Tahura Captoelari 8 Inch

Well, where'd the last six months go?! It doesnt feel like it was that long ago that I first slipped these Tahura boots on and took them out on their maiden journey... True to the spirit of the Dome, these have been everywhere with me, even just taking the bins out and getting the mail. I've been to meetings, strolled through parks, carried and pushed the kids on endless walks in the rain, sunshine and the sweltering summer heat. Admittedly, they weren't the most comfortable straight off the bat. The fully gussetted tongue is probably a bit too thick and it took weeks of fiddling with it and folding it every which way before it got all-day comfortable. The full lambskin lining was probably a poor judgement, too, given the weather I was going to wear them in. i even had to replace a few eyelets along the way. Honestly, though, if there was ever a time to experiment a little and discover what i did and didn't like, it would be as part of something fun like the Patina Thunderdome. Wearing them for six months straight, I discovered that I actually really like gusseted tongues for the practicality it offers in keeping water and dirt out of my boots. And the lining? It'll keep half my calves warm in winter! It really didn't bother me as much as I thought it would. The Tochigi cowhide has developed a lovely ombre tone of orange-brown - darker on the toes, as one would expect from use - and it feels pliable but robust at the same time. These have a leather heel counter, too, which is noticeably more rigid and supportive than any of my other boots - something I have really enjoyed. I'm afraid anything less may not be as satisfying to pull on! I wish I'd gotten more chances to take them hiking, as well, but, alas, life got in the way. My final thoughts? I'll be keeping these in my collection for a long, long time, and not just because of the memories, either. They're just so good to wear. I might get some speedhooks installed though...