Oak Street Bootmakers

[nameness]

George mentioned a bit back that we should expect new stuff from them in about another month from now.  Not sure if they'll put it out on the newsletter, but I signed up.

[Giles]

So, I have been chatting with Geoge at Oak Street on and off for while now.  For those of you who know me, I have wide feet with a high instep.  I asked George to make me a pair in 10E, but he suggested I tried a pair on in 10D, so he shipped them to me.  Arrived today.  And as per Georges suggestion, they did fit, and bloody hell they are supremely comfortable out of the box.

Overall impression is of a very very nicely made boot, detailing is great and the Horween Chromexcel leather is stunning (but then again, I am partial to a good bit of Horween).

My only gripe, and this is very personal, is that I prefer a real heel on my shoes and boots (but heck, I can't see that from up here anyway).

[rocket]

looking good

[Beatle]

I know this is a pain in the ass - but can you post a full fit pic - where I could see the boot and the whole set of chickenlegs ?

No need to do so right away, but it would be great to see it..

[GuyH]

Nice those Giles.  I want the Vibram soled boat shoe…. if I get this promotion at work I will be ordering a pair.

[Giles]

I'm chickened out for a while Beats

[Giles]

OK, here goes.  I hope this does not put you off your lunch:

[Geo]

because it's a pull-up leather, yours should end up with really nice colour variations as the leather folds

[Giles]

Is that what Will would refer to as oil pull?

[Geo]

exactly that . . . when the leather bends, some areas are in tension so adjacent areas are in compression . . . the pressure differentials cause the oils and dyes in the leather to flow . . . simple

[Giles]

There's a bit of Oil Pull Horse. I have lying on my desk:

[Giles]

BTW Geo.  I have some Oil Pull Kudu here.  Feckin insane…...............

[Geo]

the horse looks nice . . . but kudu, couldn't even imagine . . . what colour is it? it like a super tough deer or something?

[Giles]

Super tough deer, but as it lives a pretty wild kinda life, the hide has a bzillion imperfections in it, thorn scratches, fly bites etc etc.

Top pic shows where I have rubbed my nail on the underside of the leather.  Bottom pic shows same piece after I have rubbed the face with my sweaty index finger.  Thus showing one of the properties of Oil Pull:

[Geo]

that's beautiful

got plans for it?

[Giles]

Will wants me to have plans for it, but I'm scratching my head a little.  If I'm not careful, anything we make from it will end up looking like one of those awful pre-distressed leather jackets that were popular on the high streets of the UK a few years ago….............

[Geo]

mmm . . . hadn't thought of that (well had sent those memories to some dark recess) - although a simple cut jacket would help avoid that image

what about bags?

[mankarat]

What is the best colour to pair up with indigo jeans? Navy blue or Brown? You guys make me want this!

[GuyH]

I'd say browns with dark raw denim and navy with faded washed jeans.

Giles,  that leather seems to have limited use to me.  Maybe used as a leather patch on a special edition jean is all I can think of.

[mankarat]

Most of my jeans still dark in colour. So brown it is, many thanks!