I've binged half a dozen of your videos and i love your thoroughness and detail of the shoes you review. especially value for money. I wonder if you've heard of urban shepherd from Portugal. They seem to be amazingly well made boots at a great price but the videos i've watched aren't as thorough as i'd like. Please keep up your great videos. It helps so much when ordering online.
I have amassed about ten pairs of boots from Oak Street and I strongly suspect their various styles are made by different manufacturers. There seem to be wide swings in construction and quality between models and across time as the source of their boot manufacturing seems to shift. Their recently released Trail Crazy Horse jump boot is absolutely fantastic in material selection, fit and overall quality where as the boot that followed, the Trail Crazy Horse rough-out trench boot seems to have been designed and built by the interns. Totally different boot. Sizing seems to have an unexpectedly wide range as well. I have seen wide swings across boots built on the same last and indicated size with one feeling like it is a size and a half too big, most being TTS and the Trail Crazy Horse rough-out trench boot in particular feeling like it was a least a half size small in the vamp and toe box. Tight to the point of being painful. On the up side their customer service is top notch and a real person that you will enjoy speaking with. Lately Oak Street seems to be concentrating on limited edition runs like Parkhurst so you don't know what they will be offering next which is kind of interesting. Most of their offerings as of late are around the $500 US mark so a bit pricey compared to other brands but in hand their boots truly convey a hand made esthetic with enough eccentric variation to give them a unique character. Something that more sterile boots from companies like Grant Stone are missing. I am not affiliated with Oak Street in any way I just think their boots offer a great combination of US manufacture, handmade heritage inspired design and quality materials. If they can close the quality and consistency gaps between their various suppliers they will have a truly solid offering.
I guess that’s a component of “hand made boot”. I know of course they use sewing machines etc, but a human hand lasts and sews so presumably, lasting in the morning when they are fresh they might pull the leather tighter than in the arvo when they’re tired. But variations of a half size seem kinda swinging! I agree about the price, but they’re nice boots though!
There was a breakdown and review on the Wyatt & Dad cobbler channel that showed some foam in the GYW cavity on a pair instead of leather or cork expected for a boot at this price point. I suspect that they’ve had try out various manufacturers with differing levels of QC. They can inspect the exteriors for stitch consistency and overall feel, but they can’t double check that all heal stacks, lasting boards, or cavity fillers are up to the intended specs without cutting some in half. They’re too new to have much data from resoles with happy or upset customers reaching out to them either. I’m glad that this review is so thorough about their quality and high standard of customer service. They may just be in the predicament of Origin boots, trying to get the manufacturing machines & capacity to build these themselves but lack the large backers required (thinking Joe Rogan for Origin) to bring those machines back to the US in working order. Until or unless they can, they’ll probably be at the mercy of other manufacturers building their product on commission. All speculation on my part based on what others are posting, but it seems like an semi-educated guess.
I have exactly one pair of natural cxl oak street plain toe trench with leather soles. I had such a nice time with it that I really want a pair of field boots in roughout. But I don't want a natural cxl roughout. Holding out for their indigo roughout field boot if it ever comes again while resisting the urge with every limited edition stuff they drop. Like the current limited edition of tochigi field boots looks so good. I live in the wet and hot area of the world so my CXL has darkened up quite a bit so it looks a lot like oil tanned boots nowadays with its golden brown hue. Even got my right toe burnished somehow without me knowing so I now look like I ride motorcycles. For some reason I also think the trench boots don't look as good in roughout while field boots look good in both smooth and roughout configurations.
Leather outsoles to me are for a more office environment. I live in the Central Arizona highland desert and I mistakenly ordered the same boot you're reviewing, having intended to order the Daynite. I attempted to intercept the order and change it but I received the leather soles. I took that opportunity to try them on for size and walk across my wood grained floors and found them to be unsuitable even for that environment if you are in a hurry and pushing off with your toes or changing directions. They are a very direct and un-cushioned connection to the floor but I prefer more cushioned footwear. Oak street exchanged the leather soled boots for day nite and while no Cristy sole they have better cushion and grip than the leather boots and I really enjoy them.
