First Impression

I appreciated the boot’s clean, classic silhouette that almost had a vintage vibe. The combination of matte leather and a welted sole spoke of practicality in an understated way, and I liked how even the branding on the tongue was virtually unnoticeable. Thanks to the thickly cushioned insole, this boot was already comfortable out of the box, although I did feel some stiffness in the heel area. I felt confident working in hazardous work areas because I knew that the steel-toe cap would block falling objects to keep my toes safe. The outsole was surprisingly grippy and didn’t disappoint when it came to keeping me stable over variable surfaces. Overall, the boot had a solid structure that I expected to be more than up to the task, especially considering its low price. However, because it wasn’t waterproof, it worked well only in dry work settings.

Material Quality and Care

The nubuck leather upper had a smooth, matte look and felt thick enough to last through moderate use in dry conditions. The solid leather build felt reassuring, even if it didn’t block wetness. I felt the thickness particularly in the heel section, which was quite stiff and needed breaking in for a few weeks. Aside from metal eyelets, there were also metallic speed hooks that made the boot on and off quicker to manage. The laces were of medium thickness and looked durable enough to last through repeated fit adjustments. I was genuinely surprised with how cushiony their insoles are. You can also remove them and swap in a thinner pair if you prefer a flatter feel. The collar was also padded generously for superb comfort and ankle support. I discovered that this boot also had a steel shank, designed to enhance stability while walking and to add rigidity underfoot. Meanwhile, the welted outsole also worked to provide stability while walking and allow the boot to be resoled.

Comfort & Fit

I tried the boot in a size 10 and it felt true to its size. The toe box was on the snug side, and I noticed that the heel hold felt quite secure without being too tight. If your toes run wide or if you want a bit more space in the heel area, I recommend going half a size up. Inside, it felt surprisingly cushy, with a thickly padded insole that almost felt like the memory foam material that you typically only get from aftermarket insoles. If you prefer flatter, firmer support, I suggest that you replace the insole with a slimmer style.

I customized the boot’s fit by running the lace through the top metal eyelets and also using the two speed hooks on top. By doing so, I had to unhook both sets of hooks and pull the lace back out of the top eyelets when it was time to take off the boot. It was a bit of a hassle, but the trade-off was a secure, repeatable fit that securely locked my ankle in place. On days when I wanted a quicker boot on and off, I simply skipped using the very top eyelets, resulting in the boot coming off much faster while still feeling stable.

Break-In Period

Break-in took me roughly two weeks, mostly due to the stiffness of the material in the heel area. This section felt unforgiving at first, although it thankfully didn’t result in blisters. The stiffness felt more like the kind of pressure you would expect from a new boot’s heel counter, just until the leather and your foot make peace.

Design & Craftmanship

When I first opened the box, I immediately noticed how much these look like the Timberland PRO Pit boss boots (which I have also reviewed and tested). I got the boot in the dark brown colorway. It also comes in tan, but I preferred the dark brown because it doesn’t readily show scuffs and grime the way a lighter color does. I liked the leather’s smooth, matte finish, with brass-tone eyelets lending a proper old-school vibe. Meanwhile, the thickly cushioned black collar easily cleaned up the boot’s silhouette. On the sole, I appreciated the way the brown welt stitching and three-layer midsole enhanced the classic look without trying too hard. Branding on the tongue was also barely visible once the boot was laced. At the back, the big pull tab really sold the vintage look for me because it was both practical and gave the boot a bit of an old-fashioned vibe.

Weight

This boot sits in the mid-weight range for a steel-toe and never felt like it was dragging my foot down. On our scale, a size 10 came in at approximately 1,020 g / 2 lb 4 oz per boot. That’s expected, given the thick rubber outsole and the protective steel toe cap, which naturally add a bit of heft.

Traction

Traction was better than I expected for a classic build. The oil- and slip-resistant rubber outsole gripped wet surfaces quite well during my tests, enabling me to walk steadily without losing my footing. I noticed that there was visible stitching joining the upper to the sole, which is always a good sign and suggests the possibility of resoling, depending on your cobbler.

Safety Features

With a steel toe cap in place, this boot is a good choice for hazardous work areas. In fact, these boots meet the ASTM F 2413-11 standards and requirements, which certify that the toe protection can withstand heavy impact and compression forces typically encountered on construction sites, warehouses, and industrial environments. I felt more confident working with this boot on because I knew that the toe cap would protect my toes from being crushed by falling objects. At the same time, the slip- and oil-resistant properties of the outsole made it easier to walk on challenging surfaces while maintaining my stable footing.

Water Resistance

Sadly, this boot did not have waterproof materials. In wet conditions, the leather absorbed water quickly. I wouldn’t recommend this boot for consistently wet environments, unless you waterproof or treat and maintain the leather accordingly.

Durability

This boot’s durability is solid for its price. The materials, although not premium, felt sturdy enough to last a while. Even the outsole and stitching details felt up to the task. The only weak spot I noticed was the absorbent upper that quickly lets moisture in, especially if you work in wet surroundings.