Close, but no cigar

In the men's footwear scene there has been a massive hole for the past 30ish years left by the Florsheim Imperial gunboats. These shoes had promise to fill that hole

This was my first go at a pair of GS. Sizing was based on availability of a good deal tbh

Purchased on eBay for a fair price.

I've really just worn to work and other activities. Just regular wear

The leather looks basically new after 3 years. I've used shoe cream (mostly pure polish). Brushed when dirty. Conditioned when dry.

It's fine

Everything about the longwing is great. Unfortunately, the midsole+outsole were more stiff than any other double soled boot/shoe I've owned.

Unfortunately--a common theme with grant stone--this is the worst part of the shoe and what stops it from comparing favorably to a Florsheim. It is so extremely stiff. I immediately put toe plates on the shoe. I then wore all the way through the brass toe plates. In three years the sole never really felt *broken in*

It's okay. Ironically, now the shoe feels too flexible and light--especially for a gunboat

The best gunboats are Florsheim Imperials, AE Macniels, and Alden. Only Alden still makes the same model. Modern brands are giving their takes. These don't hold a candle to vintage AE or vintage Florsheim. But they have the aesthetic and are approachable in price (vs Alden). If you're not gonna pony up for Alden, or search for vintage, these are fine. If you can get blkbrd to make a pair in your size, they're probably just as good. Carmina's on the Detroit last looks good. So, do I recommend them? Yeah, ish.