolutely in love with them. I was hesitant at first to try them, but I've found over time that I prefer the GS Leo Last over the Alden Trubalance last (which is really saying something). I love American made, however disliking these boots because they're made in China is overlooking so much that they have to offer, and in my opinion is an unfair bias. The world is shrinking and in terms of consumerism, we're going to see more companies like GS filling these niche areas of the market. I also completely agree with how fast the GS form their patina. I was astounded by how quickly my Diesel boots in natural CXL took on so much character!!
Yeah for sure, I don't think I ever implied that I think Made in China is a bad thing, I used to live in China and I don't have issues with things made there. It's an individual thing, I guess.
Stridewise sorry I wasn’t referring to you on the Chinese thing! That remark was meant for the people in the comments who seem to be having a fit over “made in China” haha!
Stridewise heck yes! I’m loving your content keep up the good work my friend! I did a video myself comparing Alden and Grantstone so I know the backlash involved with defending the origins of certain products haha!
Great comment and I also found these boots more comfortable than my Beckmans and the quality on par with Red Wings. People who still believe that “made in China” immediately equals bad quality, sweat shop labor or bargain pricing is just embarrassing.
These honestly seem like a great deal, leather mid sole, cork filling and a leather insole is really awesome for the price. I don’t like how wide the welt is on the new boots but I might actually get a pair because I like the construction.
Absolutely love your content! Its been awesome to see you grow so quickly as a channel...been here a few weeks and Ive seen you go from 150 subs to like 1,000 in that time frame, you are great man! Please dont stop doing this :)
Certainly made in China does not mean lower quality. It does raise some ethical concerns. I prefer stuff made by Union workers in the US, because I know they're treated decently, make decent money, and have the union bargaining for them and looking after them. I deliberately pay more to buy that confidence. I don't know that the Chinese workers have these same benefits. The fact is, if the Chinese labor cost the same, or more, than American labor, no one would go with Chinese labor. Unless something is certified B Corp, I'm skeptical--even then, I might be a little skeptical. At least with something like Red Wing, union-made in the USA, I can be pretty confident of the ethics involved. I also have some qualms with the environmental ethics of shipping stuff all over the planet just to make a pair of boots. I have nothing against Chinese folks. I do have problems with sourcing labor from China, with uncertain ethics, to lower costs (but apparently not the price--wow--I'm not sure why I'd buy these when I could get Red Wings for under $200 instead).
See I prefer things made in red states over blue states for the exact same reason. I want ethical treatment and people to be able to join and leave unions as they please should they see their benefit. Higher quality products from a people that have a higher pride in their work.
I just got into gywed boots about 2yrs ago. I started out with Thursday Captains and Loggers. I loved the cap toed boots in the beginning. Then I ended up getting the Beckett Simonon Elliott Balmoral, and then Grants Stone Ottawa's and 2 pairs of Diesel's. GS boots are the best boots in their price range. Everyone of my GS boots has excellent QC and the quality of the leather is perfect. The ones that I have don't have much of any loose grain but that's because I requested that Gio/Josh locate a boot for me with less loose grain and then are perfect. Creases are there but no loose grain. I love all my GS boots and they are much better boots than Thursday except for maybe the MITUSA Logger's in Cacao. All Thursday boots are flat welts whereas most GS boots have a storm welt that you can't see where they start and where they end. GS boots are excellent for the price.
I really don't care in which country something is made. It's either made well or it isn't. There are good and poor craftsmen everywhere. I get that you don't want to upset anyone so you're being diplomatic but some people need to take their heads out of their arses and look at things objectively. I get that people want to support industry in their own country and that can be a good thing. However to assume something made in a certain country is automatically inferior is wrong. Still everyone is entitled to their opinion. Great objective review as always.
Hey thanks so much Gary, I'm glad you don't think I was being too subjective. Something I didn't mention is that some people avoid made in China because the labor laws/wages are sometimes not quite as stringent, but I used to live in Shanghai, I love China, I don't have any negative feelings about the place, at least not about the quality of their goods or their people. It's very hard to use the right language talking about it, but I don't think I was too negative here - at least, I hope! Thank you again for your comment.
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.
It's a handsome looking boot for sure. I notice also the way it creases - a wavy pattern and not in deep cuts - which is sign of durability. Thanks for the good review.
@@lordofthestings expensive boots are about feeling, not about durability or financial investment in something that will last forever. I also have pair of sneakers Nike which cost me 50 dollars, and for 3 years I walked 4 miles every day wearing them. I doubt that boots would survive the same amount of miles without falling apart. But for the office or some going out nothing is that good as a quality leather boots :)
Terrific review. Thank you. I would agree that the Grant Stone is more able to cross over when you transition from the city to the countryside, or if you're needing to do more walking in wet/snowy weather. If mostly for the city or suburbs, either the Alden or A Edmonds are a toss up. The Grant Stone has more of a masculine appeal for me. If you really want to treat your eyes, take a look at the Grant Stone Brass Boot dark burgundy Kudu or the Maduro Shell Cordovan boots. Son, now we're talking sweet ...
