Before the Dome, I had built a pair of brown bison packers for myself and absolutely loved them (and still do). So when I had the opportunity to put together a pair to compete in the thunderdome , I knew I wanted to follow the same exact pattern as the boots I just fell in love with. So with that in mind it was time to choose a leather. My shop Forman gave me the opportunity to choose from a batch of sample leather they had sitting around and this caramel colored bison stuff really stuck out to me. Truth be told, still to this day I have no clue what this leather is called or what tannery it’s from but boy does it impress me. No break in period whatsoever (besides insole/outsole of course), absolutely beautiful highlights and low lights, and doesnt darken an extreme amount, even with mud, dirty water, or even the occasional large coke with no ice from McDonald’s (🤦♂️lmao). Couldn’t be happier with these things. It truly was a pleasure to wear them, and they will continue to be my “work boots” till I decide on another packer makeup.
I was sized in person by Mike Kostel at Whites Boots. He does all the made to measure stuff, so with his knowledge we really took some time to make sure the size was right. Mike knocked it out of the park.
These get worn everyday to the boot shop for sometimes up to 10-12 hours a day. Many hikes, many dog walks, lots of date nights, Washington winter conditions, etc.
Incredible, I wish I knew what the leather truly is so I can make another pair. Like I’ve said the low lights and highlights are so dramatic, it’s hard not to love. I’ve Venetian shoe creamed them once just for water protection during winter. But other than that just a horse hair brush to keep them clean. The patina is my style and I can’t wait to see them evolve even more.
Absolutely perfect! Very hard to go back to a 55. The arch hits me in all the right places, and the heel thumps in everytime. I use thin Hanes socks (wools or any other sock over 5 dollars a pair are over rated imo) so the boots themselves literally fit like glove. I could wear them barefoot and the fit would basically be the same which with socks on is an incredible feel. Not too tight not too loose.
Love these boots, as I’ve mentioned I make boots for Whites and built these on my own time after work. So these were and are as perfect as I can make them as a bootmaker.
Break in process lasted maybe 3 days for the outsole. Super flexible from the jump and great traction on the regular everyday terrain. Obviously wouldn’t recommend them in the winter time (hard to beat a vibram 100) but any other time, weather it be hiking in mud or walking on tile floor these have great amounts of traction. And honestly show very little signs of wear.
I want 12 pair of these in different colors