Horween Black Chromexcel Horsehide
Brian’s 1940 last shape seems robust with a pronounced toe bump when new, but over time when the toes fully collapse they mature into the sublime epitome of profile perfection, the perfect sleek vintage engineer shape. Most of my boots are horsebutt , and for a while I was distinctly disappointed in the cxl horse hide that Brian loves so much. But the last month as the brown core triumphantly broke through his overdye, I could see its glorious pull-up breaking through like the sun shining through black storm clouds as the vamps finally started to crease and roll. This leather was so tough that by month five I was worried no wear would be apparent, that six months just wasn’t enough to wear down black chromexcel horse hide. But once the seal was broken the patina came flowing through in droves.
Taken on April 6, 2024
2023-2024 Open Thunderdome, April submission