Wonderful review! That Castagno veg tan upper definitely broke in as I would expect a full grain veg tan leather to. From my experience many full grain veg tan leathers will crease up pretty significantly with use. If you want minimal creasing I would definitely opt for a calf skin or a shell cordovan which will maintain a cleaner look for much longer! :) I would also like to note that in a chat with one of the Grant Stone folks I was actually told that the Leo last was an E width which I thought was interesting! Not sure if they changed that recently. I also wanted to note they they do have an E width line available on their website (which I was informed are actually closer to EE). It’s a bit complicated but I thought it was worth noting! Again, wonderful review! So happy that you agree that the quality on this boot is pretty great.
Ah, they have introduced new widths since I made this review. Damn, I should get more in the habit of saying "this information can change at any time" when I talk about widths and prices! Thanks for the heads up.
I own a pair of these and find them incredibly uncomfortable. My feet are in massive pain due to the lack of padding when compared to say RM Williams or Red Wing's Blacksmith's. These boots in Castagno have even less padding and even more stiff than Iron Rangers.
That's the tough thing when discussing comfort, I know people who didn't have any break in issues with boots that I did and vice versa. I perhaps should emphasize a little more that everyone's feet are different. I agree that these shoes are stiffer in the sole and the leather than Iron Rangers, I think I mentioned the stiffness.
Really enjoy your vids mate. Keep up the great work! Any plans to review a pair of Oak Street Trench boots? There's a distinct lack of in depth reviews of them!
Stridewise haha awesome! Look forward to hearing your honest thoughts on them! I personally love mine. Got two pairs, Brown chromexel and Natural Waxed Flesh!
Hmm they told me "I regret to inform you that the size 11.5 Brown Dainite Cap-Toe Trench Boot is out of stock. We will not be stocking this style in the future." I guess there's a difference between cap toe and not cap toe. In any case they said their most popular model was this one so that's what I'm getting :) oakstreetbootmakers.com/footwear/natural-dainite-trench-boot
Great review. I know there's a lot of commotion about the country where these shoes are manufactured and I get it. However, I think people should open their eyes a bit and observe that there is a world of skilled craftsmanship beyond conventional wisdom. I do agree that most shoes made in China do not meet the general appetite of your audience but these guys are getting it right. The leather and materials are sourced from quality vendors and the craftsmanship (sans your gluing issue), especially the stitching, are way above AE, Redwing, and Wolverine. I have a pair of Alden, not shitting anyone here, and I think QC has dropped in recent years from that company as the stitching was misalligned. I found this out only after a month into wearing after I started cleaning my shoe. One could only imagine the frustration and disappointment I was feeling after have spent $780. Anyway, China is killing it recently with smart phones (ex: Oppo and Huawei), high end audio, and now boots. There was once a time we had these negative feelings towards the Japanese on their manufactured goods.. and now we Revere and sometimes seek them out. The same could be said about Taiwanese goods and it's now happening to Chinese goods. I hope other makers would start paying close attention to companies like Grantstone and invest more into their craft. Perhaps go more premium if they need to rather than trying look underneath rocks to find other sources of revenue that risks diluting the brand and image.. ie. Leather belts, backpacks, sunglasses... *Cough AE *Cough PS. I'm a happy customer of 2 pairs from GS, including the model you reviewed, and expecting to receive more down the road
Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Eric! I hope I didn't make it seem like I think "made in China" means they're inferior, I don't feel that way at all. I agree they're really well made shoes and I'd like to think public sentiment toward "made in China" is slowly changing. That said I do understand the idea that with labor laws not always quite as worker-friendly as in other countries, people may not want to buy China made - but I'm *not* saying that China made means poor quality.
oh no, I wasn't implying you were denigrating the manufacturing country. I was simply responding to some of the comments made by other viewers. Anyway, I believe you're doing an amazing job and wishing you great success. I think men's footwear has been exploding in the last 5 years and more men have been willing to pay more than $200 for quality materials and craftsmanship. I do believe your channel, as well as many other budding channels, are satisfying a highly neglected segment in youtube and could only wish you the absolute best success. Keep up the good work and keep those boot reviews coming. Love for you to do a factory visit one day.
Eric thank you so much! You really make it feel worthwhile. I'd actually really love to visit the Le Farc tannery in Mexico because I know quite a few brands that claim to be American made are made there (cough) Wolverine (cough) hehe - hope you keep watching and thanks again!
The truth is I've got both Allen Edmonds and Alden and had to return them due to some cosmetic issues. They shouldn't have left the factory even as seconds let alone ended up in the hands of owners.
