Old boots have their charm.

I like rolling up my pants over the top of high boots on hikes to prevent my pants from getting inundated with mud and water so I wanted to try boots with gaiters. That idea and a few videos from rose anvil on old military boots convinced me to get these.

I tried to wear them every day, giving them a rest when they got soaked or the occasion forbade it. Hikes in the nearby state park were a must, and projects in the woodshop were completed in these boots.

I have no idea what these boots are actually made of, but I think it's some rough out veg tan, while a bit dry it held up very well and ended up being very supportive and supple. About a week before I started wearing ther boots at the start of the thunder dome I poured bick 4 into these boots to loosen up the 40 year old shoes, maybe that why the break in felt pretty seamless.

As well as I think the boots aged, not everything is carried in the photos, the old leather creaked with every step regardless of the conditioner dumped on the, I got a pair of loafers to wear at work because of this. Also the soles, either due to their age or original make leave black marks when slid on a slightly abrasive surface. While the materials and construction are durable there was clearly great hasten their construction, with the grain side of the leather skived on the buckle straps and a slash in the tongue that needed to be repaired, the thickness of the leather used also varies greatly on the midsole leather. The stitching on the midsole, while thick, was very frayed.

These boots are Munson lasted, not 100 percent sure, which is very comfortable. I thought I'd like a commando sole protecting the sole stitching and giving a good grip in mud with it's heavy lug, sometimes the lugs close to the shank puts weird pressure on the ball of my foot. In addition to marking some surfaces the sole gets a middling review from me.

I think old boots can give you quality that modern boots can't meet for the same price if you're willing to put in some extra care and scour the internet for the right pair.