Witty Title

Truly what inspired this purchase is that I saw a pair of these sitting on b-grades for about a month. Deeper than that, I participated in the stitchdown patina thunderdome in 2022-2023 with a pair of blkbrd service-style boots. They were great boots, but they just didn't fit my day-to-day wear. The Grant Stone Diesel boot is a fantastic every day boot that I can wear in any situation other than formal situations.

I had originally received advice--i don't know from where--to size .5 down from my typical size. I ignored that advice for my first pair in this last. It fits fine. The next few pairs I went down .5, and they fit fine too. My preference is TTS. But depending on the leather, I'll buy a pair .5 down.

Purchased directly from Grant Stone's online store. Fast shipping, fantastic customer service.

I wore these boots everywhere doing everything. The highlight was probably hiking. I have done 10+ mile hikes in these boots at Bryce Canyon National Park (the first day I wore them--bad idea), Zion National Park, Dixie National Forest, Fishlake National Forest, Redcliffs National Conservation Area, Snow Canyon State Park, and the Canaan Wilderness. On top of the hundreds of thousands of miles of hiking they endured, I also took them snowshoeing. Worst of all these boots were worn to teach college students and do academic research. Finally this winter was relatively mild with respect to snow. Nevertheless, they frequently saw snow and salt.

There was no break in period with these boots. Extremely comfortable from day 1 (well, maybe day 2 since I did a 12 mile hike on day 1). For care, I subjected them to a lot of harsh elements. Mostly sand, dirt, and snow. All of which I have found to be extremely corrosive to leather. After they've been exposed to these elements, I always brush them clean. In the early months I would spot clean with vsc. Once the snow got more serious, I used Montana Leather Conditioner which is just a combination of beeswax, mink oil, and neatsfoot oil whenever the boots got dry. Altogether, the boots hardly aged. They've obviously been lived in; but the leather has held up fantastically.

For the price, the Leo last is fantastic. I'd like more support, but there's nothing to complain about. There is all day comfort from these boots and this last.

I would put these up against brands like carmina and say they compare favorably.

The sole is the worst part of the boot. Honestly the compound held up surprisingly well. However it separated from the toe and the midsole wore down almost all the way to the welt. The heel is pulling off the same way. it is soft, similar to the Eaton and it isn't as slick as the original dainite. So if grant stone can figure how to keep them attached better I'd be happy with it.

Fantastic boots. Will wear again