I'm looking for new shoes, so I went to the shops ad didn't like anything I saw. So I went to the youtubes. Still haven't bought anything but my budget has already doubled two times hahaha. I was curious, but couldn't really find anything about "Made in EU"-brands who make dress-like boots like these.
Yes, these days I'm wearing dress boots with shorts and a tshirt just so that I can sufficiently wear them in for a review. That's the kind of sacrifice I make for this channel!
No its not, go watch rose anvil cut them in half. If anything these are better quality materials than AE and Alden, who both use cardboard heels and Alden using cardboard midsoles.
I have 4 pairs of red wings. I like being able to send them back to the mothership and get them re-soled. I do like the flatbox on the Grant Stones Diesel and looking 2 yrs old after 2 hours, that's a plus for me. Question: I'm concerned with the storm/Norwegian welt not being used that often, would it be an issue finding a cobbler who could do a good job with the re-sole? Great videos!
Thanks Bill! I love your 'mothership' terminology haha. Yeah storm welts are easy to resole, no problem. Norwegian welts can be resoled but it might be a bit tough finding a cobbler who can do it
@@Stridewise thanks! Just pulled the trigger on red wings suede rounds (8167) 30 seconds ago. Now I need to learn suede boot care (boots are like having kids). Off to Reddit! Again, great vids. They can be painful to watch. I miss NYC!
Well I'd have to buy it and wear it for a few years first :) Maybe down the line, I do want to start looking at cordovan boots but right now I want to make videos that are more accessible. Thanks so much for the kind words, Chetan.
I'm pretty boring and just stick to brown or black these days! Meermin has some interesting (and cheap) brogues www.meermin.es/en/10150411130000he-13-101504-copper-antique-calf-e-cobre.html
I like the content of your videos... Congrats. I watch a few other clothes and style channels, like Gent's Lounge and Gentleman's Gazette. Keep on with your work.
BTW. The name Stridewise and the images of you walking down the stree -- along with your accent -- made me think you're from Australia. Maybe because of the easy-going lifestyle.
It seems to me Australians are great wanderers. And there's the tradition of "walking about" that the aboriginees do. And a few other things as well (like Outback's walkabout soup). So the name Stridewise sounded very Australian to me. And when I saw you walking with a smile on your face I thought to myself "Gee, that guy has to be from Australia." . You appear to be an easy-going person. You don't walk like an American or a Brit, they generally stomp, they don't stride. =) =) =)
I don't get that impression, the leather is pretty hardy and if you regularly condition them it'll last a long time. I just think they're a bit outdoorsy.
Same price as Redwing heritage line but the leather seems inferior. I’d just go with RW for this type of boot. I do love GS loafers, and their Indy clone looks good for the price.
I'd buy these if only the color looked exactly like yours. The way they currently look; with the brighter superior portion of the midsole, looks ugly and too contrasting.
For $130 more than the Thursday boot, it seems way too expensive to me. It should be at or less than the Thursday. But I do like the design of this one. I was ready to jump on it until I saw the price.
My understanding is that Thursday boots are made from Chrome tanned buffalo leather while Grant Stone boots are made from vegetable tanned full grain cow leather, a more expensive and environmentally friendly tanning process and a more durable higher-end leather. So that may account for the price difference.
Financially wise, I'd rather put $265 into a pair of Thursday Boots Co made in USA line than a pair of Grant Stone $360 made in China. More options in leather and style, with a higher quality leather in my opinion. And at the same price point, Red Wing Heritage is more superior with a lot credibility.
$190 msrp yes it would be good, but when it dropped to that price point then again, Thursday Boots will be their biggest competition. And Chippewa made in USA they are usually on sale at that price too. I don't know maybe I am to picky about this.
No, but people make stuff in China specifically to save a ton of money on labor (the most important aspect). Chinese workers are not paid as well as American workers.
I have a pair of Thursday Vanguards and I kind of wish I had returned them. They are not holding up well. Loose grain and creases, heels coming apart from the sole, eyelet coming out of the holes, you can see where the leather wasn't colored/stained under the overlaps where stitched together. They aren't super comfortable either.
$370 for a pair of sweatshop made boots? No thanks. Grant Stone is the epitome of corporate greed. These boots probably cost less than $100 to produce. I'll stick with my Red Wing Iron Rangers. Great review as always.
@@Stridewise Yea right just like Thursday boots are a good value. Opened up a box of Captain's the smell was so pungent it stunk up my whole apartment. CHEAP, plastic, painted leather.
If I'm paying more than $50 for footwear, I certainly won't touch anything that comes out of Asia. With these, they're commanding US/European made prices for something made in China...