I have that exact pair of boots, and they are absolutely my favorite boots I own. Extremely comfortable, and just plain handsome. Thanks for the incredible in-depth review.
I have the same exact boots! Amazing 10/10 after 3 months. I love the leather soles. The owner of the company said the leather soles are better so I listened to him.
If you have a wide foot, make certain to contact Oak Street BEFORE ordering. They will give you good advice if you need to size up. I have wide feet (like Fred Flinstone wide), and Oak Street recommended I size up one-half size. I love these boots.
I can totally relate to the anxiety when ordering from a new “to one” shoe/bootmaker. I’ve had to wait up to 8 months on certain commissions. Sometimes the fit is great and you’re happy and others unfortunately you can be disappointed. Such is the nature of the game and this hobby we have 😅
This is a really handsome boot, I would pick this up if it went on sale again - I would pay a small premium over Grant Stone since it is MIUSA. As far as versatility, I wear boots like this in place of sneakers, it’s a casual look but mature and elevated, and the ladies appreciate it for sure. A well crafted boot IMO is at least as comfortable as a sneaker. Cheers!
I have a pair of these and the sizing was wrong. I ended up needing to size up to my sneaker size of 12. I measure an 11.5D but the first pair was ok except the toe. The toe was pinching pretty bad and seemed like it would not go away. I exchanged for a 12 which was better, but slightly big. Oddly they have removable leather insoles. I ended up removing the leather insole and use a Superfeet insole. That filled up the extra space and they fit well now. I can even pull off a thick sock if needed. Not recommended, but not a terrible boot. I do like the look/smell. Nice natural chromexel. Hayley was also very nice and helped me resolve my fit issue. So their customer service is great.
Great video, great channel! I actually like the longer length videos, I think they stand apart from the other videos on YT. Keep up the great work and I hope you get more subs soon!
I was recently looking at OSB products and searched for a review of yours. One comment I'd make is that OSB offer free international shipping. That shaves about 100AUD off the price, which helps in the price comparison with other similar brands.
I bought these exact model on ebay, barely used for a great savings. I found TTS to be quite roomy in the width but length good so I don’t think sizing down would have been good for me. Alternately I picked up GS Ottawas in a 1/2 down and they were uncomfortably snug. I take AE Higgins Mill in 10.5D quite well and Parkhurst 602M in 10 just right with medium thick socks. The 602M could be just slightly wider for my liking though. A 10.5 in 602M probably could’ve worked. I don’t mind some extra room in my boots. I have Nicks Falcon cap toe in 10.5D and wear that with a thick wool sock.
I got mine in the mail yesterday, first wear the laces broke. They are sending me out a new pair of laces, but I am switching to Cobblers Choice kevlar laces as I'm not a fan of the leather laces.
Wow Vary nice review I order my pair on sale yesterday looking forward and I have LOVED Ashland Leathers good for a year now I have 4 wallets and 3 belts from him !! Thank you PS I have a pair of Loafers and and pair of his boots from Mark Albert and really can't say any this good about his loafers the leather sole came complete off from the welt in 5 months I only worn them around the house as a slipper in the winter in the Midwest .Mark won't stand bind hind his products so I will never spend my money with him ( again sorry for the rant ) Thank you again for the great review I'm going to check out your channel ~!!
Interesting. On the BootSpy channel he ordered a 1/2 size down going against what the website suggested and it fit perfect. Not really sure where to go with sizing. Either way I could switch them out if they do not fit. Thx
I spent many years wearing leather soled dress shoes commuting for work and do like them and the feel they provide. Leather soles are fine if you are walking down well paved streets or paths in mild and dry to moderately wet weather but those situations don't really need boots. In proper wet conditions or snow or ice, especially on broken paths, wet grass. mud and wet rock, they don't really work. These are not extreme conditions but just gentle off road conditions you might encounter in a park or rural area.That's why leather soles significantly limit your boots (which is fine if you have a load of alternatives which you can use in bad conditions). Regarding breathability. it is just not true to say that leather soles are breathable. Cork in boots is a mixture of binding agents and ground up bark and those petrochemical additives certainly don't help your soles to breath. Then you add multiple layers of contact cement over that cork and on the underside of the sole. So while the leather sole itself will be more breathable it is extremely doubtful that any moisture or water vapour is ever going to reach your leather soles from the footbed. I do own several pairs of smarter leather soled boots but effectively they are high leg dress shoes rather than proper boots.
