Not too long ago, I finally had the chance to wear my Crown Northampton Everdon Rambler so that I could leave you all with my thoughts on their fit, comfort, and ultimately how I perceive the quality. If you missed my initial thoughts shared in the unboxing video post, I suggest reading/watching that for some context. For those unaware, Crown Northampton is a top-tier shoemaker specializing in high-end ‘sneaker styles’ created with leathers often used in high-end dress shoe, such as Charles F. Stead (UK) and Horween (US). Today, I will share my thoughts on their Everdon Rambler wholecut mid-boot.
Crown Northampton Everdon Rambler Fit Review
Materials/Leather
As I shared in the unboxing video, the quality of the materials is top-notch. The leather used in these boots is the Natural Chromexcel by Horween, an American Tannery based out of Chicago, Illinois. It is a thicker leather predominantly used for workwear boots and/or rugged dress styles. It is oil-permeated leather, which leaves it flexible while being robust. It is also considered waterproof.
The lining is clearly a high-quality veg-tanned leather that is very soft and supple. It correlates well with the thicker upper leather so as not to have a pair of boots overly restricting and robust. It offers a nice balance of material.
The sole is a very strong and comfortable Vibram rubber sole. It feels very hard-wearing yet not overly rigid, as Vibram soles can often feel. I was surprised by how comfortable this sole was and the support that it offered.
Fit/Comfort/Sizing
Not really knowing much about the brand prior to owning these, and not finding much size advice on their site, I stuck with my usual dress shoe size. I assumed that a wholecut boot would have a bit more space in the last, especially as the shape appeared somewhat bulbous.
After getting them, I quickly found out that I should have gone a half size up. These fit very close, like a dress shoe should, but with the cut and look of a more relaxed shoe. I can wear them with thin dress socks, but I had intended to have some space for thicker socks in Winter. Therefore, if you wear your dress shoes snug, like I do, I suggest half-sizing up in these. If you wear your dress shoes with room to spare (as most guys do), then you will probably be fine in your standard size.
As mentioned above, the comfort, however, was top-notch. The insole and Vibram sole combination offers a super-cushioned feel that one could easily spend all day in.
Break-In Feedback
Because I have been at this a long time and know how sensitive people can be, I feel the need to warn those who think that just because a shoe is high-end and also top-quality, it should feel like butter on the first step. That is not the case for most quality shoes and won’t be the case for the Crown Northampton Everdon Rambler.
Most boots/shoes with D-Ring lacing will offer you a harder-than-normal break-in period, as there is a lot of metal hardware going on. When you compound that with thicker, robust upper leather, strong piping, and a thick tongue, it becomes a pair of boots not for the faint of heart, those used to wearing meshed Cole Haan style footwear.
If you have high instep, it might be worth consulting on getting a wide fit, as the break-in time on the instep is longer than usual. I usually break in a pair of shoes in one day. These might take me a few.
Overall Thoughts on the Everdon Rambler
The Crown Northampton Everdon Rambler boots are a top-quality product all around. Aside from me messing up on the size, I couldn’t be happier with these. I love the look, the feel, the quality, and the style of these boots. I am glad to have discovered them and think that a lot of you who appreciate dress quality products but in a more casual product, would also be happy with these.
Learn more here: www.crownnorthampton.com
—Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob
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