Why the hell do these need to be made in China? All those materials going all around the world, yet it’s somehow ‘ethical’ to have these produced in China and sold at a similar price to Made in Europe or Made in America products. No way. This is greedy cost cutting of the worst kind. Plus it’s putting people in Europe and America out of a job. It’s a simple fact that the Chinese don’t take as much pride in the quality of their work. Hard working, but sloppy results. Make a point of buying Made in Europe and Made in America.
C’est, Says the lad who flips the bird in his avatar. Classy. I’ll have you know I am a nice person and highly intelligent. I am ridiculously good. :-)
Rev. James C hahahahaha but your reply only proves your stupidity, again. But hey, keep telling yourself you are “intelligent”, because nobody else is ever going to 😂😂😂.
Oof--this comment had so much potential for being a good one. Chinese workers make so many of your everyday items--regardless of whether you buy them or not--so I really wouldn't degrade their personhood or workmanship. Many Chinese workers (and other people in the third world) have been exploited by Western industries for years and have been forced to work under conditions that are unsafe and unethical, all because companies want to make a ton of money. This is undeniably wrong. However, to generalize that they are all under skilled and "don't take as much pride in the quality of their work" is unfounded and based on assumptions that undervalue not just Chinese laborers but Chinese people as a whole. Is Grant Stone exploiting their workers in China? Perhaps! Should you degrade the workers being exploited or accuse them of having "sloppy" workmanship--especially when the quality is obviously there (at least according to the review)? Absolutely not. I would say, throw your punches upwards at companies, not downwards to the people having to work for low wages in order to fill your life with cheap, easily accessible and disposable goods. :(
Sonia, Excuse me! Hold it right there. My comment is fair and balanced. I am *100%* opposed to the exploitation of people in the third world. I am passionately critical of those who do the exploiting. However, that does not mean I am going to play the egalitarian game, which is peddled by the perfidious exploiters in order to get away with their vile rackets.
Sorry the sound was a bit uneven on this one, guys! I think I need new headphones...
Hi, I'm sorry for leaving a comment after so much time. I'd like to purchase these beautiful boots (I love Grant Stone Diesel style and shape): what size would you suggest me? I own 2 pairs of Wolverine 1000 mile in size 7US - D. Thanks a lot and congrat for your great reviews 🔝🇮🇹.
Great review man!! I own 4 pairs of Grantstones and am absolutely in love with them. I was hesitant at first to try them, but I've found over time that I prefer the GS Leo Last over the Alden Trubalance last (which is really saying something). I love American made, however disliking these boots because they're made in China is overlooking so much that they have to offer, and in my opinion is an unfair bias. The world is shrinking and in terms of consumerism, we're going to see more companies like GS filling these niche areas of the market. I also completely agree with how fast the GS form their patina. I was astounded by how quickly my Diesel boots in natural CXL took on so much character!!
Yeah for sure, I don't think I ever implied that I think Made in China is a bad thing, I used to live in China and I don't have issues with things made there. It's an individual thing, I guess.
Stridewise sorry I wasn’t referring to you on the Chinese thing! That remark was meant for the people in the comments who seem to be having a fit over “made in China” haha!
Oh right! Yeah. Yeah, it's controversial alrighty.
Stridewise heck yes! I’m loving your content keep up the good work my friend! I did a video myself comparing Alden and Grantstone so I know the backlash involved with defending the origins of certain products haha!
Great comment and I also found these boots more comfortable than my Beckmans and the quality on par with Red Wings. People who still believe that “made in China” immediately equals bad quality, sweat shop labor or bargain pricing is just embarrassing.
You can get crap that is handmade in Italy and you can excellent stuff made in China. Doesn’t mean anything where it was made.
Oh but it does for some consumers
Fuck China
It's not about quality. It's about supporting a malicious, evil regime.
Made in China is ok, but it needs to be priced as such.
These honestly seem like a great deal, leather mid sole, cork filling and a leather insole is really awesome for the price. I don’t like how wide the welt is on the new boots but I might actually get a pair because I like the construction.
Absolutely love your content! Its been awesome to see you grow so quickly as a channel...been here a few weeks and Ive seen you go from 150 subs to like 1,000 in that time frame, you are great man! Please dont stop doing this :)
Ugh thank you for this comment, dude. Makes me glad I did it :)
It can be made in Madagascar, doesn't matter where it's made. Matters HOW and WHAT it's made with
It does matter where it's made. Jobbed out has destroyed America.