I wish they still used leather heel counters and toe stiffeners, as of now they are using celastic counters in all their boots. I got a pair on a massive discount, so i dont really mind the celastic, but if i was paying full price atalmost $500 i would at least expect leatherboard in the counter.
@@Bootlosophy One more thing. I noticed that below the footbed (that should be glued in) I saw two materials I did not expect, one in the heel where the nails go in to hold the heel block, there is a sort of fiber board cover, not leather, and the other material was a kind of synthetic cushioned surface, like white poron. I was expecting to see under the footbed another layer of leather than covered the cork. Do you remember seeying this in your boots?
@@Bootlosophy don’t necessarily need the history of the brand and subsequent tangents. A precise review in that sweet-spot 5-8 minute realm would be greatly appreciated. 👍🏽
![[UA] NAVI vs MOUZ | BO5 | IEM Rio 2024](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/CMBYk0cbGoA/mqdefault.jpg)
I've binged half a dozen of your videos and i love your thoroughness and detail of the shoes you review. especially value for money. I wonder if you've heard of urban shepherd from Portugal. They seem to be amazingly well made boots at a great price but the videos i've watched aren't as thorough as i'd like. Please keep up your great videos. It helps so much when ordering online.
Thanks, I have heard of Urban Shepherd but I haven’t got a pair.
I have amassed about ten pairs of boots from Oak Street and I strongly suspect their various styles are made by different manufacturers. There seem to be wide swings in construction and quality between models and across time as the source of their boot manufacturing seems to shift. Their recently released Trail Crazy Horse jump boot is absolutely fantastic in material selection, fit and overall quality where as the boot that followed, the Trail Crazy Horse rough-out trench boot seems to have been designed and built by the interns. Totally different boot. Sizing seems to have an unexpectedly wide range as well. I have seen wide swings across boots built on the same last and indicated size with one feeling like it is a size and a half too big, most being TTS and the Trail Crazy Horse rough-out trench boot in particular feeling like it was a least a half size small in the vamp and toe box. Tight to the point of being painful. On the up side their customer service is top notch and a real person that you will enjoy speaking with.
Lately Oak Street seems to be concentrating on limited edition runs like Parkhurst so you don't know what they will be offering next which is kind of interesting. Most of their offerings as of late are around the $500 US mark so a bit pricey compared to other brands but in hand their boots truly convey a hand made esthetic with enough eccentric variation to give them a unique character. Something that more sterile boots from companies like Grant Stone are missing. I am not affiliated with Oak Street in any way I just think their boots offer a great combination of US manufacture, handmade heritage inspired design and quality materials. If they can close the quality and consistency gaps between their various suppliers they will have a truly solid offering.
I guess that’s a component of “hand made boot”. I know of course they use sewing machines etc, but a human hand lasts and sews so presumably, lasting in the morning when they are fresh they might pull the leather tighter than in the arvo when they’re tired. But variations of a half size seem kinda swinging! I agree about the price, but they’re nice boots though!
do they use leatherboard in the boots?
There was a breakdown and review on the Wyatt & Dad cobbler channel that showed some foam in the GYW cavity on a pair instead of leather or cork expected for a boot at this price point. I suspect that they’ve had try out various manufacturers with differing levels of QC. They can inspect the exteriors for stitch consistency and overall feel, but they can’t double check that all heal stacks, lasting boards, or cavity fillers are up to the intended specs without cutting some in half. They’re too new to have much data from resoles with happy or upset customers reaching out to them either. I’m glad that this review is so thorough about their quality and high standard of customer service. They may just be in the predicament of Origin boots, trying to get the manufacturing machines & capacity to build these themselves but lack the large backers required (thinking Joe Rogan for Origin) to bring those machines back to the US in working order. Until or unless they can, they’ll probably be at the mercy of other manufacturers building their product on commission. All speculation on my part based on what others are posting, but it seems like an semi-educated guess.
