Grant Stone
Diesel Boot
Leo Last
Leo Last: 10.5D
Grant Stone
When my Java wax flashed MTO delivery was rescheduled to the last weeks of the Dome's first month, I couldn't risk the Truman's being late so I had to scramble to find a replacement pair. I was inspired by somebody successfully running a pair of GS cap toes in last year's Dome and figured as long as I was careful with my tools, all toes would survive. Since I went to school in Beloit, during which I hit up Horween multiple times, I have loved basically all their stuff but was leery of running single-layer CXL in work environments. The all vegetable tan Essex seem like it might hold up tho so I took the dive.
Extremely easy, very smooth as always
Held up beautifully, even to molten metal
Feels great, for me. Edc mid weight merino wool
Excellent, all around. Welt stitch was out of place in one spot, didn't effect comfort or durability at all
Pretty durable, softer & gripper than OG Dainite
I am blessed to be in a job with near endless variety of daily tasks. I get to do everything from hvac, hazardous material waste disposal, brazing / welding & light demolition ( controlled burns, shaped explosives, minor pyrotechnics, yay!). At first, I got razzed v badly by co-workers because they looked so much like a fashion boot, but the Diesels have lived up to their moniker & more, now become the Envy of those very same co-workers. Converting contempt to admiration is Chef's kiss, ain't no serotonin kick like it, 100% highly recommend. I wrecked the heel Block in the first month of ownership & replaced w dogger heel which has helped w ladder lock & traction. The Essex tonnage took everything I threw at it, see the two flash burn spots from flying slag spatter. They took me from the Lenape Nanticoke Enclave in South Jersey to working the smallest aircraft carrier in the world ( the baylander, just off 125th Street in our NYC backyard). They have been reliable companions every step of the way. Even when days didn't go so great (hello 4/5, earthquake for breakfast!), this experience has been a blast. Literally my only regrets are not taking the time to properly learn to be a better photographer / never shooting them with the great glass they deserve. Next Dome, I promise I will do better!