@@lordofthestings Cheap Jobbed out has made America the richest country in the world
Certainly made in China does not mean lower quality. It does raise some ethical concerns. I prefer stuff made by Union workers in the US, because I know they're treated decently, make decent money, and have the union bargaining for them and looking after them. I deliberately pay more to buy that confidence. I don't know that the Chinese workers have these same benefits. The fact is, if the Chinese labor cost the same, or more, than American labor, no one would go with Chinese labor. Unless something is certified B Corp, I'm skeptical--even then, I might be a little skeptical. At least with something like Red Wing, union-made in the USA, I can be pretty confident of the ethics involved. I also have some qualms with the environmental ethics of shipping stuff all over the planet just to make a pair of boots. I have nothing against Chinese folks. I do have problems with sourcing labor from China, with uncertain ethics, to lower costs (but apparently not the price--wow--I'm not sure why I'd buy these when I could get Red Wings for under $200 instead).
See I prefer things made in red states over blue states for the exact same reason. I want ethical treatment and people to be able to join and leave unions as they please should they see their benefit. Higher quality products from a people that have a higher pride in their work.
Love the videos Nick. Pls keep making more 😊. I thought I had too many boots, but your collection made me feel better lol.
hahaha! glad to help in some small way, Larry.
I just got into gywed boots about 2yrs ago. I started out with Thursday Captains and Loggers. I loved the cap toed boots in the beginning. Then I ended up getting the Beckett Simonon Elliott Balmoral, and then Grants Stone Ottawa's and 2 pairs of Diesel's. GS boots are the best boots in their price range. Everyone of my GS boots has excellent QC and the quality of the leather is perfect. The ones that I have don't have much of any loose grain but that's because I requested that Gio/Josh locate a boot for me with less loose grain and then are perfect. Creases are there but no loose grain. I love all my GS boots and they are much better boots than Thursday except for maybe the MITUSA Logger's in Cacao. All Thursday boots are flat welts whereas most GS boots have a storm welt that you can't see where they start and where they end. GS boots are excellent for the price.
I really don't care in which country something is made. It's either made well or it isn't. There are good and poor craftsmen everywhere. I get that you don't want to upset anyone so you're being diplomatic but some people need to take their heads out of their arses and look at things objectively. I get that people want to support industry in their own country and that can be a good thing. However to assume something made in a certain country is automatically inferior is wrong. Still everyone is entitled to their opinion. Great objective review as always.
Hey thanks so much Gary, I'm glad you don't think I was being too subjective. Something I didn't mention is that some people avoid made in China because the labor laws/wages are sometimes not quite as stringent, but I used to live in Shanghai, I love China, I don't have any negative feelings about the place, at least not about the quality of their goods or their people. It's very hard to use the right language talking about it, but I don't think I was too negative here - at least, I hope! Thank you again for your comment.
Daniel Brice Have you even listened to what he said in the video? Your comments suggest you've watched it without listening properly or objectivity.
I agree 100% with you, Gary!
@Daniel Brice I have both and these are a step above.
Leather will crease. That is the nature of it unless you get a pair made of Shell Cordovan.
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.
It's a handsome looking boot for sure. I notice also the way it creases - a wavy pattern and not in deep cuts - which is sign of durability. Thanks for the good review.
I have a pair of $40 leather skechers boots that have wavy creases. They're super comfortable and I can buy 20 pairs for what these things cost.
@@lordofthestings expensive boots are about feeling, not about durability or financial investment in something that will last forever. I also have pair of sneakers Nike which cost me 50 dollars, and for 3 years I walked 4 miles every day wearing them. I doubt that boots would survive the same amount of miles without falling apart. But for the office or some going out nothing is that good as a quality leather boots :)
I can't believe you only have 2k subscribers, you are very good at this.
Thanks man! I'm sure I'll hit critical mass of subscribers soon... right??
Terrific review. Thank you. I would agree that the Grant Stone is more able to cross over when you transition from the city to the countryside, or if you're needing to do more walking in wet/snowy weather. If mostly for the city or suburbs, either the Alden or A Edmonds are a toss up. The Grant Stone has more of a masculine appeal for me. If you really want to treat your eyes, take a look at the Grant Stone Brass Boot dark burgundy Kudu or the Maduro Shell Cordovan boots. Son, now we're talking sweet ...
Wonderful review! That Castagno veg tan upper definitely broke in as I would expect a full grain veg tan leather to. From my experience many full grain veg tan leathers will crease up pretty significantly with use. If you want minimal creasing I would definitely opt for a calf skin or a shell cordovan which will maintain a cleaner look for much longer! :) I would also like to note that in a chat with one of the Grant Stone folks I was actually told that the Leo last was an E width which I thought was interesting! Not sure if they changed that recently. I also wanted to note they they do have an E width line available on their website (which I was informed are actually closer to EE). It’s a bit complicated but I thought it was worth noting! Again, wonderful review! So happy that you agree that the quality on this boot is pretty great.
Ah, they have introduced new widths since I made this review. Damn, I should get more in the habit of saying "this information can change at any time" when I talk about widths and prices! Thanks for the heads up.
