I really wanted a burgundy service boot - I just think they look amazing with jeans. Cheng was super easy to reach out to on Discord to discuss specifics and talk about options.
I asked Cheng for advice on sizing based on Brannock, sizing in relative lasts and how I like my boots to fit. He recommended a 8.5 E. I waffled a bit after hearing someone else had missized, so Cheng sent me a try on pair in a different leather to be sure! He even sent me one to that was in the 5515 last to see what that felt like. All in all, amazing customer service, he even held my order in production to allow me to be sure of my choice.
It was awesome! Can't say enough good things about Cheng. He's in the US, super easy to reach on Discord or IG, and knows the brand to a T. I sent him a bunch of messages and he answered every one of them within a day or two. He sent me try on pairs to be sure. He communicated frequently on timing and status updates.
These are seriously my best looking pair of boots. I wear these to the office and out to dinner, and get a lot of compliments on them. They did great in a couple inches of snow, and in rain. I haven't really pushed these hard, as I see them as more dressy than my other boots and want to keep them looking nice.
I've kind of babied these, so not much patina. There was no break in because of the perfect fit and the lightweight construction IB uses. I just brush occasionally. I think I put some Skidmores on them initially just to reduce any water spotting that might occur.
It's the best combination of fit and looks that I've found in a ready to wear last. Can't recommend this last enough, it's clear that a ton of work went into perfecting it! Snug heel, excellent toe room, volume is average. It does have a bit of arch support too, very comfortable to wear right out of the box. I can wear thick socks no problem in this last.
Incredible finishing. Literally not a single stitch I've found out of place. They also smell amazing, which might be the lining. Oh, and also the lining is incredibly comfortable. I've only seen lining this nice on boots that are 2x the cost. The clicking is also excellent. Vamps are rolling nicely, some cool horsehide irregularities on the sides. All in all a gorgeous execution!
It's probably my favorite sole. Excellent traction on wet and slippery surfaces. Very comfortable, and looks great.
These are gorgeous and so well made. Iron Boots makes the best ready to wear service boots on the market in my opinion. Customer service was also super easy, and the value is quite good considering how much design and QC they nailed.