White Kloud Blucher.87
Leder Ogawa Coffee Shell Cordovan
This month marks 3 years since I started Patina Project in July 2021. Here's a recap of my journey in creating the quality footwear app: June 2021: After my previous software project, Indienav, didn’t gain initial traction, I decided to move on. July 2021: Frustrated by the lack of good options to document how my pairs evolve with wear and to learn more about others’ pairs, I began programming the first version of Patina Project and brought it to the app stores as quickly as possible. September 2021: The first pairs of boots were added to Patina Project. Shoutout to Peter Davey and Frank for power-using the app in its early stages and believing in the project. December 2021: I started our collaboration with the Stitchdown Patina Thunderdome and brought visibility to all pairs and photos entered in the contest. September 2023: Hillary (my now-wife!) convinced me to leave my full-time job to focus solely on Patina Project and lead a healthier lifestyle. May 2024: I introduced the Patina Project Supporter subscriptions to help raise funds for ongoing development and server costs. July 2024: I’m starting to feel proud of the app that Hillary and I have built. Our community is growing stronger than ever, and I’m excited to continue this journey. If Patina Project has been a valuable part of your footwear journey at any point, I’d love to ask for your support: 1. Would you subscribe to Patina Project to support my ongoing work? Supporters currently gain early access to new badges and the leaderboard. These features will be available to the entire Patina Project community on October 1st. 😊 2. If you’re unsure about subscribing, please DM tlmader on Discord or email ted@patinaproject.com with suggestions on what I can offer to get you on board. If you don’t enjoy the app, let me know why. Your feedback has been crucial in shaping Patina Project into what it is today. 🙏 And finally, the most important thing of all: enjoy the boots! 🥾 -Ted
Taken on July 31, 2024
Maker
White Kloud
Model
Blucher.87
Leather
Last
Round Last
US Men's Brannock: L 10EE, R 10.5EE
Round Last: L 9.5, R 10
Semi-custom fit on ball and pinky toe areas.
Fits excellent, and I can walk in them non-stop. Just a bit of rubbing on the pinky toes.
Sole
Purchased from
White Kloud
More about this item
➕ Arch support Lace length: 48" Times conditioned: 3 Times polished: 1Why I own this
Goto-San has few options when it comes to models. After countless hours perusing his Instagram page, I decided to go with his iconic Blucher.87, but with a brogue cap toe. I was excited to own the first pair with this makeup.
How I sized
Goto-San measured my feet himself in person. At his trunk show at Railcar Fine Goods in 2020, he brought several pairs in different sizes. After he measured and traced my feet (in addition to some some hardcore geometry), he had me try on a 9.5 boot on the left foot and a 10 on the right. We took a stroll on the streets of Monrovia for him to get an idea of the fit. We discussed the hotspots and he pinpointed which parts of the Round Last would need to be built outward.
Ordering process
In December of 2020, Jake (widely recognized as Almost Vintage Style), hosted Goto-San in the States for a trunk show at Railcar Fine Goods. This was a prime opportunity to meet and have a pair made by Goto-San, without requiring a trip to Japan. I flew into LA and took a long bus ride to Monrovia. December 7, 2020 At Railcar, I had the pleasure of meeting Goto-San, Steven Dang of Railcar, and several boot folks in person: Jake, Alee (vintagefeatherr), Jeff (thedenimdentist), and Michael (bigdudeindenim). After being fitted, I finalized my boot specs with Goto-San. A 50% deposit was to be paid upfront. Here is the confirmation email verbatim: 【Model】 Blucher.87 Round toe 95,000 JPY ・4 eyelets, 3 speed hooks Left: size 9H Right: size 10 【Custom】 Semi custom fit (6,000 JPY×4parts) ＋24,000 JPY Leather Badalassi/Tobacco +15,000 JPY Leather lining +15,000 JPY Commando half sole for customize & heel +23,000 JPY Midsole Double Mid Sole(5mm＋3mm) Double Stitch (Hand stitch & Machine stitch) ・Hand stitch/Brown ・Machine stitch/White +30,000 JPY 5. Construction Hand sewn welted +50,000 JPY High Shine Side edge & Heel/Natural +20,000 JPY Hand Moc stich/White +15,000 JPY Shipping cost +5,900 JPY Business trip fee +10,000 JPY Total: 302,900 JPY Deposit: 151,450 JPY Delivery was scheduled for about 18 months later. August 18, 2020 At this time Goto-San started offering Leder Ogawa Shell Cordovan, and I requested to make the switch. Goto-San was happy to accommodate me. Here is the modified order: 【Model】 Blucher.87 Round toe 95,000 JPY ・Brass 4 eyelets, 2 speed hooks ・Left: size 9H ・Right: size 10 【Custom】 Semi custom fit (6,000 JPY×4parts) ＋24,000 JPY Leather Leder Ogawa Shell/camel +49,500 JPY Leather lining +15,000 JPY Vibram brown half soles & heels +20,000 JPY Midsole Double Mid Sole(5mm＋3mm) Double Stitch (Hand stitch & Machine stitch) ・Hand stitch/Brown ・Machine out stitch/Brown ・Black top ・Natural edge +30,000 JPY Construction Hand sewn welted +50,000 JPY High Shine Side edge & Heel/Natural +20,000 JPY Brogue cap toe +11,000 JPY False tongues (camel shell) +5,500 JPY Shipping cost +5,900 JPY Business trip fee +10,000 JPY Total 335,900 JPY Delivery was now scheduled for June 2024, and I ultimately received the pair on February 18, 2022. I cannot thank Goto-San enough for the amazing experience from being fitted in-person, to the flexibility with fine-tuning the makeup, and communication throughout the entire process.