I own a pair of these and find them incredibly uncomfortable. My feet are in massive pain due to the lack of padding when compared to say RM Williams or Red Wing's Blacksmith's. These boots in Castagno have even less padding and even more stiff than Iron Rangers.
That's the tough thing when discussing comfort, I know people who didn't have any break in issues with boots that I did and vice versa. I perhaps should emphasize a little more that everyone's feet are different. I agree that these shoes are stiffer in the sole and the leather than Iron Rangers, I think I mentioned the stiffness.
Really enjoy your vids mate. Keep up the great work! Any plans to review a pair of Oak Street Trench boots? There's a distinct lack of in depth reviews of them!
They just arrived in the mail! Will get a review up in the next month or two :) Thanks so much for the kind words, K Chan Man.
Stridewise haha awesome! Look forward to hearing your honest thoughts on them! I personally love mine. Got two pairs, Brown chromexel and Natural Waxed Flesh!
Mine are Natural, I think they stopped making brown CXL.
No no, they're still making Brown CXL. Here's the link!
oakstreetbootmakers.com/footwear/brown-trench-boot
Hmm they told me "I regret to inform you that the size 11.5 Brown Dainite Cap-Toe Trench Boot is out of stock. We will not be stocking this style in the future."
I guess there's a difference between cap toe and not cap toe. In any case they said their most popular model was this one so that's what I'm getting :) oakstreetbootmakers.com/footwear/natural-dainite-trench-boot
"Do you you know what a balm does?" (Jackie Childs)
Who told you to put the balm on?
Awesome video! Have you ever thought about expanding to include dress shoes?
One day definitely, but not for a couple years I think :)
And thanks so much for the compliment!
Great review. I know there's a lot of commotion about the country where these shoes are manufactured and I get it. However, I think people should open their eyes a bit and observe that there is a world of skilled craftsmanship beyond conventional wisdom.
I do agree that most shoes made in China do not meet the general appetite of your audience but these guys are getting it right. The leather and materials are sourced from quality vendors and the craftsmanship (sans your gluing issue), especially the stitching, are way above AE, Redwing, and Wolverine.
I have a pair of Alden, not shitting anyone here, and I think QC has dropped in recent years from that company as the stitching was misalligned. I found this out only after a month into wearing after I started cleaning my shoe. One could only imagine the frustration and disappointment I was feeling after have spent $780.
Anyway, China is killing it recently with smart phones (ex: Oppo and Huawei), high end audio, and now boots. There was once a time we had these negative feelings towards the Japanese on their manufactured goods.. and now we Revere and sometimes seek them out. The same could be said about Taiwanese goods and it's now happening to Chinese goods.
I hope other makers would start paying close attention to companies like Grantstone and invest more into their craft. Perhaps go more premium if they need to rather than trying look underneath rocks to find other sources of revenue that risks diluting the brand and image.. ie. Leather belts, backpacks, sunglasses... *Cough AE *Cough
PS. I'm a happy customer of 2 pairs from GS, including the model you reviewed, and expecting to receive more down the road
Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Eric! I hope I didn't make it seem like I think "made in China" means they're inferior, I don't feel that way at all. I agree they're really well made shoes and I'd like to think public sentiment toward "made in China" is slowly changing. That said I do understand the idea that with labor laws not always quite as worker-friendly as in other countries, people may not want to buy China made - but I'm *not* saying that China made means poor quality.
oh no, I wasn't implying you were denigrating the manufacturing country. I was simply responding to some of the comments made by other viewers.
Anyway, I believe you're doing an amazing job and wishing you great success. I think men's footwear has been exploding in the last 5 years and more men have been willing to pay more than $200 for quality materials and craftsmanship. I do believe your channel, as well as many other budding channels, are satisfying a highly neglected segment in youtube and could only wish you the absolute best success.
Keep up the good work and keep those boot reviews coming. Love for you to do a factory visit one day.
Eric thank you so much! You really make it feel worthwhile. I'd actually really love to visit the Le Farc tannery in Mexico because I know quite a few brands that claim to be American made are made there (cough) Wolverine (cough) hehe - hope you keep watching and thanks again!
The truth is I've got both Allen Edmonds and Alden and had to return them due to some cosmetic issues. They shouldn't have left the factory even as seconds let alone ended up in the hands of owners.
I'm looking for new shoes, so I went to the shops ad didn't like anything I saw. So I went to the youtubes. Still haven't bought anything but my budget has already doubled two times hahaha. I was curious, but couldn't really find anything about "Made in EU"-brands who make dress-like boots like these.
ALL Allen Edmond show are crafted overseas. Some dress shoe model are assembled in the US.
The site says they're "proudly handcrafted in the USA." :/
They are ALL made in Wisconsin unless noted otherwise.
What dressy boots would you recommend? Something that will stay looking dressy and wear in not as fast at the Diesel boot
Awesome review.
Any plans to review Helm or Sutro?