I have exactly one pair of natural cxl oak street plain toe trench with leather soles. I had such a nice time with it that I really want a pair of field boots in roughout. But I don't want a natural cxl roughout. Holding out for their indigo roughout field boot if it ever comes again while resisting the urge with every limited edition stuff they drop. Like the current limited edition of tochigi field boots looks so good. I live in the wet and hot area of the world so my CXL has darkened up quite a bit so it looks a lot like oil tanned boots nowadays with its golden brown hue. Even got my right toe burnished somehow without me knowing so I now look like I ride motorcycles.
For some reason I also think the trench boots don't look as good in roughout while field boots look good in both smooth and roughout configurations.
Leather outsoles to me are for a more office environment. I live in the Central Arizona highland desert and I mistakenly ordered the same boot you're reviewing, having intended to order the Daynite. I attempted to intercept the order and change it but I received the leather soles. I took that opportunity to try them on for size and walk across my wood grained floors and found them to be unsuitable even for that environment if you are in a hurry and pushing off with your toes or changing directions. They are a very direct and un-cushioned connection to the floor but I prefer more cushioned footwear. Oak street exchanged the leather soled boots for day nite and while no Cristy sole they have better cushion and grip than the leather boots and I really enjoy them.
I'm really appreciating how comprehensive your review is! I'll certainly be watching them all!
I have that exact pair of boots, and they are absolutely my favorite boots I own. Extremely comfortable, and just plain handsome. Thanks for the incredible in-depth review.
I have the same exact boots! Amazing 10/10 after 3 months. I love the leather soles. The owner of the company said the leather soles are better so I listened to him.
I own this same style in the same color with the same sole. I now understand the construction better thanks to your brilliant explanation.
Well done!
If you have a wide foot, make certain to contact Oak Street BEFORE ordering. They will give you good advice if you need to size up.
I have wide feet (like Fred Flinstone wide), and Oak Street recommended I size up one-half size.
I love these boots.
One of the best boot reviews that I've seen on UA-cam. Bravo.
Outstanding review! Head & shoulders above some of the other reviews I’ve seem on YT.
I can totally relate to the anxiety when ordering from a new “to one” shoe/bootmaker. I’ve had to wait up to 8 months on certain commissions. Sometimes the fit is great and you’re happy and others unfortunately you can be disappointed. Such is the nature of the game and this hobby we have 😅
This is a really handsome boot, I would pick this up if it went on sale again - I would pay a small premium over Grant Stone since it is MIUSA. As far as versatility, I wear boots like this in place of sneakers, it’s a casual look but mature and elevated, and the ladies appreciate it for sure. A well crafted boot IMO is at least as comfortable as a sneaker. Cheers!
I have a pair of these and the sizing was wrong. I ended up needing to size up to my sneaker size of 12. I measure an 11.5D but the first pair was ok except the toe. The toe was pinching pretty bad and seemed like it would not go away. I exchanged for a 12 which was better, but slightly big.
Oddly they have removable leather insoles. I ended up removing the leather insole and use a Superfeet insole. That filled up the extra space and they fit well now. I can even pull off a thick sock if needed.
Not recommended, but not a terrible boot. I do like the look/smell. Nice natural chromexel. Hayley was also very nice and helped me resolve my fit issue. So their customer service is great.
What’s your Brannock size?
Great video, great channel! I actually like the longer length videos, I think they stand apart from the other videos on YT. Keep up the great work and I hope you get more subs soon!
I was recently looking at OSB products and searched for a review of yours. One comment I'd make is that OSB offer free international shipping. That shaves about 100AUD off the price, which helps in the price comparison with other similar brands.
Very true!
What a great and thorough review! Love your style and now you have a new subscriber!
Great review! Getting my hands on a pair of the Lakeshore models. Would love to see your review on those if you ever get to them.
I bought these exact model on ebay, barely used for a great savings. I found TTS to be quite roomy in the width but length good so I don’t think sizing down would have been good for me. Alternately I picked up GS Ottawas in a 1/2 down and they were uncomfortably snug. I take AE Higgins Mill in 10.5D quite well and Parkhurst 602M in 10 just right with medium thick socks. The 602M could be just slightly wider for my liking though. A 10.5 in 602M probably could’ve worked. I don’t mind some extra room in my boots. I have Nicks Falcon cap toe in 10.5D and wear that with a thick wool sock.
