Under the radar grail-level boots?

[JohannesClimacus]

Iron Boots could be an option.
A lot of customization with their MTO offerings and some interesting make ups with Ostmo X

I've been slowly making my way through the recs, and wanted to shout the Ostmo X collabs out as one of the best I've come across so far for specifically having great service boot offerings.

 

[jchance]

Knowing that they wear off makes it even worse, IMO. Why would I want boots that end up with an unreadable gold smudge in a prominent location?

No one has to recognize the brand behind the branding for it to still be noticeable. Adding writing - especially gold foil writing - is branding even if it's not the brand name. I don't hate on people who wear that, it's just not something I'm interested in.

The suede one is completely unreadable but the gold on black is still legible after 10+ years of ownership and rare usage. The writing is barely above the sole and not in a “noticeable location” lol.

I think you’re thinking too hard about this, people don’t notice you and pay attention to your clothes as you think they do. People, like yourself, are too inside their heads thinking about themselves and what others think of them. Everyone has the same thought process in this regard. Once you realize and accept this, you become more free with your outward appearance.

 

[JohannesClimacus]

The suede one is completely unreadable but the gold on black is still legible after 10+ years of ownership and rare usage. The writing is barely above the sole and not in a “noticeable location” lol.

I think you’re thinking too hard about this, people don’t notice you and pay attention to your clothes as you think they do. People, like yourself, are too inside their heads thinking about themselves and what others think of them. Everyone has the same thought process in this regard. Once you realize and accept this, you become more free with your outward appearance.

View attachment 740771 View attachment 740772

I'm not trying to argue with you. I don't want branding on the outside of my boots, whether it's a brand name or a stamp or gold numbers. It's as simple as that.

 

[Dortreo]

I've been slowly making my way through the recs, and wanted to shout the Ostmo X collabs out as one of the best I've come across so far for specifically having great service boot offerings.

Without a doubt, Iron Boots is amongst the best makers out there right now. Just great stuff. You may also want to consider Caswell, especially the Garrett models. And of course, there's Oldspeed Mfg, handmade in PA. David way undercharges for the thoughfulness and design and comfort of his boots.

 

[LuddGang]

I’m bias as I’m a Brit, but I don’t think the top line North American and Japanese bootmakers come close to what we have here.

For something similar to Viberg, I’d look at William Lennon. Endless customisation at a great price point. Can be semi-sprung or fully sprung. Their website doesn’t do a great job of showing them off, but there’s plenty of good pics elsewhere online.

 

[cbez]

I’m bias as I’m a Brit, but I don’t think the top line North American and Japanese bootmakers come close to what we have here.

For something similar to Viberg, I’d look at William Lennon. Endless customisation at a great price point. Can be semi-sprung or fully sprung. Their website doesn’t do a great job of showing them off, but there’s plenty of good pics elsewhere online.

blake stitch

trickers are nice. edward green are also well made but not my style

neither of them compare to the top end japanese makers.

 

[LuddGang]

blake stitch

trickers are nice. edward green are also well made but not my style

neither of them compare to the top end japanese makers.

I’d have to disagree there - I feel like people ******ise Japanese makers and put them on an unrealistic pedestal simply because ‘They’re Japanese!’.

I was in Japan recently and intended to pick up some new boots, but wasn’t blown away by anything - though I know a lot of people here wear engineer boots, which is something I have no interest or experience in. For me, the Tricker’s 4497 last is the sweet spot for comfort and build quality. Though obviously everybody’s foot shape is different, it’s always going to be subjective.

 

[zebedee]

William Lennons. Indestructible and unpretentious. I have three pairs.

 

[cbez]

I’d have to disagree there - I feel like people ******ise Japanese makers and put them on an unrealistic pedestal simply because ‘They’re Japanese!’.

I was in Japan recently and intended to pick up some new boots, but wasn’t blown away by anything - though I know a lot of people here wear engineer boots, which is something I have no interest or experience in. For me, the Tricker’s 4497 last is the sweet spot for comfort and build quality. Though obviously everybody’s foot shape is different, it’s always going to be subjective.

White kloud / clinch etc are not ******ized they're just that good

Others like rolling dub trio, miyagi kogyo (lofgren) are solid but in the same ballpark as good western and euro brands.

 

[Nick in London]

If you like William Lennons you might like these https://ebay.us/m/VwUz0D I would have snapped them up if they were my size.