Helm is in the works!
Nice reviews. NYC's must be pretty hot these days--Do you wear your boots in rain or shine?
Yes, these days I'm wearing dress boots with shorts and a tshirt just so that I can sufficiently wear them in for a review. That's the kind of sacrifice I make for this channel!
Storm welt is not the same as Norwegian. Please Google Norvegese - it's a different construction.
Man I’m stuck between these, Higgins mill, and Thursday boots President.
I compare Higgins Mill and Diesel here: th-cam.com/video/VbiypX0ZoSA/w-d-xo.html though of those three I kind of prefer Thursday, it's more versatile.
Would you say these are comparable to Thursday Boots The President?
That toe crease keeps me from wanting to purchase them
How did the size 11 fit? Good or bad?
Could you compare the Grant Stone Diesel to the Thursday President?
I'm comparing Thursday to Wolverine soon! That's as close as you'llg et for now.
The Grant Stone heel toe is Thin compared the thickness of Alden and AE, Viberg
No its not, go watch rose anvil cut them in half. If anything these are better quality materials than AE and Alden, who both use cardboard heels and Alden using cardboard midsoles.
great info man
Thanks Rajab!
I have 4 pairs of red wings. I like being able to send them back to the mothership and get them re-soled. I do like the flatbox on the Grant Stones Diesel and looking 2 yrs old after 2 hours, that's a plus for me.
Question: I'm concerned with the storm/Norwegian welt not being used that often, would it be an issue finding a cobbler who could do a good job with the re-sole?
Great videos!
Thanks Bill! I love your 'mothership' terminology haha. Yeah storm welts are easy to resole, no problem. Norwegian welts can be resoled but it might be a bit tough finding a cobbler who can do it
@@Stridewise thanks! Just pulled the trigger on red wings suede rounds (8167) 30 seconds ago. Now I need to learn suede boot care (boots are like having kids). Off to Reddit!
Again, great vids. They can be painful to watch. I miss NYC!
What is the point if new boots are looking like they are two years old?
As a Chinese consumer，I can't buy a pair of boots made in China. This is ironic！Damn it！
Hahaha that's pretty weird
Awesome,thanks.
What is the best boots for money ?
In your opinion )
Thursday Boot Company are insanely cheap and good value for money: th-cam.com/video/FLCi8dk7sgg/w-d-xo.html
Hey man you really do the best boots review. Would love to see review on Alden Shell Cordovan and see how it ages
Well I'd have to buy it and wear it for a few years first :) Maybe down the line, I do want to start looking at cordovan boots but right now I want to make videos that are more accessible. Thanks so much for the kind words, Chetan.
These are great reviews. Do you know of any good value Brogue Boots in Oxblood with rubber, non-combat soles?
I'm pretty boring and just stick to brown or black these days! Meermin has some interesting (and cheap) brogues www.meermin.es/en/10150411130000he-13-101504-copper-antique-calf-e-cobre.html
Dr,Martens
Herring coniston boot made by cheaney, available at herrings shoes www.herringshoes.co.uk/herring/coniston_two-tone-rubber-soled-brogue-boots
Great content. Where are you from ? Australia ?
Yup! Spent most of my adulthood in other countries though, so my accent is a bit mangled haha. Been in NYC a long time now.
I like the content of your videos... Congrats. I watch a few other clothes and style channels, like Gent's Lounge and Gentleman's Gazette. Keep on with your work.
BTW. The name Stridewise and the images of you walking down the stree -- along with your accent -- made me think you're from Australia. Maybe because of the easy-going lifestyle.
Hey I appreciate it Andre! Can I ask why Stridewise made you think of Australia?
It seems to me Australians are great wanderers. And there's the tradition of "walking about" that the aboriginees do. And a few other things as well (like Outback's walkabout soup). So the name Stridewise sounded very Australian to me. And when I saw you walking with a smile on your face I thought to myself "Gee, that guy has to be from Australia." . You appear to be an easy-going person. You don't walk like an American or a Brit, they generally stomp, they don't stride. =) =) =)
If it worn out so quick, does it mean less durability?
I don't get that impression, the leather is pretty hardy and if you regularly condition them it'll last a long time. I just think they're a bit outdoorsy.
Its a nice looking boot
Great city boot
Agree!
where did you order your boots from? when you go on grant stone site it says boots discontioned
Lots of the boots have been discontinued but you can get these ones here: www.grantstoneshoes.com/products/diesel-boot-castagno-veg-tan
If I’m 11.5 in higgin mills should I do 11.5 in diesel or go to 11?
11!
Good video
Thanks dude
Same price as Redwing heritage line but the leather seems inferior. I’d just go with RW for this type of boot. I do love GS loafers, and their Indy clone looks good for the price.