I got mine in the mail yesterday, first wear the laces broke. They are sending me out a new pair of laces, but I am switching to Cobblers Choice kevlar laces as I'm not a fan of the leather laces.
Great video. Also great to hear that good old fashioned customer service is still alive and well. 😁👍
Wow Vary nice review I order my pair on sale yesterday looking forward and I have LOVED Ashland Leathers good for a year now I have 4 wallets and 3 belts from him !! Thank you PS I have a pair of Loafers and and pair of his boots from Mark Albert and really can't say any this good about his loafers the leather sole came complete off from the welt in 5 months I only worn them around the house as a slipper in the winter in the Midwest .Mark won't stand bind hind his products so I will never spend my money with him ( again sorry for the rant ) Thank you again for the great review I'm going to check out your channel ~!!
Interesting. On the BootSpy channel he ordered a 1/2 size down going against what the website suggested and it fit perfect. Not really sure where to go with sizing. Either way I could switch them out if they do not fit. Thx
Excellent review as always
I spent many years wearing leather soled dress shoes commuting for work and do like them and the feel they provide. Leather soles are fine if you are walking down well paved streets or paths in mild and dry to moderately wet weather but those situations don't really need boots. In proper wet conditions or snow or ice, especially on broken paths, wet grass. mud and wet rock, they don't really work. These are not extreme conditions but just gentle off road conditions you might encounter in a park or rural area.That's why leather soles significantly limit your boots (which is fine if you have a load of alternatives which you can use in bad conditions).
Regarding breathability. it is just not true to say that leather soles are breathable. Cork in boots is a mixture of binding agents and ground up bark and those petrochemical additives certainly don't help your soles to breath. Then you add multiple layers of contact cement over that cork and on the underside of the sole. So while the leather sole itself will be more breathable it is extremely doubtful that any moisture or water vapour is ever going to reach your leather soles from the footbed.
I do own several pairs of smarter leather soled boots but effectively they are high leg dress shoes rather than proper boots.
Very nice review and boots….I’m really wanting a pair!
I think you might still be in time to get 30% off! Check the link under the video.
Great review! I just purchased a pair in the navy rough out new on eBay for $200. Hopefully they fit as it’s my first pair of Oak Street Boots!
Great price!
Is it a real cap toe aka second layer of leather over toes? Please answer only if you know. Dale’s Leatherworks said he thinks so but no confirm yet.
No I’m pretty sure it’s one layer
Thank you for your answer AND your excellent videos!
in term of sizing, how much gap (in cm) is there in the toe box (in front of your toe to the end of toe box)?
About a thumb’s width as usual
@@Bootlosophy cool. thanks
I wish they still used leather heel counters and toe stiffeners, as of now they are using celastic counters in all their boots. I got a pair on a massive discount, so i dont really mind the celastic, but if i was paying full price atalmost $500 i would at least expect leatherboard in the counter.
where did you hear this? just curious
Hey Teik,
I am having the same issue with the lose insole. What did you use to fix the insole to stay?
Thanks!
Just a little glue
@@Bootlosophy One more thing. I noticed that below the footbed (that should be glued in) I saw two materials I did not expect, one in the heel where the nails go in to hold the heel block, there is a sort of fiber board cover, not leather, and the other material was a kind of synthetic cushioned surface, like white poron.
I was expecting to see under the footbed another layer of leather than covered the cork. Do you remember seeying this in your boots?
Can you do comparison mp m1 and this shoe
Comment for the algorithm. Also those boots are sweet, but I’m not certain I’d go with brogue for my style.
Thanks! I wanted a different cap toe as I have several plain cap toes already
How do you quantify your theory that older and less agile companies are suffering? How are they 'suffering'?
Another great video…just way too long!
Noted!
Tell me, what types of things do you want to hear, and what do you want left out?
@@Bootlosophy don’t necessarily need the history of the brand and subsequent tangents. A precise review in that sweet-spot 5-8 minute realm would be greatly appreciated. 👍🏽