Grant Stone
Garrison Boot
Grant Stone
Gallun's Teton Waxy Stag leather caught my attention and quickly became an obsession. Grant Stone’s only available fit option for me in this leather was the Garrison. I already miss the speed-hooks. Not completely sold on the wedge sole for aesthetic reasons but I may grow to love the different feel on pavement. If not, they can be resoled with something more appealing when the time comes. Who knows? wedge soles may be perfect for walking dogs over all kinds of terrain. I can’t wait to see how this leather changes over time.
I own the Diesel boot in 6.5d and the Edward boot in 6d. I can make the 6.5D work fine with full arch support insoles and the 6D in half insole arches. I tried the Brass boot with Floyd last in 6.5d and my low volume feet swam in them. So, based on past experience with the Leo last I felt confident in sizing for this pair
Originally I ordered the Brass boot in 6.5d which were exchanged for the Garrison in 6d. The return and exchange process was efficient. They did require photos of the Brass boots before accepting the return.
Oct-Nov: These boots have walked lots of dogs, raked leaves and power washed the driveway. Nov-Dec: November was a blustery month in the PNW. These boots slogged through the downed branches and wet leaves while walking enthusiastic dogs. Dec-Jan: December is more of the same: outdoor dog walking in PNW rainy muddy weather 🐾
Oct-Nov: The waxy stag leather has a very dry appearance. I know that’s the intended matte look. The leather lightened up quickly with wear. It also picks up scratches and scuffs easily, to the point that I’m worried about durability. They show more wear after a month than my navy CXL boots do after a year. What break in? Maybe a day? Comfort from the word go. They are regularly brushed with horsehair. Because they are so soft I’ve been diligent about keeping them in cedar trees to slow the creasing down. After a particularly wet and muddy session with a power washer I couldn’t stand it anymore and conditioned them with Saphir R which darkened them back to the original color and also gave them a slight sheen. Nov-Dec: I acquired smaller sized cedar trees which are easier to install after each wear. The original ones I used barely fit and I worried about stretching this soft leather too much. I brush them off regularly after almost every wear. If they get particularly wet they get the next day off and I wear something else in rotation. I conditioned them the last week of November a few days before the December picture window to give them a chance to lighten back up a little. I actually like the dark color they get right after conditioning. Dec-Jan: Oh the toe creasing! The boots scuff so easily. To my dismay some scuffs are literally chips. The scuffs (and patina) kind of disappear with conditioning that darkens them up. These boots have experienced very wet and muddy conditions this month but kept my feet dry. They had near daily wear. They clean up nice enough. I conditioned them heavily at the beginning of the month right after the photo submission and then lightly a week and a half before the month’s end.
Oct-Nov: They fit perfect and have all the comfort of hightop sneakers. At some point I will probably add a half arch. Nov-Dec: They continue to feel good on my feet. They are loosening up a little bit and I will be adding a half arch. Dec-Jan: I added a half arch. They were slightly uncomfortable for about a week as the top felt tight. Then I was used to them.
Oct-Nov: I’m loving the quality and build so far. I’m worried about the durability of the waxed stag leather. The wedge soles were not my first choice but I’m appreciating the comfort. I miss speed hooks, a lot. Nov-Dec: Still loving the boot construction. Coming to peace with the reality of stag leather and the fact that it wears softer than chromexcel. Dec-Jan: These boots are holding up well. No flaws in construction or finishing have emerged. The most comfy boots ever.
Oct-Nov: Aesthetics are just ok. Comfort can’t be beat. The edges show all the dirt and stains but clean up good enough with a damp rag. I have to be careful on more slippery slopes than I do with lugs. Nov-Dec: COMFY. The traction is different from lug soles and takes getting used to. Dec-Jan: The crepe sole is looking dingier and dingier. It’s a trade off for comfort. The heels are showing wear which is normal for me.