This is veg tan leather actually so it is probably better than Red Wings, it's just less shiny and exciting from the outset
I'd buy these if only the color looked exactly like yours. The way they currently look; with the brighter superior portion of the midsole, looks ugly and too contrasting.
For $130 more than the Thursday boot, it seems way too expensive to me. It should be at or less than the Thursday. But I do like the design of this one. I was ready to jump on it until I saw the price.
They're usually put in another tier, a lot of folks compare them to Alden and Allen Edmonds. But you can't beat Thursday's value.
My understanding is that Thursday boots are made from Chrome tanned buffalo leather while Grant Stone boots are made from vegetable tanned full grain cow leather, a more expensive and environmentally friendly tanning process and a more durable higher-end leather. So that may account for the price difference.
Yes it matter... It's not only taking work away from American but it's also sacrificing quality.
Financially wise, I'd rather put $265 into a pair of Thursday Boots Co made in USA line than a pair of Grant Stone $360 made in China. More options in leather and style, with a higher quality leather in my opinion. And at the same price point, Red Wing Heritage is more superior with a lot credibility.
I hear that. It's really hard to make objective 'Made in China is good/bad' statements but I definitely understand where you're coming from.
$190 msrp yes it would be good, but when it dropped to that price point then again, Thursday Boots will be their biggest competition. And Chippewa made in USA they are usually on sale at that price too. I don't know maybe I am to picky about this.
Daniel Brice I’m either 7EE or 7.5E with AE so it’s rarely got some good deal from them
No, but people make stuff in China specifically to save a ton of money on labor (the most important aspect). Chinese workers are not paid as well as American workers.
I have a pair of Thursday Vanguards and I kind of wish I had returned them. They are not holding up well. Loose grain and creases, heels coming apart from the sole, eyelet coming out of the holes, you can see where the leather wasn't colored/stained under the overlaps where stitched together. They aren't super comfortable either.
$370 for a pair of sweatshop made boots? No thanks. Grant Stone is the epitome of corporate greed. These boots probably cost less than $100 to produce. I'll stick with my Red Wing Iron Rangers. Great review as always.
Glad you liked it and didn't find it to be biased!
Your reviews are spot on. Keep up the good work!
I try not to buy anything in China! I prefer to support North America if possible.....
Made in China but priced like it's made in the USA. They must be joking.
Mmm this would be at least 100 more if it was made in the USA
@@Stridewise Yea right just like Thursday boots are a good value. Opened up a box of Captain's the smell was so pungent it stunk up my whole apartment. CHEAP, plastic, painted leather.
If I'm paying more than $50 for footwear, I certainly won't touch anything that comes out of Asia.
With these, they're commanding US/European made prices for something made in China...
Made in China? I walk away.
Definitely
First
You win a free pair of boots! OK not really. Actually if you're in New York and you're an 11.5 why not, come say hey!
Why the hell do these need to be made in China? All those materials going all around the world, yet it’s somehow ‘ethical’ to have these produced in China and sold at a similar price to Made in Europe or Made in America products. No way. This is greedy cost cutting of the worst kind. Plus it’s putting people in Europe and America out of a job. It’s a simple fact that the Chinese don’t take as much pride in the quality of their work. Hard working, but sloppy results. Make a point of buying Made in Europe and Made in America.
Rev. James C thanks for commenting and letting the internet know you are an idiot.
C’est, Says the lad who flips the bird in his avatar. Classy. I’ll have you know I am a nice person and highly intelligent. I am ridiculously good. :-)
Rev. James C hahahahaha but your reply only proves your stupidity, again. But hey, keep telling yourself you are “intelligent”, because nobody else is ever going to 😂😂😂.
Oof--this comment had so much potential for being a good one. Chinese workers make so many of your everyday items--regardless of whether you buy them or not--so I really wouldn't degrade their personhood or workmanship. Many Chinese workers (and other people in the third world) have been exploited by Western industries for years and have been forced to work under conditions that are unsafe and unethical, all because companies want to make a ton of money. This is undeniably wrong. However, to generalize that they are all under skilled and "don't take as much pride in the quality of their work" is unfounded and based on assumptions that undervalue not just Chinese laborers but Chinese people as a whole. Is Grant Stone exploiting their workers in China? Perhaps! Should you degrade the workers being exploited or accuse them of having "sloppy" workmanship--especially when the quality is obviously there (at least according to the review)? Absolutely not. I would say, throw your punches upwards at companies, not downwards to the people having to work for low wages in order to fill your life with cheap, easily accessible and disposable goods. :(
Sonia, Excuse me! Hold it right there. My comment is fair and balanced. I am *100%* opposed to the exploitation of people in the third world. I am passionately critical of those who do the exploiting. However, that does not mean I am going to play the egalitarian game, which is peddled by the perfidious exploiters in order to get away with their vile rackets.
CHINA NO !!!